Design
The high-quality stainless steel and nichrome wire used in the manufacturing process makes this product very resistant for a long period of time. Furthermore, it has a nylon stuff sack and it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship. One of the main reasons why it is such a great model is the fact that due to its patented design, it uses less fuel in comparison with other models. The design features a double wall and a secondary combustion , which makes it extremely efficient while producing less smoke.
Smart Features
At the same time, it features innovative holes on the bottom increasing the airflow and eventually causing the secondary combustion. Another interesting aspect about it is the fact that it doesn’t work on fuel, but it uses wood, leaves, twigs, sticks, or pinecones , which makes the product very convenient because you won’t have to carry any fuel in your bag. In what concerns the design of the Solo Lite, you will surely like the fact that it has a compact design, measuring 4.25 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches and weighing only 9 oz.
Award-winning
It is one of the best models on the market, the reason for which it occupies the first place in our top. The model is also recommended by Backpacker Magazin, being the winner of 2014 Gear of the Year. Therefore, with the help of this product, you can travel wherever you want and still enjoy a nice, warm meal. Since it doesn’t use any fuel, is an environmentally-friendly option, which is definitely an advantage.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- High-quality materials
- Comes with nylon stuff sack
- Lightweight and compact design
- 32 fl. oz. of water capacity
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
It is an innovative product that won’t disappoint you. The compact design allows you to carry it in your backpack without too much hassle, being very easy to use once you read the instructions. Additionally, the impressive lifetime warranty makes it a reliable choice. In comparison to other models that can boil water in less than 5 minutes , with this model you have to wait up to 10 minutes to reach the boiling time but this is a small drawback and it doesn’t affects its performance.
|
It’s small in size, but its efficiency outcomes the larger models. Weighing only 73 grams and measuring 5″ L x 3.5″ H x 4″ W, the MSR MicroRocket can be easily carried and thanks to the folding pot supports, it can be folded to fit into an insulated mug for transportation.
Few products cover this aspect so it’s another advantage of this great camping model. However, it doesn’t sacrifice durability for compactness as it is made of sturdy materials that can withstand any type of weather without rusting. The pot supports are long and wide enough to hold pots of various sizes without the risk of tilting or falling. If other models can give you a hard time when igniting them, you will have no troubles lighting the flame of the MicroRocket.
The Piezo ignition consists of a protected element inside the fuel gathering tube so that the flame is rapidly ignited. Moreover, it features a WindClip protection for persistent flame despite the weather. Once it is lit, it will boil one liter of water in 3.5 minutes so you can shortly enjoy performance and efficiency. Despite the fact it works on gas, there is nothing to worry about when handling it because the valve is tightly sealed to avoid any gas leaks. Simply connect it directly to a MSR gas canister and watch it performing an excellent job.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- The flame is rapidly ignited
- Compact shape and size makes it perfect for trips
- Robust design to ensure safety in use
- Short boiling time
- 60-minute burn time per 8-ounce canister
- An 8-ounce canister can boil approximately 16 liters of water
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
It is among our favorite models simply because is compact and efficient. You won’t need more than 3 and a half minutes to boil one liter of water, so preparing your meals when you travel will be very easy. The model is lightweight but is made from superior materials, allowing you to enjoy it for many years to come. However,
this model needs gas , so it’s not an eco-friendly option.
|
Whenever you need a model that is easily portable and easy to use, you can rely on the Etekcity that includes not one, but two stoves that can be attached to regular gas canisters. Any 7/16 thread butane or butane/propane fuel canister is compatible with it. It burns the fuel completely so there are no traces or debris left behind after use, thus protecting the environment.
A feature worth naming is the adjustable control valve that allows you to adjust the flame’s intensity according to your needs. What it lacks are wind deflectors to protect the flame from wind, but this doesn’t keep it from boiling 1l of water in 3.5 minutes. While other models feature a 3-leg design, this one has 4 support legs for even more sturdiness during cooking.
Its support legs are made of a durable aluminum alloy that can hold heavy pots and can resist to high temperatures without changing shape or breaking under pressure. All in all, it is also collapsible so you can easily fold it and carry it around in a backpack whenever you go camping. For even more convenience, there is also a carry case included so you can store them away. The product is covered by a 1-year warranty.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Fast ignition
- 4 support legs for more stability
- Flame control valve
- Portable and lightweight design
- Output of 6.666 BTU
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
With Etekcity 2 Pack you will get 2 products for the price of one. This is great, especially if you usually travel with many friends or if you just one to be covered in case one of them gets damaged. It is very stable and it works on butane or propane but it was made with the environment in mind. The built-in valve for flame control allows you to choose the desired intensity for preparing a delicious food even if you are not at home. It needs up to 3.5 minutes to boil one liter of water. The only major drawback is the lack of wind deflectors.
|
Ohuhu Portable Wood Burning Camping
Our next choice is the Ohuhu that is as efficient and easy to use as the others but differs in an essential detail, which is the fuel type. This model works on wood , meaning you won’t have to buy a fuel canister as well. You can feed it with leaves, twigs, wood, or pinecones, and it will provide an even and stable flame.
