One of the best parts of camping is being one with the woods and eating foods that you catch and cook outside on your own. Although many people prefer to build a fire and cook their meals the old fashioned way, we’re not above finding some excellent camping stoves to use in order to make the job a little easier, a little more efficient, and a lot tastier.
Where to begin, though? Lucky for you, we’re taking the guesswork out of the purchasing process… we’ve selected the three best camping stoves for every budget.
Bottom of the Line – Esbit Fuel Tablet
If you’re looking for the bare minimum in the way of equipment, essentially something to get the job done with little to no hassle, then the Esbit Fuel Tablet is the way to go. The ultimate survivor-man stove and the perfect fit for a basic day camper, this stove is minimal in size and weight, weighing in at only 3.25 ounces. The stove lights easily with a regular match and burns for a sustained 12 minute span, generating up to 1400 degree heat even in high altitudes. That’s enough time to char a few decent size trout. The last benefit (but certainly not the least)… the Esbit stores easily, and costs a whopping $10.
Mid-Grade – Firefly UL by QiWiz
Great for solo trips or trips for two, the Firefly UL is the greatest mid-grade stove we found out there. Why? They weigh close to nothing and fold away easily, making them a cinch to lug around on your back. Another benefit is that the stove is wood burning, so once you get that flame lit, your only job (other than cooking), is to keep it going with twigs, straw and sticks that you find. It’s efficient and it makes for one heck of a camping environment, with it’s dim light and quiet crackle. This stove is mid-grade as far as cost goes, so you’re looking to spend around $60 if you find a good deal.
Top of the Line – 27-3 HA by Trangia
If camping is something that you spend a lot of time doing, and you’re wanting to invest in a stove that’s really great all around, then the 27-3 HA is a great choice for you. This stove in particular differs from many other stoves in that it burns alcohol, not gas. Benefits to this include the versatility of the rigs (you can do a number of things with the burners) and the quiet burning nature of the stove. This stove in particular comes with an aluminum finish and is extremely durable against scratches, dents and dings. It comes with different models that incorporate different pots and materials, easily customizable for whatever your trip requires. Quite frankly – you get what you pay for: all this, for $120.
Whether you’re in the market for something that’ll just get you by, or a more extensive set up to cart around the wilderness, any one of these three camping stoves will allow you to cook confidently and efficiently on your trip.
Image Credit: istockphoto.com
