Camping Stove - 4 Selection Criteria to Consider

4 Camp Stove Selection Criteria

Criteria #1. Is it easy to transport?
Most camping stove or camping grill varies between 20 to 50 lbs. If it needs more than one person to carry, it's too heavy for me. Does it pack easily for the car or van? If it comes with a carrying case, that helps too.

Criteria #2. Is it easy to use?
Two ease-of-use factors: cooking and fuelling. Matches are so yesterday. Newer camp stoves have automatic ignition. In terms of fuel, butane or propane snaps/screws on very easily, unlike the traditional "white gas" fuel. Propane is also easy to find if you run out.

Should I get a “white gas" stove or a Propane camp stove?

The white gas stoves will produce the most heat of any camping stoves, even in cold temperatures. It burns cleanly without any odor or effect on food taste. If you spill the fuel it will evaporate very quickly and will not leave an odor. This is very important - sooner or later some fuel will spill on your hand or clothes, maybe even on your table.

A propane camp stove does not give out as much heat as the white gas stoves, but it has some very significant advantages for family camping.

Propane stoves are much easier to use. The propane comes in bottles that are screwed into the stove, not poured into a small tank's filler spout. It will not spill. All you need to do to start the stove is turn on the gas knob - just like home. This feature makes the transition from cooking at home to cooking at camp easier for most people.

Criteria #3. What is the cooking capacity?
Are you looking for a burner stove (for dutch oven cooking, skillet cooking), a camping grill or a combo like the Coleman Grill Stove? The strength of the heat is measured in BTU. The higher the BTU, the faster it takes to boil water, scorch your food, cook your steak.

Criteria #4. Is it easy to clean up and set up?
The portable Weber Grill - a.k.a. the Weber Baby Grill - for example, has drip ducts that make cleaning up pain-free. Some camp stoves need two people to set up so check that out before you buy.

Family Camping Stoves that Deliver!
	Coleman Stove Grill Combo - 10,000 BTU, Automatic Ignition With this 10,000 BTU stove/grill combo, I can cook a pot of chilli, and grill on the heavy-duty non-stick grates. I especially like that it folds flat in its built-in carry case. Matchless lighting-that's a must for me.
	The Adorable Weber Q 220 Ok, I should buy it because of the quality, features, etc, etc, but the real reason I love it? It's just too adorable. Not to say I wasn't very pleased that the assembly takes only about 5 minutes: attach the thermometer, screw on the handle and attach the lid. $30 off at Amazon plus Free Shipping.
	When I just need a simple burner for short camping trip This 5 lb stove is only 7,000 BTU but it sure can cook! I've done stews, noodles, etc easily. The stove uses Butane which you can find in Target, online or any Asian grocery store. Mine doubles up for shabu-shabu at home.
Other Resource Links Camping World: Celebrating 40 Years and Growing! Amazon Camping/Hiking