The Best Propane Stoves For Camping And RV Life
No matter what you cook while camping for some reason it always tastes better than what you cook at home.
If you’re backpacking, hiking, at a campsite, or need to make a meal outside your car or van, portable propane gas stoves are incredibly useful and versatile.
Related Product: Easily see how much propane is left in the tank by adding a GasOne Propane Tank Gauge Pressure Meter (click to view on Amazon)
They come in lots of sizes, are very easy to use, can be extremely portable, and propane gas is safe for cooking.It’s why they’re so popular and used by so many.
My wife and I use our portable propane camping stove outside our RV when the weather allows. We have a griddle we can put on top for both searing and grilling, cast iron pans, and a dutch oven for making those delicious dutch oven potatoes.
The versatility and ease of use are why we love our RV camp stove and often recommend propane stoves to other RVers and travelers.
See Also: 6 Best Roll-Up Camping Tables For Dining & All-Around Use
In this review, I’m going to focus on portable propane stoves for camping and RV life. I’ll work my way from the smallest and most portable option, to the largest and most powerful.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Most Versatile – Gas ONE Dual Fuel Portable Camp Stove
- Best for Wind – Coleman Triton+ Propane Camping Stove
- Highest BTU Burners – Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2
Most Versatile
Best For Wind
Highest BTU Burners
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Propane Camping Stoves Reviews & Info
1. AOTU Portable Backpacking Stove
The smallest and most portable stove in this review is from AOTU.
This little folding gas stove can be thrown in a backpack taken on a hike or used while camping to cook smaller meals or boil water.
It can output around 10,000 BTU per hour, which is more than enough to cook a proper meal with a small frying pan or boil water quickly.
My wife and I have one of these. Even though we have a bigger propane RV camp stove, we love using the AOTU with a 6.5 inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (click to view on Amazon) when we’re hiking or on a picnic.
We’ve cooked so many burgers, grilled sandwiches, eggs, and boiled water for coffee with this setup and we only have good things to say about it.
As mentioned above, it’s a portable backpacking camp stove that folds.
When folded, it fits into an included 2 inch wide, 1.5 inch long, and 3 inch tall plastic case which makes it the ultimate cooking stove for backpackers.
When it’s time to cook, you screw the stove onto a standard butane/butane-propane gas canister (click to view on Amazon) with a 7/16 threads.
Then, fold out the anti-slip arms which creates an area where you put your pan or kettle.
A valve on the bottom controls the flame and cooking temperature.
When fully open the arms are 3.75 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall.
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Like many portable camp stoves, there is a Piezo ignition system that ignites the gas with the push of a button.
This is a small but significant feature that’s usually not appreciated until someone forgets a lighter.
Besides a small cast iron skillet, we recommend using a portable cook set like the Stanley Camp 24oz. Cook Set (click to view on Amazon) for boiling water.
So is the AOTU Portable Backpacking Stove the camp stove for the stationary RVer?
It could be, but there are better options for you that will probably suit you better.
This is an excellent portable camping stove for backpackers, hikers, van dwellers, and car campers with space and weight limitations.
What you have to consider is how big the pots and pans you’re going to be using with the camping stove will be.
Since it’s sitting on top of a small gas canister, it’s not as stable as larger alternatives.
Giving up stability for portability is pretty common for camping gear. Backpacking chairs are a great example of that.
PROS
- Compact
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Flame Control
- Piezo Push Button Ignition
- Plastic Case Included
CONS
- Only Compatible With Small Camp Fuel Tanks
- For Small Pots & Pans Only
- No Wind Guard
2. Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove
One downside to ultra portable camping stoves like the style reviewed above is they’re a little unstable and only fit small pots and pans.
The Coleman PowerPack propane stove is the lightweight solution to those issues.
It’s a single propane gas burner on a wide base that can hold large pans up to 12 inches in diameter.
The burner outputs 7,500 BTU, which is fairly low, but perfect for low heat cast iron cooking.
The unit measures 12.5 inches long, around 13 inches wide, and 4 inches tall. It weighs around 2 lbs.
The construction is simple but stable with the burner in the center and a wide wire grate that sticks out to hold large pans.
The flame strength/cooking temperature can be adjusted using the knob on the side.
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There is no push ignition on this portable camping stove, you have to use matches or a lighter to start it.
The burner uses Coleman’s PerfectFlow system that helps deliver a steady stream of fuel to the flame for a more controlled temperature.
This is a huge plus if you cook a lot with dutch ovens like this one by Lodge (click to view on Amazon).
The portable propane camp stove is made to hook up to a 1 lb propane tank.
You can also connect it to a larger 20 lbs propane tank using this Coleman adapter hose (click to view on Amazon).
So what kind of camper is the Coleman PowerPack for?
