Best Camp Stove For Car Camping Of 2024: Best Picks & Buying Guides

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Coleman Portable Butane Stove
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Coleman Portable Butane Stove

Take your camping experience to the next level with Coleman's portable butane stove. This sleek and stylish stove has a clean, modern design that looks good on the go. The stove is fueled by butane fuel and features Coleman's Rapid Start Technology that allows for effortless ignition in just 30 seconds. Its durable stainless steel construction makes this stove hard to pass up for anyone on the go! Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Gas ONE Butane Gas Stove

Gas ONE Butane Gas Stove with 4 Butane Fuel Canister Catridge is a compact, butane-powered camping stove that is ideal for outdoor use. It features automatic starter, piezo-type electric starter with safety shut-off system, no matches or lighters required and quiet operation. The Gas ONE Butane Gas Stove provides clean efficient burn along with silent operation. Read Review

3. Best Durable: Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove

The Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove, Medium, Metallic from Camp Chef offers up a portable cooktop that is sure to please even the pickiest outdoor cooker. With a double windbreaker for protection against wind and air conditioning, you can enjoy your cooking outdoors without worrying about the flame going out or water extinguishing it. This portable butane stove is perfect for taking with you on camping and hiking trips. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Coleman Gas Stove

Need a reliable portable stove for your next camping trip? Look no further than the Coleman Bottletop Propane Gas Camping Stove. This small stove is designed to provide up to 8,000 BTU of heat and boils water quickly on the adjustable burner. The adjustable burner can be closed for fine control of the flame and cooking temperature, or opened up for a bigger flame and more heat when you're cooking on an open flame. Read Review

Car camping is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. However, it can be challenging when you’re forced to rely entirely on your car for shelter and cooking. That’s why car campers often bring along their own stove.

With a little planning and research, you can find the best camp stove for your car camping adventures. The right stove will allow you to cook tasty meals while keeping your hands free and preventing odors from entering your vehicle. Here are our top picks of the best camp stove for car camping available on the market.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 13 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best camp stove for car camping, we believe Coleman Portable Butane Stove is a worth product to buy. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman Portable Butane Stove
Our Score:
9.9
Coleman
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • Fits up to a 10-inch pan
  • Carry case included
TOP Choice #2 Gas ONE Butane Gas Stove
Our Score:
9.7
GasOne
  • High Output - Most Fuel Efficient Butane Portable Stove On The Market - Boils Water quickly with 7,650 BTU Evenly Compared To Compeititors Portable Stoves/ To Be used with 8oz Butane Canister Only
  • Quiet Operation - This stove provides clean efficient burn along with silent operation *OUTDOOR USE ONLY*
TOP Choice #3 Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove
Our Score:
9.6
Iwatani
  • Made in Japan
  • AUTOMATIC SAFETY STOP: Our portable gas stove automatically shuts off the flow of butane and extinguishes the flame if pressure in the fuel canister rises to unsafe levels
4 Coleman Gas Stove
Our Score:
9.4
Coleman
  • WIND BAFFLES: Shield burner from wind for maximum heat
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • 1 ADJUSTABLE BURNER: For precise temperature control; fits an 8 inch pan
5 CHEF MASTER 90011 Portable Butane Stove
Our Score:
9.2
Chef Master
  • In Line Regulator with Pressure-Sensing Shut-Off, Double Wind Guard Reduces Loss of BTU/HR from Breeze or A/C. Heat Transfer Plate Maintains High Heat Output. Boil to Simmer Heat Range. Use Only Butane Marked BF1010 (Not Included)
  • SAFETY STOP: This countertop range even features a safety stop which will shut down the stove if it senses overheating.
6 Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove
Our Score:
9.1
Coleman
  • 2 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For precise temperature control
  • 2-IN-1 DESIGN: Use grill and stove at the same time; 130 sq. in. grilling area; stove fits a 10 in. pan
  • COOKING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
7 Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove
Our Score:
8.9
Coleman
  • PRESSURE REGULATOR: Pressure-control technology for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
  • FULL-SIZE COOKING SURFACE: 1 burner fits up to a 12 in. pan
  • RUNTIME: Up to 3 hours on high on a 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately)
  • 7,250 BTU burner offers a 90-minute burn time.
  • The SPRK Portable Butane Camping Grill in Potter's Clay is a compact, all-in-one design that includes an integrated fuel compartment for an 8 oz butane canister.
  • Adjustable feet to stay level on any surface.
9 Odoland 16pcs Camping Cookware Set
Our Score:
8.7
Odoland
  • All -In-1 Small Package - All pieces nest great, and everything is stacked together and packed into a nylon mesh bag. Total weight is just 3.3lbs, and the package size measures 7.5x7.5x5 inches. You should definitely consider this camping mess kit for both backpacking as well as traditional camping cooking.
  • The Best Money You Ever Spent - The 16pcs camping cookware mess kit 's fully equipped for 1 to 2 people. This lightweight camping pots and pans set is a great choice for hiking, backpacking, camping or any other activity.
  • High Quality Pots and Pan - Both the camping pots pan and kettle are made from anodized aluminum which is non-toxic and lightweight. Non-stick coating for easier use and clean up. Each piece has handles which are foldable and thermally isolated so you don’t burn your hand.
  • Portable Compact Design: CSA-certified portable gas stove burner comes in a travel-friendly compact form yet powerful in flame distribution and resistant to the wind; Included PP material storage case with durable top handle offers ease of storing and transportation
  • Superior Thermal Efficiency: Utilizing the piezoelectric ignition method, this small camping stove produces 6,200 BTU of cooking power with tornado-shaped flames for more potent firepower than other portable burners on the market; With less heat loss and superior resistance to the wind, this is the best gas burner for cooking outdoor
  • Easy-Clean Integrated Top Plate: Our camping cooking gear comes in a uniquely novel design where the burner hole is separated with the integrated top plate; This practical feature allows for the outdoor cooking stove to be easily cleaned as there is no separate gas cover

