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Choosing a Butane Stove for Camping
For car camping and picnics, a tabletop butane stove is simple, clean and quick to set up. The right choice depends on the weather you camp in and what you cook.
Match the stove to your trips
| Trip type | Look for |
|---|---|
| Summer car camping | Standard butane stove with a sturdy grate and carry case |
| Spring and autumn nights | Wind protection, and consider isobutane or dual-fuel |
| Group cooking | Higher BTU output and a wide, stable grate |
| Beach and windy sites | Windshield or recessed burner |
| Cold or high-altitude trips | A canister stove designed for isobutane/propane, or a propane stove |
Compare butane stoves and dual-fuel stoves for current models.
Wind and cooking
Wind is the biggest thief of heat outdoors. A stove with a recessed burner or built-in windshield boils water faster and uses less fuel. Set up behind a natural windbreak, but never enclose the stove so that heat builds up around the canister.
Safety at camp
- Cook outdoors, never inside a tent or vestibule.
- Use the stove on a stable, level, non-flammable surface.
- Keep pans within the specified size.
- Let the stove cool before packing it away.
- Pack out empty canisters and recycle them according to local rules.
Fuel planning
Estimate fuel from the manufacturer’s burn time: if a canister lasts about 1.5 hours at full power and you cook for 30 minutes a day, one canister covers about three days, with a spare for safety and cool mornings.