The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts

Amongst tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothes, a dependable camping stove is a crucial piece of equipment for campers to have in their arsenal. Whether you’re a solo camper eager for a cup of coffee or a parent faced with a family of hungry campers, you won't regret investing in a reliable stove.

With countless options available, from two-burner gas stoves to electric hobs and wood burners to induction, it can be hard to choose the right stove for your needs. To simplify your selection process, we've got the insights of two camping experts to help assist you in your camping stove purchase.

They have shared their recommendations on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a camping stove. Armed with their advice, we've also compiled a list of the best camping stoves for you based on their tips.

The best camping stoves at a glance:

• Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Folding Chef Stove, £70, at Argos
• Best electric camping stove: Vango Sizzle Double Induction Cooker, £144.99, at Very
• Best for remote trips: Fire-Maple FMS-X1 Camping Stove Gas System, £55.95, at Amazon
• Best single burner stove: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2, £29.99, at Decathlon
• Best for windy conditions: MSR WindBurner Sauce Pot 2020 camping stove, £200, at Cotswold Outdoor
• Best lightweight camping stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove, £55, at Decathlon
• Best multi-functional stove: Campingaz Party Grill Gas Stove, £109.99, at Robert Dyas
• Best wood-burning stove: REDCAMP Camping Wood Burning Stove, £21.99, at B&Q

The best camping stoves

Here are our best camping stoves chosen with the help of our experts.

Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Chef Folding Camp Stove

Lightweight and compact

With two gas burners and a toaster function in the base, our experts say this foldable camping stove is ideal for keen campers and adventure enthusiasts.

Housed in a lightweight folding case, this camping stove is compact and portable. It is also compatible with Campingaz 904 and 907 gas cylinders, a popular and readily available gas sold around the world, which makes it a great option for taking on holiday abroad.

Best electric camping stove: Vango Sizzle Double Induction Cooker

A high-tech option

With automatic pan sensors, a heating lock to keep pans warm, and an integrated cooling fan, our experts recommend this stove for anyone looking for a safe and high-tech alternative to gas.

The 800-watt electric induction hob with five heat settings can reach a maximum temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. One downside is that due to its induction technology, it is only compatible with steel bottom pans and kettles. It weighs 2.78kg and comes with a storage bag for portability.

Best for remote trips: Fire-Maple FMS-X1 Camping Stove Gas System

Small and lightweight

Both our experts recommend self-contained cooking systems such as this for remote trips. This stove weighs just 511g and fits, along with a fuel canister, into the 1-litre cook pot included.

This stove features a high-efficiency design that promises to boil water up to 30% faster than a traditional backpacking stove. It also has a built-in piezo electric ignitor for easy ignition and a folding handle and fire control valve for easy cooking and pouring. The 1-litre cooking pot comes with a neoprene insulating cover for efficiency and to protect it from denting.

Best single burner stove: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2

Compact and portable

Specifically optimised and designed for camping, this easy-to-use cordless, single-burner camping stove features an instant-start piezo ignition and a cartridge safety locking system for safe gas cartridge insertion.

Weighing 2.5kg, this stove also features enamelled pan supports for easy cleaning and additional stability and comes with a hard plastic carry case for ease of transport.

Best for windy conditions: MSR WindBurner Sauce Pot 2020 camping stove

A reliable companion

This camping stove from MSR is recommended by our experts who praise its stability, reliability and performance in windy conditions. Featuring a radiant burner with boil-to-simmer control, our experts say you can boil water quickly or cook gently with this stove, and the weight is “impressively low” for the size of the pan.

The stove also includes a 2.5-litre pot with a nonstick ceramic surface and heat-capturing ring. The system has a rattle-free design and internal pressure regulator to maintain performance in windy and cold conditions.

Best lightweight camping stove: Msr PocketRocket 2 Stove

As minimalist as it gets

Weighing just 73 grams, this is an ultra-lightweight and minimal camping stove that hooks up to a liquefied petroleum gas canister (sold separately). Designed to boil 1 litre of water in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds, this stainless steel stove requires no priming, preheating or pressurising to use, and its serrated pot supports are compatible with a range of sizes of pots.

Our experts recommend being careful when using this type of camping stove and making sure you're on even ground as they aren’t as stable as other designs.

Best multi-functional stove: Campingaz Party Grill Gas Stove

Great for families and groups

Ideal for cooking for a group of people, this 5-in-1 camping stove from Campingaz can support regular stove-top pans, be used for grilling as a griddle, and the lid can even be used as a wok.

This stove is powered by CV 470 Plus gas cartridges, which are available to buy across Europe. It also features piezo ignition for easy lighting, dishwasher-safe components, and packs down into a carry bag.

Best wood-burning stove: REDCAMP Camping Wood-Burning Stove

Collapsible design

Made from stainless steel, this wood-burning camping stove from Redcamp Store is easily collapsible, folds down into a slim shape, and comes with a carry bag. This stove also features a “grid backing plate” that provides a stable platform for cooking and is suitable for both barbecuing and stove-top pans.

You can use various cooking materials to heat up this cooker with the obvious being wood but the stove is also effective when using coal as the heat source.

Outdoor Camping Stove Buyer's Guide

Here's our buyer's guide to help you choose the right stove and use them effectively.

Our outdoors experts

Between them, our outdoors experts Richard Prideaux and David Scotland have decades of experience equipping their clients with the best camping gear.

