A camping stove isn’t just useful for camping, it’s also important for mountain trips, weekend getaways, and even some DofE activities. Among the best camping stoves are propane-powered stoves. However, there are other ways to cook food, such as over a fire or with high-tech compact stoves.
Because the grate and underside of the stove are sealed, you should wipe them clean after use. It is also essential to have a windscreen when cooking outside. Fires can be affected by wind strength, making them sputter or completely extinguish without them. Step-by-step instructions for using the various types of camp stoves are provided in the following section.
Factors to Consider
Size
The size of the item also matters. You can fit a lot on a large stove if you are cooking for a big party. However, if you are cooking for fewer people and using smaller pots and pans, a small stove may work just fine. With the double burners of a basic stove, a big frying pan and a small saucepan can be accommodated.
Check your gas stove for leaks
Before going on a camping trip, check your gas canisters and camping stoves for leaks. Spray water mixed with washing up liquid on the connections between your stove and gas canister using a spray bottle, mixing it with washing up liquid. Whenever gas leaks out, there will be bubbles, and you should not try to use the equipment if you see any bubbles.
Before purchasing new gear, check to see if it’s still covered by warranty. Paper towels will work well for wiping down the stove and canister if there are no bubbles.
Never cook in your tent
Do not cook at camp if it is particularly nasty outside. Cooking in your tent is the best choice when it is really nasty outside. The materials used to make tents and sleeping bags are intrinsically flammable, so they may catch fire even with fire retardants. According to official UK Government recommendations (opens in new tab), a tent can be destroyed by fire within one minute.
Condensation can form inside tents due to a lack of ventilation, which makes carbon monoxide poisoning another possibility. To ensure your stove’s safety, it should be set up at least several feet from your tent and covered with a tarp if the weather looks bad.
Set up on a flat, clear surface
Find a flat, uncluttered area to place your camping stove when dinner time comes. There are some stoves that are more susceptible to falling over than others, but the last thing you want is for the stove to fall over in the event of a gust of wind.
When you’re using your stove, avoid tripping over errant rocks or tent poles, even if it’s quite wide and flat. Ensure that no vegetation is present in the area that may catch fire and spread. Finally, never leave your stove unattended, especially if it is running. Children, wind, or wildlife may knock it over.
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Store your camping stove safely
Take your camping stove and gas canister along on hikes and trail runs, but store them away from direct sunlight and extreme heat while setting up camp. Make sure you pick a spot that is shady, such as under a tree or picnic table. Desert camping or hot days require you not to leave your gear in your tent, which traps heat and could cause the canister to catch fire.
Disconnect the gas after use
After you have finished cooking your meal, remove the gas canister from the stove after you have turned it off. You may end up running out of fuel until you leave, or you may experience gas leaks if you attach the canister to the stove. If you’re planning a backpacking trip, you might want to check out our guide on how much fuel to bring.
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Clean your camping stove
You should keep your camping stove clean in order to keep it working properly. Grease and fat from your camping food can clog the burner, and leftovers can create a fire hazard. If you are camping for a longer period of time, bring some washing up liquid and wash your stove and pan every time you use them – just make sure they are cooled first. In case of a quick overnight trip, it’s easier to clean up once you return home. It is possible to extend the lifespan of your camping stove by keeping it clean.
