Choosing a camping stove can be difficult as there are many good ones available. None of those reviewed could be described as poor. How then do you decide which stove is best for you? That depends on several factors. How many people will it be used for? A stove for several people needs to support big pots. A stove for solo use can be minimalist and ultralight. When will the stove be used? All stoves work fine in warm weather. Not all work well in the cold. Which fuel is best? For short trips where it will all be carried from home this doesn’t matter. For longer trips you need to know what fuel will be available along the way. Fuel efficiency matters as well – the better it is the less often you’ll need to resupply. Do you just want a stove to boil water or one that simmers so you can do some real cooking? Not all stoves have easily controlled flames.
With any stove you need a pot or two. Some models come with pots, and they’re often designed to work together as a system. If you don’t already have any pots one of these could be a good choice.
Fast boil times sound impressive. However running a stove at full power isn’t best for fuel efficiency. Turning the stove down a little and waiting a minute or two for your tea or coffee saves fuel. Other simple ways to reduce fuel use are to have a lid on the pot and to use a windscreen. Heat exchanger pots also make a big difference.
Whichever stove you choose it’s always best to practise with it at home rather than trying to work out how to light it on a windy hillside. Stoves are potentially dangerous so knowing how to operate one safely is essential.
What camping stove you choose depends on where you plan to go with it, in what conditions, and how you use your hot water. That and your budget – there’s a wide range of prices here too. Looking for advice for maintaining a stove? Our guide on how clean a camping stove will help you there.
How we tested the best camping stoves
In this guide you will find reviews from Chris Townsend and David Lintern.
Chris Townsend’s testing notes
The stoves were used on year-round trips in the Scottish Highlands in different conditions, mostly in 2023 and 2024, though in one case going all the way back to 1978!
In controlled conditions in still air I boiled 500ml of water in each stove with a standard pot and a heat exchanger pot (except for the MSR Windburner as this can’t be used with a different pot). Boiling times indicate the power of the stove. In cold weather, especially when melting snow, this can be important. I also measured how much fuel was used, which I think is more significant than boiling time, especially on multi-day walks. The results show that HX pots are more fuel efficient and reduce boil times with all stoves.
Go System 2250 canisters were used with the gas stoves, Bartoline methylated spirits with the Trangia and Alpkit Bruler stoves. For stoves that don’t come with pots I used 1 litre hard anodised aluminium pots – the GSI Pinnacle Soloist and Fire Maple FMC-XK6 HX.
In field use several variables – air temperature, water temperature, wind speed and more – will produce different results so these figures are comparative only.
David’s Test Notes
David tested his stoves on walks and backpacks from glen level to Munro summits across the eastern and western Highlands. It was winter on the tops and spring in the glens. He tends to boil water for dehydrated meals, but his budget is supermarket rather than branded outdoor sachets. As such, his food needs longer to hydrate and he does a little more in-pot preparation, rather than just pour-and-wait. This makes a difference to what he looks for in a stove. Measuring stove performance is as hard as or harder than evaluating sleeping bags – there are so many variables – “But at least I was able to drink lots of tea as I tested,” he said. When deciding on a purchase, it’s worth looking closely at the power output and burn times in conjunction with David’s boil times, which he averaged over multiple uses in different conditions. There is no industry standard, and quoted figures need to be read with care and balanced with the comments in review.
Separate to David’s and Chris’ reviews we’ve also highlighted our TGO Gear Awards winner and highly commended from our stoves category in 2023.
Related: Best hiking boots
Jetboil Stash
TGO Gear Awards Winner
Our jury in The Great Outdoors Awards 2023 were unanimous in selecting Jetboil’s Stash (£160), one of the lightest personal cooking systems on the market, as the outright winner in the stoves category- Weight
- Compact size
- Reasonable Simmer control
- No wind resistance without a windshield (not inlcluded)
- No pressure regulator
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $127.95 | £155 (Buy now from alpinetrek.co.uk) Weight: 232g including burner, pot and canister stand (24g) Type: Unregulated pressure canister-top stove system with integrated pan and heat exchanger Fuel: Gas Dimensions: Pot 0.8 Litres, 10x12cm Burner diameter: 4cm Power: 1318W/ 4500BTU Boil time: Average 5min on test Burn time: Approx 80min from a 230g canister (quoted) |
It’s a lightweight camping stove system with a 0.8 litre pot, a solid handle, a titanium burner, and a canister stand. It has a heat exchanger to reduce hot spots and burning, and a fine degree of flame control. It is top-heavy when full, but has a canister stand to help mitigate stability concerns. It is a steady performer and requires an additional full height windshield (not inc) to protect it from the wind. Despite this, it is a simple, very light design that packs small and will allow basic cooking.
