Air conditioning
Wind can make or break a stove’s performance. Some burners are designed to withstand gusts better than others, especially those with recessed or shielded flame designs. If you expect to cook in open areas, prioritize wind resistance. But be careful: many manufacturers recommend it not using aftermarket windshields with canister stoves due to the risk of overheating.
Boiling speed
Portable stoves can usually boil one cup of water in four to six minutes, but some stoves are faster than others. A stove that boils water quickly can be a morale boost after a long day—but don’t forget to contribute to fuel consumption. Very efficient stove speed and fuel consumption, keeping your pack light on long trips. Look for stoves that provide consistent performance at varying temperatures and fuel levels.
Cold weather performance
Fuel controls, found on nearly half of the stoves we considered, make it easy for some camping stoves to operate in temperatures of 20-40 degrees (which is likely the coldest conditions most three-season backpackers will experience).
The sound
Some backpacking stoves sound like a rocket taking off. This can interfere with conversation and/or may interfere with your wilderness experience (and possibly wildlife).
Strength/Dimensions
Ultimately, you want a stove that will fit well with other gear in your bag.
Another way the design of the stove can affect this is that some combination stoves can fit the fuel can and the stove inside the pot.
Some compact stoves fit well out of backpack pockets.
Flame Control or Simmer Skill
Generally, backpackers prefer to have some ability to cook more complex meals. But more often than not, after a long day of hiking they decide it’s easier to just boil water and add that to the dehydrated food they made earlier.
Weight
Although weight is important when choosing backpacking gear, we found the difference between the models we looked at to be within two ounces of each other.
Price
We recommend high-quality camping stoves at various prices. Inexpensive stoves aren’t as fast, efficient or reliable as the more expensive ultralight stoves we recommend—but they’ll get the job done.
Oil Efficiency
Gearheads love to argue about the efficiency of the stove like a bunch of Prius owners trying to outdo others in Hyperdrive. But most users will find the best fuel efficiency among the portable stove models we’ve considered comparable. The differences between the hiking stoves we considered weren’t great enough to disqualify any models.
Ignition
Some stoves come with built-in push-button igniters, called piezos, that allow you to press a button that creates a spark. This makes cooking in the backyard easier. We have come full circle this time. While in charge of a Mini Bic lighter it’s not the biggest thing, it’s just one step we’re glad not to have to deal with.
Piezo is not always reliable in the long run. Even if your stove comes with one, it’s wise to carry a spare. Some stoves have very secure ignition systems that cannot fail due to dirt or moisture.
Type of oil
Most backpackers use isobutane-propane canisters because they are light, easy to use, and widely available. Liquid fuel stoves work best in freezing temperatures or in remote areas where cans may be scarce—but they are heavier and require more maintenance. We do not cover liquid fuel stoves in this guide. Consider your destination, length of trip, and expected conditions when choosing your fuel system.
These criteria were developed by regularly scanning praise and complaints from customer reviews and experts. We also relied on our extensive experience guiding and educating backpackers on how to use the gear. To find out more about this, see our article on How to Choose a Camping Stove.