The alcohol plate included feeds the flame and helps you ignite it fast so you can have a quick and lasting flame. You will notice that there is no feeding slot to keep adding wood to the flame and that is because it continues to burn the resulted carbon released from the burned wood in order to keep the flame burning.
It measures 5.3″ x 5.3″ x 3″ and weighs a little over 14 ounces, meaning you can grab and toss it into a bag to have it at hand whenever you need it. It also comes with a carry case for convenient transportation. Despite the lightweight design, it is durable, with support legs made of stainless steel that create a solid cooking platform and evenly distribute heat.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Durable wood model
- Eco-friendly design
- Lightweight and portable design
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
Ohuhu Portable Wood Burning Camping is the perfect alternative to fuel models. This one works on wood, leaves, or pinecones, being the perfect companion for your trips. The flame is powerful, so you can boil water in less than 4 minutes. The overall construction is sturdy, yet lightweight, so you won’t even know you’re carrying it in your backpack. Cooking on it is very easy as the heat is distributed evenly for the best results. However, the only guarantee it comes with is the possibility to return it after 30 days.
|
OutSmart Ultralight Titanium
A compact and lightweight addition to your camping gear that provides with the luxury of you being able to prepare food and boil water, the OutSmart comes at a cheap price which further adds to its appeal. It weighs a mere 0.8 ounces and measures 2 inches by 1.5 inches. It is compatible with multiple types of fuel, including isobutene, butane, and propane, consuming only 4.9 grams of gas per hour, which means that the costs of using it are incredibly low.
It is made with stainless steel which grants it a high durability over the years and it is an Eco-friendly option to go for. As the valve can be folded, if you want to save extra room in the backpack, you can do so as folding it makes similar in size to a lighter.
One of its most appealing features, however, is the spiral flame technology which ensures an even flame distribution so that your meals are prepared quick and water is boiled faster than you would have ever expected, boiling a cup in only 2 minutes.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Made with Eco-friendly materials
- Features a folding valve
- Spiral flame technology for even flame distribution
- Consumes only 4.9 grams of gas per hour
- Cheap asking price
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
If you want to recreate the same comfort you feel at home when you go camping, one major piece that you have to integrate with your experience is cooking. For this, you can use the OutSmart, a tool no camper should go without as it is small and easy to carry in the backpack.
|
OUTAD provides a safe and sturdy product that is incredibly small but also durable and safe to use. The entire item measures no more than 4.2 x 5.3 x 5.4 inches and weighs around 9.7 ounces , being the perfect thing to carry around on your trips or when you want to cook something outdoors. In addition, it can be folded to palm-size and includes a carrying case that makes transportation easier so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Another detail that matters is its performance in igniting fast and ensuring a constant and powerful flame. The OUTAD scores great points due to the high-density 13.8” gas line with a Lindal valve connection that sends gas to the igniter for a quick ignition. Worry not about safety as the valve is perfectly sealed to prevent gas leaks. Also, there is a 360-degree wind deflector that protects the flame of wind of over 40 mph so you can use it in any weather conditions.
The flame is so strong that it can boil a liter of water in 2.5 minutes, being among the fastest and most powerful model available out there. The manufacturer trusts their product so much that they provide a money-back warranty in case the customer is not satisfied with the performance, case in which they either refund the money or replace the defective item.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Safety gas valve
- Wind deflector to protect the flame
- Can withstand winds of 45 MPH
- Fast boiling time
- Compact shape and size
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
OUTAD Windproof Foldable is easy to carry as it is lightweight and foldable. No one wants bulky accessories when going on a trip, so this model is exactly what you need for enjoying a relaxing time in the middle of the nature. It works on gas and for preventing any possible damages it features a safety valve. Moreover, even if there’s wind, the wind deflector does a wonderful job as the flame is well-protected. One liter of water is boiled in 2 and a half minutes , which is quite impressive. Unfortunately, the product doesn’t come with a warranty, but you can return it within 30 day from the date of purchase.
|
One of the most Eco-friendly options to go with, the Canway helps you cook your food when you are on a trip without the use of fuel canisters, thus no harmful emissions being released. As fuel, you can either use solidified alcohol, or leaves, twigs, and wood. It weighs only 1.12 pounds, so it will be a cinch to carry, while the compact 5.5-inch by 5.5-inch by 3.38-inch size makes it fit even in a crowded backpack.