Will Renwick, who took the Stash on his 500-mile fastpacking trip taking in all 189 of the Welsh Nuttalls, said that taking the system was an “easy decision” and that he has “never been let down by it.”
Read David Lintern’s full review of the Jetboil Stash
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
TGO Gear Awards Highly Commended
MSR have a reputation for making camping stoves with versatility and performance, and this is no exception.- Pressure regulator
- Efficiency
- Boil time
- Simmer control
- Build Quality
- Nothing
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $85 | £70 Weight: 82g + 17g case Dimensions: 180mm/ 65mm Burner Diameter: 47mm Power: 10,400/ 3200 W Boil time: 1min 35 secs Gas used: 9g |
MSR have a reputation for making camping stoves with versatility and performance, and this is no exception. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is lightweight and compact, has a very fast boil time yet is efficient and easy to control with a lower flame. The built-in Piezo is positive, firing with a single click, and close to the canister so distant from the flame. The pressure regulator works extremely well, even with low gas levels and in cold conditions and the combination of price, weight, performance and MSR attention to detail on every aspect of the design and function makes this a top choice.
Read Judy’s full review on the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
SOTO Windmaster 4Flex
Chris Townsend’s Best in Test
The Windmaster is a close to perfect backpacking stove (I would like to see permanently attached pot supports) suitable for year-round use.- Fast boil time
- Good flame control
- Stable with big pots
- Lighweight
- Cost
- Detachable pot supports
- Not full windproof
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £65 Weight: 88g Accessories: piezo igniter Fuel: butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.5 cm (with supports folded in place) Burner Diameter: 4cm Burner weight: 61g without supports Power: 3260w/11000 BTU Boil time: std pot 2 min 48 sec. HX pot 1min 25sec. Fuel used: std pot 10g. HX pot 6g. https://sotooutdoors.com |
The Soto Windmaster 4Flex camping stove is lightweight, fast-boiling, and well-suited for year-round use. It features four pot supports for stability and is wide enough to support large pots. The stove’s wind resistance is achieved through a raised rim around the burner and the closeness of the pot to the flame. However, a windscreen is recommended in strong winds.
In tests, the Soto Windmaster 4Flex had the fastest boil times and excellent flame control. Fuel efficiency is comparable to the heavier Primus PrimeTech stove. The stove has a regulated burner, ensuring minimal performance drop even on frosty mornings. It is suitable for winter use, especially with an HX pot.
The stove also has a built-in piezo igniter, which is better protected than other stoves and has not failed. The Windmaster is a close-to-perfect backpacking stove, but it would benefit from permanently attached pot supports for year-round use.
Read Chris’ full Soto Windmaster 4Flex Review
Primus PrimeTech Stove Set 1.3L
Chris Townsend Recommends
The PrimeTech Camping Stove Set is an excellent choice for group cooking. It’s designed for 1-3 people but is rather big and heavy for solo use.- Windscreen
- Heat exchanger pot
- Stable
- Fast boil
- Good flame control
- Quiet burner
- Ceramic pot easily scratched
- Quite heavy
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £165 Weight: 875g Accessories: windscreen, 1.3 litre pot with heat exchanger, 1.3 litre pot, pot gripper, piezo Igniter, insulated storage bag Fuel: butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 19 x 13.5cm Burner Diameter: 4cm Burner weight: 336g Power: 2000w, 7000 BTU Boil time: std pot 3min 5sec. HX pot 2min 10sec Fuel used: std pot 10g. HX pot 6g. https://primusequipment.co.uk |
The PrimeTech Camping Stove Set is a versatile and efficient cooking tool designed for 1-3 people. It is large and heavy for solo use but can also be used with larger pots. The burner is integrated into the windscreen and pot supports, providing stability and a low profile. Primus provides a foil heat reflector to prevent scorching the earth.
