A camping stove is the cornerstone of your outdoor kitchen. In this guide, we draw on our years of experience developing camping recipes for a living to help you cut through the noise and find the best camp stove for your next outdoor adventure! Whether you’re a car camping pro or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best camping stoves of 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • The Camp Chef Everest 2X is praised for its great flame control and durability.
  • Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove is the best budget-friendly option with updated controls and integrated ignition.
  • Primus Kinjia Camping Stove is the best compact stove, ideal for those who need portability without sacrificing performance.
  • Coleman 3-in-1 Stove offers multiple cooking surfaces, making it the best grill/griddle for camping.
  • iKamper Disco Series Camping Grill is the top choice for overlanding, combining versatility and robust build quality.

Camp Chef Everest 2X

The Camp Chef Everest 2X is a fresh take on Camp Chef’s classic, award-winning stove. This time around, Camp Chef upped the ante, making a beefier cousin to the original model. It has a larger cook surface, a nearly seamless windscreen, and excellent simmer ability, despite having an impressive 20,000 BTUs per burner. They even improved upon the previously flimsy latches. With a fast boil time and functional Piezo auto-igniter, this stove is sure to impress even the most discerning camp chefs.

The Camp Chef Mountain Series Everest 2X features two 20,000 BTU burners, each of which will boil water faster than you could on your stove at home. This is a workhorse of a camping stove that has 215 square inches of cooking space and can accommodate two full-sized pots or pans at the same time. The Everest 2X has fold-out side walls that, working in tandem with the raised lid, reliably block the wind and keep things cooking even in poor weather conditions. The stove fires up with the twist of a knob and

The Everest 2X is a top-notch stove that’s easy to use and care for – a true champion in the camping stove world.
Credit: Jared Ross

Read more: Camp Chef Everest 2X review

The Everest 2X is equally great at sauteeing a quick meal, boiling a kettle of water, or making a small feast for you and your whole crew.
Credit: Jared Ross

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

GAS ONE GS-3000

$29 at Amazon

51
OVERALL
SCORE

  • Boil Time 3.0
  • Fuel Efficiency 2.0
  • Simmering Ability 7.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Portability 9.0

BTUs: 9,000 | Average Boil Time: 8 min 45 sec

Best Overall

CAMP CHEF EVEREST 2X

MSRP: $190
Heat Output: 20,000 BTUs per burner
Fuel Type: Propane
Auto-Ignite: Yes

Pros: The Camp Chef Everest 2X is our favorite camp stove. We owned the predecessor to this stove, the now-discontinued Camp Chef Summit, and we’re very impressed with the improvements made for the Everest 2x.

Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove

The Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove ($100) might not have all the fancy features of the others on the list, but it’s hands down the most bang for your buck out of all camp stoves on the market. The windscreens do the job, and the flame pattern can be set from a simmer to a roar. It weighs just under 12 pounds, which isn’t much more than most more expensive options.

However, we’ve been using our Coleman Classic stoves for many years, and we will for many more. At such a low price, we consider this model an essential part of any car camping setup, especially for families and couples that want a solid camping stove to do it all. If you want this option with an auto-lighter, consider upgrading to the slightly more stylish Coleman Cascade Classic.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Excellent fuel efficiency
  • Great simmer control

Cons:

  • Boils slowly
  • Slightly below average heat output

Primus Kinjia Camping Stove

dome tent on mountain top with sun as background photo

The Primus Kinjia Camping Stove is a compact yet powerful addition to your camping gear. Weighing just 8 lbs. 3 oz., it’s easy to transport and store, making it ideal for those who need to maximize their camp kitchen real estate. Despite its small size, it boasts a heat output of 10,200 BTUs per burner, ensuring you can cook delicious meals outdoors without hassle.

Key Features

  • Number of Burners: Two
  • BTU Output: 10,200 BTUs per burner
  • Boil Time: 6:40 min. per liter
  • Fuel Type: Propane
  • Weight: 8 lbs. 3.2 oz.

Pros

  • Compact packed size slides into tight storage spots
  • Fine simmer control
  • Black, brass, and wood details make for a classy look

Cons

  • No windscreens
  • Gas bottle stand is easy to misplace

Small but powerful — the Primus Kinjia Camping Stove brings a light footprint to your camp kitchen and is perfect for those who want a capable stove but don’t want to renovate their campsite in the process.

Coleman 3-in-1 Stove

people having a bonfire

The Coleman 3-in-1 Stove is a versatile and durable option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Cooking doesn’t get much easier when your stove already comes with its own cooking surfaces. This model includes an interchangeable cast-iron stove, grill, and griddle, all of which can be removed for easy cleaning. The rotary-ignition knob ensures a safe and quick start, making it a user-friendly choice for campers.