Due to its superior ventilation, it is easy to fire it up, its high thermal efficiency enabling it to boil water in less than 3 minutes. As it is made of stainless steel, there is no reason to worry about its resilience to slight drops or other unwanted incidents. The secondary combustion it uses is useful as it keeps it burning for an additional 20 minutes solely on wood chips and dry firewood.
It comes in three different styles, style-1 being suitable for 1-2 people, style-2 being suitable for 1-2 people but boasting a higher profile, and style-3 being suitable for 4-6 people. All the more gladdening is the 2-year warranty provided by the manufacturing company for it. While the product is under this warranty agreement, it will be repaired or replaced completely for free, as long as you make sure to use it properly, as instructed in the accompanying manual.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Comes in three different styles – #1 and #2 are suitable for 1-2 people, while #3 is suitable for 4-6 people
- Measures only 5.5” by 5.5” by 3.38”, fitting perfectly in a crowded backpack
- Its good ventilation makes it easy to fire up and ensures it provides a high thermal efficiency
- Cheap price makes it an accessible acquisition
|
|
| VERDICT
|
|
Accessible in terms of pricing and easy to use as it boasts a superior ventilation, the Canway is your go-to model for backpacking adventures. Best of all, its environmentally friendly design ensures no harmful emissions will be freed in the atmosphere when you cook your meals during camping trips.
|
If you want to save money and you are looking for a cheap alternative that will also offer performance, try the Primus and discover how efficient a small model can be. It works on gas and can be attached to any regular gas canister , preferably a 230g one if you want to enjoy fire for 70 minutes.
It features a manual ignition meaning you have to open the valve and use a match, which could be a drawback if you can’t find one. Other than that, you will love the solid design with the 5” wide cooking platform that evenly distributes the heat. Thanks to the built-in windscreen that is actually the base of the legs, the flame will remain constant even in windy conditions.
Although not foldable, it is so small and lightweight that fitting it into a bag should not be an issue. It measures only 2.2” L x 4.9” W x 4.9” H and weighs only 8 ounces, being among the smallest models out there.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Sturdy and safe design
- Compatible with any gas canister
- Easy to use
- Suitable for 1-3 people
- The flame lasts for around 60 minutes
|
- Not foldable
- Manual ignition
|
| VERDICT
|
|
Primus Classic Trail is perfect for those who are looking for a cheaper alternative. However, the fact that it is available at a more affordable price doesn’t make it less efficient. It can boil water in approximately 5 minutes and it can easily handle windy conditions as it features a rigid windscreen. It has a compact design and works on gas. Nevertheless, there are some things that need improvement for a more convenient user experience.
|
While it is indeed convenient to use from numerous points of view, the fact that it requires wood, twigs, or branches to boil water and heat up your food disadvantages it greatly. However, considering the small asking price for it, it’s safe to say that it is a smart acquisition to go for. Probably its main highlight is the fact that it is made of titanium, a durable material that ensures years of use while keeping it lightweight.
As a matter of fact, as it weighs only 10.2 ounces, you won’t even feel it in your backpack as you carry it during your trips through the mountains. Another convenient design aspect is its size that ensures it won’t take up much space either – it measures 4.9 inches by 4.9 inches by 6.3 inches.
Due to the fact that it doesn’t require gas to run, it is an environmentally option to go for. In terms of efficiency, due to the wide design of the opening, you can rely on it to deliver intense flames to heat up your food quickly. This wide opening also makes it a lot more convenient to add wood whenever needed. Another interesting element is the cross-stand trivet it features that provides a stable platform for cooking, regardless of the size of the pot you place on it.
| PROS
|
CONS
|
- Wide design of the opening provides a high burning efficiency
- Easy to use
- Comes at a cheap price
|
- Less convenient to use as it requires wood to burn
|
| VERDICT
|
|
Although it is less convenient than other entries in our top, the lightweight and compact design, as well as the cheap asking price make up for this flaw. Add to these elements the fact that it is made with a strong material, titanium to be more precise, and you have a dependable product in front of you.
|
Just because you go backpacking with friends, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a hot meal before you go to sleep or a warm coffee in the morning. Of course, for you to enjoy these things,
you need a good quality camping stove by your side. If you are the type of person who goes on adventurous trips often and you want to have a great product at your disposal to use when you need to prepare various foods or simply reheat them, then check out the following lines. Here, we will show you what are the important specs and features that you should look for when making such a purchase.
-
When you go on a camping trip with friends, you need to carry as little weight with you as possible. This is the reason why it’s mandatory to pay attention to the weight and overall portability , choosing one that is easy and convenient to carry in order to prevent having a tough time getting to the spot where you will set up your tent.