Richard Prideaux is a wilderness skills instructor for Original Outdoors, a company specialising in outdoor skills training and consultancy. He trains UK outdoor professionals, such as the military and emergency services, as well as the general public. Richard is a specialist in modern bushcraft, foraging, ethnobotany and extended living in remote and wilderness areas. He is also the host of the Modern Outdoor Survival podcast.

David Scotland is the owner of family-run camping equipment and online Yorkshire-based retailer Outdoor World Direct. He has been in the business for the past 16 years and is highly experienced in all things camping. David enjoys sharing his knowledge with customers to ensure they have the best camping experience possible.

What should you look for when buying a camping stove?

According to Richard, the first thing you should consider when shopping for a camping stove is where you intend to use it. “If you're going to be cooking elaborate meals at a campsite near your car, then you can choose something heavy with multiple burners, or even an enclosed wood burner that packs away.”

David agrees, adding, “if it’s for a campsite pitch you’re driving to, you can afford to go for a large, two-burner model, which will be much easier to cook for families and larger groups”.

If you prefer not to use gas, David suggests opting for an electric induction stove. Although he also points out that you will need an electric hook-up pitch to do this.

For more remote trips or wild camping, you’ll likely need something smaller and more lightweight. “If you’re heading into the high mountains and carrying it all on your back, then look for a self-contained cooking system that runs on resealable gas cartridges,” says Richard. “Simplicity is key when it comes to cooking in remote areas.”

David adds that this style of stove has “become increasingly popular with backpackers and wild campers as they are incredibly lightweight, efficient, easy to operate and even work in windy and freezing conditions”.

Another useful tip is to consider the accessories you might need. “Stoves don’t typically come with other utensils and crockery,” says David, “so remember you’ll need to buy pots, pans and the like. If you’re buying an induction hob, you’ll need to check pan/ kettle compatibility, as you won’t be able to use any old pan on those models.”

What should you avoid when looking for a camping stove?

While it can be easy to be swayed by fancy features, Richard advises looking for something simple. “The more functions a stove has, the more likely that it will fail when you really need it,” he says. “Stay away from the gas canisters that require puncturing to work – they are not worth the additional risk in a world where resealable gas cartridges are readily available.”

David reiterates the importance of buying a stove that’s well-suited to your needs. “We often see people buying single burner stoves when they are cooking for more than one person, when, ideally, they need something larger.”

Another example is that “many wild campers opt for a screw-in stove which consists of a lightweight burner that screws onto the top of a gas canister,” he says. “One of the drawbacks of this type of stove though is that they aren't as stable as other models, so be careful when using on uneven ground and only use in windy conditions if you have windbreak/shield. It's worth noting that wind will also hinder its performance, and things will take longer to cook.”

If you’re heading abroad, you should also consider the gas your stove is designed to operate with is available in the region you are going. “Overseas have different types of canisters and different connections,” says David. “Large Calor gas bottles cannot be taken abroad, so if you are leaving the country, ensure you take a Campingaz 904 or 907, which are easier to get refills for abroad.”

Why should you buy a camping stove?

Investing in a camping stove offers plenty of benefits and can enhance your outdoor experience whether you go solo, with friends, or as a family. With a camping stove at your disposal, you gain the flexibility to cook meals anywhere, unrestricted by designated cooking spots. Whether you opt for a gas, electric, or wood-burning stove, you can tailor your cooking method to your preferences and the available resources.

These stoves save you time with their efficient meal preparation capabilities, allowing you to devote more time to outdoor activities. Also, camping stoves are designed with safety features, creating a controlled and secure cooking environment that minimises the risks associated with open flames such as bonfires/campfires.

What gas do I need for my camping stove?

When it comes to choosing the right gas for your camping stove, understanding your stove's compatibility is key. Many camping stoves are designed to work with specific types of gas canisters or cartridges, so it's important to check your stove's user manual for the right gas.

Common gas options include propane, butane, isobutane, and mixed fuel canisters. Propane tends to perform well in colder temperatures, butane and isobutane are better suited for warmer conditions. Some stoves also accept liquid fuels like white gas or gasoline, good for remote areas where gas canisters might not be readily available. Before your trip, ensure you have the right type of gas and sufficient fuel for your camping stove

How to use a camping stove safely

Although camping stoves are often made with several safety features, there are some important steps to take to ensure you're safe when using a stove. Here they are:

• Stable placement: Set up your stove on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping and ensure a steady cooking platform. If your stove falls you might burn yourself as well as lose your food/drink.
• Ventilation: Use the stove in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Never use it inside enclosed spaces or tents. Ventilation will also make it burn better as cooking requires oxygen.
• Clear space: Maintain a safe distance between the stove and flammable materials. If you have loose clothing tuck it in to avoid anything catching alight. Again, don't burn near the tent as the material is often highly flammable.
• Supervision: Never leave the stove unattended while it's in use, keep a watchful eye to avoid potential accidents.

How to store your camping stove properly

Proper storage extends the life of your camping stove and ensures its reliability for future trips, here's how best to store your camping stove:

• Clean thoroughly: Clean the stove thoroughly, removing food residues, grease, and dirt that could attract pests or cause corrosion. It will also help against mould which can affect the material's strength (and smell!).
• Disconnect fuel: For gas-powered stoves, detach fuel canisters to prevent leaks during storage. Also, if it's a refillable tank make sure there are no leaks and no gas residue left on the cooker.
• Dry completely: Ensure the stove is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould growth and rust.
• Put away safely: Store the stove in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This will help keep the material strong and also look nicer as it isn't sun worn.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended round-ups, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more camping recommendations, including the best camping chairs and the best tents, as recommended by our camping experts.