Key Features

  • Interchangeable cast-iron stove, grill, and griddle
  • Rotary-ignition knob for quick start
  • Easy to clean removable parts
  • 12,000 BTUs per burner

Pros

  • Versatile cooking options
  • Durable cast-iron components
  • Fuel-efficient despite high BTU output

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Modular design may require more setup time

If you’re a fan of cast iron or simply want an all-in-one option that performs well in every category, the Coleman 3-in-1 Stove is one of the best camping stoves you can buy.

iKamper Disco Series Camping Grill

people beside body of water at golden hour

The iKamper Disco Series Camping Grill is a standout in the world of camping stoves. This uber-modular cooking system is perfect for van life, overlanding, or simply gathering around with friends. With a price tag of $490, it offers a versatile cooking experience that can adapt to various needs, whether you’re cooking for a small group or a larger family.

Key Features

  • Modular Design: The iKamper Disco allows you to switch between griddles, grates, and pots, making it incredibly versatile.
  • High BTU Output: With 8,455 BTU, it ensures efficient cooking.
  • Fuel Type: Iso-butane, which is both efficient and easy to find.
  • Weight: At 27 lbs, it’s on the heavier side but manageable for car-based adventures.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly versatile
  • Ideal for overlanding and van life
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • Pricey

If car-based adventuring is your jam, you’re going to need a camping stove that’s dialed in for the task. And while we’ve tried many, none have made an impression more than the iKamper Disco Series Stove.

Comparison Table

Feature iKamper Disco Series Eureka SPRK+ Camp Chef Explorer 14
Price $490 $70 $150
BTU 8,455 11,500 30,000 per burner
Boil Time 7:00 min. per L 4:50 min. per L 2:50 min. per L
Fuel Type Iso-butane Butane Propane
Weight 27 lbs 5 lbs., 2.4 oz. 30 lbs., 8 oz.

It’s hard to overstate just how enjoyable this stove system is to use. Overlanders rejoice, your ideal stove has arrived.

Eureka SPRK+ Camp Stove

The Eureka SPRK+ Camp Stove is a fantastic single-burner option for those who value simplicity and efficiency in their camp kitchen. This stove is an upgraded version of the original SPRK Camp Stove, boasting an impressive 11,500 BTUs compared to the standard 10,000 BTUs. This increase in power makes it more than capable of heating up even the heaviest cast iron pans, allowing you to easily stir-fry veggies or cook steaks to perfection.

One of the standout features of the Eureka SPRK+ is its sturdiness. While other single burners like the Snow Peak Home & Camp Burner may have an edge in packability, the SPRK+ offers a durability that ensures it will hold up in the long run. However, it’s worth noting that the stove’s wind performance isn’t the best, and butane fuel can be harder to source compared to other fuel types.

Key Features

  • BTU Output: 11,500 BTUs
  • Fuel Type: Butane
  • Weight: 5 lbs., 2.4 oz.
  • Price: $70

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • High BTU output for a single burner
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Affordable price point

Cons:

  • Not great wind performance
  • Butane fuel not as easily sourced

If you’re setting up a camp kitchen, the Eureka SPRK+ Camp Stove is a reliable and powerful choice that won’t break the bank.

Camp Chef Explorer 14

The Camp Chef Explorer 14 is a powerhouse when it comes to outdoor cooking. With its massive burners and expansive cooking area, no recipe is off-limits. Feel free to bring your largest stock pot or sauté pan from home. The stove features height-adjustable legs, freeing up your camp table space.

Pros

  • Impressive heat output
  • Large cooking area can accommodate multiple stock pots
  • Many add-on cooking surfaces

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Non-adjustable legs

This stove is perfect for your next tailgating event or family reunion. It boasts a generous cooking surface area of 14 x 32 inches and delivers a cumulative 60,000 BTUs, the highest of any stove we tested. When you need to bring big stock pots to a boil, the Explorer 14 is up for the task.

Not lightweight by any means, the Explorer 14 is the cookout battle station of choice for anyone looking to feed a lot of people.

The twin burners are fueled by a propane canister, making it best suited for close-to-vehicle cooking setups. The stove has a simple tube frame, a good enough windscreen, and unfortunately, no piezo-ignition.

If you’re looking to cook a lot of food quickly for a lot of people, Camp Chef offers a wide variety of accessories to fully customize your cooktop. Though sold separately, options like a side table, grill cover, carrying bag, and a wide griddle for cooking up to 8 pancakes or 4 burgers at once are impressive. The downside is its size: at 36 pounds, this is one of the heaviest and bulkiest stoves on our list to store, move, and set up.

