As the weather warms up, summer becomes the ideal season for camping, offering long days, warm nights, and the perfect chance to reconnect with nature. One essential aspect of camping is cooking your meals outdoors, which requires reliable and efficient equipment.
Camping stoves and cookers come in various types and styles, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Here’s a short guide to help you choose the best gas camping stove or cooker for your outdoor adventures.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Your Cooker or Stove
1. Burner Count
Single Burner: Compact and lightweight, suitable for solo or minimalist campers. Single-burner stoves are perfect for those who prioritize portability and simplicity. They are easy to pack and quick to set up, making them ideal for short trips or when hiking to your campsite.
Double Burner: Provides more cooking space and flexibility, ideal for family or group camping. Double-burner stoves allow you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, which is a significant advantage when preparing meals for larger groups.
2. Output
Camping stoves usually range between 10,000 to 20,000 BTUs per burner. Higher BTU stoves are particularly useful for boiling water quickly and cooking foods that require high heat.
Heat output can depend on the type of burner, number of burners. The heat output of a gas stove can also be affected by the type of gas used with it.
To find out more, read our blog on the differences between types of gas used for cooking.
3. Temperature Control
A good camping stove should allow you to adjust the flame for precise cooking, especially for simmering. This feature is essential for cooking a variety of meals that require different heat levels, from simmering sauces to boiling pasta.
4. Ease of Setup and Use
Stoves that are easy to assemble, ignite, and clean will make your camping experience more enjoyable. Look for stoves with features like push-button ignition and easy-to-clean surfaces to save time and effort at the campsite.
5. Size & Weight
Size also has a big part to play when deciding on the right camping stove to buy. Consideration should be taken about when and where you will be intending to use the stove and for how many people may need to use it.
Weight is an important factor for hikers and those with minimal kit. Whereas for larger camping stoves, ensuring it’s not only big enough to handle all cooking responsibilities, but small enough to fit in the car with all the other essentials can be the main challenge! https://argos-support.co.uk/blog/garden-outdoors/camping-essentials-for-your-summer-adventures
Different Types of Cookers and Stoves
There are quite a few different shapes and sized gas camping stoves on the market, with some aimed at the die-hard travel-light explorers right up to family banquet size! Below is a good selection of these and their best or intended uses.
Backpacking and Small Canister Stoves: These are lightweight and compact, ideal for solo campers and hikers. They typically use canister fuel and are known for their portability and ease of use. Known for being easy to set up and offering quick boiling times, making them suitable for short trips where efficiency is key.
Liquid & Multi-Fuel Stoves: Versatile and perform well in cold weather, using fuels like methylated spirits or kerosene. They are a good choice for extended trips and international travel where fuel availability might vary. Can operate on a variety of fuels, providing flexibility and reliability in diverse conditions.
Mid-sized Stoves: Often larger, heavier and offering multiple burners, and grills. Mid-sized stoves can usually run on either butane or propane gases, much will depend on the specific product and supplied regulators. They’re ideal for families and camping where cooking for larger groups is necessary.
Wood-Burning Camping Stoves: Not strictly gas based but worth a shout for all the wild campers out there. Eliminate the need for carrying fuel, using twigs and small wood pieces instead. They are perfect for forested areas where natural fuel is abundant.
Each type of stove has its unique advantages, tailored to different camping styles and environments. Choosing the right camping stove or cooker can enhance your outdoor cooking experience, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. Consider key features such as burner count, heat output, simmer control, and ease of setup when selecting a stove.
To find the perfect stove to meet your camping needs, take a look at our range here.