The stove also features a preheat tube for better performance in freezing conditions. The burner is quiet, unlike most canister stoves. The set includes two pots, a 65g detachable lockable pot grip, a separate 40g Piezo igniter, and a 60g insulated storage bag that doubles as a pot cosy. One pot has a heat exchanger and a non-stick ceramic coating, making it more fuel-efficient.
The ceramic coating prevents food sticking but is easily scratched. The stove is easy to assemble and use, but assembling the set can be challenging. The storage bag keeps everything in place, making it a convenient choice for group cooking.
Read Chris’ full Primus PrimeTech Stove Set 1.3L Review
Trangia 27-2 UL
Chris Townsend Recommends
rangias are long-lasting – mine is over 40 years old and still works fine. If weight isn’t a major factor it’s an excellent choice. I wouldn’t choose one for lightweight backpacking though.- Windproof
- Stable
- Durable
- Good pots
- Low cost
- Heavy
- Bulky
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £73.20 Weight: 825g Accessories: windscreen/pot support, 2 1 litre aluminium pans, 0.6 litre kettle, frypan/plate/lid, pot grab, simmer ring Fuel: methylated spirits/denatured alcohol/gel fuel Packed Dimensions: 19 x 10cm Burner Diameter: 5cm Burner weight: 70g Power: 1000w Boil time: std pot 8min 20sec. HX pot 7min 30sec. Fuel used: std pot 25ml. HX pot 20ml. https://trangia.se |
The Trangia is the original camping stove system, launched in the 1950s. It features a rigid two-part aluminum windshield that protects the brass burner in strong winds. The stove comes with a simmer ring, a metal circle that covers flame holes with a movable lid that can be adjusted to block part of the open well. This device works well but is crude.
The Trangia 27-1 is the smallest and lightest of the complete Trangia stove sets, suitable for 1-2 people. It comes with two 1 litre aluminium pots and a kettle. Heavier versions are available with non-stick and hard anodised aluminium pots. The Trangia 27-2 is suitable for 1-2 people but has slow boil times compared to canister stoves.
Trangias are long-lasting, with a 40-year-old model still functioning fine. They are an excellent choice for weight-conscious travelers, but not for lightweight backpacking. The Trangia is long-lasting and works well for 1-2 people, but not for lightweight backpacking.
Read Chris’ full Trangia 27-2 UL Review
MSR Windburner
Chris Townsend Recommends
The Windburner shines as a winter stove and in very windy conditions but is quite heavy for summer use.- Wind resistance
- Fast boil time
- Good fuel efficiency
- Simmers well
- Quite heavy
- Narrow pot
- Can’t use other pots
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £200 Weight: 425g Accessories: 1 litre pot with heat exchanger & insulated pot cozy, 0.5 litre bowl, canister support Fuel: butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 18 x 11.5 cm Burner Diameter: 7cm Burner weight: 198g Power: 2050ww/7000 BTU Boil time: 2min 36sec Fuel used: 8g https://www.msrgear.com |
The MSR Windburner is a heat exchanger camping stove with a regulated burner that is ideal for melting snow and freezing temperatures. It is designed for one person and can hold 1 liter of water, but it is best used with a smaller amount to avoid boiling over. The flame control is good for simmering food, but it is easy to turn off due to the lack of visibility.
The regulated burner glows red and is surrounded by a windshield, which locks the pot securely. The unit is tall and narrow, making it difficult to topple over. Boil time is fast and fuel efficiency is good. The stove has a cozy round pot and a semi-rigid fabric handle for a good grip.
The lid is transparent and has strainer and drinking holes, but it warps after use. The pot is tall and narrow, ideal for boiling water but not for cooking. Due to its proprietary fit, it can only be used with larger MSR pots. The MSR Windburner is suitable for winter and windy conditions but heavy for summer use.