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp

person lying inside tent and overlooking mountain

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System is a top choice for campers with simple cooking needs or those looking to save space. This all-in-one system includes a pot, pan, lid, and a two-burner cooktop that nest together into a compact package. This design offers an excellent balance between portability and functionality, making it easy to transport without compromising on cooking capacity.

Key Features

  • Weight: 9.2 pounds (whole system)
  • 24,000 BTUs
  • Time to Boil: 3 minutes, 16 seconds
  • Packed Size: 10.3 x 10.3 x 7.2 inches
  • Cooking Space: 20.5 x 9.8 inches
  • Included pot and pan
  • Jetlink compatibility
  • MSRP: $400

Pros

  • Stove folds in on itself for maximum durability
  • Fast boil and low simmer

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Overkill for occasional campers
  • Flimsy and low-quality windscreen

If you’re a space-minded camper who wants some of the coolest new technology available for outdoor cooking, stop scrolling here.

Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove

The Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove is a versatile and durable option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Cooking doesn’t get much easier with this stove, as it comes with its own interchangeable cast-iron stove, grill, and griddle. These elements can be removed for easy cleaning, making it a convenient choice for any camping trip.

Key Features

  • Durable Design: This stove boasts a classic design with modern technology, making it one of the best camping stoves available.
  • Heavy-Duty Latch: Ensures the stove remains securely closed during transport.
  • Cast Iron Elements: The cast iron grate, griddle, and grill are sturdy and versatile, perfect for gourmet meals in the wild.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Durable with a classic design Lower windscreens than other models
Heavy-duty latch Cast-iron features make it heavy
Sturdy and versatile cast iron elements Not ideal for larger groups

If you’re looking for one of the best camping stoves to keep you warm and well-fed, the Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove is an excellent choice. Its durability and multifunctionality make it a top-notch option for any outdoor setting.

Camp Chef Mountaineer

The aluminum Camp Chef Mountaineer is a durable camping stove tailored for committed outdoor chefs due to its capacity for multiple cast irons, large pots, and a baking tray. This stove boasts the same high-power versatility as the Everest. Its robust construction feels durable, and it has the same wind guard, stove locks, and twist instant ignition as the Everest. The Mountaineer is large and sturdy for group camping trips where you need to maximize cooking space.

Pros

  • Durable aluminum construction
  • High-power versatility
  • Wind guard and stove locks
  • Twist instant ignition
  • Large cooking surface

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Adapter needed to run 1 lb. propane bottles

The Camp Chef Mountaineer ($390) may as well come equipped with a chow bell — this is one burly cook station that’s primed to feed the whole wagon train. The Mountaineer is ideal as an overlanding, river rafting, and base camping stove, and the Mountaineer is a perfect option for those who cook outdoors often — and seriously.

If you prefer gear built to last, then the Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X certainly checks that box. It is durable and fuel-efficient, two features that lend to a lower environmental footprint. It boils quickly without wind and, owing to a solid windscreen and recessed burners, our wind test barely phased it. With auto-igniters and good control on the low end for excellent simmering, this stove impressed even the most discerning on our review team. We found it carried well, despite its weight, and with its camp hacks and camp tips, it’s a must-have for any serious camper.

Discover the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with the Camp Chef Mountaineer. This high-performance camp stove is designed to elevate your camping adventures, offering unmatched durability and convenience. Ready to upgrade your camp kitchen? Visit our website to learn more and make your purchase today!

Conclusion

Choosing the right camping stove can make a world of difference in your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you’re looking for something compact and portable like the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp, or a powerhouse with great flame control like the Camp Chef Everest 2X, there’s a perfect stove out there for every camper. Remember, the best stove for you depends on your specific needs, whether it’s budget, size, or cooking versatility. We hope this guide has helped you navigate the options and find the ideal camping stove for your next adventure. Happy cooking and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall camping stove?

The best overall camping stove is the Camp Chef Everest 2X, known for its powerful performance and excellent flame control.

Which camping stove is best for a budget?

The best budget camping stove is the Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove, offering great value with updated controls and integrated ignition.

What is the best compact camping stove?

The Primus Kinjia Camping Stove is the best compact camping stove, ideal for those who need portability without sacrificing performance.

Which camping stove is recommended for grilling?

The Coleman 3-in-1 Stove is highly recommended for grilling, providing versatile cooking options for outdoor enthusiasts.

What is the best camping stove for large groups?

The Camp Chef Explorer 14 is the best choice for large groups, offering ample cooking space and high BTU output.

Which camping stove is best for overlanding?

The iKamper Disco Series Camping Grill is the best for overlanding, designed for durability and versatile cooking on the go.