It is very portable, lightweight, easy to clean, and can handle large pans, unlike other portable options.
But it offers no protection from the wind, which makes it less usable for cooking out in the open, especially if you are on a windy mountain.
The Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove is a fantastic choice for campers and RVers who want an extra burner that takes up very little space.
It will work best in a shielded area or on calm days with little to no wind.
Having an extra outdoor burner can come in handy for RVers who want to cook dishes that will take a while.
Leaving the RV stove on all day heats it up pretty quickly, which isn’t ideal in the summertime.
Using an outside burner stops this from happening. It’s also great for frying so you don’t stink up the camper.
If you are looking for a easy to store single burner cooker, the Coleman PowerPack is going to be one of the best options available.
PROS
- Can Fit Large Pans (Up To 12″)
- Flame Control
- Quick Set Up
- Compact & Portable
- Lightweight
- Can Be Used With 20 lbs Tank (With Adapter)
- Easy To Clean
CONS
- No Wind Protection
- Low BTU Burner (Only 7,500)
- No Storage Bag Included
3. Gas ONE Dual Fuel Propane or Butane Portable Camp Stove
If all you need is a single average-sized gas stove to cook your food on, the Gas ONE dual fuel camping stove might be the right choice for you.
This dual fuel stove can be used with both propane and butane. It comes with the hose required to use with 1 lb propane tanks (click to view on Amazon).
When setting up, you can ignite it with the Piezo electric ignition, so no matches or lighters are needed.
The adjustable heat dial controls the flame depending on how hot you want your pot or pan to be.
Gas One has implemented some neat safety features like an automatic shut off device that stops gas flow when irregular pressure or flow is detected.
If one of these is detected, a built-in cartridge ejection system will also eject the butane canister for safety.
See Also: Best Non-Electric Coffee Makers For Camping & Daily Use
When it comes to compatible pan sizes, I recommend a frying pan up to 12 inches.
With an output of 15,000 BTU, you can cook and even fry at high temperatures.
What I like about the Gas ONE Dual Fuel Propane or Butane Portable Camp Stove is that it requires almost no setup.
Get it out of storage, put it on a table, connect the gas, and you’re ready to ignite.
This makes it perfect for a van or car camper, so long as it’s used in a ventilated area.
When done, wipe it off, remove the gas canister, and put it back into storage.
It’s one of few propane camping stoves in this review that requires no additional setup.
We also like that a regulated hose is included for use with 1 lb propane tanks.
If you would like to use it with a 20 lbs propane tank you can use this GasOne adapter hose (click to view on Amazon).
The unit weighs 4.22 pounds and measures 13 by 4 by 10 inches. A carrying case is included with the purchase for easy transport and storage.
The main downside it has for camping or RVing is the lack of wind guards on the sides for outdoor use.
PROS
- Dual Fuel (Propane Or Butane)
- Piezoelectric Ignition
- Flame Control
- Portable
- Quick Set Up
- Storage Case Included
- High BTU Burner
CONS
- No Wind Guard
4. Coleman Triton+ Propane Camping Stove
Let’s move on to the bigger propane camping stoves with two or more burners. Starting with the Coleman Triton+.
There is also a Triton without a plus in the name, which doesn’t have the ignition button.
The Triton+ however, does have a push ignition button and can output up to 22,000 BTUs in total, 11,000 from each burner.
A feature Coleman calls PerfectFlow keeps consistent temperatures in all weathers and high altitudes. Both flames are adjustable with two rotating dials.
When compared to the alternatives in this review, Coleman Triton+ handles high winds the best with its adjustable wind block protecting the flames.
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Storing the Triton+ is easy. The wind blocks fold in so the lid can go down and create a suitcase style cover.
It weighs 10.3 pounds and measures 23 by 5.9 by 14 inches.
Its size makes it large enough to use both a 12 and a 10-inch pan at the same time.
So why go for a propane camping stove with two burners?
If you’re planning on cooking a meal with a side, you’re going to want two burners to cook both at the same time.
A two burner camping stove like this is also great for when using griddles, like the Coleman Two Burner Griddle that gives you 145 sq. inches to cook on.
We like and recommend the Coleman Triton+ Propane Camping Stove to most RV and tent campers for several reasons.
Even though it’s a large two burner camping stove, it folds down and becomes easy to store and transport.
It does weigh 10 pounds, but it’s so fantastic for cooking with its 22,000 BTU output, wind block feature, push-start ignition, and support for two big pans or griddle.
It comes ready to use with 1 lb propane tanks but you can get an adapter hose (click to view on Amazon) to connect it to a 20 lbs propane tank.
PROS
- Push Ignition Button
- Folds Up
- Portable
- Windscreens
- Two Burners
- High BTU Burners
- Flame Control
CONS
- No Adapter For Large Propane Tanks Included
5. Camp Chef Ranger II Propane Stove
If you’re looking for the highest quality propane stoves for camping, then Camp Chef is what you are looking for, at least in our opinion.
