Best Camping Stoves of 2023
Delicious food and hot drinks are a camping must, so having a reliable stove that you enjoy using is key. There are lots of excellent stoves on the market to make your culinary adventures a success, but not all camp chefs have the same needs. We’ll help you narrow the choices down to the stove that’s perfect for you.
We’ve been boiling and sautéing up a storm in our outdoor kitchen to bring you this list of the best camping stoves on the market.
The GSI Selkirk 540 Stove is high-quality, spacious, and durable
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
- Best overall camping stove for power, portability & value:Camp Chef Everest 2x
- Best budget two-burner camping stove:Coleman Classic
- Best budget one-burner camping stove:Gas ONE GS-1000
- Durable camping stove with excellent heat control:GSI Selkirk 540
- Best heavy-duty camping stove: Camp Chef Explorer 14
- Compact & efficient all-in-one cooking system:Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System
- Durable camping stove with a large cooking area:Eureka Ignite Plus
- Affordable camping stove with an extra boost of power:Coleman Triton+
- Best wood-burning camping stove:Solo Stove Campfire
- Compact & stylish camping stove:Primus Tupike
The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp is an amazingly compact, fast, and efficient all-in-one cooking system
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A CAMPING STOVE?
PRICE – Quality camping stoves can be expensive, but if you spend a lot of time cooking outdoors, it’s well worth investing in one that you really enjoy using and will last for years.
- Best value camping stoves: Camp Chef Everest 2x,GSI Selkirk 540 &Camp Chef Explorer 14
- Best budget camping stoves: Coleman Classic, Gas ONE GS-1000 & Coleman Triton+
- Best high-end camping stove: Jetboil Genesis Basecamp
The Gas ONE GS-1000 is a great budget buy for hot water, coffee, and light camp cooking
PACKABILITY – Size and weight aren’t as much of a concern for car camping as they are for backpacking, but it’s still smart to consider how much space you have for storage and transportation. Small, lightweight stoves are easier to carry, while heavy-duty stoves are more appropriate for big jobs.
- Lightweight & compact camping stoves: Gas ONE GS-1000, Jetboil Genesis Basecamp & Solo Stove Campfire
- Best medium-size camping stoves: Camp Chef Everest 2x,Coleman Classic,GSI Selkirk 540 & Eureka Ignite Plus
- Best large, heavy-duty camping stove: Camp Chef Explorer 14
The Primus Tupike is very compact for a 2-burner stove & it’s lifted to create extra space on your camping table
POWER – The more BTUs (British Thermal Units) a stove has, the hotter it burns. The average tabletop camping stove has about 10,000 BTUs per burner. That’s sufficient for most camper’s needs and provides a good balance of power to fuel efficiency. However, you may want to bump up the BTUs if you’re cooking for a large group or will be camping in cold, windy conditions.
- Most powerful camping stoves: Camp Chef Everest 2x & Camp Chef Explorer 14
- Best average-power camping stoves: Coleman Classic,GSI Selkirk 540, Eureka Ignite Plus,Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System & Coleman Triton+
- Best light-duty camping stoves: Gas ONE GS-1000 & Solo Stove Campfire
The Coleman Classic is affordable and durable workhorse that folds flat for easy transport
Best Camping Stoves of 2023
BEST OVERALL CAMPING STOVE FOR POWER, PORTABILITY & VALUE
MSRP: $190
WEIGHT: 12 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 20,000
PROS: Excellent value, powerful, durable, large cooking area, auto ignition
CONS: A bit heavier and less compact than some
BOTTOM LINE: If you need a stove with some serious speed and power to feed your group, but you also want to keep your gear lightweight and compact, the Camp Chef Everest 2x Stove offers the best of both worlds. It has plenty of space to use two full-size pots and pans side-by-side, and each of the large burners puts out twice the BTUs of the average tabletop camp stove. If you’re looking for excellent cooking control, high heat output, and a portable package, the Everest 2X Stove is an excellent bang for your buck.
BEST BUDGET TWO-BURNER CAMPING STOVE
MSRP: $80 (often on sale for less)
WEIGHT: 9.8 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
PROS: Affordable, durable, flat and stackable when closed
CONS: No auto ignition
BOTTOM LINE: It’s tough to beat the utilitarian Coleman Classic Camping Stove for dependability and affordability. That’s why it’s been such a favorite among campers for generations. The Classic was built to suit the average camper’s needs, so instead of being super powerful, it balances moderate heat output with smart fuel efficiency. In our experience, the burners are plenty adequate unless you’re cooking for a large group or contending with harsh conditions. We’ve been using our Coleman Classic Stove for many years, and it’s still going strong.
