Portable Mini Stove For Camping: 8 Best Options For Campers

Travelers who go camping require a stove that is light, reliable, and efficient, especially in winter. Fortunately, there are plenty of both established options and new, innovative designs available in the market. Whether you need a compact stove designed for quickly boiling water or one that can prepare gourmet meals in challenging conditions, every requirement has an option.

Below, we outline the best portable mini stove for camping, featuring top models in the canister, liquid gas, alcohol, and wood-burning categories. Let’s explore what makes these mini stoves a must-have for your next camping trip and how to choose the best one for your needs with the National Park Shops team.

Upgrade Pick: Camp Chef Mountaineer Aluminum Stove ($388.47 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Aluminum
• Product Dimensions: 5.4″L x 14.5″W x 25.21″H
• Power Source: Gas Powered
• Maximum Energy Output: 11.72 Kilowatts
• Item Weight: 15 Pounds

Buy Now!!!

The Camp Chef Mountaineer Aluminum Stove, made from heavy-gauge all-aluminum, is designed like the rugged, classic camping gear often praised by seasoned campers and vintage equipment enthusiasts. Although it carries a higher price tag than our options, if you’re open to spending more, this portable mini stove for camping might be a worthwhile purchase.

Weighing just over 16 pounds. However, its large three-way windscreen, compatibility with larger propane bottles (ranging from 5 to 20 pounds), and impressive 40,000 Btu output (twice that of the Coleman Classic) enable greater high-heat cooking capabilities compared to our other selections. For example, you can sear a steak at a higher temperature than with our other choices, achieving a darker char more quickly and allowing you to prepare more food in the same timeframe.

Using the controls effectively requires some skill – given the stove’s power, it’s easier to burn food than to maintain a low heat. This portable mini stove for camping is ideal for dedicated car-camping food enthusiasts, but for most campers, its price and durability might be excessive.

Best Overall: Soto Windmaster ($69.95 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Isobutane
• Material: Plastic
• Product Dimensions: 0.71″L x 6.5″W x 4″H
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Maximum Energy Output: 3260 Watts
• Item Weight: 87 Grams

Buy Now!!!

From the moment we turned on the Soto Windmaster, we were impressed by its solid performance in every area. The piezoelectric igniter ignites almost consistently, which is uncommon for auto-igniters. The 4-flex pot supports provide excellent stability for various pan sizes — even large 2-liter pots do not compromise this stove’s steadiness. The Windmaster generates a steady blue flame that heats water rapidly and demonstrates above-average fuel efficiency. However, what stands out the most about this portable mini stove for camping is its remarkable resistance to wind. In winds of 8-10 mph, it remains lit and can still boil water.

This portable mini stove for camping excels to the point that we have very few complaints. That said, the powerful flame does come with some noise; it’s somewhat loud (though not the loudest stove we’ve reviewed). Additionally, the Windmaster isn’t the most compact option among the stoves we tested. We found it challenging to fit the ample pot supports, burner, and fuel canister into our small tester pot. Nevertheless, we consider this a minor trade-off for the reliable pot supports. Ultimately, we believe this is an essential item for camping and is the best stove for most people most of the time.

>> 7 Best Insulated Tents For Winter: Use 4-Seasons (Tested)

Best Budget: BRS-3000T ($16.95 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Product Dimensions: 3″L x 3″W x 2″H
• Power Source: Gas Powered
• Maximum Energy Output: 2700 Watts
• Item Weight: 0.09 Pounds

Buy Now!!!

We initially had low hopes for the BRS-3000T because of its affordable price. Upon unboxing, we were surprised by how small it is – it’s very compact and extremely lightweight. It can easily fit into a 375ml titanium cup meant for ultralight hikers. Despite its small size, this portable mini stove for camping features an easy-to-use wire valve that allows for good flame control at low settings for simmering. The pot supports are sturdier than they look; they successfully held a 1.7-liter stainless steel kettle filled with a liter of water without any problems.

Some customer reviews have pointed out durability issues related to melting pot supports. Although we haven’t encountered this problem ourselves, we recognize that you can’t expect high-quality control when a product is much cheaper than its rivals. While the BRS offers decent flame control, the burner head is quite small, so caution is needed to prevent burning rice or beans and scorching your pot’s bottom. Additionally, it struggles in windy conditions, cold weather, or at high altitudes and comes without a piezo igniter. Honestly, this budget-friendly portable mini stove for camping is not suitable for preparing anything more complex than freeze-dried meals, oatmeal, or coffee. Nonetheless, it is a great option for weight, space, and cost savings on ultralight solo backpacking trips in mild climates.

Best Ultralight: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe ($84.95 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Product Dimensions: 2.2″L x 1.5″W x 3.3″H
• Power Source: Fuel Powered
• Item Weight: 0.08 Kilograms

Buy Now!!!

While there may be lighter stoves available, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe offers an optimal combination of performance, excellent simmer control, and quick boiling times, and is a lightweight choice for those who are particular about weight. The large regulator knob is user-friendly, whether you’re wearing gloves or not, and it fits nicely with most pots while using a small fuel canister.

The piezo igniter on the PocketRocket Deluxe can be somewhat unreliable. Reviewers noted that it generally worked well but occasionally had issues, which is typical for automatic igniters. Additionally, this portable mini stove for camping has average fuel efficiency, likely due to its high-output burners. This enables the stove to boil water quickly in various situations, but it may consume fuel canisters more rapidly.