Read Chris’ full MSR Windburner Review
Jetboil Micromo
Chris Townsend Recommends
For solo backpackers this is the best complete stove system I’ve tried though it is more expensive and heavier than putting together your own stove and HX pot combination- Regulated Burner
- HX pot
- Fast boil
- Good simmer control
- Not fully windproof
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £175 Weight: 349g Accessories: 0.8 litre pot with heat exchanger & insulated pot cozy, 0.3 litre bowl, pot support for other pots, piezo igniter, canister stand Fuel: butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5cm Burner Diameter: 3.5cm Burner weight: 132g Power: 1750w/6000 BTU Boil time: std pot 4 min 10sec. HX pot 2min 14sec Fuel used: std pot 11g. HX pot 6g. https://www.jetboil.co.uk |
The Jetboil MicroMo camping stove is a lightweight and compact cooking system designed for solo use. It features a heat exchanger pot locked onto a regulated burner, resulting in a fast boil time with the supplied pot.
The stove’s hard anodized pot is tall and narrow, with a secure grip and a twist-lock mechanism. The stove can topple over unless on a level surface, and a 26g canister stand helps prevent it from falling off. A separate pot support is also provided, allowing for the use of other pots. A shallow plastic cover for the base adds 33g.
The Jetboil MicroMo is excellent for cooking, but it may not be fully windproof, so a foil windscreen is recommended. For solo backpackers, this is the best complete stove system, though it is more expensive and heavier than assembling your own stove and HX pot combination.
Read Chris’ full Jetboil MicroMo Review
Optimus Crux Lite
Chris Townsend Recommends
Overall the Crux Lite is best kept for three season use for which it is excellent.- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Low cost
- Not wind resistant
- Not suitable for big pots
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £45 Weight: 75g Accessories: none Fuel: butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.6 Burner Diameter: 4.7cms Weight: 75g Power: 3000w/1200 BTU Boil time: std pot 3 min 15sec. HX pot 1min 50sec. Fuel used: std pot 10g. HX pot 8g. https://www.katadyngroup.com |
The Optimus Crux Lite is a compact, lightweight canister top camping stove that is easy to set up and light. It features three serrated pot support arms that fold over the burner, and a large wire flame control that folds inwards. The stove is best used with small pots for stability, as the pot supports are not very wide. Wider pot supports are recommended for better stability. The stove lacks wind resistance, so a windshield is needed. A foil one-round three-sided stove works well for ventilation and temperature control.
In above freezing temperatures, the Optimus Crux Lite performs well, boiling water quickly and simmering well, using less gas than heat exchanger stoves. However, its burner is not regulated, making performance less efficient in cold weather. Boiling 500ml of water at -2°C took eight and a half minutes, using 14 grams of fuel. Warming the cartridge and insulating it from the ground can help, but the Crux Lite is best kept for three-season use, where it is excellent.
Read Chris’s full Optimus Crux Lite Review
Primus Tupike
David Lintern recommends
The Tupike is a two burner camping stove desgined for basecamps and backpacking, it is large and heavy but beautifully finished and is a bit of a gas guzzler.- Genuine simmer-capable cooking stove
- Made to last
- Thirsty on fuel
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $260 | £240 (Buy now from alpinetrek.co.uk) Weight: 4.3kg Type: Pressure-regulated dual burner base camp stove Fuel: Gas Dimensions: 8x48x30cm Burner diameter: 4.6cm Power: 3000W / 1023BTU Boil time: average 5min on test Burn time: approx 47min from a 230g canister (quoted) |
The Tupike is a two-burner camping stove designed for basecamps and backpacking. It has two independent burners, two piezo igniters and two flame controls, and a griddle. It is large and heavy, but is also beautifully finished in brass, oak and brushed aluminium. It sits on two locking and folding legs and has adjustable windshields and a splashback. However, its fuel efficiency is a bit of a gas guzzler, so it should be used with larger canisters and boil/rest cycles to conserve fuel.