What to Look for When Selecting best camp stove for car camping?

There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best camp stove for car camping. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems. Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best camp stove for car camping of 2024.

Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best camp stove for car camping available on these sources. 

Along with reading the update of best camp stove for car camping on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.

Ignition: Strikers Vs. Matches

Sometimes called piezo incendiers, or auto-igniters, strikers are buttons that use electricity to excite a spark and ignite a stove. It's similar to the button that lights up the pilot light in your home stove.
Metal and flint are other options for sparking. A camp stove with an integrated igniter is my preference. As long as it works well, I will always use this option.
A match is your last choice for lighting your camp stove. Matches can prove to be wasteful and fragile. They also don't all hold up well in harsh weather. As an alternative, you can always take flint and some matches.

Simmer Control

Because boiling water doesn't always work, we did extensive testing on the simmer control. You need to not only be able boil water, but you also have to cook, bake, stir fry, stew, or grill in order to make a camp meal that is chef-worthy. To see the stacking of the burners/stoves, we measured their simmering temperatures.

Time To Boil

Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Yes, camping also involves enjoying the outdoors and good food. A camp stove must be able to boil water.
While some stoves boil in three minutes, others can take up to 10 minutes. A stove with the highest boiling time is considered a good stove. However, it doesn't always mean that the stove will be the most efficient. You may need to give up some boiling time if you want certain features like a lighter stove or an igniter.
The stoves that we tested were all able to light/start and heat the water in less than 8 minutes.

Weight And Packed Size

The biggest difference between stoves in this category is their weight. These stoves can be carried around in your car, but they are designed for camping. Weight might not be as important if you are looking for a strong and reliable two-burner.
Packing size is what matters more. You have a limited amount of space at your campsite or in your vehicle. You should check to make sure the stove can fit into a bag, is covered, and where the grill and fuel lines are stored. Are all the pieces stored in one place? Are accessories taking up more space than the main item? All these factors should be considered for your individual preferences and needs.