-
If you want to have a unit that is as efficient as possible by your side, the boil time is the spec that you must pay attention to when making such a purchase. Of course, the boil time differs depending on the type of model that you’re using, so it’s essential for you to know how each type works. Integrated canister system models are the fastest when it comes to boiling water and the most efficient due to the fact that they use minimal fuel. Canister models boil the water quick and they’re good at simmering as well. Liquid-fuel models might have varying simmering abilities , but they are able to boil the water quick even if it’s really cold outside. Last but not least, alternate-fuel models might be slower, but they are highly effective at boiling water nonetheless.
-
If you go with a fuel operated model, then you have to look at the burn time as well. The burn time represents how long it will burn given a certain amount of fuel. The longer the burn time is, the better as it shows that it will work for a long amount of time.
-
A feature that is very important and that you definitely have to look for is for it to have push-button ignition. This type of ignition is typical for canister-fuel models, and it is essential due to the fact that it allows you to use it even if you don’t have matches or a lighter. If you have been on camping trips often, you know how easy it is for matches to get lost or wet, so it’s easy to see why this feature is so important.
-
Another feature that is definitely worth looking for is for it to have stabilizers that will get attached to the bottom , reducing the chance for it to tip over. Some models come with stabilizers, while others require you to purchase them separately. Pay attention to this aspect and buy them separately if they’re not included in the package to ensure complete safety while using it.
What are the Types to Choose from?
You might think that they are no biggie and that picking one is just a matter of size but you must know that there are a few types that differ in the way they are fueled. While your home stove can only work with gas, be it natural or propane, note that
camping models can work on 5 types of fuel , as follows.
-
They use tablets of fuel that light on fire and are very easy to use and incredibly cheap. However, the biggest drawback is that you can’t control the flame, you can only add more tablets to increase the intensity. Also, the solid fuel is a little messy and the pots will come out greasy and hard to clean.
-
The second type and also the most popular uses gas cartridges that can be replaced when they are emptied. You will find it very easy to use and control and the flame is very strong so you can boil water in minutes. The disadvantages are that the cartridges are rather bulky and you can’t use a windscreen because they might explode if overheated.
-
These work on alcohol that is known to ignite in a blink and they are very cheap considering they work on plain alcohol. The downsides are that you can hardly control the flame and it’s quite unpleasant to travel with a bottle of alcohol in your backpack. Also, the flame doesn’t last for long and you have to keep adding alcohol, which can be tricky.
-
With this type, you have plenty of fuel options because you can find fuel cans with white gas, kerosene, diesel, or unleaded gasoline. It’s one of the easiest to use and control and you will have an intense and constant flame. The problem is with the big size that can be hard to fit in a backpack. Also, your hands might stink after using it and you will also get some bad odors in the air.
-
The last type is the innovative model that works on alternative fuel, usually wood. The most high-tech ones even let you charge your phone using the energy created, which is great considering that hiking doesn’t offer too much electricity.
How to Get the Most of Your Fuel Canister
If you run out of gas canisters at home, there is no panic because you can always go and buy a new one but things are more complicated if you run out of fuel in the middle of the woods while cooking dinner. To make sure you never get in that situation, here are a few tricks to help you make the most of your fuel canister.
-
If the temperatures go below zero, make sure you prevent the fuel from freezing so you won’t have troubles using it completely. Keep it in your sleeping bag or wrap it in an insulated jacket to ensure it stays warm and ready to be used. If you have two canisters, keep both warm so when you will swap them, you will have a warm replacement.
-
Place it on a warm surface
If you place the canister directly on the cold ground, it will become cold as well and it will be harder to maintain a flame. Therefore, place a sort of a barrier on the ground like a piece of cardboard or metal that will keep it from getting cold.
-
A strong wind can turn off your flame and make using the stove very difficult. Even the mildest wind can triple the fuel usage while cooking a meal so it’s best to build a wind barrier by placing rocks like a wall around it.
-
When preparing drinks, don’t bring the water very close to the boiling point only to let it cool off afterward. Slightly warm your water to the temperature that you can actually drink it at so you won’t have to add cold water to cool it off.
-
If you are planning on cooking foods like pasta, beans, or rice, soak it in water before boiling it so it will get softer and you will reduce the boiling time. A pre-soaked portion of rice or pasta will require less cooking time so you will save on fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Can the flame be controlled?
Yes, many of the models that we have mentioned have a valve control which in turns controlls the flame.
?Can I boil water with it?
Yes, you can boil almost any non hazardous liquid without risking to damage the product. However, we do not recommend that you boil things with it every day.
?Are they bulky?
The majority of the items are foldable so it will not take up a lot of space in your backpack. However a foldable model is more expensive.
