The 5 Best Camping Stoves

Choosing the right camping stove can make or break your outdoor cooking experience. With so many options, it can be challenging to find one that fits your needs in terms of size, heat output, and control. To help narrow down the selection, here are five top camping stoves to consider, each with standout features that make it a worthy addition to your outdoor gear. For your convenience, links to recommended products are included.

1. Camp Chef Everest Stove

The Camp Chef Everest is one of the most popular choices among campers, and for good reason. With two burners, each producing an impressive 20,000 BTUs, this stove has one of the highest heat outputs available in a portable model. This powerful setup allows for faster boil times and is ideal for batch cooking when you’re feeding a crowd.

Features:

• High Heat Output: Each burner reaches 20,000 BTUs, double the typical camping stove.
• Simmer Control: Despite the high output, it offers excellent simmer control to prevent burning.
• Wind Protection: Robust wind guards keep the flames steady in breezy conditions.
• Easy Cleanup: The design prevents food particles from getting trapped, making cleanup hassle-free.

2. Coleman Classic Propane Stove

A classic, the Coleman propane stove remains a trusted choice for many campers, offering durability and simplicity. Known for its reliable performance, this stove provides consistent heat output, great for traditional camping cookware. However, it may not be ideal for lightweight backpacking pans that require precise simmering.

Features:

• Durability: Built to last, making it a solid choice for regular campers.
• Wind Performance: Good wind guards and a design that handles breezy conditions.
• Simple Operation: Straightforward controls for easy use in the great outdoors.

3. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System

The Jetboil Genesis is a high-end option for those who value precision in their cooking. With excellent simmer control, it’s ideal for slow-cooked meals or sensitive recipes. It also has the unique ability to "daisy chain" with other Jetboil stoves, allowing you to create a custom cooking system.

Features:

• Simmer Control: Superior simmering capability for precise cooking.
• Daisy Chain Capability: Connects with other Jetboil stoves to expand your cooking setup.
• Portability: Compact and packable, ideal for longer excursions where space is at a premium.

4. GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540

The GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 offers many of the features of higher-end stoves at a more affordable price. This two-burner stove accommodates larger pans, making it great for family camping. However, some users report issues with the igniter, so it’s helpful to have a backup lighter just in case.

Features:

• Affordable: Provides good value for money with two burners and large cooking area.
• Large Cooking Area: Supports pans up to 12 inches, great for family-sized meals.
• Reliable Heat Output: Consistent performance, though igniter issues can arise.

5. Cook Partner Stove

The Cook Partner Stove is built to last a lifetime and is known for its unmatched durability. While it lacks some modern features like advanced simmer control, it’s a reliable choice for rugged camping trips where durability is a priority.

Features:

• Durable Construction: Made to withstand heavy use, perfect for serious outdoor adventurers.
• Simple, Reliable Design: No unnecessary bells and whistles—just solid cooking power.
• Lifetime Investment: While pricier, it’s built to last through years of camping.

Takeaway Points

• Camp Chef Everest offers high BTU output and easy cleanup.
• Coleman Classic is durable and perfect for traditional camp cooking.
• Jetboil Genesis provides precise simmer control and expandability with daisy chaining.
• GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 offers a larger cooking area, ideal for families.
• Cook Partner is a long-lasting, durable stove for rugged camping.