How To Choose A Camping Cook Stove

Before you take a camping, expedition, or backpacking trip, you should know how to choose a camping cook stove. The cook stove is the center of the camp kitchen. Your selection should be small and convenient to use, yet large enough to cook for everyone. There are many options to choose from when selecting a cook stove for camping. You are sure to find a stove that fits your needs and pocketbook. Although there are many factors to consider when choosing a camping cook stove, here are four primary considerations. Do a little research to determine the kind of stove that best meets your particular needs.

1. Consideration One: The Camp. Determine your outing. Are you camping at a park, going on an off-road expedition, or backpacking through the woods? This makes a difference in the cook stove your choose. Campers and expeditioners can choose a petroleum or liquid fuel stove. Backpackers should choose a specially-designed backpacking stove with self-contained fuel bottles that is lightweight and easy to tote.
2. Consideration Two: The Mouths. Count the mouths in your camp. Are you feeding an army of people? Or is it just yourself and one or two friends? If it is just a couple of people, you need a camp stove with only one or two burners. But if you plan to feed a group, select a cook stove with four or six burners.
3. Consideration Three: The Meals. Are you a coffee drinker? Some camping cook stoves have coffee pots that mount to the stove for convenience. Do you like your pancakes and bacon? Find a stove with a griddle attachment. Are will you simply be cooking in a pan on the stove?
4. Consideration Four: The Fuel. Cook stoves can use a variety of fuels. Petroleum stoves use white gas or kerosene. White gas stoves are designed for subfreezing temperatures. Alcohol stoves burn clean and chemical stoves (hexamine) are very light. Propane and butane stoves are easy to use. Wood stoves don’t require packing fuel and water-activated cookers are safe to use. Candle stoves are simple to use, and solar stoves are good for the environment.