Best Camping Stoves in 2021

Coleman has been making camping gear since the early 1900s. They have the know-how and experience to design efficient, inexpensive camp stoves. The Coleman Classic is a two-burner propane stove. It looks like a metal suitcase when in travel mode, never taking up much room. It unfolds to give itself a windscreen at the back and wings at the sides that also prevent harsh winds from blowing out cooking flames. Its two burners sit far enough apart to cook with two pots, and dials on the front give you precise temperature control. The Coleman Classic is reliable, affordable, and perfect for one or an army of six.

Traditional camping stoves are designed to work on a picnic table. That's all well and good until you end up at a site without a place to put your stove. The Camp Chef Explorer is a double burner stove with legs. It's ideal for taller campers or anyone who wants to keep the picnic table free and clear of a hot, messy stove. The burners are cast aluminum, and a three-sided windscreen prevents breezes ending the life of your flames. This model has detachable legs, a three-foot hose and regulator, flame adjustable dial, a cast iron griddle, and it runs off propane.

If you camp solo or you're an avid backpacker, you can't beat my standby for those occasions. The Jetboil Zip is a full cooking system. It comes with a cooking cup that doubles at a serving dish. The bottom cover also does double-duty as a measuring cup. Water boils in about two minutes with the Jetboil, and it uses less than half the fuel of other systems. You'll get a fuel canister stabilizer with the Jetboil, a drink-through lid with a strainer, and a one year warranty. This tiny model weighs just 12 ounces and works well for one to two campers. It packs down small enough to fit in the pocket of a backpack.

Coleman's Camp Bistro is a one-burner butane stove. Its matchless, one-touch lighting and precise temperature control knob make it an instant hit with new campers and those who don't want to hassle with packing too many extras. There's a carrying case included for hauling this from car to campsite. It may look small, but the Camp Bistro is large enough to fit a 10-inch pan, so it's great for brewing morning coffee, getting bacon and eggs going, or heating dinner. Also worth bragging about: removable steel grates that make cleaning a breeze.

There's no denying that, when given a choice, most prefer the taste of foods cooked over a wood-burning fire. Campfire flames are hard to control, though, so many opt for some type of camping stove. You'll get the best of both worlds with the Solo Titan. The compact camp stove kit runs off kindling. A unique double wall design burns wood efficiently and without much smoke. The Titan can boil water in five minutes and has ample space to cook for two to four adults. The Titan weighs just a hair over a pound and comes with a carrying bag.

The brilliant EcoZoom Versa is an impressive camping stove that works with wood, charcoal, or solid biomass fuel. An insulated vertical combustion chamber offers tremendous fuel efficiency, meaning you need fewer materials with which to cook a meal. The Versa comes with a three-pronged cast iron stovetop that supports pans, pots, and kettles. At 17 pounds, it's a beast, but if you're serious about cooking outdoors and need something that works in the back yard and at a campsite, it's hard to beat.