If you love the outdoors, you're probably a big fan of camping. Across the UK, there are thousands of camping sites you can pitch a tent or park a caravan and enjoy the best of British nature.
If you're working with a basic tent or hiking in the mountains, you may find that you need a portable camping stove to support you. After all, we wouldn't be able to do those long treks without sufficient fuel and energy.
Sometimes it's nice to eat out or go to local restaurants and pubs but when you're really in the wildlife or enjoying your own company, a camping stove can be your best friend.
How do I choose a camping stove?
Cooking while camping doesn't have to be so stressful, it can actually be one of the best parts of a camping trip. There are definitely a few things to consider before you decide which camping stove you invest in.
Firstly, who are you cooking for? This will significantly impact the size and weight of the stove you wish to invest in. Whether you're cooking for one person or for four can drastically change which stove you want.
As well as this, you should consider: how am I going to get this stove to my camp? If you're driving, that makes life a lot easier and you have the opportunity to invest in a much larger stove. If you're hiking and have to carry your stove, however, you'll probably want to buy a stove that you'll know you have the capacity to carry on your travels. Stoves can generally hold up to three burners.
Finally, you should think: what fuel do I need? Many common camping stoves are powered by gas fuel but you can also get spirit fuel if you're looking for something slightly more eco-friendly. You can also get wood burners but make sure to double-check your campsite before you go as not all allow this.
The best camping stoves UK
Best value camping stove
AmazonDescription
With thousands of five-star reviews, this Campingaz Camping Stove is a great starter stove for anyone needing just one burner. Shoppers raved about the value for money as it's less than £40. You can change the heat levels and also lock the stove if you're storing it away.
We like that it comes with a case for extra safety and compactness. It's designed with portability and practicality in mind so it's a perfect first stove for anyone searching. Keep in mind that you will need to buy a gas canister alongside this stove.
Best foldable camping stove
AmazonDescription
This Awroutdoor portable gas stove is perfect for any camper who needs quick heat with ultimate compactness. It folds up into a box which makes it extra easy to carry and store, as well as having a windbreaking feature to protect your heat when you need it most.
With a gas adaptable converter, this cooking stove should work on any 7/16 thread canister and will get working at high heat almost instantaneously. All you need to do is unfold it and off you go!
Best traditional cooking stove
AmazonDescription
Triangia has been around for campers since the 1920s and this cookset is a classic, compact option for any camping trip. There are options for this cooking stove - you can either get this as a gas burner or a spirit burner, making it a slightly better option if you're looking for an alcohol-based stove.
Using gas makes this faster, but spirit fuel is slightly better for the environment so it's really a choice of preference. We've picked out the spirit burner as an option, but you can grab the gas burner for slightly more.
Best 10-piece camping stove kit
AmazonDescription
If you want more bang for your buck, why not invest in this camping cookware kit with a stove? Odoland has put together this 10-piece set including a mini stove, two pots, cutlery, stainless steel cup as well as a tank bracket and carry bags. This is a great choice if you're looking to feed a group or family.
Reviewers were really pleased with this kit for its efficiency as well as the stove being extra fast and heating up well. Efficient and perfect for any camping trip. If you just fancy buying this portable camping stove by itself, it's available separately on Amazon.
Best grill camping stove
AmazonDescription
A slightly more pricey option, this gas stove is perfect if you're looking for a grill included. Multifunctionality is really important when camping for efficiency, so to take away the need for any extra pots or pans, this stove will give you choices between pan support, grilling grid, reversible plancha/griddle with non-stick coating and a large lid that doubles as a wok.
If you're a cooking fan then this would be a great gift or present because it really does everything that you might ever need while camping. It's definitely chunky and a lot heavier than other stoves on our list so will be better for trips where you have a car.
Best two-burner camping stove
Mountain Warehousewww.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
If you know you're going to be doing some heavy-duty cooking for a few people, then it may be worth the investment to go for a two-burner stove like this Campingaz one. Although it looks big, it's flatter which makes it easy to store and it also has adjustable heat push-turn knobs making it extra simple to initiate.
You're able to boil, fry and toast all at once with this camping stove which makes it great if you're looking to do lots of things in one go. Don't forget a gas cylinder with this one.
Description
This is a little different from the camping stove you might've been expecting but we think it deserves a mention. The Resmoska Dua is tailor-made for caravanners and campers. It's a game-changing two-in-one stove and oven cooking device that elevates camping culinary experiences, as long as you have electricity. You can cook everything from a hearty stew to a loaf of bread - it really is that good. What's more, it can be used in your home when you're not out and about. If you're a real foodie, give this one a try.
Best cooking stove that doubles up as a fire pit
Cotswold Outdoorswww.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
This Fire Pit by Outwell works well as a heat source and gives you the cooking option of a BBQ to make an extra special dinner. It also includes a cooking grate for extra safety when cooking.
This is surprisingly lightweight for a BBQ and works well around your camp, making a nice atmosphere for the evenings. If you're looking to keep this for a while, you could even use it in your garden when you're not away camping.
Things to remember before cooking on a camping stove:
1. Always cook in an open area: Never cook in an enclosed space or tent. It can be very dangerous, toxic and even lethal to use a camping stove inside and most are meant for outside purposes only
2. Cook on a stable surface: You don’t want any pots, pans or food spilling around, so you’ll want to ensure your camping stove is secured on a flat surface that’s not going to knock over
4. How will you carry your stove: Depending on your setup, you may want to consider lighter options or heavier options so you don't have to leave it behind
Camping stoves can be totally safe and efficient if you know how to use them and use them right. It's always good to get advice from someone experienced or if you're unsure, read from your stove manual.
How do I use a camping stove?
If you're new to the camping lifestyle, you might not yet know how to use all the classic tools and gadgets. Here's a great introduction on how to use a camping stove to make it extra easy.
Although this is a good tutorial, make sure to double check your camping stove instructions for the best way to work your stove.