Read David Lintern’s full review on the Primus Tupike
MSR Reactor 1L
David Lintern Recommends
It is a one-trick pony and expensive, but it is perfect for short, sharp missions to the mountains, especially in winter.- Rapid boil
- Excellent wind resistance
- Compact
- No simmer capability
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $270 | £295 (Buy now from alpinetrek.co.uk) Weight: 432g Type: pressure-regulated, radiant burner stove system with integrated pan and heat exchanger Fuel: gas Dimensions: 12×14.5cm Burner diameter: 10cm Power: 9000W / 3070BTU Burn time: approx 80min from a 230g canister (quoted) |
The Reactor is a high-performance camping stove designed to melt snow and boil water quickly. It is wind-resistant and uses both convective heat and radiant light energy. It has a solid, all-metal handle that stays cool to the touch and folds away securely over a pot lid with a strainer and steam release. The pressure regulator gives an even burn and it was the only stove on test to beat its quoted boil times. It is a one-trick pony and expensive, but it is perfect for short, sharp missions to the mountains, especially in winter.
Read David Lintern’s full review on the MSR Reactor 1L
Alpkit Bruler
Chris Townsend’s verdict
Whilst boil times are much slower than a canister stove the advantages of the Bruler are that meths/ denatured alcohol is found in far more places than canisters and that it’s silent.- Durable
- Low cost
- Needs windshield
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £30 Weight: 165g Accessories: windscreen, flame regulator Fuel: methylated spirits/denatured alcohol/gel fuel Packed Dimensions: 8 x9 cm Burner Diameter: 5cm Burner weight: 70g Power: n/a Boil time: std pot 9min 23sec, HX pot 7min 50 sec Fuel used: std pot 25ml. HX pot 20ml. https://alpkit.com |
The Alpkit Bruler is a compact meths camping stove with a brass burner and an anodised aluminium windshield. It has fold-out legs and pot supports, and is stable with large pots, but small narrow ones may not balance well. The stove works well in breezes but requires a separate windshield for strong winds. The power output is almost identical to the Trangia, but a separate windshield is needed for strong winds.
The Bruler is suitable for solo use, as it weighs 429 grams with a foil windscreen and a 1 liter HX pot. Boil times are slower than canister stoves, but it is more accessible and silent. It allows for brewing up and listening to bird songs. While not ideal for quick brews, it is suitable for those not in a hurry. The Bruler is a good choice for those who don’t want the bulk and weight of the Trangia stove.
Read Chris’ full Alpkit Bruler Review
Robens Fire Beetle
Chris Townsend’s verdict
The Fire Beetle is made from stainless steel and should last well. That does make it quite heavy though. The cost is low and it is good value for money.- Stable
- Low profile
- Low cost
- No pre-heat tube
- Needs windscreen
- Not that light
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £41 Weight: 205g Accessories: none Fuel: Butane/propane canister Packed Dimensions: 12.8 x 7cm Burner Diameter: 4.5cm Burner weight: 205g Power: 3000w Boil time: 2min 58sec std pot, 1min 50sec HX pot Fuel used: 10g std pot, 8g HX pot https://www.robens.de |
Remote canister camping stoves are ideal for big pots due to their stability and wide legs. The Robens Fire Beetle is a popular choice for those who are nervous about the burner and pot sitting on top of the canister. It features three fold-out legs and a flame control lever on the canister. However, it lacks a foil windscreen and a preheat tube, making it a three-season stove.
The burner is not regulated, making it less effective in cold or empty canisters. A windshield is essential for better performance. The Fire Beetle is made from stainless steel and should last well, but it is quite heavy.
Despite its weight, the Robens Fire Beetle is a good value for money, with a low cost and good value for money. The stove works well with both standard and HX pots, boiling water quickly and simmering well.
Read Chris’ full Robens Fire Beetle Review
What to look for in camping stoves
Fuel
Butane/propane in canisters is hot, convenient, and clean. Stoves generally have good flame control. Methylated spirits/denatured alcohol/gel fuel doesn’t give out as much heat and flame control is poor. However only the amount needed needs to be carried and it isn’t a petroleum product. Meths stoves are silent too.
Burner Head
Small diameter burner heads are best used with narrow pots. Wider burner heads spread the flame more efficiently and work well with larger pans.
