The Best Camping Stove For Family In 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Camping Stove For Family
Best Camping Stove For Family

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Coleman Gas Camping Stove | Triton Propane Stove, 2 Burner

Coleman Gas Camping Stove provides 5 adjustable burners for precise temperature control and wind-blocking panels. The compact design is perfect for use on the back of any vehicle or boat, or anywhere you need to cook outdoors. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Outland Portable Camping Stove - 3 Zone Propane Gas Burner Controller

Outland Living's Portable Camping Stove is perfect for camping, backyard gatherings and small trips. It has a sturdy steel frame that boasts high temperature powder coating that ensures long lasting durability and sturdiness. This 3 burner stove includes pre-attached 3 ft hose w/regulator and 4 hook utensil holder. Read Review

3. Best Adjustable: Camplux Propane Camping Stove 2 Burner, Portable Gas Stoves

Camplux Propane Camping Stove 2 Burner is a lightweight and portable camping stove. The camp stove is easy to clean with the stainless steel surface and removable trivet, which makes it ideal for use in a wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, outdoor cooking, RV travel, backpacking, BBQ, family emergency backup or any other outdoor activity. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Hike Crew 2-in-1 Gas Camping Stove | Portable Propane Grill/Stove

Keep your meals hot and fresh with these power packed gas campers. With a 10" stovetop, you can boil water and sear steaks in one pan, sauté vegetables and make delicious meals. The piezo igniter is easy to use, the temperature control knob gives you precise control over your cooking temperatures, and the drip tray is removable for easy cleaning. Read Review

Camping is a great adventure for everyone. It gives you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones, and discover nature’s wonders. But the best part about it is that you don’t need anything fancy to make it happen. Just bring a tent, some sleeping bags and pillows, and a few other essentials like an eating utensil or two. The only thing you need to make your camping experience more enjoyable is a reliable camping stove.

