Outdoor Cooking Stoves

Things to Consider When Purchasing Outdoor Cooking Stoves

Fuel

There are many types of fuel used for outdoor stoves. Butane, propane, kerosene, and even gasoline are used to fuel modern camping stoves. However, by far the best fuel to use is white gas. White gas is very efficient and has the capability to burn at almost any temperature. Furthermore, white gas burns a clean flame and is very easy to locate for purchase.

Number of Burners

Some outdoor camping stoves come with multiple burners, while others come with only one. Two burner stoves are great for cooking two things at once, yet for only a couple people it might not be necessary to have a double burner stove. Macaroni, for instance, can be cooked with one burner, while serving multiple people.

Size

Two burner stoves can obviously cook more food than those with just one burner, but often times it is not possible to carry a large stove while backpacking. The size of the stove must be considered, and you should know exactly where you will be using it. For instance, if you are planning on keeping the stove in an RV, than you will certainly have more room for multiple burners than if you plan on backpacking.

Weight

Be sure to take weight into account when selecting a stove. If you are climbing or backpacking you don’t want to be held back by a heavy stove.

Tips for Using Outdoor Camping Stoves

• Never smoke around the camp stove.
  • The only flame that you should ever have near the camp stove is the flame you are using to light the cooking device.
• Never use the stove when it is situated inside a tent or other shelter.
  • Outdoor stoves are obviously meant to be used outside. Tent materials are often extremely flammable and the stove will consume all the oxygen in the tent.
• Keep a lid on the pans and dishes which you are cooking on the stove to prevent burns.
  • Always carry a wilderness survival kit in your camping gear in case of a burn or other injury.
• Never use the stove on snow or on frozen ground.
  • The stove will slowly begin to heat the snow or ice and this can lead to an accident. Just as you want to camp dry for tent protection, you want to cook dry for your own safety.
• Try to keep fuel sources warm because warm fuel burns more efficiently.
• Know how to use your stove.
  • You do not want to try out the new stove in a camping environment when you are relying on it for your food. Make sure that you use it a few times before you go camping so that you are familiar with the proper way to light it. Acquaint yourself with all the features. You don’t want to try to work your grill for the first time after a long day of Alaska adventure hiking.
• Make sure the stove can work at high altitudes if you'll be camping in the mountains. A high altitude stove must be able to function properly above ten thousand feet.
• It can be a good idea to get a warranty for the stove because stove parts tend to break. It’s also a good idea to carry replacement parts with you.
• When purchasing a camping stove, always remember to consider any necessary accessories you intend to use while cooking. For instance, a stand and extra holders for pots and pans will be wise if you plan on cooking a large amount of food.
• Always carry matches in order to light the stove manually. Even if you can effortlessly light it with the simple touch of a button, it's always best to be prepared. The stove might get wet or otherwise require matches to light.