Stability
Stability can be an issue with canister stoves. The simplest – a gas head that screws onto a canister – need a very stable base to counteract the effect of perching a loaded pan on top of a stove, on top of a canister. By contrast, a remote canister stove sits on the ground with its own legs and is attached to the canister by a flexible fuel hose. It has the additional advantage of allowing the canister to be inverted in cold weather or when nearly empty.
Burner diameter
Gas stoves with small-diameter burner heads can create intense burn zones, or hot spots, on cooking pans. Others are wide but work less well with taller, thinner pots. Some stoves come as complete ‘systems’, with exchangers built into the accompanying pan to distribute heat more evenly. Pan materials also matter: thin titanium is prone to hot spots; stainless steel is better; a thick aluminium pan is best at dispersing heat.
Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a trade-off between weight, speed, size, design and the conditions of use. It’s impacted by ambient temperature, altitude and wind, and is difficult to measure accurately. A heat exchanger pot or a pressure regulator can improve fuel efficiencies. In Britain the most common type of gas canister cartridge is screw-on, and most contain a mix of butane, isobutane and propane. Isobutane has better vapour pressure and offers superior performance, especially in low temperatures. Butane is the cheapest but poorest-performing fuel in the mix.
Gas
Brands will specify their stoves should only be used with their own brand gas canisters. In reality they will work with any canister with a compatible connection (in Britain, the most common type is the screw-on). Virtually all compact cartridges contain a mix of butane, isobutane and propane. Isobutane is far superior in terms of vapour pressure, and high vapour pressure translates to better performance, especially in low temperatures. Isobutane is more expensive to source than butane, so you’ll usually find it in higher-quality canisters. Normal butane is the cheapest and poorest-performing fuel in the mix. Burning efficiency is also reduced by cold temperatures, high altitude and wind.
Windshield
A windshield is needed with every stove in any wind stronger than a light breeze. Some stoves come with windshields as part of the design. Fully encircling foil windshields can be used with remote canister stoves. Canister top stoves shouldn’t be fully surrounded by a windshield as the cartridge needs to be kept cool.
Pans
Camping stoves with small diameter burner heads can create intense burn zones, or hot spots, on cooking pans. Titanium pans have thin bases so are prone to this, stainless steel is better, a thick aluminium pan is best at dispersing heat.
Controls
Stoves may have compact gas control dials, or wire hoops that fold out, which can provide finer control of the flame and reduce the risk of burning fingers or sleeves. Onboard piezo igniters are a nice convenience, but it’s worth carrying a fire steel and/or a lighter in case of failure. Multifuel stoves come with a pump system to fit pressurised fuel bottles.
Many people talk about the ‘Big Three’ when it comes to hiking and camping: that’s your backpack, your backpacking tent and your sleeping bag. For backpacking, we think it’s better to think about a ‘Big Four’ with that extra digit accounting for your cooking system.
Heat Exchanger
Sets of radiator-like fins attached to the base of a pot are designed to reduce heat loss and increase fuel efficiency and boil times. These are provided with some stoves as part of a component system. Heat exchanger (HX) pots can be bought separately.
Regulated and non-regulated canister stoves
Canisters lose pressure as the gas is released. This happens more rapidly in cold weather. Below zero power output can double the time it takes water to boil. If the canister is less than half full water may not boil at all. Keeping the canister warm helps – in your sleeping bag overnight, putting your hands round it for example. A better solution is a stove with a regulated burner that controls the pressure for a more consistent performance. Regulated burners perform better with an almost empty canister though there’s still some drop off in power.
Pre-heat Tubes
A pre-heat tube is a loop of the fuel line that runs over the burner so it is heated by the flame. They are found on some remote cartridge stoves. A preheat tube means the cartridge can be inverted in cold weather to turn it into a liquid feed stove – the liquid turns to gas when heated in the pre-heat tube. Such stoves are excellent in sub-zero temperatures.
Pot Supports
The width and strength of the pot supports determines how heavy a pot they can safely support.
Piezo Ignition
Many stoves have Piezo ignition. This is fine – when it works. Such ignition can easily be damaged so carrying a back-up is a good idea.