The good news is that there are many affordable camping stoves on the market today that is perfect for family camping adventures as well as weekend getaways with friends and family. In this article, we will discuss some of the top-rated camp stove models available today. These camping stoves can be used by families with kids and elders alike since they are small and portable enough not to take up too much space in your car or camper trailer.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Coleman Gas Camping Stove | Triton Propane Stove, 2 Burner as our top product. Or you can check the Outland Portable Camping Stove - 3 Zone Propane Gas Burner Controller as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • PRESSURE REGULATOR: Pressure-control technology for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Chrome-plated grate and rust-resistant aluminum cooktop
  • COOKING POWER: Up to 22,000 total BTUs
  • WIND-BLOCKING PANELS: Shield burners from wind and adjust for various pan sizes
  • 5 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For precise temperature control
TOP Choice #2 Outland Portable Camping Stove - 3 Zone Propane Gas Burner Controller
Our Score:
9.5
Outland Living
  • ✓ SAFE & PORTABLE - Outland Living is committed to consumer safety and satisfaction; all of our propane products are CSA certified. 3 burner stove includes pre-attached 3 ft hose w/regulator and 4 hook utensil holder. Thanks to pull handle, quick-fold legs and 2 rugged wheels, you can bring your camping stove anywhere with ease.
  • ✓ LARGE CHEF AREA - 568 sq inch grill area L 36.9" x W 15.4" accommodates various 14" grill top cooking accessories. Two folding cook station prep surfaces L 18" x W 15" hold up to 60 lbs each.
  • ✓ DURABILITY & QUALITY - Our stove is equipped with 3 independently controlled 30,000 BTU cast aluminum burners for a total 90,000 BTUs pressure. Each burner can be controlled from low to high for versatile cooking options. Its steel frame is processed with high temperature powder coating which ensures long lasting durability and sturdiness.
  • ✓ REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL or WOK - Camping stove is simple to use and easy to assemble, so you'll be cooking in no time. Say goodbye to the troublesome use of wood, charcoal, matches and kerosene. Fast and easy deployment for use, with a simple push of a button compact stove is ready to go in either standing or tabletop operation.
  • ✓ SIGNATURE OUTLAND LIVING QUALITY - At Outland Living we stand behind our high quality outdoor products. If you require any assistance with your premium portable camping stove our friendly and knowledgeable customer support will make sure to make it right!
TOP Choice #3 Camplux Propane Camping Stove 2 Burner, Portable Gas Stoves
Our Score:
9.4
CAMPLUX ENJOY OUTDOOR LIFE
  • Adjustable 2 Burners - This propane camp stove is equipped with 2 independently adjustable burners. Control both burners' temperature easily and precisely
  • 14,000BTU Cooking Power - Propane stove 2 burner total 14,000 BTU of heat, more than enough heat output to enjoy your cooking
  • Easy to Clean - Camping stove propane comes with an effortless clean-up stainless steel surface and a removable trivet is easy to clean
  • Easy to Install - Only need 3 steps and use a 1 LB propane cylinder for quick install, no need to buy other additional. For your safety, please operate under the instruction of the manual
  • For your safety, a leakage test is required before use. Test with soap water on all joints. If you see any bubble or even hear any gas leakage, don't use it and contact us. If you don't know how to do the best exactly, please search for such videos on YouTube!
  • Lightweight & Portable - Portable camping stove only weighs 4.62lb, ideal for camping, outdoor cooking, RV travel, backpacking, BBQ, family emergency backup, etc
  • LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE & COMPACT | Tote Your Entire Outdoor Kitchen While Camping, Hiking, Picnicking or Tailgating | Despite its Rugged Powder-Coated Steel Construction, Unit Weighs Only 12 Pounds & Breaks Down to the Size of a Slim 24”x13”x4” Briefcase with Handle for Travel | Includes Propane Regulator Assembly
  • VERSATILE CERAMIC GRIDDLE SURFACE | Make Delicious French Toast, Home Fries, Grilled Shrimp, Caramelized Onions, Paninis, Sandwiches, Quesadillas & More | Durable, High-Quality Grill Heats Up Quickly Via Auto Ignition & Provides Precision Temperature Control Via Dial | Simply Lift from Burner for Stress-Free Cleaning
  • SPACIOUS BURNER FOR POTS & PANS | Boil Water, Sear Meats, Sauté Veggies, Grill Hot Dogs, Heat Chili & Perform Other Everyday Kitchen Tasks in Any Skillet, Pan or Pot Up to 10” | Includes Easy Built-In Piezo Igniter, Temperature Control Knob, Stainless Steel Drip Tray & Removable Grate for Superior Safety & Cooking Ease
  • COOK ANYTHING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS | Powerful Propane-Powered 2-in-1 Grill Features a 10,000 BTU Single Burner Cooktop & 3,000 BTU Griddle for Amazing Outdoor Cooking Convenience | Perfect for Preparing Steaks, Burgers, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Soup & Other Meals While Camping & Beyond
  • LID CONVERTS FROM COVER TO WINDSHIELD | Don’t Let the Wind Affect Your Flame! | Cool Convertible Design Provides Chefs with Plenty of Protection Against the Elements Including a 3-Sided Windshield with Security Clips & Sturdy Folding Support Legs for Resting Cooktop Grill on Picnic Table, Ground or Other Surface
  • 🔥【Portable Tent Stove】 --  Take this charming tent wood stove to start your camping or hunts. 16.3lbs weight and foldable foot can be easy to carry or storage.
  • 🔥【Quality Material】 --  Stove body is made of quality iron with high temperature spray, and we choose 304 stainless steel for chimney pipe, premium glass provide a special experience to you.
  • 🔥【Refund Policy】 -- GBU provide best product and service! Please contact us feel free to if there is any problem, we will deal with for you within 24 hours. And we are glad to receive suggestions from you too.
  • 🔥【Unique Visible Design】 --  Glass window can visible flame and wood in the stove. And there is a small fan under glass, which can help you easy to extinguish the flame.
  • 🔥【Widely Used】 -- Perfect for heating and cooking in winter camping or season hunts. It is also a great choose for warm or boil water at home.
  • NOTICE:Please make sure that the gas will not leak before use. You can test it with soapy water on the connection. If you see bubbles or even hear gas leaks, please don't use it and contact us.
  • PORTABLE: This 3-burner portable gas stove comes with a carry handle that allows you to carry it conveniently. It has a compact structure and weights only 10lbs which makes it even easier to carry it around. It can be taken along in a luggage or storage box, or even large tote bag, so carrying this portable camping gas stove is a breeze thing to do! Size: 23.4”x12.8”x3.4", Weight:9.9 LB