>> Ultimate Guide: What is the best snacks for mountain climbing?

Best for Liquid Fuel: MSR Whisperlite Universal

• Fuel Type: Kerosene, White gas, Isobutane-propane
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Product Dimensions: 4″L x 4″W x 6″H
• Power Source: Fuel Powered
• Item Weight: 0.72 Pounds

Buy Now!!!

The MSR Whisperlite Universal is known for using liquid fuel, making it suitable for today’s outdoor adventurers. Liquid fuel stoves are recognized for their ability to be repaired in the field, their durability, and their capacity to prepare larger meals. The Universal meets all these criteria while also being compatible with isobutane canisters, kerosene, and automotive fuel.

In our tests of fuel efficiency and boiling time using a fuel canister, we noted that it performed decently in terms of fuel efficiency, although its boiling times were slightly slower. Many American backpackers have begun favoring canister stoves due to their lightweight design and simplicity of use. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a compact stove for international travel, the versatility and robust construction of this portable mini stove for camping could be an excellent fit.

In our boiling tests, it was positioned in the middle tier for performance, regardless of wind conditions. Nonetheless, for significant snow melting, extended backcountry excursions with groups, or traversing various international borders, the Whisperlite Universal remains our top recommendation for a liquid fuel stove, a status it has held for several years.

Best Alternative-Fuel Stove: Solo Stove Lite ($69.99 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Wood
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Product Dimensions: 5.12″L x 5.12″W x 4.5″H
• Power Source: Fuel Powered
• Item Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Buy Now!!!

The Solo Stove Lite is our top pick this year due to its versatile design that burns wood and serves as a windscreen/pot support for alcohol stoves, making it useful above treeline. Its double-wall construction enhances efficiency by recirculating hot air and directing oxygen to the fire, resulting in faster boil times compared to many wood-burning stoves.

While the Solo Stove Lite is ideal for those exploring ultralight gear, it’s not the lightest or most compact option available. Alternative-fuel stoves generally lag behind liquid or canister stoves in power and boil speed, but if you prefer a relaxed camping experience, this portable mini stove for camping shouldn’t be problematic. Overall, the Solo Stove Lite provides a solid introduction to alternative-fuel stoves and is easy to maintain.

Portable Mini Stove For Camping: Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System ($169.95 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Aluminum
• Product Dimensions: 5″L x 5″W x 5.5″H
• Power Source: Fuel Powered
• Item Weight: 0.75 Pounds

Buy Now!!!

Jetboil is known for fast all-in-one systems, but the MiniMo offers extra features. It has an improved temperature regulator for better simmering, making it more suitable for cooking than the Flash model. The 1-liter pot comes with a neoprene sleeve for safe handling and its stable design can also serve as a bowl when food is ready. If you prefer cooking over just boiling water, this portable mini stove for camping is a solid choice.

OliCamp Generator Remote Stove ($53.99 on Amazon)

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Brass
• Power Source: Gas Powered

Buy Now!!!

Remote canister stoves allow for fuel canister inversion in cold weather, enhancing performance. They are also easier to shield from wind due to their design and proximity to the ground, providing stability for larger cookware. The OliCamp Generator offers an appealing option at $60, featuring lightweight, compact storage with foldable legs and excellent output and flame control. This portable mini stove for camping is a well-crafted stove at a great price.

Why you should trust me?

For this guide:

• I spoke with camp chefs and expedition leaders about their experiences cooking for large groups in a variety of outdoor settings.
• I disassembled all our selected items and competitors multiple times to evaluate their components and overall quality.
• I have personally cooked on all our recommendations for several years during camping trips, assessing their usability and, of course, the taste of the food they produce!
• Like all journalists at Wirecutter, I test and review portable mini stove for camping independently. I am not informed of any business consequences related to my editorial suggestions.

How we picked and tested

There are various sites offering portable mini stove for camping reviews, both reliable and not-so-reliable. We started with GearLab, Camping Stove Cookout, and HiConsumption. From these reviews and Amazon best-sellers, we identified the top 15 stoves and narrowed it down to 8 for testing.

In our tests, we looked for:

• Consistent high heat: We tested this portable mini stove for camping at the beach in windy conditions and cooked breakfast in a park, initially measuring how quickly each could boil water.
• Precision control: We also assessed each stove’s ability to maintain a low, steady flame, essential for recipes like soft scrambled eggs.
• Durability is key: We found that boiling water isn’t as crucial as the overall construction of the stove. Most stoves we tested boiled 6 cups of water in a similar time frame. This provides some comparison, but it’s irrelevant if a burner falls apart or the propane line doesn’t connect properly.

FAQs

Can you use a portable stove in a tent?

It’s generally not advisable to use a gas, petrol, or other combustion stove inside your tent for two main reasons: the danger of fire and the potential accumulation of carbon dioxide (or even more dangerously, carbon monoxide) if there isn’t enough airflow.

How long does the gas last in a portable gas stove?

Most camping stoves operate at a rate of 150 grams per hour, while a typical gas cartridge holds about 450 grams. As a result, this allows for roughly 3 hours of cooking.

Which is safer, butane or propane?

Butane and propane are both regarded as safe when managed and kept correctly. Nevertheless, butane has a lower vapor pressure compared to propane, making it more secure for storage and transportation at ambient temperatures.

• Best Winter Camping Gear Checklist: Winter Weather Essentials
• 8 Best Compass for Beginners: Skills for Survival (Tested)
• 7 Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags For Winter Camping (Tested)