 | One Burner: $20-$45 |
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 | Two Burner: $30-$100 |
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 | Two-Four Burners: $100-$400+ |
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| Typical costs: | - Most lightweight backpacking stoves have one burner and use one or more types of liquid fuel -- white gas (also called Coleman gas), kerosene, alcohol or unleaded gas. Basic liquid fuel stoves start around $30 -$60, such as the 3-ounce, palm-sized (4x2x2 inches) MSR Pocket Rocket at $40, but can go as high as $70 -$200 for larger and more durable (but still lightweight) stoves like the large-capacity Jetboil Helios Guide Cooking System ($160 -$200) which comes with 2- and 3-liter pots; the complete kit weights about 3 pounds.
- For family camping (also called car camping or base camping) where the equipment is set up next to the vehicle , propane (or sometimes butane) canister stoves are the easiest to use, and start around $20 -$45 for one-burner models, such as the Coleman PowerPack 1-burner, which sells for $35 and weighs 4 pounds (without the propane canister).
- For campers who want to be able to heat coffee and cook eggs for several people at the same time, basic two-burner propane stoves average $30 -$100. They usually have a carrying handle and a lid designed to serve as a windscreen, such as the classic Coleman 5469-A00, which sells for $47 -$60. The more expensive stoves in this price range may have an electric starter or a small grill or griddle option, and more room between burners.
- For larger groups, two-, three- or four-burner stoves can cost $100 -$400 or more, with options such as a sturdy stand to hold the stove and cooking tools, a large built-in grill or griddle, an electric starter, or an oven with burners on the top. The Camp Chef Triple Burner Cooker sells for $200 -$310.
What should be included: | - Liquid fuel stoves require pumping to pressurize the fuel tank, and either fuel or some other substance has to be lit (it's called priming the stove) to warm the liquid fuel so it vaporizes and ignites. ExpertVillage.com provides a video demonstrating the use of a lightweight one-burner liquid-fuel stove.
- Propane (or butane) canister stoves are easy to use -- take the top off the canister, connect it to the stove, turn the knob and light the stove. A video demonstrates how to use a one-burner propane stove. One-burner stoves usually need to be lit with a match; larger stoves may have an ignition button to push instead of using a match. Larger stoves may use a propane cylinder and hose (like those on propane barbecues) rather than a small canister. Propane do not work below freezing (32 degrees).
- Because stoves burn oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, never use a camp stove inside a tent or any unventilated area. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department lists safety tips for using a camp stove.
Additional costs: | - Fuel is typically sold separately. Liquid fuel is generally less expensive, costing around $5 -$15 a quart, which can be enough for a season of use. Propane (or butane) canisters can cost $3 -$12 each (depending on size and location), should last for about 4 to 6 hours of use, and cannot be refilled.
- Some stoves come with a carrying case and a maintenance kit; if not included, these can add another $10 -$50.
- Propane camp stove accessories -- like a carrying case or stand, or a coffeemaker or oven designed to sit on top of the stove's burners -- can add another $10 -$50 per item.
Discounts: | - Before spending money to buy a camp stove, it's possible rent one from a sporting goods store like REI. prices will vary depending on location, the length of the rental and the quality of the stove, and selection may be limited. LowerGear.com rents camping gear online and ships it to the renter -- stoves are $9-15 for a week, plus UPS shipping costs from Arizona.
Shopping for a camp stove: | |
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Article updated October 2010 |
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