What to choose a camping gas stove: important parameters that you need to know before buying it

The portable gas stove has always been a trusted companion for adventurers, anglers, and weekenders. Nowadays, the local market offers a wide selection of portable fire sources, each varying in technical specifications, design, features, and price. This article aims to provide insight into the traditional camping gas stove, as well as guide you in choosing a reliable model suited to your needs, budget, and technical requirements.

Features and functionality of the tourist stove

Portable gas stoves have the following characteristics:

1. Compact size and lightweight;
2. Durable and long-lasting;
3. Excellent stability;
4. Spacious cooking surface;
5. Advanced safety system that rivals stationary gas stoves;
6. High power and efficiency.

Weight

The weight of a typical portable stove can range anywhere from 800 g to 2 kg. It’s important to note that this weight can vary based on factors such as the choice of materials, the size of the stove’s body, the design (whether it has a built-in tank or a removable cylinder), and the size of the burner area. When embarking on a camping adventure, weight becomes a crucial consideration as every gram must be carried, making it essential to carefully consider the weight of the stove in your packing plans.

The device’s technical passport always indicates the fuel consumption. This value can be presented as the amount of gas consumed per hour or as the time it takes for 1 liter of water to boil. It’s a simple relationship: the shorter the boiling time, the greater the gas consumption.

Parameters of the cooking surface

The size of the cooking surface determines the maximum width of the dishes that can be used, and therefore the amount of food that can be cooked at once. When selecting a model, follow this step-by-step guide: if the cooking surface is wide enough to accommodate dishes with a capacity of 5 liters, then this oven will be able to serve 5-7 people in a single cooking session.

Piezo ignition

Most current models come with a piezo ignition feature, enabling users to simply press a button to light up the fuel in the burner. In certain devices, this function is integrated with the gas supply knob located on the burner. The piezo component is efficient and eliminates the need for matches during outdoor activities, although it may encounter issues in humid conditions.

Devices that protect the fire

Stoves equipped with cast aluminum burners generate an exposed flame, thus necessitating a wind guard for protection. This accessory can either come with the stove or be bought separately.

You can enhance the top-notch domestic market tourist gas stoves by adding a detachable wind shield, an adapter for linking to external gas sources, and a plastic case for easy transportation and storage. Protective covers and spare gas cylinders are available for separate purchases.

Rating of the best manufacturers of gas camping stoves

The Russian market offers a wide range of portable gas stoves from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Among the most popular brands is Kovea from Korea. However, the TOURIST KERAMIC GURU series of stoves, which are produced in South Korea but have their roots in Russia, provide strong competition to Kovea’s products. Domestic brands such as GEFEST, "Eurogas" and "Sledopyt" are also highly sought after.

In order to assist consumers in choosing the best model, we have compiled a rating of tourist gas stoves based on real user reviews and expert opinions.

Budget models

Model	Characteristics
	GEFEST PGT-1-802

One of the most straightforward and affordable models available for connecting to an external gas cylinder.

Key features include a steel body with a heat-resistant enamel coating, one cooking zone, and a shaped grate. The overall dimensions are 17×19.5×9.5 cm.

Additional functionality includes a fixed position "low flame" setting and a power output of 1550 W. The weight of the device is 1 kg, and the cost ranges from 690 to 899 rubles.

1. Simple design;
2. Durable and sturdy body;
3. Noiseless operation with any flame;
4. Cost-effective.

A must-have stove for travelers, summer house owners, and winter fishing enthusiasts. This model is designed to be connected to a replaceable cylinder with a collet connector. It has a maximum fuel consumption of 100 g/h and a power output of 1.3 kW.

Key features include its compact dimensions of 14.5×14.5×12 cm and a folding wind shield made of stainless steel.

Functionality-wise, it has a piezo ignition and gas flow regulation. Safety is ensured with fuel leakage protection. It comes with a protective case and weighs 1 kg. The average cost is 767 rubles.

1. Lightweight;
2. Extremely compact dimensions;
3. Reliable operation;
4. Decent functionality;
5. Cost-effective.

No disadvantages exist.

An outstanding model that is highly valued by outdoor enthusiasts. This stove operates using a standard collet cylinder-cartridge and features a steel body with a heat-resistant, anticorrosive composition. The device’s design includes a container with a lid for easy installation of the cylinder. For added convenience, this model has a removable tray with flame protection and a wide grate, allowing for the use of larger dishes. It has a power output of 2.5 kW and a nominal fuel consumption of 155 g/h.

Key features of this stove include a one-piece burner and double insulation of the fuel supply valve. It offers functionality such as piezo ignition and gas flow regulation. Safety is a top priority, with protection against fuel leakage, improper cylinder installation, and increased gas pressure. The stove comes with a plastic case and weighs 1.5 kg. On average, it is priced at 1000 rubles.

1. Economical fuel consumption
2. One-piece burner design
3. A case is available for transporting and storing;
4. […]
5. A well-organized security system is in place;
6. The cost is low.

One drawback is seen as the poorly designed piezo ignition system.

Medium price segment

Model	Characteristics
	PROVIDUS FC300G

The PROVIDUS FC300G is an Italian compact tourist stove that is specifically designed to work with collet cylinders-cartridges. It has a power output of 2.2 kW and a gas consumption rate of 160 g/h. The burning temperature can reach up to 1750 °C. The stove is equipped with a rotary burn intensity regulator and a piezo ignition with a separate button for easy and convenient operation. It also comes with a plastic case for storage. The dimensions of the stove are 36x32x9 cm and it weighs 2 kg. The average cost of this stove is 1400 rubles.

1. Low weight;
2. Simple and convenient ignition;
3. High burning temperature;
4. Functionality.

A tourist stove from a domestic manufacturer is available, offering simplicity, convenience, and reliability. It operates using standard cylinder cartridges with a collet connection.

The equipment includes a one-piece closed burner that produces an annular flame, a piezoelectric ignition, and a gas flow control system.

Notable features include a quick-change device for the fuel cartridge and an enameled cooking surface. Safety is prioritized with a protection mechanism against incorrect connections and operation. The stove has a power output of 2.5 kW and consumes fuel at a rate of 155 g/h. It has dimensions of 33.5×22.6×8.8 cm and weighs 1.7 kg. The stove comes in a plastic case and has an average price range of 1200 to 1500 rubles.

1. Quick cylinder replacement mechanism
2. Reliable case with a permissible load of up to 15 kg
3. Closed burner technology
4. High level of safety
5. Compact and lightweight design

No disadvantages have been reported.

An reliable and incredibly easy-to-use stove, which is currently one of the most popular models in its price range. It runs on a single cylinder-cartridge, which is securely housed inside the sturdy steel body of the device.

The stove comes equipped with a piezo ignition, allowing for effortless lighting, as well as an adjustable flame intensity feature. Additionally, it features a mechanism that allows for quick and convenient replacement of the cartridge. With a power output of 2.5 kW and a maximum gas consumption of 160 g/h, this stove provides efficient cooking capabilities. Safety is ensured through a mechanism that protects against incorrect connections.

Weighing in at just 1.8 kg, this stove is lightweight and portable. It comes packaged in a durable plastic case, making it easy to transport and store. The average cost of this stove ranges from 1960 to 2300 rubles, making it an affordable option for many.

1. Simple and straightforward design.
2. Reliable performance.
3. Stable operation.
4. Compatible with collet-type cartridges and propane cylinders.

One potential drawback of this stove is the lack of a reducer and hose for connecting external fuel sources.

Premium models

Model	Characteristics
	Kovea TKR-9507-C Ceramic Range

Ceramic camping gas stove with a single burner that operates on disposable cartridge cylinders with a collet fastening system. The key difference between this particular model and similar ones is the unique design of the burner. The fuel combustion takes place within ceramic "honeycombs", which allows for a more thorough combustion of the gas. The stove has a power output of 1.2 kW, which is sufficient to boil 1 liter of water in just 5 minutes. The gas consumption is approximately 125 g/h, and the stove weighs 1.5 kg. It measures 370x120x300 mm in size.

Equipment: fuel supply adjustment unit, piezo element for ignition. Features: connection doesn’t require any additional adapters. Comes with a convenient plastic case. The average price is 3 thousand rubles.

1. Economical;
2. Simple and reliable design;
3. Ceramic burner with high efficiency.
4. There are two ceramic burners available;
5. The capacity to cook for 8-12 individuals at once;
6. Economical;
7. The option to connect to household gas cylinders is possible.

Disadvantages: each burner requires its own gas cylinder – either two collet or one collet, and one household cylinder connected through an adapter.

A compact camping burner with two powerful burners will enable you to prepare multiple meals for 10-12 people simultaneously. The power output is 2×3.3 kW. The size is 55x30x79.5 cm.

Features: lock and carrying handle, foldable windbreak. Functionality – adjustment of the burning intensity. The set includes a hose and a connector for refillable household cylinders. The weight of the device is 5.2 kg. Manufacturer – Sweden. Average cost – 14500 rubles.

1. Reliable design;
2. High-quality assembly;
3. Powerful.
4. There is a lack of piezo ignition function;
5. The price is quite high.

Tips for choosing

In conclusion, we have some recommendations from experts regarding the selection of the best model for a portable camping stove.

1. Cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor to consider while hiking as you have to carry the fuel with you. Ceramic burners are 30% more efficient than traditional burners with the same gas consumption. However, keep in mind that ceramic burners are not waterproof, so if water enters the ceramic burner’s honeycomb, the appliance will stop working;
2. Compactness is important as well. Look for compact models that offer maximum cooking surface area relative to their size, allowing you to use larger cookware;
3. When it comes to weight, camping stoves can range from as light as 0.8 kg to over 5 kg. If weight is a factor and you require a portable, self-sustaining heat source for your camping adventures, consider gas burners, which typically weigh between 100-400 grams.



Follow the instructions in the video to select the perfect gas burner for your needs.