10 Best Camping Stoves of 2024

The utilitarian and time-tested Coleman Classic 2-Burner Camping Stove is our top camping stove pick. When it comes to efficiency, dependability, and affordability, this stove has been a favorite among campers for generations and is a go-to for everyone on the CleverHiker team.

The Coleman Classic was built to suit the average camper’s needs, so instead of being super powerful, it balances moderate heat output with smart fuel efficiency. We love the flat, slim profile for easy stacking in the car or at home. Its low weight – just under 10 pounds – makes it versatile to carry and set up for a quick meal. We also love that the Classic works seamlessly with the ubiquitous green Coleman-brand propane cylinders.

In our experience, the burners and cooking space are adequate unless you’re cooking for a large group. The Classic doesn’t have auto-ignition, which some people may not like. That said, we don’t mind using our lighters or a match – it’s simply one less element that can’t break.

Our only other complaint is the windscreens are a bit flimsy and low, which means you may burn through more gas cooking on breezy evenings.

However, we’ve been using our Coleman Classic stoves for many years, and we will for many more. At such a low price, we consider this model an essential part of any car camping setup, especially for families and couples that want a solid camping stove to do it all. If you want this option with an auto-lighter, consider upgrading to the slightly more stylish Coleman Cascade Classic.

If you’re looking for outstanding simmer control in a sleek, durable, and lightweight package, you’ll love the GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ Camp Stove. 

For all you gourmets out there, the Selkirk’s cooking surface is big enough to use two pots and pans at once for creating culinary masterpieces. Our team had no trouble fitting a full-size pan for frying up eggs, potatoes, and bacon all while boiling water for morning coffee.

Though the Coleman Classic also has two burners, this GSI model is just a bit narrower and shallower, so it’s even easier to store and takes up less space on the table.

The Selkirk 540’s powder-coated steel shell is tough and built to last, but this baby is almost two pounds lighter than similar stoves, so it’s easier to maneuver between car and campsite. And in a world of cool and boring stove colors, we appreciate the bright, distinct colorways.

A downside of the Selkirk 540 is it doesn’t stack as easily as the Coleman Classic due to the raised lid. And, while the automatic light button is handy, like many stoves with this feature, we find it doesn’t always work, so you’ll want to keep a lighter handy just in case.

However, the Selkirk 540 is a great choice for families and small groups who want an effective, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-clean design when camping. We highly recommend it for those who want a wide range of flame control and even heat distribution in a stylish and simple package.

If you need an affordable and compact single-burner stove, look no further than the Gas ONE GS-1000. Whether you’re tackling your favorite recipe from scratch, reheating your favorite meal, or just boiling water, this model is as durable and efficient as single-burners get.

The GS-1000 is durable, versatile, and inexpensive. Featuring all-metal construction and quality craftsmanship, this little thing can provide hundreds of hot meals – and for a very reasonable price. We love that it’s so compact, and the slim case is easy to store and carry.

Because the GS-1000 uses both butane and propane, it’s one of the most versatile options on this list. The ability to swap fuels means you can take this one with you almost anywhere and find the fuel you need to cook the meals of your camping dreams.

Our only complaint about this model comes down to its limited power. At 7,650 BTUs, this single burner has less giddyup than most on this list. The GS-1000 also doesn’t come with a hardtop or windscreen, so you’ll have to use a tailgate, nearby trees, or another makeshift option to maximize your fuel efficiency while cooking in high wind.

That said, for such an incredibly low price, these are minor issues. When it comes to single-burner options, the GS-1000 is a no-brainer addition to your cooking kit. For folks who want a basic stove for outdoor cooking, an easy way to boil water, or as a backup or emergency stove, this one is affordable and easy to love.

Camp chefs who want to do more than pan-sear every meal and boil water when they’re camping will love the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove. Like the Coleman Classic, this stove is easy to use, has excellent simmer control, and is built to last for years, but is even more powerful and versatile.

We love this Coleman model because it includes a cast iron grill and griddle, which fit snugly next to each other above the two burners. They heat up evenly and retain heat for a long time, making it a breeze to roast, blanch, and sear all day long. We’re big fans of these accessories because of their excellent durability and quality. Plus, cast iron is easy to clean, and Coleman includes a zippered bag for storage.

Boasting 12,000 BTUs, this camping stove is also one of the most powerful on this list. The 3-in-1 Camp Stove includes auto-ignition, and we like that it packs away nice and flat when not in use.

However, at 26 pounds (with cast-iron attachments included), the 3-in-1 Camp Stove is heavy compared to most stoves on this list. This model also has very low windscreens that are more about aesthetics than practical. And, it’s worth noting that the cast iron attachments require a bit of extra maintenance; since soap and water can leave residue and rust on cast iron, you’ll want to occasionally clean, maintain, and season your cast iron per manufacturer instructions.

Despite its higher price point, we think the 3-in-1 Camp Stove is a screaming deal. You get two excellent camp-ready cast iron grills, best-in-class simmer control, and a durable stove that will last forever. If your camping trips revolve around luxurious meals and a diverse menu, this is the stove for you.

Sometimes camping just doesn’t feel complete without a fire, which is why we love the Solo Stove Campfire. It’s a gasifier stove – one of the cleanest options for burning fuel by using wood – that creates a hot, efficient, and nearly smoke-free fire for heating water or cooking a 3-course meal.

At only $100, The Campfire is a great value because it’s affordable in the short term and saves money on fuel over the long term. Since you can keep the fire going with only twigs and small pieces of wood (found everywhere, and for free, in most campsites), you don’t have to rely on purchasing, carrying, and disposing of gas canisters.

The Campfire is perfect for cooking one-pot meals for small groups. That said, we highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet from home or the Solo Stove Pot 4000 for even heat distribution. 

The Campfire requires a bit more effort than most camping stoves since you have to keep refueling the fire to keep it going. And, the soot can be messy to deal with afterward. That said, we don’t mind – when it comes to the fun and interactive qualities of the Solo Stove for leisurely frontcountry trips, the mess is worth it.

And, if you’re like us, you’ll enjoy keeping The Campfire burning long after you’ve finished your meal for entertainment, warmth, and that relaxing orange glow of a fire. We love gathering around it to warm our hands and watch the mesmerizing flames.