6 Best Car Camping Stoves of 2024

The important considerations when choosing the best car camping stove are Where to camp and How big of your camper group. Keep reading to find out which is the most suitable for you.

Here are the best car camping stoves (Nov 2024 Update):

• Best Overall: Camp Chef Explorer
• Ultra-Portable: Coleman 2000020951
• Best Dual Fuel Stove: Gas ONE New GS-3400P
• Best For Camping In The Wind: Coleman Gas Stove
• Most Versatile: Camp Chef Outdoor Oven
• Best Bang For The Buck: Koblenz PFK-400

Best Overall: Camp Chef Explorer

Top Pick

Camp Chef Explorer

Check Price →

With two 30,000 BTUs/Hr. burners, Camp Chef Explorer is more convenient than a single-burner camping stove to help shorten your cooking process. It, at the same time, deliver equal to a higher power than other 2-burner or 4-burner models.

That’s why the Explorer stove is really versatile. It can perfectly fit the cooking demands of small to a large group of campers and finish any tasks really quick to give more joyful time on your hand.

What I love the most in this product are the detachable four legs that I can turn it from a tabletop stove to a freestanding in just minutes. Importantly, these legs are really sturdy and strong to handle the stove itself and food – something rarely finds in other counterparts.

Camp Chef is also very thoughtful when they include a three-sided windscreen in this set so cooking outdoors now (even on windy days) turns out to be easier.

The whole stove is crafted from cast aluminum. While this helps to cut some precious weight off for lighter portability, the product still ensures the highest quality to last you a couple of years.

Ultra-Portable: Coleman 2000020951

Coleman 2000020951

Check Price →

Coleman 2000020951 is a single-burner stove featuring cooking power of 7,650 total BTUs.

To give an idea of how powerful it is, it takes 3-6 minutes to boil 1 qt pot. In comparison to other counterparts, this is really quick so, if you intend to cook 2-4 dishes during your camping trip, rest assured that it can handle like a breeze.

Because of a 1-burner stove, the whole dimensions of Coleman 2000020951 are quite compact (20 x 12 inches). It also includes a carry case for more convenient transporting. The weight isn’t a matter in this model, either. It’s super light with just 4.68 pounds.

Particularly, there’s an Instastart ignition which is not only convenient when lighting the stove but also adjustable to help you control the temperature more precisely.

If you’re a lazy camper, I’m sure you’ll love this option. Out of a durable porcelain-coated grate, the burner is crafted from high-grade aluminum to require really low maintenance.

Best Dual Fuel Stove: Gas ONE New GS-3400P

Gas ONE New GS-3400P

Check Price →

Compared to Coleman 2000020951, the burner power of this model is a bit higher – 8000 BTUs with impressively quick boil time of 2 min/1qt pot.

I think such phenomenal performance comes from the dual fuel built in the GasOne New GS-3400P. Never have to think twice about which type of fuel you should use, this can be compatible with a 16.4 oz propane tank and an 8 oz butane canister.

If you’re camping in fire restricted areas, rest assured, this model is equipped with an impressive safety feature: Automatic Safety Shut Off Capability. Accordingly, whenever detecting the gas flow is irregular, the stove will automatically shut off.

For those prefer to use butane for cooking, the Cartridge Ejection System will ensure the flow to be stably powerful for even heating. If the gas flow is 5-7 kg/cm² or greater, this system will be activated.

Best For Camping In The Wind: Coleman Gas Stove

Coleman Gas Stove

Check Price →

I love the ultra-large wind block shield of this Coleman propane stove. It allows me to confidently cook in any conditions while the additional PerfectHeat technology helps with more efficient cooking but less fuel consumption.

Unlike other double-burner counterparts out there, the grate in this model doesn’t separate hence, it can fit a wide range of pan sizes. At the same time, this Coleman stove can handle a 10-inch and 12-in pans with no bulk.

The material of this grate is also superior - Chrome-plated – that emphasizes ultra-durable and longer-lasting performance. Not to say that it’s super easy to clean and maintain.

Two independent adjustable dials are also impressive since I can give precise temperature to heat a pot/pan. This feature can help me go the simmer efficiently and on the other hand, avoid burning food like a dream.

Most Versatile: Camp Chef Outdoor Oven

Camp Chef Outdoor Oven

Check Price →

This Camp Chef Outdoor Oven is indeed amazing. While delivering two powerful 7,500 BTUs burners, there’s an extra oven working at 3,000 BTUs with the top heat of 400 degrees.

It’s no different from a mini kitchen when there are even two oven racks, one large wind block, and one oven thermometer included.

Regardless, it requires no match lighting and complicated cleansing process to keep your travel packing list shorter.

