7 Best Butane Stoves

Last Updated October 31, 2023
Top 3 Best Butane Stoves
Gas One GS-3000 Portable Butane Camp Stove
Gas One GS-3000 Portable Butane Camp Stove
  • Compact and lightweight with a powder coated metal body.
  • Formidable 9,000 BTUs of heat, with a windscreen for strong flame in windy conditions.
  • Enamel drip pan for easy cleanup, and a piezoelectric starter for easy ignition.
Iwatani Corporation of America 35FW Butane Stove
Iwatani Corporation of America Butane Stove
  • Lightweight aluminum construction with a double windscreen system.
  • Solid brass burner delivering a powerful 15,000 BTUs.
  • Proprietary magnetic mounting system for gas canister with built-in pressure sensor for safety.
Camp Chef Butane One-Burner Stove
Camp Chef Butane One-Burner Stove
  • Compact and lightweight, with a cast aluminum burner.
  • Piezoelectric ignition system, producing up to 8,000 BTUs.
  • Comes with a durable plastic carry case and features a windscreen around the burner.
Outdoorsman Toolkit is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Eating a big meal by the fire at your campsite is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening. Cooking over the fire can be a lot of fun, but it does limit what you can cook. That’s where the butane camp stove comes in. Developed for use by caterers and chefs, the butane stove is one of the best and most affordable ways to cook up some grub while car camping, bbqing, or in the RV. Today we’re covering some of the best butane stoves on the market to help you find the one best suited to your style of camping.

Best Butane Stoves

Butane stoves are great for certain kinds of camping. They’re basically full size burners that you can cook large meals on with regular pots and pans. It’s important to keep in mind though that they aren’t for every camper.

Even the lightest butane stoves are several pounds without the fuel canister. If you’re a hiker or even just a camper who packs in their gear they’re probably not the best option.

Hiking stoves or wood burning camp stoves provide you with a much lighter and more portable cooking option. Unlike butane stoves though you won’t be able to cook with regular size pots and pans.

If you are an RVer or dedicated car camper though there are few stoves better than a quality butane camp stove. We picked out some of the best butane stoves available across a range of manufacturers, price points, and feature sets. Check them out and let us know what you think.

Gas One GS-3000 Portable Butane Camp Stove

Gas One GS-3000 Portable Butane Camp Stove
The Gas One GS-3000 butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

From the serene trails of the Rockies to the windswept beaches of the Pacific Northwest, my adventures always have one constant – the unyielding hunger that follows. I’ve always been on the quest for a reliable, portable stove that could keep up with my outdoor exploits, and after a good deal of research, I landed on the Gas One GS-3000 Portable Butane Camp Stove. It didn’t take long for this stove to prove itself as an invaluable addition to my camping gear.

During a recent hiking trip in the Adirondacks, the GS-3000 was put to a real test. After a long day on the trails, we set up camp beside a tranquil lake. The wind was gusty, but thanks to the included windscreen, I had a roaring flame going in no time. I was able to swiftly boil water for our freeze-dried meals and later simmer hot cocoa under a starlit sky. The ease of use and control I had over the flame was impeccable, turning what could have been a cold, canned meal into a warm, satisfying dinner amidst nature’s backdrop.

The GS-3000 is a compact powerhouse, encased in a lightweight powder coated metal body that scoffs at rust even when I’m cooking under a slight drizzle. The enamel drip pan is a neat addition, making cleanup a breeze after a hearty meal. With a formidable 9,000 BTUs of heat on high, this stove doesn’t shy away from any cooking challenge, may it be a quick boil or a slow simmer. The windscreen ensures that the flame stays strong even when nature decides to test us with a chilly breeze.

Safety is a priority with this stove. The emergency shut-off and the safety lever add a comforting layer of security, making sure that the flame stays where it should. The piezoelectric starter is a charm, firing up every time without the need for a lighter, a feature I found particularly useful on windy mornings.

This stove shined when I decided to host a small Korean BBQ night at our campsite. The grill pan sat perfectly on the burner, and the heat control allowed us to cook the meat to perfection. The ignition and turn switch is intuitive and easy to operate, even with hands numbed by the evening chill.

Fuel efficiency is commendable. A canister of butane lasted through numerous meals, from morning coffee to dinner stews. Though it doesn’t come with a butane can, finding fuel was easy at local Asian grocery stores, and apparently, all butane fuel cartridges fit this stove which is a plus.

The durable plastic carry case is a convenient touch, making transport to and from the campsite effortless. I’ve also found it useful for indoor use during power outages, a reliable companion that ensures hot meals and coffee are never too far away. It handled everything from stir-frys to bannocks with ease, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

On a side note, the GS-3000 performed exceptionally with my collection of cookware. Be it the wok for a quick stir fry or a large saucepan for a hearty stew, this stove handled it all without breaking a sweat.

