Review and Comparison of Camping Cookers

Camping cookers are an essential part of any outdoor experience, from weekend getaways to extended backcountry adventures. Whether you’re boiling water for coffee, preparing a gourmet meal, or simply heating up a pre-made dish, choosing the right camping stove can significantly impact your outdoor cooking experience. The market offers a wide variety of camping stoves, ranging from simple compact models to high-powered multi-burner systems. In this review, we’ll explore the different types of camping cookers, compare their features, and discuss which options are best suited for different kinds of camping.


Types of Camping Cookers

  1. Canister Stoves
    • Overview: Canister stoves are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for solo backpacking or ultralight camping. They run on pressurized canisters of gas, typically a mix of propane and butane, which makes them easy to operate and efficient.
    • Key Features:
      • Compact & Portable: Often small enough to fit in a backpack.
      • Fast Boiling: Great for quick meals or boiling water.
      • Simmer Control: Some models offer good simmering capability.
    • Best For: Solo campers, ultralight backpacking, and short trips where weight and size are critical.
    • Example Models:
      • MSR PocketRocket 2: This stove is known for its lightweight design (3 oz), reliable performance, and fast boiling time. It has a high heat output for its size and is extremely portable, making it a favorite among solo backpackers.
      • Jetboil Flash: This stove is perfect for boiling water quickly and is known for its integrated pot design that minimizes the need for additional cookware.
  2. Liquid Fuel Stoves
    • Overview: Liquid fuel stoves run on fuels like white gas, kerosene, or even gasoline. These stoves are more powerful than canister stoves and perform well in cold weather. They require priming and regular maintenance but are excellent for long trips.
    • Key Features:
      • Versatile Fuel Options: You can use multiple types of fuel, which is ideal for remote areas with no access to specific fuel types.
      • Powerful Output: They can generate high heat, making them suitable for larger groups or cooking larger meals.
      • Cold Weather Performance: Works well at high altitudes or cold temperatures.
    • Best For: Extended trips, group camping, and areas where fuel can be difficult to source.
    • Example Models:
      • MSR WhisperLite International: Known for its reliability, this stove works with multiple fuel types and provides consistent performance in harsh conditions.
      • Coleman PowerPak Stove: A more affordable option that runs on liquid fuel (white gas) and offers high heat output, suitable for car camping or group trips.
  3. Alcohol Stoves
    • Overview: Alcohol stoves are simple and lightweight options that burn ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. They are a bit slower than canister stoves but are highly efficient and have fewer moving parts, which makes them low-maintenance.
    • Key Features:
      • Lightweight & Compact: Ideal for minimalist setups.
      • Simple Design: Fewer parts to break or maintain.
      • Lower Heat Output: Not the best for larger meals or groups.
    • Best For: Solo or minimalist campers who don’t mind slower cooking times.
    • Example Models:
      • Trangia Alcohol Stove: This is one of the most popular alcohol stoves, known for its simple design and reliability. It has a simmering control feature and is incredibly efficient for small-scale cooking.
      • Vargo Titanium Alcohol Stove: Ultra-lightweight and compact, the Vargo stove is an excellent choice for those looking to cut down on gear weight.
  4. Wood Burning Stoves
    • Overview: These stoves use small twigs, sticks, and other natural materials as fuel, making them a sustainable option for those who want to minimize the weight of fuel canisters or liquid fuel.
    • Key Features:
      • No Need for Fuel Canisters: You can use natural materials found at the campsite, making these stoves great for remote locations.
      • Environmentally Friendly: Produces less waste than canister or liquid fuel stoves.
      • Slow Start-Up: They can be difficult to get going and have a slower heat-up time than other stoves.
    • Best For: Campers who prioritize sustainability and are willing to trade convenience for eco-friendliness.
    • Example Models:
      • BioLite CampStove 2: This wood-burning stove also generates electricity, allowing you to charge devices while cooking. It’s a hybrid stove that appeals to tech-savvy campers.
      • Solo Stove Lite: A highly efficient wood-burning stove with a unique design that maximizes heat output and minimizes smoke.
  5. Dual-Fuel and Multi-Burner Stoves
    • Overview: These stoves offer the flexibility of using both liquid fuel and canister fuel, giving campers more options depending on availability. Multi-burner stoves are designed for group cooking and can handle multiple pots or large cookware simultaneously.
    • Key Features:
      • Dual Fuel: Flexibility to switch between fuels depending on availability.
      • Multiple Burners: Ideal for cooking large meals for groups or families.
      • Heavy Duty: These stoves are built for larger pots and more intense cooking.
    • Best For: Car camping, family camping, or large group trips where cooking for many people is necessary.
    • Example Models:
      • Coleman Duel Fuel 2-Burner Stove: This stove is versatile, with the ability to run on both gasoline and kerosene, and is capable of cooking large meals with ease.
      • Camp Chef Everest 2-Burner Stove: A high-output stove that offers impressive flame control and a large cooking surface, perfect for family meals or group camping.

Comparison of Key Features

FeatureCanister StovesLiquid Fuel StovesAlcohol StovesWood Burning StovesDual-Fuel & Multi-Burner Stoves
WeightLight (3-10 oz)Moderate (8-20 oz)Very light (2-5 oz)Moderate (7-20 oz)Heavy (1-5 lbs)
Fuel TypePropane/butane canistersWhite gas, kerosene, gasolineEthanol, isopropyl alcoholTwigs, sticks, wood pelletsCanister and liquid fuels
Boil TimeFast (3-4 minutes)Moderate (5-10 minutes)Slow (10-12 minutes)Slow (10-15 minutes)Moderate (5-10 minutes)
Simmering AbilityGood (with control)ExcellentLimited (simple flame)LimitedExcellent (with multiple burners)
Cold Weather PerformanceModerate (with insulating features)ExcellentPoorPoorModerate to Excellent
Ease of UseVery EasyModerate (requires priming)Very EasyDifficult (requires kindling)Easy
MaintenanceMinimalModerate (needs regular cleaning)MinimalHigh (needs drying and cleaning)Moderate
Price Range$40-$120$80-$150$15-$50$70-$150$80-$250

Which Stove is Best for You?

  1. Solo or Ultralight Backpackers:
    • The MSR PocketRocket 2 or Jetboil Flash are excellent choices, as they’re both lightweight, compact, and easy to use. If you’re an ultralight camper, an alcohol stove like the Trangia can also be a good option.
  2. Group or Family Camping:
    • If you’re camping with multiple people, you might want the Camp Chef Everest 2-Burner Stove or the Coleman Duel Fuel 2-Burner Stove. These stoves offer the power and space needed for cooking large meals at once.
  3. Cold Weather or High-Altitude Camping:
    • For cold-weather camping, liquid fuel stoves like the MSR WhisperLite International or Coleman PowerPak Stove will perform much better than canister or alcohol stoves, especially at high altitudes.
  4. Sustainability-Conscious Campers:
    • wood-burning stove like the Solo Stove Lite or BioLite CampStove 2 will allow you to cook with minimal reliance on manufactured fuels, while also giving you the opportunity to gather fuel from your environment.