Do you frequently go on camping or hiking trips, or maybe you love spending time by the lake on the weekends? Either way, a portable gas stove becomes necessary for such trips as it allows you to cook.
Portable gas stoves feature a burner and a cooking surface. Thus, they allow you to quickly boil, sauté, fry, and simmer. As for the competency required to work with them, whatever you can do on a stovetop at home, you can pull off using a portable gas stove.
It is important to note that portable gas stoves differ from your run-of-the-mill portable gas grills. The gas stoves are recommended if you want to make meals other than your conventional barbecue menu.
While some gas stoves come with containers you can use to cook, they can generally work exceptionally well with various pots, skillets, and pans.
This post will talk about factors you should consider when choosing the right portable gas stove and three options you can choose from!
Factors To Consider When Choosing Portable Gas Stove
Each person's or group's needs differ on a camping or hiking trip. While some might like to travel in large groups, others prefer solo adventures.
That's why you must be careful when choosing a portable gas stove. Keep the following factors in mind when you're finalizing the portable gas stove, and you'll be good to go:
How Do You Intend To Use It?
So, basically, what are you cooking? Will you be using the portable gas stove to boil soup? Do you want to steam vegetables? Are you going to be preparing heavier meals? The use will help you narrow down the list and find the right gas stove for your trips.
Size Of The Stove
If you plan to hike, it is strongly recommended that you keep the weight you'll carry in check. On the other hand, if you plan to set up a base camp, you might consider carrying more gear to allow for ease once you're settled in.
So, the size of the gas stove will depend on the duration and intensity of your trip.
How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
The cost of the portable gas stove is going to be one of the decisive factors. Therefore, you'll find different portable gas stoves in different price categories. However, you also need to factor in the stove's efficiency.
A cheap portable gas stove might cost you more in the long run when it wastes fuel because of its lower efficiency.
On the other hand, a costly portable gas stove will offer durability and thus will require little to no maintenance.
How Many Burners Will You Need?
You can easily get by with a single-burner portable gas stove if it's just you or a partner. However, if you are moving as a group, you might want to look for gas stoves that offer multiple burners.
Which Fuel Type Will You Be Carrying?
Stoves such as Lotus Titanium Solid Alcohol Stove use solid fuel tablets, alcohol blocks, and wax blocks. However, when it comes to portable gas stoves, you need to pick one based on the fuel you'll be carrying.
Three primary types of liquid fuels are generally used. Each has its pros and cons. The fuel types are mentioned below:
Propane – It is the most commonly used camp stove fuel. It is readily available and delivers high performance.
Isobutane – This particular fuel type is lighter and offers a lower boiling point. Thus, it is easier to carry. Although it is expensive, it actually offers higher efficiency in cold environments.
Butane – This fuel type is very affordable. However, there are certain trade-offs. For instance, it offers the lowest efficiency and reliability. Similarly, it provides the lowest vapor pressure when compared with the other two fuel types and has the highest boiling point.
Before choosing the portable gas stove, you need to be clear about the fuel type you'll use.
The Durability Of The Portable Gas Stove
The last thing you want is your portable gas stove dying on you when you need it the most. That's why it is important to choose a gas stove that's reliable and crafted using high-grade materials.
Our Picks – Top Three Portable Gas Stoves
We recommend the following three portable gas stoves:
Polaris Pressure Regulator Cooking System
This portable gas stove comes with micro-regulating technology. As a result, it offers more control over heat adjustment. You can also use it for a light simmer and a full boil.
In addition, it can maintain a steady burner output even during different environmental conditions. So you can use it even in harsh temperatures.
Polaris Pressure Regulator Cooking System features a push-button igniter that works even at -6 degrees Celsius. In addition, the gas stove comes with a pot with a Neoprene cover, pot stand, Tritan lid featuring a silicon knob, canister stand, and a mesh bag.
Hornet II Titanium Gas Stove
If you're looking for a compact and ultralight portable gas stove that can be used for long-distance backpacking, then Hornet II Titanium Gas Stove is the ideal choice. It offers a 122mm diameter with a non-slip design.
Furthermore, it features a windproof burner top and can provide you with a burner flame. Finally, it can be folded for easy storage.
Lac Butane Gas Stove
Although this portable gas stove will take up more space, it offers great reliability. It offers a 2300 W output and can boil one liter of water in about 3'25".
This portable gas stove also features a pressure-sensing mechanism that automatically ejects gas cylinders at high pressure.
In addition, it comes with a magnetic lock system that secures the fuel can and thus removes the possibility of loading the fuel can wrongly. Finally, as an added safety measure, it is delivered with a double seal, thus providing thorough protection against gas leakage.
Bonus - Lotus Titanium Solid Alcohol Stove
If you want a stove that doesn't rely on gas but uses solid fuel, you should consider Lotus Titanium Solid Alcohol Stove. It can be used with alcohol blocks, wax blocks, and solid fuel tablets.
It is a great option if you don't want to carry fuel cans with you on your trip. In addition, it comes with an integrated windshield design that enhances its efficiency while reducing fuel wastage.
In Conclusion
As you can see, selecting a portable gas stove depends on various factors. So, before you make any purchase, it is important to ask yourself the questions mentioned above to understand your needs better.
You can also reach out to Fire Maple and talk to our experts before making a purchase decision. Do let us know what you think of this post and if there's anything you'd like to add via comments.