BEST BUDGET ONE-BURNER CAMPING STOVE
MSRP: $26
WEIGHT: 3.1 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 7,650
PROS: Very affordable, lightweight, compact, auto ignition, quiet, compatible with multiple fuels
CONS: Less powerful than some, only one burner
BOTTOM LINE: If you need an affordable, compact stove for simple camp cooking and boiling water, look no further than the Gas ONE GS-1000. We’ve been really impressed with the quality of this stove, especially at such a low price point. The GS-1000 features all-metal construction and quality craftsmanship. Plus, it’s easy to carry and it fits in a slim case that hardly takes up any room where you store your gear. We also love that we have the option of using both butane and propane with it. If you’re looking for a basic stove for outdoor cooking or emergency preparedness, the GS-1000 is an incredibly budget-friendly and effective solution.
DURABLE CAMPING STOVE WITH EXCELLENT HEAT CONTROL
MSRP: $150
WEIGHT: 10 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
PROS: Precise flame control, large cooking area, durable, auto ignition
CONS: Slightly less compact than some, auto igniter doesn’t always work (general con of piezo ignitors)
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for great simmer control in a sleek, durable, and lightweight package, you’ll love the GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 Camp Stove. The powder-coated steel shell is tough and built to last, but this baby is almost two pounds lighter than similar stoves, so it’s much easier to maneuver. For all you gourmets out there, the Sekirk’s cooking surface is big enough to use two pots and pans at once for creating culinary masterpieces. The automatic light button is also super handy, but like most stoves with this feature, we recommend keeping a lighter in your mess kit in case the piezo decides to quit working. We really like the Selkirk overall and recommend it for those who need a wide range of flame control and even heat distribution for serious camp cooking.
BEST HEAVY-DUTY CAMPING STOVE
MSRP: $150
WEIGHT: 36 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 30,000
PROS: Excellent value, powerful, durable, freestanding, large cooking area, uses larger refillable propane tank (lasts longer, more economical)
CONS: Heavy, bulky, no auto ignition
BOTTOM LINE: If cooking is a major part of your group’s camping fun, it’s worth upgrading to a heavy-duty stove like the Camp Chef Explorer 14. It has large, powerful burners and a huge cooking area for full-size pots and pans. That means, no recipes are off-limits. Go ahead and bring that big stock pot for a low boil. The Explorer is pretty heavy and bulky, so it’s best for those who aren’t super limited on space. This stove is one of the best values on the market for camp chefs who need power and durability to feed big groups on multi-day trips.
COMPACT & EFFICIENT ALL-IN-ONE COOKING SYSTEM
MSRP: $400 (includes cookware)
WEIGHT: 9.31 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
PROS: Lightweight, compact, durable, efficient, auto ignition, large cooking area
CONS: Very expensive
BOTTOM LINE: The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System showcases some of the coolest new technology available for outdoor cooking. The stove folds up into a rugged metal pod that nests inside a pot for compact storage. The pot and stove, along with a frying pan, lid, windscreen, and regulator fit into a travel bag no bigger than a bowling ball. Needless to say, the Genesis Basecamp System is one of the most portable and space-saving stoves on the market. The heat retention coils on the base of the pot made this system incredibly fast and efficient for cooking and boiling water. We also love that you can customize the number of burners using the Jetlink port. The Genesis Basecamp System is a versatile, top-quality cooking system with an emphasis on streamlined portability and maximum fuel efficiency.
ACCESSORIES: The Genesis Basecamp System is expandable with the Luna Satellite Burner and the HalfGen Base Camp Cooking System.
DURABLE CAMPING STOVE WITH A LARGE COOKING AREA
MSRP: $160
WEIGHT: 12 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
PROS: Large cooking area, durable, auto ignition, adjustable leveling feet
CONS: A bit heavier and less compact than some
BOTTOM LINE: If other two-burner stoves feel too crowded for your large pots and pans, you’ll appreciate the extra-wide cooking area of the Eureka Ignite Plus Camping Stove. Conveniences like push-button start and excellent simmer control make it an excellent choice for discerning camp chefs who want the ability to fine-tune the heat. We also love that the Ignite Plus is made with thick-gauge steel and durable latches, so it’s less likely to dent or get damaged in transport. If you’re looking for excellent quality and want to make sure you’ll have plenty of elbow room, the Ignite Plus is a solid choice. It’s also available in a smaller size; Eureka Ignite if you prefer to keep your gear more compact.
