Before You Buy Your Next Camping Stove: The Do’s And Don’t’s Of Buying A Camping Stove
April 13th, 2008Picking the camp stove that is right for you Unless you dont like to cook when you go camping, getting the right stove is very important. Some of you may recall the way camp stoves use to work. They would have flare ups, leaks and would not like to stay lit. The camp stove of today is much different they make it fun to cook when you are roughing it. They have self starters (push button) flame controls and self cleaning fuel-jets. The greatest thing is that compaction has kept the price of camp stoves down so you can afford to get the camp stove you want.
Comparing liquid gas and compressed gas (propane) Camp stoves can be bought in to categories and they both have different features and you have to decide what works for you. Cartridge stoves are generally lighter and more maintenance free. Some like cartridge stove because they simmer better then liquid gas stoves. On the other side liquid gas stoves are less expensive and they are more environmentally friendly, there is no cartridge to discard. Liquid gas stove also burn hotter.
Price comparison Camp stoves range from about twenty dollars for a single burner compressed gas stove to about two hundred dollars for a twin burner that can use multiple fuels. My favorite is the dual burner that you can use what fuel you want.
When you make the decision that you need a new stove these are some things to consider before buying.
1) First you need to decide what type of camping you are going to do i.e. Backpacking, car and tent, camper etc. and then where you will go camping, i.e. in your area, cross the state or cross the country. This will tell you if you want a light wait stove and how much you room have and what kind of gas you will want to use. A liquid gas double burn is great for the car and camper, it may be two heavy for long distance backpacking and hiking, a canister stove will be lighter but may take up more room even after the canister is empty. You also need to find out what kind of gas is easily available in the area you are going to be camping.
2) Getting your stove lit is very important although most stove are very easy to light (push button) you need to be prepared with matches and or a lighter. You need to keep in mind the climate you will be in, a liquid gas stove will have a stronger flame and will resists wind and some rain,
3) You will need to check the accessories that come with the stove, things like wind screen and adaptors for different fuels. You need to look at if they come with repair kits, the best ones do if not you may want to invest in you so you can use it when the need arise. Some canister use on propane stoves can also be used on things like propane lanterns and other propane items.
4) Next you will need to look at the weight; stoves can weigh as little as less then a pound to as much as five pounds. You need to look at what type of camping you will be doing and how much weight you will want to have, backpacking or camper.
5) Another important thing to look at is that the stove has an adjustment knob on the burner(s) this will help you control your cooking better and save on fuel.
6) Finally you need to decide what you want to use your stove for, do you want to just boil water or do you want to cook a full meal. A single burner propane stove will be all you need for that. If you want to fry eggs and pancakes at the same time a double burner liquid gas stove will work better.
7) We strongly suggest that you do not use any cook stove in a tent, they can catch fire easily and fill with carbon monoxide fumes. You should only use your stove in a well ventilated area.
Coleman camping stoves are a great way to enhance your camping experience.