A minor hiccup was the initial fiddling needed to pop out the canister container, but a little practice made perfect.

In essence, the Gas One GS-3000 is more than just a stove; it’s a dependable companion for every outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want to compromise on hot, delicious meals, no matter where the trail leads. Whether it’s a calm evening by the lake or a stormy night in the woods, with the GS-3000, a warm meal is always within reach.

Pros:

  • Portability: Comes with a durable plastic carry case, making it easy to transport for camping trips or outdoor adventures.
  • Powerful: With 9,000 BTUs on high, it’s capable of handling various cooking needs, from boiling water swiftly to simmering dishes.
  • Safety Features: Equipped with an emergency shut-off and a safety lever, ensuring a safe cooking experience.
  • Ease of Ignition: The piezoelectric starter allows for hassle-free ignition without the need for a lighter.
  • Fuel Efficiency: A canister of butane lasts through multiple meals, proving to be economical in fuel usage.
  • Versatile: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and compatible with various types of cookware.
  • Effective Windscreen: Ensures the flame stays strong even in windy conditions.

Cons:

  • Butane Sold Separately: The stove doesn’t come with a butane can, requiring a separate purchase.
  • Initial Difficulty with Canister Container: Popping out the canister container may require a bit of fiddling initially.
  • High Heat: The flame can be very hot, necessitating careful heat adjustment to avoid overcooking or burning.
  • Uncertainty with Non-GasOne Fuel Cans: Although it’s noted that all butane fuel cartridges fit, there might be a preference for GasOne fuel cans due to the safety lock feature.

Iwatani Corporation of America 35FW Butane Stove

Iwatani Corporation of America Butane Stove
The Iwatani butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Iwatani Corporation is a Japan based company that’s well known for their line of high quality portable stoves. The 35FW is a great example of their attention to detail, high levels of craftsmanship, and general quality.

It’s made from lightweight aluminum with a double windscreen system for excellent performance even outdoors. The burner is made from solid brass for corrosion resistance. It provides a massive 15,000 BTUs, enough to cook basically anything indoors or out.

That’s just the start though, the Iwatani 35FW features some of the most advanced systems you can find in a butane stove. Instead of a standard lever lock for the gas canister it uses a proprietary magnetic mounting system.

This creates a perfect seal every time without the hassle of first lining up the canister and slotting it into the level system. It has a pressure sensor built into the magnetic assembly that automatically shuts off gas flow if the bottle becomes overheated or begins to depressurize rapidly.

The Iwatani 35FW is honestly one of the best and most feature packed butane stoves on the market. The only real downside is it’s high price, easily twice the cost of many similar butane camp stoves.

Camp Chef Butane One-Burner Stove

Camp Chef Butane One-Burner Stove
The Camp Chef butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Camp Chef Butane One-Burner Stove is a compact and lightweight butane camping stove from one of the best known camping stove manufacturers. It features a cast aluminum burner for excellent performance and corrosion resistance and is made from lightweight powder coated metal.

It has a porcelain drip tray that’s highly durable and easy to clean. It uses a piezoelectric ignition system paired with an appliance style gas control knob.

The Camp Chef stove is capable of producing up to 8,000 BTUs, suitable for regular cooking needs, and features a windscreen around the burner. When paired with an appropriately sized pot or pan this gives you very effective protection against the wind.

It comes with a durable plastic carry case and uses an industry standard safety locking lever.

The Camp Chef One-Burner Butane Stove is lightweight, easy to pack away, and produces a good quantity of heat. It’s a good, affordable choice if you need a butane stove for your next camping trip.

Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case

Coleman Portable Butane Stove
The Coleman butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Coleman Portable Butane Stove is a lightweight camp stove. It features a porcelain coated drip tray and has a cast aluminum burner.

This makes it easy to clean and highly resistant to corrosion or drip damage. It provides up to 7,650 BTUs and can run for up to 1.25 hours on a standard 8 oz bottle of butane.

The grate itself is larger than many similar butane stoves and can accommodate pots and pans of up to 10 inches. It features a piezoelectric ignition system and comes with a durable carry case.

Coleman has been making high quality outdoor equipment for nearly 100 years. Their butane camp stove shows all the hallmarks of their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Sterno 50106 Portable Butane Stove

Sterno Portable Butane Stove
The Sterno 50106 butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Sterno 50106 Portable Butane Stove is a bbq and catering focused stove option. It features a lot of advanced safety features for use indoors or out.

The burner is capable of producing up to 9,000 BTUs and is a little slimmer than some other butane stoves. It has a windscreen but isn’t quite as effective under really windy conditions.

It features an emergency shut off sensor and safety lock out that helps prevent mishaps. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a butane stove you can use at events as well as campsites.

It’s a little bit more expensive than some of the other stoves on our list but does provide a lot of interesting features. The build quality is generally a little bit nicer as well.

For RVers and campers who also love a good backyard bbq this Sterno Butane stove is a good option. It lacks some of the camping specific features of other stoves but is more suited for indoor/outdoor use.

Gas One Emergency Gear Camping Mini Butane Portable Gas Stove

Gas One Emergency Camping Portable Butane Stove
The Gas One Emergency butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Gas One Mini Butane Gas Stove is a highly adaptable stove perfect for RVers, bbq enthusiasts, and car campers. It’s made from stainless steel and provide 7,120 BTUs.

That’s a bit less than many similar stoves on our list but the Gas One has a trump card up its sleeve. It comes standard with an adaptor that allows it to run off of larger propane canisters.

This makes it a lot cheaper to operate if you’re cooking a lot of food. It’s a really nice value add for those who want a burner useful at a backyard barbecue or an event.

It uses a piezoelectric starter and includes a sturdy carry and storage case. At 2.2 lbs it’s also lighter than many other butane stoves.

If you’re looking for a versatile butane camp stove that’s lightweight and dependable the Gas One Mini Butane Stove is a good option.

Chef Master Butane Countertop Burner

Chef Master Butane Countertop Burner
The Chef Master butane stove product picture

Buy from Amazon

The Chef Master Butane Countertop Burner with a whole lot to offer. It’s a bit beefier than many similar stoves and offers one of the best windscreens we’ve seen.

It provides up to 10,000 BTUs and has an automatic piezoelectric starter. The windscreen is wider and taller than those found on most other stoves. This helps protect it from stronger breezes and improves overall fuel efficiency.

The Chef Master has an inline regulator system that includes a safety cutoff switch. This protects you from any issues that might arise from an over or under pressurized canister of fuel.

The Chef Master is a durable and powerful butane stove. It’s a great option if you want something for use in a really windy campsite.

Best Butane Stoves Comparison Tables

Buyers Guide for Buying the Best Butane Stove

Picking out the best butane stove is pretty straightforward. There’s honestly not a huge difference between a lot of the stoves on the market, so you just need to look at a few key features such as heat output, price, and wind/weather protection.

Before you read our best butane stove buyer’s guide we think you’ll also like our best camp mess kit and best camping kitchen guides.

Price

Butane stoves are some of the most affordable camping stoves on the market. Prices hover between $15 to $40 for the vast majority of stoves, with multi burner models or those made with premium features usually not much more expensive.

Fuel too is inexpensive and widely available. This makes butane stoves much cheaper to operate once you purchase one.

Intended use

Butane stoves aren’t only useful to campers. They’re great portable stove units large enough to cook full size meals on.

Depending on how you intend to use your butane stove there are different features to look for. Campers prize portability, water/wind resistance, and lighter weight. If you’re in an RV or just looking for an outdoor stove to use during a BBQ or for an easy hot pot/fondue setup your butane stove can be heavier and generally more substantial.

BTU Rating

Stove heat output is measured in British Thermal Units, commonly called BTUs. For butane stoves the magic number you’re looking for is 7,000 BTUs.

This is comparable to a standard gas stove top burner and amply powerful enough to cook anything you need. If you plan to cook in especially cold or windy conditions more BTUs can be beneficial.

Burn Time

Burn time is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing different butane stoves. More fuel efficient stoves will provide you with a greater burn time for the same amount of fuel.

One thing to keep in mind when looking at listed burn times is what flame setting the stove is on. Many stoves will list ‘up to’ burn times. These usually only apply if you run the stove at the minimum setting.

Try and find the average burn time for a stove at maximum flame.

Ignition

We highly recommend you choose a butane stove with a built in ignition system. While not absolutely essential it is a very nice feature to have.

The vast majority of butane camp stoves use a piezo electric starter. Once you turn the gas on to the ignition setting you can press a button and trigger a small electric spark.

This ignites the flame quickly and without the need for batteries or something like a match or lighter.

Windscreen & Weatherproof

Depending on how you plan to use your butane stove wind and weather resistance could be a major value add. Basic windscreens are useful for any butane stove that you plan to use outdoors.

It makes it a whole lot easier to cook with it and helps protect it from accidentally blowing out. Water resistance comes in many forms. The most basic is a waterproof carry case to protect it while you’re packing it in.

Other butane stoves have galvanized metal parts, enameled porcelain drip trays, and other features that help protect them from the rain.

Burner(s)

With butane stoves you can choose between one or two burner models. One burner stoves are more portable and easier to setup but obviously can’t cook as much as a two burner butane stove.

You can also find some butane stoves with more exotic burner styles. Some of our favorites include grill grates, griddles, and even crepe maker burner arrangements.

At a Glance: Our Top 7 Best Butane Stoves

Top Butane Stoves Video

FAQ: Best Butane Stove

We understand that choosing the best butane stove for your camping and hiking adventures can be a daunting task. With so many options available on the market, it’s natural to have questions and seek clarification before making a purchase. In this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, we aim to address some of the common queries you may have regarding butane stoves.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner planning your first camping trip, we’ve compiled essential information to help you make an informed decision. From understanding the functionality and safety considerations of butane stoves to addressing concerns about portability, maintenance, and more, this FAQ section aims to provide clarity and guidance.

Please note that while we have strived to cover a wide range of frequently asked questions, this section serves as a general guide and should not replace the manufacturer’s instructions or specific guidelines for the particular butane stove you own or intend to purchase. Always consult the manufacturer’s documentation for accurate and detailed information.

Now, let’s delve into the frequently asked questions about the best butane stoves, unraveling the mysteries surrounding these versatile cooking companions and equipping you with the knowledge needed to embark on your outdoor culinary adventures with confidence.

What is a butane stove?

A butane stove is a portable cooking device that uses butane gas as a fuel source. It is commonly used for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and backpacking due to its compact size and convenience.

How does a butane stove work?

A butane stove typically consists of a burner head, a butane canister, and a regulator. The butane canister contains pressurized butane gas, which is released when the stove is ignited. The regulator controls the flow of gas, and the burner head is where the gas is burned, providing a flame for cooking.

Are butane stoves safe to use?

When used properly and following the manufacturer’s instructions, butane stoves are generally safe to use. However, it’s important to exercise caution and use them in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Always make sure to place the stove on a stable surface and keep flammable materials away from the flame.

How portable are butane stoves?

Butane stoves are known for their portability. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them ideal for camping and hiking trips. Many models are designed to fold up or come with carrying cases for added convenience.

How long does a butane canister last?

The duration of a butane canister depends on various factors, including the heat output of the stove and the size of the canister. Generally, a standard-sized butane canister can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours of continuous cooking. It’s a good idea to carry spare canisters if you’re planning an extended trip.

Can butane stoves handle large pots and pans?

Most butane stoves have a compact cooking surface, so they may not be suitable for very large pots and pans. However, many models are designed to accommodate medium-sized cookware commonly used for camping and outdoor cooking. It’s recommended to check the product specifications or contact the manufacturer for specific details.

Are there any maintenance requirements for butane stoves?

Butane stoves generally require minimal maintenance. However, it’s important to keep the stove clean by wiping away any spills or debris after each use. It’s also advisable to check the condition of the hoses, regulator, and other components periodically to ensure they are in good working order.

Can butane stoves be used in cold weather?

Butane stoves can be used in cold weather, but their performance may be affected. The pressure inside the canister can decrease in colder temperatures, resulting in a weaker flame or difficulties in igniting the stove. To overcome this, you can warm up the canister in your hands or store it in a pocket for a few minutes before use.

Are butane canisters refillable?

Most butane canisters used for portable stoves are not designed to be refilled. They are intended for single-use and can be easily replaced when empty. However, some manufacturers offer refillable canisters as an eco-friendly alternative. Make sure to check the specifications of the stove and canister before attempting to refill.

What are some safety tips for using a butane stove?

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using a butane stove:

  • Use the stove in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Place the stove on a stable, non-flammable surface away from flammable materials.
  • Never leave the stove unattended while it’s in use.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance.
  • Carry a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
  • Allow the stove and canister to cool down completely before storing or transporting them.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when using any camping or hiking equipment, including butane stoves.

Note: This FAQ section is provided as a general guide and does not substitute the manufacturer’s instructions or guidelines specific to the butane stove you own or intend to purchase.

Best Butane Stoves Recap

Final Thoughts

When picking out butane stoves the conditions you’re going to use it in really make the choice for you.

Some stoves work better in calm conditions and are sized for larger scale cooking. Others have multiple wind and water protection features and are a bit more compact.

As long as you have a pretty good idea what kind of camper you usually are and what kind of food you want to cook in it’s not hard at all to pick out the best butane stove for your needs.

1 thought on “7 Best Butane Stoves”

  1. I bought the Gas One GS-3000 a few months ago and it has been a game-changer for my camping trips. The windscreen is really effective even in gusty conditions.

    Reply

Leave a Comment