AFFORDABLE CAMPING STOVE WITH AN EXTRA BOOST OF POWER
MSRP: $110
WEIGHT: 10.2 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 11,000
PROS: Affordable, a bit more powerful than some
CONS: Not quite as sleek and compact as the Coleman Classic when closed
BOTTOM LINE: The Coleman Triton+ is the newer model of Coleman’s Classic Camping Stove, with an updated style and a small increase in BTUs. The extra 1,000 BTUs per burner don’t make a huge difference for cooking, but the Triton does heat up a touch faster. You really can’t go wrong with either of these tried-and-true stoves. Both are simple, dependable, and affordable workhorses. For us, the choice between the two boils down to price and aesthetics. While the MSRP of the Triton and the Classic are roughly the same, the Classic is frequently on sale for less.
BEST WOOD-BURNING CAMPING STOVE
MSRP: $110
WEIGHT: 2.2 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): Varies
PROS: Lightweight, compact, fun and interactive, creates heat and ambiance, no need to buy fuel, low smoke
CONS: Takes a bit more time and practice to use, soot can be messy, only one burner
BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes camping just doesn’t feel complete without a fire, which is why we love the Solo Stove Campfire. It’s a gasifier stove that creates a hot, efficient, and nearly smoke-free fire. The Campfire is easy to start and keep burning with only twigs and small pieces of wood that you can find for free in most campsites. It works great for cooking simple one-pot meals for small groups. And, if you’re like us, you’ll enjoy keeping the Campfire burning long after you’ve finished your meal for entertainment. We love gathering around it to warm our hands and watch the mesmerizing flames. The Campfire requires a bit more effort than most camping stoves, but we love the fun and interactive qualities of it for leisurely trips.
ACCESSORIES: We recommend using a cast-iron skillet and/or the Pot 4000 with the Campfire. The Campfire nests inside the pot for compact storage. A Tripod to hold the pot over fire is also available.
COMPACT & STYLISH CAMPING STOVE
MSRP: $260
WEIGHT: 9.5 lbs.
BTUs (per burner): 10,200
PROS: Compact,easy to clean, legs preserve table space underneath,auto ignition,includes a non-stick griddle plate
CONS: Expensive, small cooking surface, less durable than some
BOTTOM LINE: The Primus Tupike is a compact camping stove with sleek Scandanavian styling. It has folding legs to raise it up off the table, which preserves more space on your table. It also has push-button igniters for a simple matchless start, and a grease tray you can easily lift out for washing. The Tupike is purposely designed to be small for portability, so it’s best for light cooking with smaller pots and pans or the included griddle plate. The Tupike is a stylish, minimalist stove that’s great for picnics, camper vans, and hip outdoor kitchens.
If you aren’t tight on space, a stove like the Camp Chef Explorer 14 is worth it’s weight for multi-day camping for a group
CRITICAL CAMPING Stove CONSIDERATIONS
FUEL – All of the camping stoves on this list run on propane, aside from the Solo Stove Campfire, which burns wood. The Gas ONE GS-1000 runs on both propane and butane. Propane is inexpensive and readily available. Most people use 1 lb. propane canisters because they’re small and convenient.
Heavy-duty stoves, like the Camp Chef Explorer 14 consume more fuel, so they work best with a larger, refillable propane tank. Standard 20 lb. propane tanks work well and last for a long time, but they’re heavy and bulky. For the best balance of portability and longevity, we suggest using a 5 lb. propane tank to use with high-output stoves. (Please note that some 5 lb. propane tanks will need an adapter to connect to stove regulators.) Refillable tanks are more affordable and eco-friendly in the long run if you camp a lot.
Comparing stove fuel: A 20 lb. propane tank, a 1 lb. propane canister, a butane canister, and foraged wood
COOKING AREA DIMENSIONS – Consider what you like to eat while camping and the cookware you’ll use. If you’re serving a large group or cooking up gourmet meals, you’ll probably be using multiple pots or fry pans at once. In that case, it’s best to choose a stove with a spacious cooking area to avoid overcrowding. In contrast, if you only want to boil water, reheat prepared food, or do light cooking, a smaller, light-duty camping stove might be more convenient and less cumbersome.
Comparing the size and cooking area dimensions of the best camping stoves on the market
Need More Gear Advice?
If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
The Primus Tupike is compact, sleek, and exceptionally easy to clean
Why Trust Us?
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- Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
- We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
- We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
- We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
- We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
- We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
- We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
We own and use all of the camping stoves we reommend
MORE INFORMATION
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Thanks for reading and happy trails!
The Solo Stove Campfire is great for entertainment and camp cooking
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