After using a AOTU Portable Backpacking Stove for a few years my wife and I decided to upgrade to a Camp Chef.
Switching from a backpacking stove to a stationary two burner is a huge upgrade no matter what you end up getting.
But we asked friends and family, did our research, and 9 out of 10 told us to get a Camp Chef. So we did.
The Camp Chef Ranger 2 propane stove has a unique design that looks like an old pool table.
It’s a very straightforward portable double burner stove that doesn’t have a lot of frills but it’s extremely powerful.
It’s capable of outputting 17,000 BTU from each burner, that’s 34,000 BTUs in total!
It has a push ignition, so it doesn’t need matches or lighters to use.
The flames are controlled with two dials. Camp Chef has placed the burners inside a steel housing to protect the flames from the wind.
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Included with the Ranger II is a 5-foot hose used to connect the camp stove to larger propane tanks. A big thumbs up to Camp Chef for including this accessory.
It weighs 17 pounds and measures 12.5 by 19.5 by 6 inches. Each burner grate measures 8 by 8 inches.
We recommend the Camp Chef Ranger II Propane Camp Stove if you want an outdoor stove you can take out on a sunny day and cook dinner on.
It’s very powerful, reliable, functional, and does the job with high-quality parts.
Camp Chef is a company known for its quality camping gear and accessories, and the Ranger II is no exception in that regard.
The only thing we’re missing is an included carrying case.
If your RV has an outdoor kitchen area with a compartment for an RV camp stove this is a fantastic option.
PROS
- Matchless Push Ignition
- High BTU Burners
- Large Propane Tank Adapter Hose Included
- Three Burner Option
- Flame Control
- Quick Set Up
- Wind Protection
CONS
- Heavy
- No Bag Included
6. Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2 Camp Stove
Next up, the Camp Chef Explorer. If you have ever walked around a campground, you’ve probably seen one of these.
They have an iconic look and are the reason a lot of people call propane camp stoves Camp Chefs.
The EX60LW Explorer is a two-burner propane camping stove that uses a large propane tank.
A 3 foot hose and regulator are included with the purchase for this purpose.
What makes the Explorer models heavy and less portable, but more comfortable to cook with, is the freestanding design and detachable legs.
The RV camp stove is about waist high. It’s easy to cook with no matter where you are and can still able to break down to a portable size.
The legs are adjustable to help level the stove on uneven ground. When it’s time to pack down, the legs come off and can go into a storage bag.
Unfortunately, there is no carrying bag automatically included for the stove, which is a shame.
There is one for sale separately, and you’re probably going to want one since the setup has some loose parts and everything weighs 31 pounds in total.
Two burners output up to 60,000 BTUs, 30,000 BTUs each and the cooking area measures 14 by 32 inches in total, which is 448 sq. in.
A 3-sided windscreen can be set up or not depending on needs, and two rotating dials let you control the flame.
See Also: Best Portable Tabletop Gas Grills For BBQ And Camping
So what’s good and bad about the Explorer RV camp stoves by Camp Chef?
The pros are that they’re made with reliable, high-quality parts, output an impressive amount of heat, and are freestanding, so you don’t need to use a table.
The cons are they’re heavy and not super portable. This could also be a pro for the long term camper who stays in the same spot for a long time.
We’re also missing a quick ignition button. A long lighter is required to ignite a flame on the aluminum burners.
All in all, the Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2 is one of our top 3 picks when it comes to outdoor cooking.
We can leave dutch oven potatoes on these burners for an hour, and we know they’re going to turn out great.
Reliable and consistent heat is the key when cooking outdoors. Weather can make other stoves unreliable, but we’ve never had that issue with a Camp Chef.
Note that there is a three burner stove model as well, click here to see it on Amazon.
PROS
- Aluminum Burners
- Super High BTU Burners
- Free Standing Camp Stove
- 3-Sided Windscreen
- Flame Control
- Three Burner Option
- Regulated Propane Hose Included
CONS
- No Push Ignition
- No Bag Included
- Heavy
- Large
Conclusion & My Recommendations For Best Propane Camping Stoves
There is more to a propane camping stove than just a burner. Some options are extremely portable, while others are more stationary.
The style of camping stove that’s best for you depends on what you need and where you will use it.
Do you need one in your van to boil water in the morning and cook noodles at night?
A single burner camp stove is probably the way to go.
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If you need one for the family reunion to cook dutch oven potatoes, boil corn, and sear steaks all at the same time.
A two-burner or larger propane stove is necessary, and the higher the BTU output the better.
Based on function and design here are our recommendations for the best propane stoves for camping or RV life:
Most Versatile – Gas ONE Dual Fuel Propane or Butane Portable Camp Stove
The Gas ONE single burner camp stove is probably one of the most popular choices among all campers.