Number Of Burners

A two-burner camp stove is a good choice if you plan to spend at least 2-3 months camping each year, even if your household is small. You can cook with two burners, so you have both the option to use a pan and a pot, or make one main dish while cooking for a family of four.
Two-burner stoves remain the norm. There are many options for single-burner stoves, as well as a handful of three-burner models.

Performance In Wind

Consider how frequently and in what circumstances (such as cold weather) your stove will be used. You will have more chances to experience wind and harsh weather if you travel further.
It's not something that you should learn while on a 10 day camping trip along the New England coast. You can check the specifications, find out if your stove offers windscreens, and review customer experiences.
You can make your stove more efficient in colder areas by purchasing extra BTUs if you live in windy regions.

BTUs

BTU is the British Thermal Unit. It's basically a measure of heat and energy. On average, a gas stove that you would find in your home uses 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs.
Lower BTUs are good for light and simmering cooking. Higher BTUs, which are above 10,000, indicate high heat cooking. This is great for longer cook times as well as for quick boiling of large quantities of water.

Fuel Types And Capacities

As you can see, the majority of stoves in this article use propane canisters up to one-pound. Some stoves use butane as an alternative fuel. It all depends on the time it takes to cook meals, and on what temperature your burner is set. A one-pound canister usually lasts three to four meals.

FAQs

Can You Use A Camping Stove Inside A Tent?

No. No. Your tent may catch on fire, and your body could be engulfed in a molten nylon coating, leading to a terrible, unimaginable death.

I’m Going To Travel. Which Type Of Stove Would Be Best?

It depends. A backpacking stove is the best option if you are traveling on foot with a backpack. Car? Get a camping stove for your car. Check with the airline to find out what they allow you to bring aboard, and what fuels will be available. Most airlines won't allow you to fly without fuel.

What Burn Time Should I Look Out For?

Stoves are often advertised with their boil and burn times. This is especially important if your campsite is far from civilization. You should also consider your weight, especially if backpacking. It is also useful to transport and store your stove in its own containers or bag.

Are Multi-Fuel Stoves Difficult To Use?

No. They do require more preparation and care than canister stoves. They are easy to learn once you have the necessary procedures.

What Stove Is Best For Cooking Actual Food?

A stove with enough BTU output and can heat is the best. It can be used to cook food in a pot. These stoves are generally used for car camping/basecamp cooking.

What Size Do I Need?

There are many sizes of stoves, from small ultra-light ones to large multi-hob models with grills. These can be used to prepare almost any meal you make at home. A simple, small camping stove is sufficient for camping solo or with your partner.
A lightweight backpacking stove that can work in all weather conditions is worth it if you are going on an extended expedition or wild camping trip. We recommend buying the largest camping stove possible if you plan to take your family on a camping trip. Having multiple burners allows you to cook in every field.

Backpacking Stove Vs. Camping Stove: What's The Difference?

The backpacking stoves can be small, single-burner units. They fit into a backpack or even your palm. They weigh in at a mere ounce. However, camping stoves are only used for "base camp", whether you're camping in a car, truck, National Parks or somewhere else.
The camp stove is larger and more heavy (8-14 lbs) and can be placed on top of a truck bed, tabletop, picnic table or camp table to convert your campsite into a kitchen.
You now have all of the information you need to camp, cook, and just enjoy the outdoors.

Which Is Better — A Butane Or Propane Camping Stove?

Butane as well as propane both have pros and cons. Both gases are compressed gases, which is gas stored in liquid form. Butane performs less in colder temperatures. There are many sizes of propane canisters. This makes it easier to find the right size for your needs.
You should consider the climate in which you will be using your camp stove most often. You can also find propane in large cities, rural areas, and general stores close to national parks or state lines.

As mentioned above, all of our information is drawn from actual research, so the accuracy level is reliable. Furthermore, best camp stove for car camping of 2024 will be updated regularly to add new data. You should keep a close eye on our websites for any updates or additions.

After all, we are always available to support and assist you with any problems related to best camp stove for car camping. Please feel free to contact us as soon as possible. Thank you!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio