I tested the best camping stoves for cooking like a pro in the wild – here are my favourites | Camping holidays
adminUpdated 1 day Ago17 Mins read
A reliable camping stove makes all the difference to food alfresco, allowing you to cook a stew in the evening and then warm up in the morning with a hot cup of coffee. The great thing about these stoves is that they’re essentially portable hobs, meaning anything you can cook on the stove at home can be whipped up in the great outdoors by sticking a pot or frying pan on top.
There’s a dizzying variety on offer, ranging from dinky ultralight burners that fit into your pocket to big stove-tops with multiple hobs, grills, wind protectors and a lid – the latter are like bringing along your cooker from home. Most run on gas, such as propane and butane, although I’ve also included charcoal options for traditional types. I’ve tested 20 of the best portable stoves, for everyone from ultralight wild campers to families who need to cook dinners for the masses.
At a glance
Why you should trust me
I’m a keen camper and spend many nights a year under canvas, either wild camping solo in the hills or on weekends away in my bell tent with friends and family. Wherever I pitch my tent, I also love making supper in the great outdoors – whether it’s a bowl of noodles in the wild, a hearty stew at a campsite or a spot of marshmallow toasting on a campfire. With my journalist hat on, I’ve been testing all kinds of outdoor kit for years, so I know what works – and what will last.
Read our expert guide to the best tents for more inspiration
How I tested
I fired up 20 stoves across two testing periods, cooking camping staples such as porridge, pancakes and fried eggs, as well as checking how long it took to boil water on each. I looked for an easy setup without any complicated instructions to follow and tested to see if each stove cooked evenly and reliably, and that the components felt good quality and built to last.
I hate cleaning stoves, but I took one for the team and gave each of my top-rated models a good scrub to see how easy they were to get spick and span after use. My selection of the 12 best camping stoves includes lightweight models and larger camping stoves, as well as portable barbecues and even a smoker you can take camping.
The best camping stoves in 2026
Best camping stove overall:
Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe
Cadac
2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe
from £125
What we love
Great all-rounder; cooks it all; good value
What we don’t love
No wind guard
This is a compact gas stove with two independent burners. It also has built-in ignition, and ceramic-coated flat and ribbed grill plates, allowing for simultaneous grilling, frying and boiling. It weighs 4.8kg and is compatible with butane and propane.
Why we love it
There are camping stoves out there to suit everyone, from the hardiest mountaineer who wants to fit a stove in the palm of their hand to the van-lifers in need of a setup that would rival a kitchen. If pressed, I’d say this was the best camping stove I tested overall.
It’s lightweight, at less than 5kg, and is portable, folding into its case for carrying and storage. Pop off the lid and there are two burners, each with its own built-in ignition, so you can have coffee going on one and bacon and eggs sizzling on the other. You can also stick two grill surfaces (a ceramic flat plate grill and a ribbed grill plate) on top and simply pop ingredients straight on to sizzle and sear. The case makes for fuss- and mess-free storage in your van or car boot (or cupboard back at home), and it sits sturdily on tabletops.
This is ideal for campervans or on family camping trips, although it would benefit from the addition of a wind guard, as it doesn’t like anything stronger than a mild breeze. This is also a well-priced camping stove.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t like high winds.
Weight: 4.8kg
Burners: two
Fuel type: gas
Time to boil water: six minutes
Cadac
2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe
from £125
What we love
Great all-rounder; cooks it all; good value
What we don’t love
No wind guard
Best budget camping stove:
Robens Fire Beetle
Robens
Fire Beetle
from £40.99
What we love
Pocket size and lightweight, with decent legs
What we don’t love
There are even dinkier stoves if you’re counting every gram
Redefining what it means to be a “Beetles fan”, this compact stove may be small but it’s also mighty. It weighs 189g – not as featherweight as the teeny, less-than-50g stoves favoured by hardcore hikers, but it’s great for its price and will do just fine for most backpackers and trekkers.
The Beetle folds out into a surprisingly sturdy pot stand, which I found steady even on uneven surfaces. I’d suggest adding a foil windscreen if you’re out in the wild, as it proved sensitive to any kind of wind, but it was easy to light and control the power of the flame, and it boiled water fast. Other reviewers report this stove doesn’t work well in winter conditions, but in spring it was an efficient cooking companion I barely noticed in my pack – and it’s well priced.
It’s a shame that … there are lighter stoves out there if the weight is important to you.
Weight: 189g
Burners: one
Fuel type: gas
Time to boil water: four minutes
Robens
Fire Beetle
from £40.99
What we love
Pocket size and lightweight, with decent legs
What we don’t love
There are even dinkier stoves if you’re counting every gram
Best portable BBQ:
Everdure Cube
What we love
Cute, compact and easy to move
What we don’t love
Limited grill space; expensive for limited use
Designed with input from chef Heston Blumenthal, the Everdure Cube is a portable, reusable charcoal barbecue, all packed into a compact box. It’s easy to carry, with a simple grill design aimed at casual outdoor cooking rather than full-scale feasts.
Why we love it
The rather cute Cube is thoughtfully designed, with heatproof handles that stay cool so you can move it mid-cook, plus a bamboo prep board built into the lid. The lid also doubles as storage for ingredients, but you can’t use it to cover the grill once it’s lit, which limits the Cube’s usefulness in wind or rain. Inside, a porcelain enamel firebox holds a grill – simply pop charcoal inside and light.
On test I found the Cube a doddle to set up and cook on, and cleaning it afterwards is made easier because of the wipe-clean firebox. The Cube is quite cool, too – I like the citrus orange version I tested, and while good looks aren’t top of my list when recommending stoves, they don’t hurt. Space on the grill is limited: this is great for beach trips, solo suppers and couple cookouts, but you’ll need something bigger for family camps.
It’s a shame that … it’s too dinky for a big family, and it’s pricey for something so simple.
Weight: 7kg
Burners: one
Fuel type: charcoal
Time to boil water: not applicable
What we love
Cute, compact and easy to move
What we don’t love
Limited grill space; expensive for limited use
Best no-frills burner:
Campingaz Camp & Trek Twin CV Connect stove
Campingaz
Camp & Trek Twin CV Connect stove
from £104
What we love
Simple to use; two burners; portable
What we don’t love
No bells and whistles – or wind protection
Its name is a bit of a mouthful, but the Campingaz Camp & Trek Twin CV Connect is otherwise a straightforward, no-fuss gas stove with two burners, designed to mimic the simplicity of using your hob at home. It connects to Campingaz gas cartridges using the Easy Clic system, so setup is quick and secure, with minimal faff.
Why we love it
I’m wary of overly complicated camping stoves – most campers just want something that works – so this simple, intuitive option was a welcome relief on test. The gas cartridge clicks neatly into place, the built-in ignition fires up instantly (even in breezy conditions), and the Camp & Trek boils water in minutes. With two burners, you can have a kettle going while cooking breakfast, which makes this stove ideal for family trips or campervan use.
This design is lightweight, portable and it comes with a carry bag, although there are no fancy features such as wind guards or built-in prep space on this pared-back stove. Still, for the price, it’s a reliable, no-fuss option that covers all the basics well.
It’s a shame that … it’s a bare-bones burner design – but then, that’s the point.
Weight: 1.4kg
Burners: two
Fuel type: gas
Time to boil water: four minutes
Campingaz
Camp & Trek Twin CV Connect stove
from £104
What we love
Simple to use; two burners; portable
What we don’t love
No bells and whistles – or wind protection
Best stove for backpacking:
Primus Lite Plus stove
Primus
Lite Plus stove
from £69.95
What we love
Simple to use; fast to boil; integrated lighter
What we don’t love
Not the lightest; only suitable for one
The Primus Lite Plus stove system is a compact “personal stove system” designed for solo campers who want a reliable, all-in-one setup. Primus doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but instead refines it into something good quality, efficient and easy to pack.
Why we love it
Summertime, and the wild camping is easy – if you’ve got this intuitive little stove packed in your rucksack. Just screw it on to a Primus gas canister, pop the pot on top, and you’re good to go. The Lite Plus was the speediest stove in my test, boiling water in around three minutes, which makes a big difference when you’re after a quick coffee or hot meal out-of-doors. The flame is easy to control, so you won’t scorch the bottom of the pot, and there’s a built-in igniter to save you from fumbling with matches.
The integrated pot packs everything neatly into itself, and includes a cork cosy for insulation and grip. The included pot’s capacity is limited at 800ml for carrying and 500ml for boiling, making this best for solo backpackers, although you can use other pots and pans instead.
It’s a shame that … it’s not ultralight, and it’s best for one.
Weight: 402g
Burners: one
Fuel type: gas
Time to boil water: three minutes
Primus
Lite Plus stove
from £69.95
What we love
Simple to use; fast to boil; integrated lighter
What we don’t love
Not the lightest; only suitable for one
Best stove for wild campers:
Petromax Atago
Petromax
Atago
from £229.95
What we love
Fun to cook on; works in the wild; converts to a fire bowl
What we don’t love
Pricey; accessories not included; a little bulky
The Atago is a four-in-one charcoal cooking kit designed to function as a grill, stove, oven and firepit. It’s made from stainless steel, which makes it durable, and features a double-walled design for efficient heat retention, plus it has a one-step folding mechanism for portability. It’s also compatible with various iterations of Petromax cast-iron cookware.
Why we love it
This might be the hardiest portable stove on the market. The stainless-steel unit uses charcoal or charcoal briquettes for fuel, so it’s ideal for wild campers, foragers and explorers who fancy cooking a feast when they’re far from the nearest plug socket or shop.
The Atago is designed to be compatible with Petromax’s Dutch ovens, woks, pans and even a camping coffee percolator, although you’ll have to buy these separately – and this cooking system is already expensive. You’ll also have to tend to a fire rather than just turn on the gas, though I found the Atago easy to light and use, plus grilling meat and fish on charcoal gave a wonderful smoky flavour.
Gourmet chefs who want to produce Instagram-worthy eats even if they’re in the wild will love this setup, and I liked that it converts into a fire bowl – a great way to have a campfire without causing damage wherever you set up your tent. All in all, this is a fun mini mobile kitchen, and worth investing in if you’re serious about food even when you’re in the backcountry.
It’s a shame that … it’s expensive – and you’ll have to buy the accessories.
Weight: 6.1kg
Burners: one
Fuel type: charcoal, charcoal briquettes and firewood
Time to boil water: five minutes (once the fire is hot)
Petromax
Atago
from £229.95
What we love
Fun to cook on; works in the wild; converts to a fire bowl
What we don’t love
Pricey; accessories not included; a little bulky
Best grill for camping:
Primus Kuchoma portable grill
Primus
Kuchoma portable grill
from £172.99
What we love
Portable; feels like great quality; easy to clean
What we don’t love
Expensive and there are limited ways to cook on it
The Swedish-designed Primus Kuchoma is a lightweight, portable gas-powered grill designed for outdoor cooking adventures. Weighing 4.6kg, it features a ceramic non-stick grill grate, a stainless-steel drip tray and foldable legs.
Why we love it
The Kuchoma felt rather like the Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro in terms of shape, size and portability, but it’s a dedicated grill rather than a two-burner. This was the most portable grill I could find to test, and if you love a proper barbecue but want to travel light, it’ll be your bestie, allowing you to sizzle a steak or brown toast wherever you pitch your tent (or simply on the beach, patio or in the garden).
I liked the foldout legs, which protect the ground and make a solid base for the grill, and there’s room on the Kuchoma to cook supper for two people, with heat distributed well across one wide grill plate. The steel hood seals tight, too, so the burner stays lit in windy weather. It’s quick to remove the grill to wash it and wipe clean the grease tray.
If you already own a stove, this will be a great addition to liven up your camping culinary adventures – but it won’t cover the basics such as boiling the kettle or making pasta.
It’s a shame that … it’s expensive, especially for a one-trick pony.
Weight: 4.6kg
Burners: one
Fuel type: gas
Time to boil water: not applicable
Primus
Kuchoma portable grill
from £172.99
What we love
Portable; feels like great quality; easy to clean
What we don’t love
Expensive and there are limited ways to cook on it
The best of the rest
MSR XGK EX
What we love
Takes any fuel; pocket-size; sturdy surface
What we don’t love
Fiddly to use; no simmer option; pricey
Best for: a multi-fuel stove
Multi-fuel stoves do what they say on the tin, and by allowing you to swap between fuels they’re versatile for travel. MSR’s XGK EX is a popular choice with hardy outdoorsy types as it burns white gas, paraffin and diesel. It’s a hard-wearing stove that should last a long time; its stainless-steel, scorpion-like legs provide a wide, sturdy surface for your pot.
All this little stove really does is boil liquids (albeit fast and reliably, and it will also melt snow in harsh weather conditions), so you can’t simmer your meal or make anything complicated. It’s pricey, too, so casual campers need not splash their cash here, though for international adventures – where you really need to rely on your kit – it’s worth the spend.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s expensive and has no temperature control.
Weight: 366g
Burners: one
Fuel type: gas, paraffin and diesel
Time to boil water: three to five minutes
What we love
Takes any fuel; pocket-size; sturdy surface
What we don’t love
Fiddly to use; no simmer option; pricey
Bar-Be-Quick smoker and grill barbecue
Bar-Be-Quick
Smoker and grill barbecue
from £69.99
What we love
Smokes ingredients well; doubles as a grill
What we don’t love
Fiddly to assemble; feels less durable than others
Best for: a portable barbecue and smoker
A smoker you can take into the sticks? The Bar-Be-Quick’s multilayered design looks too hefty to be portable at first glance – but this smoker and grill (which weighs 8.3kg) will fit into larger cars if you fancy a gourmet camping feast. It can also be converted into a small portable barbecue by taking away the top section, making it ideal for shorter trips. You can then choose whether you fancy smoking, grilling, roasting or steaming ingredients.
During testing, it took me a few goes to put the smoker-grill together and then to use it correctly, but once I got the hang of it cooking was simple – and more fun than your standard barbecue or camping stove. It works well as a simple charcoal grill, too. This grill perhaps isn’t as solid as some premium models, but it’s good fun and affordable.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s flimsier than some models on test.
Weight: 8.3kg; burners: one; fuel type: charcoal; time to boil water: not applicable
Bar-Be-Quick
Smoker and grill barbecue
from £69.99
What we love
Smokes ingredients well; doubles as a grill
What we don’t love
Fiddly to assemble; feels less durable than others
Char-Broil Patio Bistro Cube E
Char-Broil
Patio Bistro Cube E
£229
What we love
Easy to use; heats up in a jiffy
What we don’t love
Not lightweight; no charcoal taste or smell
Best for: a portable electric barbecue
If nothing but a proper barbecue will do on your adventures, the Char-Broil Patio Bistro Cube E is a compact electric option that works well for camping and van trips – as long as you’ve got a power hook-up handy. Its cube design is easy to pack into a car boot or campervan cupboard, and it’s a doddle to cook on.
Despite its size, this barbecue punches above its weight, reaching up to 320C and heating up quickly, so you can get cooking fast. There’s room on the grill to cater for a family of four, and the controls are simple to use. While you won’t get the barbecue flavour of charcoal, that also means no smoke, and the ease and reliability of cooking on the Patio Bistro Cube makes dinner stress-free, without any of the effort of heating coals to just the right temperature. This dinky grill is also easy to clean. A fuss-free option for electric-friendly sites (as well as for balconies, gardens and its namesake – your patio), all in a portable package.
It didn’t make the final cut because … there are limited places you can use it.
Weight: 13.2kg; burners: one; fuel type: electric; time to boil water: not applicable
Char-Broil
Patio Bistro Cube E
£229
What we love
Easy to use; heats up in a jiffy
What we don’t love
Not lightweight; no charcoal taste or smell
Gozney Tread pizza oven
What we love
Well made; makes posh pizza in minutes; portable
What we don’t love
Very pricey; some accessories not included
Best for: a portable pizza oven for camping
Pizza ovens are having a moment in back gardens across Britain, but believe it or not, there’s also a model you can easily take camping with you if you fancy whipping up a margherita under the stars.
Gozney’s Tread is pleasingly compact, and at 13.5kg, not too heavy or bulky to stick in the boot of a car or load into your campervan. It makes 12in pizzas in three minutes flat, a great way to quickly feed the masses, and you can also pop a cast-iron pan inside, so it can stand in as an oven. There’s also a stand, a pizza paddle and a carry bag available, although these are sold separately.
The Tread isn’t cheap, at just shy of £500 – but I have to say, I’m a convert. If you love whipping up gourmet food alfresco all summer, it might be worth the investment – and it doubles up as a pizza oven you can use in the garden when you’re home, of course.
It didn’t make the final cut because … do you really need a pizza oven?
Weight: 13.5kg
Burners: one
Fuel type: propane
Time to make pizza: three to five minutes
What we love
Well made; makes posh pizza in minutes; portable
What we don’t love
Very pricey; some accessories not included
For more, read our guide to the best pizza ovens
Petromax Rocket Stove
Petromax
Rocket Stove
from £144.95
What we love
Easy to light and to cook on; good quality
What we don’t love
Limited use; one burner
Best for: a portable wood-burning stove
If you love to camp in the back of beyond, and don’t want to rely on gas when it’s time to whip up supper, you may well get on with the Rocket Stove. Essentially a mini chimney you can light a fire in and then feed with wood, pine cones or other kindling, it has a cast-iron top to pop a pan or pot on, which cooks food evenly while you feed the fire. This wilderness-ready stove is basically a Swedish fire log you can use on repeat.
The Rocket Stove is well made and good fun to use, too. It’s easy to get the fire going, as the chimney is well insulated from wind, and once the stove is hot, water will boil in less than 10 minutes. The stove will happily sit on a camping table, too. This design looks hefty but weighs just over 6kg, so it’s portable, and if you have a power failure at home, it could be a handy backup.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s a one-trick pony, suitable only if you’re keen to cook over fire.
Weight: 6.5kg
Burners: one
Fuel type: wood
Time to boil water: five to 10 minutes
Petromax
Rocket Stove
from £144.95
What we love
Easy to light and to cook on; good quality
What we don’t love
Limited use; one burner
What you need to know
Key features to look out for
A lightweight canister stove is ideal for boiling water quickly for solo hikers and minimalists, but less suited to multi-pot gourmet meals. For groups or more elaborate campsite cooking, I’d opt for a dual-burner stove so you’ve got room for frying, simmering and brewing coffee all in one place. Ensure you buy the correct fuel canister for your stove.
The most common models use gas or liquid fuel (paraffin etc), and different canisters are designed to clip or screw on to different stoves. This can be confusing to shop for. Most gas stoves run off propane, butane or a mixture of the two gases. First, check what fuel is recommended for use with your new stove – some are compatible only with branded gas canisters, while others allow multiple fuel options. If you’re camping in cold weather, it’s sensible to pick propane if you can, as it has a lower boiling point.
Gas canisters come in different sizes – mini ones are great for wild campers, while big refillable bottles will suit family weekenders. Larger stoves may require a refillable gas bottle – these also usually need you to buy a separate regulator, but they are more eco-friendly, as they can be used again and again. Check if you need a clip-in or screw-in canister and have a go at setting up your new stove with the gas cylinder before you go camping, so you’re confident it works.
Whatever stove you go for, look for features such as wind protection, simmer control and easy ignition (built-in igniters are handy in case you forget to bring matches). Weight, packability and setup time are also important – especially if you’re trekking rather than car camping.
How to choose a camping stove that will last
It’s worth investing in the best camping stove you can afford. Stainless steel and titanium offer durability and rust resistance. Canister stoves are perfect for lightweight trips, but make sure you look for sturdy pot supports and quality valves. Liquid fuel stoves often come with serviceable parts, a major plus for longevity.
Fuel efficiency is just as important for the planet and your wallet, and a wind-resistant burner will save fuel – and frustration. Wood-burning stoves will appeal to the off-grid minimalist and should last for ever if they’re well constructed.
How to use a camping stove
Find a stable, flat surface away from tents or dry brush. Wind is your enemy, so shield the stove. Attach the fuel canister or line securely and double-check for leaks before lighting. Most camping stoves require you to turn on the gas and then light it with a match or lighter, or click the built-in igniter. Some will burn with a bright blue flame; others are hard to see alight but make a roaring noise. If it’s windy, watch carefully to make sure the flame hasn’t gone out.
We’ve included wood and charcoal stoves and grills in our roundup – these usually require you to light a fire with kindling and then add bigger pieces of wood until you have a fire hot enough to cook over. Never cook inside your tent: you could poison yourself with carbon monoxide fumes. It’s a sensible idea to have a go at setting up your stove at home first before you head off on holiday – there’s little more frustrating than realising you brought the wrong fuel when you’re desperate for a cuppa.
For more:
The best camping chairs for every budget
The best camping mattresses and sleeping mats
The best tents for every camper
Sian Lewis is an award-winning outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com
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