There are numerous things you should consider when choosing the most suitable camping stove. What number of people are you cooking for? Are you a master chef? What is the distance you will need to move your kitchen equipment from the car to the campsite? Here are the most important aspects to take into consideration when picking the right camping stove. Read This Post Here includes the distinctions between freestanding and tabletop models, the number of BTUs required as well as the type of fuel and how to choose the right model. Also, for a review of our top choices check out our guide on the top camping stoves.

Pick Your Stove Style
First, you need to decide on the appropriate style of stove for you. There are two types such as tabletop models that can be used in portable settings and freestanding models with legs. The stoves that are freestanding are typically heavier and more heavier than tabletop models. They can also come with three to four burners and generally have more BTUs (more details below). This makes them suitable for larger groups and those who require a lot of cooking space and power. They are simple to set up wherever you want them.

The tabletop design is, however, exactly as the name suggests. Simply place them on a bench or a picnic table and begin cooking. Tabletop stoves due to their lack of legs , are lighter and smaller than freestanding models. With these units you'll have to ensure you have a solid kitchen surface. If not, you might want to consider bringing the table separately for camping. There are some variations in performance between tabletop stoves and freestanding stoves of higher quality however, you will be able to cook with fewer burners and higher BTUs when you select the tabletop choice.

Select the amount of burners
Next is to decide on how many burners you need. Two burners is the norm among both freestanding and tabletop camping stoves and for good reason. It's not often to utilize more than one for cooking at home. Popular models such as the Camp Chef Everest and Coleman Triton excel at all occasions whether it's weekend getaways for couples to long camping trips for six people in a large group. A stove with two burners is the ideal option for Swiss Army Knife.

But, it is still possible to pick one-burner stoves. One-burner designs such as the Eureka SPK+ Butane Camp Stove or MSR WindBurner stove Combo System, is great for fast meals and dehydrated meals. They're less heavy and bulkier than stoves with two burners. Even though you won't be able to cook five courses One-burner stoves can be used to cook small meals. Some options like the MSR WindBurner kit, could also be used for backpacking.

Cooking Space
Another important and frequently overlooked aspect in discussing the burners' space is. A large cooking space can allow you to set two large-diameter objects side-by-side like a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and cookpot to cook spaghetti. Smaller models are able to squeeze into two 10-inch pans however, you'll run out of real estate to cook a big dinner. We suggest that you carefully review the specifications of each stove prior to purchasing. This will help ensure that the cookware you purchase is placed in sufficient space.

How many BTUs do you require?
In a search for a camp stove BTUs will be prominently displayed in the list of extensively advertised specs. What exactly is this? The acronym stands for British Thermal Unit, BTUs measure the amount of energy required to heat a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, this figure is vital to understand how much power a stove is able to produce. A stove that has higher BTUs will create more heat than one that has lower BTUs. There are many other variables that could affect stoves' performance potential--including the overall design, size of the burner, wind resistance, etc.--but we can consider BTUs as an accurate indicator of power as well as a great basis for comparing various models.

How many BTUs you require will depend on the type of food you'll cook and how many (Camp Chef published a helpful diagram on this subject here). In short, a boost in power will allow you to cook more food quicker, which is ideal for large parties or making involved meals with multiple courses or parts. We recommend having at least 22,000 BTUs of power per burner to meet these requirements. Smaller groups with less than four or those who don't need the extra power can manage by using 10,000 BTUs per burner or less, although the time it takes to boil water or cook is likely to increase. However, the extra output (more BTUs) also means you'll consume fuel faster, which will require making plans ahead and carrying an additional canister or two in the event that you run out.

Fuel Type and Capacity
The majority of camp stoves operate on propane. The fuel works well in a variety of temperatures, lights instantly and the small green bottles are available at any outdoor or big-box retail store, and also at numerous gas stations in close proximity to campsites. For most weekend excursions, one 16-ounce bottle should suffice, however we strongly recommend carrying a spare or two in the event that you run out of fuel. For more convenience, without having to restock as often, the classic 5-gallon tank (also called a 20-pound tank) is a tried-and-true choice. They're fairly easy to secure on the rear of the pickup bed, less expensive than small bottles over the long term refillable in nearly every town, and are guaranteed to keep you full for a long time. You'll need an adapter and/or hose in order to fit these. They're fairly inexpensive and could be a great investment if your camping involves a lot.