  • ADJUSTABLE 3 BURNERS : This portable propane gas stove for camping is equipped with 3 independently adjustable knobs, two of Piezo ignition burners with 6,600 BTU power. The middle downward burner is designed for toasting, 7200BTU power and requires manual ignition. We recommend that you use a piezo lighter. It relies on heat radiation to heat and won't burn the toast.
  • SUITABLE FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS: This outdoor stove is suitable for various scenarios, such as camping, BBQ, party, family emergency backup...It can be managed easily and provide steady cooking performance as it holds true even in different environment.
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Our portable gas stove comes with a drip tray that makes it easy for quick clean up. You won’t be bothered by stains on tables or clothes. All you need to do after cooking is to remove the tray and wipe it until it looks clean again, and put it back to the stove case.
  • EASY INSTALLATION & USE: No need to buy hose connector or other accessories, it’s ready to be used after connecting to a 16 oz propane tank. Or you can buy a propane hose connector if the propane tank is over 16oz. The portable propane gas stove has a windshield fixing clip which helps you to continue cooking if the weather becomes windy suddenly or facing other unfavorable weathers.
  • 【Easy to Use】The solar stove can be set up and stored in seconds with zipper design on both sides.Without being supervised by anyone, children can also participate in it, saving you a lot of time and energy and enjoying the food while relaxing.
  • 【Portable & Durable】The external shape of the solar oven is similar to the one-piece design of a handbag with adjustable strap. A durable vacuum tube cooking chamber provides insulation to keep heat in and cool out.
  • 【Fast & Delicious】It takes only 20 minutes to cook a meal ,maximum temperature 550°F (288°C) in full sunlight.Solar cooking is even tastier—since there's little air movement in a solar oven, the food cooks evenly and stays moist and tender.
  • 【Widely Application】You will use this anywhere there is sunlight. Whether camping in a tent, motorhome, mountaineering, hunting, fishing, kayaking or on maneuvers with the army - our sun oven is a reliable source of easily made safe hot beverages and food.
  • 【The Latest Solar Oven】The solar cooker is designed to work in all seasons as long as the sun is up. It will also function in cloudy days or with the snow around, capturing ultraviolet light and holding its heat.It can effectively captures Ultraviolet rays and maintains their heat.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE & COMPACT | Tote Your Entire Outdoor Kitchen While Camping, Hiking, Picnicking or Tailgating | Despite its Rugged Powder-Coated Steel Construction, Unit Weighs Only 12 Pounds & Breaks Down to the Size of a Slim 24”x13”x4” Briefcase with Handle for Travel | Includes Propane Regulator Assembly
  • LID CONVERTS FROM COVER TO WINDSHIELD | Don’t Let the Wind Affect Your Flame! | Cool Convertible Design Provides Chefs with Plenty of Protection Against the Elements Including a 3-Sided Windshield with Security Clips & Sturdy Folding Support Legs for Resting Cooktop Grill on Picnic Table, Ground or Other Surface
  • SPACIOUS BURNER FOR POTS & PANS | Boil Water, Sear Meats, Sauté Veggies, Grill Hot Dogs, Heat Chili & Perform Other Everyday Kitchen Tasks in Any Skillet, Pan or Pot Up to 10” | Includes Easy Built-In Piezo Igniter, Temperature Control Knob, Stainless Steel Drip Tray & Removable Grate for Superior Safety & Cooking Ease
  • COOK ANYTHING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS | Powerful Propane-Powered 2-in-1 Grill Features a 10,000 BTU Single Burner Cooktop & 3,000 BTU Griddle for Amazing Outdoor Cooking Convenience | Perfect for Preparing Steaks, Burgers, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Soup & Other Meals While Camping & Beyond
  • VERSATILE CERAMIC GRIDDLE SURFACE | Make Delicious French Toast, Home Fries, Grilled Shrimp, Caramelized Onions, Paninis, Sandwiches, Quesadillas & More | Durable, High-Quality Grill Heats Up Quickly Via Auto Ignition & Provides Precision Temperature Control Via Dial | Simply Lift from Burner for Stress-Free Cleaning
  • 【 Heat-Resistant Handles】 Thermally insulated plastic handles keep your fingers safe from the heat; anti-slip design offers a firm and comfortable grip in your hands. In addition, we offer a one-year warranty , if you have any quality problems, please feel free to contact us.
  • 【Wide Stove Compatibility】 Whatever stove or cooking situation you’re in, this cookware combo can handle it all. All pots and kettles can use not only gas, but also wood fire. Whether you are camping, hiking or picnicking and other outdoor activities, this portable camping cooker is the perfect choice!
  • 【THE BEST MONEY YOU EVER SPENT】 The 26Pcs camping cookware mess kit comes with 1 non-stick pot(4.2L), 1 non-stick pan(1.5L), 1 kettle(1.2L), 4 stainless steel plates, 4 stainless steel cups(170ml), 2 forks, 2 spoons, 2 table knifes, 4 Cow leather cup sleeves , 1 large pot lid , 1 kettle lid , 2 nylon bag, 1 Canvas bag , suitable for 3-4 people.
  • 【 Foldable and easy to carry】 The set adopts a nested structure, Foldable handles on pot or stove can be folded to save space. Small size and portable, all the objects in this cooking set can be stored together in a mesh bag for convenient carry.
  • 【Fast Heating, Non-Stick, Easy-to-Clean】 The key to a great camping dinner is pots and pans that cook well and are easy to clean. Pots and kettles are made of aluminum, which is lightweight, heat resistant and has a non-stick coating for easy use and cleaning. Bowls and spoons are made of food-safe materials. All utensils are non-toxic and harmless to health.
  • Under CSA list: This camping gear obtained CSA standard test and certificated which has quality and safety guaranteed.
  • COMPACT SIZE AND HIGH POWER:Do not fooled by its mini burner size, 10000BTU powerful output could handle all sorts of cooking needs in outdoor grill.As camp kitchen in mountains and remote areas, as well as emergency preparedness item for cooking.
  • AUTOMATIC SAFETY DEVICE: the gas burner equipped with gas tank safety locking and over-pressure cut-off system to ensure safety. Reliable and safer.
  • Matchless lighting: no lighter or match needed with Piezoelectric ignition, easy and fast
  • EASY TO USE: Use with a butane fuel canister, last up to 1.5-2hr at maximum power on a 8.8 oz gas can.
  • OUTSTANDING CAMOUFLAGE PATENT: this butane stove has innovative camo design, make it a great camo combination with your other camping supplies.

What to Look For in a best camping stove for family?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best camping stove for family:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In general, we keep collecting and researching new information for best camping stove for family. Please pay more attention to checking our website regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to read the latest updates.

Along with product-related issues, we can also support you more. So please give us your feedback and response whenever you need it. It will be a significant motivation for us to improve everything


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio