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10 Best Camping Stoves 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Camping and Overlanding Stove Cooking System with Camping Cookware Grey

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Wind Resistance
Cooking Power (BTUs)

Most important from
692 reviews

Wind Resistance
The windscreen is functional and compact but feels flimsy and awkward to install, risking damage during use.
Cooking Power (BTUs)
Despite its solid cooking power, the stove can feel somewhat fragile, which may affect long-term durability.

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Camping Stove is a solid choice for campers who want a reliable, portable cooking system that can handle group meals. It uses propane fuel, which is easy to find and provides consistent heat. With two burners delivering 10,000 BTUs each, it heats water quickly—boiling one liter in just over three minutes—which is great for making meals efficiently. The burners fold into the included 5-liter pot, making the entire unit compact and easy to pack, which is helpful for saving space on trips.

The stove offers adjustable flame control, so you can simmer delicate sauces or boil water fast, giving you good cooking flexibility. It also performs well in cooler outdoor temperatures, down to about 20°F (-6°C). The included cookware, like a nonstick 10-inch fry pan and a windscreen, adds convenience. One downside is that the stove weighs about 16.4 ounces and the full kit weighs around 5.3 kilograms with packaging, so it’s more suitable for car camping or overlanding rather than ultralight backpacking. Also, the stove relies on external propane canisters (sold separately), so you’ll need to plan fuel needs ahead.

This stove is well suited for campers who cook for small groups and want a durable, versatile setup with good heat control and wind resistance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Wind Resistance
Cooking Power (BTUs)

Most important from
692 reviews

Wind Resistance
The windscreen is functional and compact but feels flimsy and awkward to install, risking damage during use.
Cooking Power (BTUs)
Despite its solid cooking power, the stove can feel somewhat fragile, which may affect long-term durability.
#2

Camp Chef Everest 2X 2-Burner Camping Stove - Portable Propane Cooktop with 40,000 BTUs of Power, Folding Lid, Wind Guards & Stainless Steel Drip Tray

Rating
9.1
Weight and Portability
Cooking Power (BTUs)
Ignition System

Most important from
466 reviews

Weight and Portability
It's a little heavier and wider when folded compared to other stoves, but its power and fuel efficiency more than make up for it.
Cooking Power (BTUs)
This stove is very powerful, boiling water quickly and cooking eggs or pancakes with ease.
Ignition System
This stove is very powerful, boiling water quickly and cooking eggs or pancakes with ease. The built-in lighter and side wings that clip in are great features.
Wind Resistance
The lock-in windbreak and the ability to lower the flame without it blowing out enhance its usability in various weather conditions.
Simmer Control
The burners have delicate settings, perfect for simmering on low heat, making it ideal for car camping or overlanding.

The Camp Chef Mountain Series Everest 2X is a reliable and powerful two-burner camping stove, perfect for outdoor cooking. Each burner offers 10,000 BTUs of cooking power, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Its compact design and folding lid make it highly portable and easy to store, ideal for camping trips or outdoor excursions. Weighing 15 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for backpacking but is manageable for car camping and other types of camping where you don't need to carry it far from your vehicle.

The stove’s lid doubles as a windscreen, enhancing wind resistance and ensuring consistent heat distribution in various weather conditions. The included adaptor for a 1 lb propane cylinder adds convenience, making it easy to set up and start cooking.

Rating
9.1
Weight and Portability
Cooking Power (BTUs)
Ignition System

Most important from
466 reviews

Weight and Portability
It's a little heavier and wider when folded compared to other stoves, but its power and fuel efficiency more than make up for it.
Cooking Power (BTUs)
This stove is very powerful, boiling water quickly and cooking eggs or pancakes with ease.
Ignition System
This stove is very powerful, boiling water quickly and cooking eggs or pancakes with ease. The built-in lighter and side wings that clip in are great features.
Wind Resistance
The lock-in windbreak and the ability to lower the flame without it blowing out enhance its usability in various weather conditions.
Simmer Control
The burners have delicate settings, perfect for simmering on low heat, making it ideal for car camping or overlanding.
#3

Camp Chef Explorer, Two Burner Stove, Two 30,000 BTU's cast-aluminum burners, Cooking Dimensions: 14 in. x 32 in, Black

Rating
8.8
Weight and Portability
Wind Resistance

Most important from
9418 reviews

Weight and Portability
Perfect for tailgate parties and group outings, easily picked up and stored when not in use.
Wind Resistance
Adjustable legs make it stable on uneven ground, and the windscreen works effectively.

The Camp Chef Explorer Two-Burner Stove is a robust option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the high cooking power provided by two 30,000 BTU burners, making it suitable for boiling water and cooking meals quickly. The stove runs on propane (liquefied petroleum gas), a common fuel type that is easy to source for camping trips.

Weighing in at 2.5 kilograms, it is relatively lightweight and portable, especially with its detachable legs that make it easy to transport and set up. The three-sided windscreen is a useful addition, offering good wind resistance to keep the flames steady while cooking outdoors. The burner configuration is straightforward with two burners, but the level of simmer control is not detailed and could be a limitation for those needing precise heat adjustments.

The versatility of this stove is another plus, as it is compatible with various Camp Chef 14” accessories, extending its usability from grilling to baking. Made of alloy steel, it promises durability and can be utilized in diverse settings from family camping trips to tailgating events. It is best suited for users who need a reliable, powerful, and versatile outdoor stove that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

Rating
8.8
Weight and Portability
Wind Resistance

Most important from
9418 reviews

Weight and Portability
Perfect for tailgate parties and group outings, easily picked up and stored when not in use.
Wind Resistance
Adjustable legs make it stable on uneven ground, and the windscreen works effectively.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Stoves

Choosing the right camping stove can make a big difference in your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you're a solo backpacker or camping with a group, the right stove will help you prepare meals efficiently and safely. When selecting a camping stove, consider factors such as the type of fuel it uses, its weight and portability, cooking power, and ease of use. Understanding these key specifications will help you find the best fit for your needs and ensure you have a great time in the great outdoors.
Fuel TypeThe type of fuel a camping stove uses is crucial because it affects the stove's performance, availability of fuel, and ease of use. Common fuel types include canister fuel, liquid fuel, alcohol, and solid fuel. Canister stoves are convenient and easy to use, making them great for beginners and short trips. Liquid fuel stoves are versatile and perform well in cold weather, ideal for extended trips and international travel. Alcohol stoves are lightweight and simple, perfect for ultralight backpackers. Solid fuel stoves are compact and reliable, suitable for emergency kits and minimalist camping. Choose a fuel type based on your trip duration, destination, and cooking needs.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are important considerations, especially if you plan to carry your stove in a backpack. Lightweight stoves are ideal for backpacking and hiking, where every ounce counts. These stoves are usually compact and easy to pack. Heavier stoves, while less portable, often offer more stability and cooking power, making them suitable for car camping or base camps. Consider how much weight you are willing to carry and how much space you have in your pack when choosing a stove.
Cooking Power (BTUs)Cooking power, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), indicates how quickly a stove can boil water or cook food. Higher BTU ratings mean faster cooking times, which can be beneficial in cold or windy conditions. Stoves with lower BTU ratings are more fuel-efficient and suitable for simmering and delicate cooking. If you need to cook quickly or for a group, opt for a stove with higher BTUs. For solo trips or when fuel efficiency is a priority, a stove with lower BTUs may be more appropriate.
Burner ConfigurationThe burner configuration affects how many pots or pans you can use at once and the overall cooking experience. Single-burner stoves are lightweight and compact, ideal for solo travelers or those with limited space. Double-burner stoves provide more cooking flexibility and are great for preparing multiple dishes simultaneously, making them suitable for group camping or family trips. Some stoves even offer multiple burners with different heat outputs for versatile cooking. Choose a burner configuration based on the number of people you are cooking for and the complexity of your meals.
Ignition SystemThe ignition system determines how you light the stove. Manual ignition stoves require a match or lighter, which can be reliable but may be challenging in windy or wet conditions. Piezo ignition stoves have a built-in igniter that creates a spark with the push of a button, offering convenience and ease of use. However, piezo igniters can sometimes fail, so it's always good to have a backup method. Consider your comfort level with lighting a stove and the conditions you expect to encounter when choosing an ignition system.
Wind ResistanceWind resistance is important for maintaining a consistent flame and efficient cooking in outdoor conditions. Some stoves come with built-in windshields or are designed to be more wind-resistant, which can save fuel and reduce cooking times. If you often camp in windy areas, look for a stove with good wind resistance features. Alternatively, you can use a separate windscreen to protect the flame. Assess the typical weather conditions of your camping destinations to determine the level of wind resistance you need.
Simmer ControlSimmer control allows you to adjust the flame to lower heat settings, which is useful for cooking delicate foods or simmering sauces. Not all stoves offer precise simmer control, so if you plan to cook a variety of meals and not just boil water, this feature can be important. Stoves with good simmer control provide more versatility in your cooking options. Consider the types of meals you want to prepare and whether simmering is a necessary feature for your camping stove.

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