How the Select the Right Camping Stove

When it's time to purchase camping gear there are many things to consider, one of which is how often do you plan on upgrading your equipment or replacing it? If you're like me, I like to buy quality, knowing that what I buy will last a few years. When you buy camping stoves the same applies.  You can either buy the cheaper ones and expect to replace them every couple of years or decide to buy  one of the best camping stoves (which will last for many years) to meet your needs. I use two types of stoves for tent camping when you're able to drive close to your campsite. I use another type of stove for backpack camping, where you're more interested in a small and lightweight stove for heating things up.  We often bring prepared food that just needs to be cooked in a pot or on the campfire, rather than meals that require a lot of ingredients and preparation.

Important considerations in choosing the right camping stove for your use are where you'll be camping and how many people you'll be cooking for? For tent camping in a campground area, the two-burner propane or white gas stoves work well. I use a two-burner stove that uses white gas and a single burner propane stove. This set-up works well for a family of 4 or 5. The two-burner white gas stove works great for cooking, since it is easier to control the flame and does not burn as hot. The single burner propane stove works great for heating water for hot drinks and for washing water - both for personal hygiene and washing/rinsing dishes.

Many camping stoves come with a push button ignition. However, always bring water-proof matches and a camping lighter as a back-up.

Most lightweight stoves come with a carrying case to protect them when they're being stored and packed.

Each type of stove has its own fuel needs. Make sure you bring enough of the right kind of fuel for your usage needs. The types of fuels are: propane, butane, isobutene, and white gas.

Most fuel types can be used for lanterns as well as for stoves. Make sure you get stoves and lanterns that use the same type of fuel to make life easier.

Having the right camping stoves for your situation will definitely add to your camping enjoyment, but if you don't have the right cooking equipment it could ruin what should be a fantastic time.  Make sure you have quality gear that will last many years.  We've had our current camping gear for over 15 years.

Remember there are some sporting good stores that will rent camping equipment.  If you're new to camping, that's a good way to go.  You can actually use the equipment you're interested in to make sure it will meet your expectations before you purchase it.

When you're ready to buy, do your homework by checking several camping gear retail websites.  They often have quality gear at very discounted prices – much better deals than the local sporting goods stores.