The nonstick enamel cooking surface as well as the stainless-steel construction not only deliver lower maintenance but also ensure decent durability to last you with time.

Out of such versatility and powerful performance, the whole dimensions of this buddy are just W 16" x H 8.5" x L 10” with 32 pounds of weight. Amazing, huh?

Best Bang For The Buck: Koblenz PFK-400

Koblenz PFK-400

Check Price →

Measured by 20.08 x 24.6 x 5.12 inches, the Koblenz PFK-400 is more compact than I thoughts compared to other four-burner stoves. And with 16,000 total BTUs (plus, a windshield), it’s quite powerful to prepare a big hearty meal for 5-6 campers.

Two people can join cooking together with this type of design and equivalent to 4 burners, are 4 adjustable dials to help you easily control the temperature.

Two similarities to the Camp Chef Outdoor Oven are the porcelain enamel surface that you can easily wipe over to clean all stains and the compatibility with any 16.4-oz propane bottles.

Size is amazing, it’s only 26” x 21” and weighs a mere 15 pounds that you can conveniently carry to anywhere. But I bet when getting to know the price, you’ll be shocked – under $52 for a full set.

How To Choose The Best Car Camping Stoves?

Stove Type

Three common types of car camping stoves are:

• Multi-burner: This allows you to cook multiple dishes at once and is very suitable for a large group
• Two-burner: Come in a perfect compromise of compact design and versatility that you can cook two dishes at the same time while conveniently store in your car for transport.
• Single-burner: This is also the lightest and most compact stove type out of a bunch, perfect for a single use or a small group.

To know which type is suitable for you, consider two things:

• Your cooking styles

• The size of your group

Type of Fuel

Out of diverse types of fuel out there, there are three major options for car camping stoves:

• Butane

• Isobutane

• Propane

• Regardless, are some other types of fuel:

• Solar: An eco-friendly way to cook during your camping trip. But it depends on the weather

• Charcoal: This stove type is really cheap but it emits CO which is not only unhealthy but also unfriendly to the environment. Not to say that it’s rather bulky and slow to get going.

• Wood: This is a budget-friendly option that helps you cut off some fuel costs however, it produces soot at the cookware bottom while might be prohibited due to wildfire burn bans.

• In general, to figure out which one is your go-to, consider where you intend to camp and which is the biggest concern to you: Budget? Low-temperature performance? Lightweight

Burner Power

• The measuring unit of burner power is BTU (stands for British Thermal Unit), which represents for the energy amount required to raise 1 lb. of water by 1°F.

• While a gas stove for home use features within 6,000 to 13,000 BTUs, a camping stove should be higher than that. Amazing, huh?

• As the camping stove will perform in different kinds of weather (especially windy and cold conditions – two common factors that affect the cook times), some extra BTUs will let you compensate that problem.

Wind Protection

• But chances are that you’ve seen a camping stove with higher BTUs cooked slower than a model with lower BTUs, right? There’s no inconsistency here.

• Though burner power plays an essential role in the stove’s performance, it’s not the only one. How fast of your camping stove also depends on whether it can handle the wind or not. In other words, the overall design is another worth-considering factor.

• If yours is a two-burner stove or a multiple-burner stove, choosing one with a folding-three wall barrier or protective sheaths.

Others

• Freestanding or tabletop: While a tabletop is perfect when you’re camping at established campsites, a freestanding model is best for tailgating or dispersed camping.

• Simmer control: Let you keep your oatmeal, creamy risotto, or polenta always warm while avoiding scorched at the bottom efficiently.

• Adjustable legs: Allow you to lower or raise the picnic tables due to preference before starting to cook.

Which Brands Make The Best Car Camping Stoves?

Camp Chef

• Camp Chef is a good brand that produces really versatile camping stoves, at least in my opinion. Their products can meet different cooking demands for small to large people, simple to a hearty meal in an incredibly short time.

Coleman

• This is a well-known outdoor gear brand for high-quality and realistic products that meet precisely the deepest needs of users. Not an exception when it comes to their camping stove lines. The signature strength is a compact design but powerful performance.

GasOne

• Gasone might be new to some campers but it’s truly a must-try brand if your biggest concern is about consistent heat of burners and safety. Their products are allowed to use in even the fire restricted areas.

Koblenz

• Koblenz is a good consideration for those who are in a tight budget. Their products are not only affordable but also versatile to fit variable cooking tasks at the same time. Don’t worry, no sacrifice of quality here.

FAQs

Conclusion

From pasta to s’mores, food all tastes yummier when you’re camping. A stove will be your most workhorse assistant during the whole process, which is the reason I listed out detailly all must-consider features here. Hope it was helpful for you and thanks for reading!