It’s fantastic for van dwellers because it’s small and easy to use indoors.
It’s great for tent campers for the same reason and RVers like to keep one on hand because RV stoves tend to be weak and have burners with a low BTU output.
The ability to use both propane and butane makes this burner the most versatile in this review.
You can get whatever is available and cook food wherever you are.
It’s made with high quality parts and can handle almost any size of pan. I
f you are looking for a strong but small propane camp stove this is a fantastic choice.
Best For Wind – Coleman Triton+ Propane Camping Stove
We’re genuinely impressed with what Coleman has achieved with the Triton+.
It’s lightweight, portable, stores with ease, is powerful enough to cook dinner, and keeps the wind away from the flame with the windscreen all around it.
It’s a robust propane camp stove that is quickly set up and packed away, with a quick ignition button, so you don’t have to fight the wind with your matches.
Overall it’s an excellent choice that will satisfy most campers who have the storage space for it.
Highest BTU Burners – 5. Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2 Camp Stove
The best RV camp stove for cooking lots of food at high temperatures or putting a griddle on is the sturdy Camp Chef Explorer.
A big plus is that you won’t need a table to put it on to get your dinner cooked.
The adjustable legs will hold it up for you so you can focus on more important things, like controlling the 60,000 BTU output from the two burners with the heavy-duty rotating dials.
It does have a large frame and weighs over 30 pounds, but that will also be a good thing when it gets windy outside, as you won’t have to worry about it tipping over.
It’s a proven winner that makes the whole camp cooking experience better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Propane Camping Stoves
What kind of pots and pans can I use on a propane gas stove?
You can use any cookware that will fit on a propane camping stove, but some choices make more sense.
When cooking with gas, it heats one specific area quicker than an electric stove, and burners are often smaller than an electric stove top, so the heat isn’t spread out as much.
For this reason, I recommend using copper, aluminum, or cast iron.
Stainless steel is also okay to use on gas when combined with aluminum like the All-Clad 600822 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (click to view on Amazon).
Is it safe to use a propane gas camping stove indoors?
Most propane gas camping stoves have a sticker on them saying “not for use indoors.”
If this is the case, I recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t do it.
But “I have a gas stove inside my RV”, you might say.
And yes you do, and so do we, but there is a reason the stove is made for outdoor use only.
Not all areas have carbon monoxide alarms, proper ventilation, and safety features.
While propane gas is a safe gas to cook with, it’s important to take safety precautions and follow guidelines.
Can I use a large propane tank instead of a small tank?
Yes, you can, and the only thing you’ll need is the right kind of hose for the right kind of propane camping stove.
Most propane appliances like camp stoves have a built in regulator and only require a high pressure hose with an adapter.
I’ve linked to the corresponding adapters and hoses for each propane camping stove in the review section above.
Can I cook with propane when it’s raining?
Yes, so long as you are under some sort of cover.
I recommend wiping off and taking extra care of the stove, hoses, and attachments that can rust if they get wet.
Also, make sure you are still in a well ventilated area with a roof cover that’s tall enough to not be damaged by the heat from the burner.
Where do I get propane or butane gas?
Propane and butane gas cylinders can be purchased in stores or online — both in small and large tanks.
If you’re looking for propane to fill up your RV tanks, AmeriGas has a great location finder that you can find by clicking here!
Can I refill a small canister of propane gas with a large one?
You technically can refill 1 lb propane tanks but it’s illegal to travel with them after refill.
For this reason, I don’t recommend refilling just any 1 lb propane tank.
There is a refillable 1 lb propane tank available. It’s made by a company called Flame King.
You can get it in this kit that comes with everything you will need to transfer propane from a larger tank to the 1 lb one. (click to view on Amazon)
Directions on how to do it are included with the adapter.
What is the difference between butane and propane?
The most significant difference between butane and propane is the fact that propane has a lower boiling point than butane.
What this means is that it will convert liquid to gas even in cold temperatures. It also exerts greater pressure than butane at the same temperature.
Can I use butane gas or natural gas with a propane stove?
It’s often possible with the right adapter; however, I would only recommend doing this if the company advertises that it’s safe to do.
If it doesn’t, I suggest contacting the manufacturer and asking specifically about that product.
How do I use the propane gas quick connect on my trailer for an RV camp stove?
If your RV has a quick connection to your large propane tanks to use stoves, grills, and fireplaces outdoors, all you’ll need is the quick connect hose that should have come with purchase.
If it wasn’t included with purchase, Dozant (click to view on Amazon) makes that works with most grills and propane camp stoves.
Camping stove makes a hissing sound when I attach a propane tank.
Before connecting your RV camp stove to propane make sure all the burners are off by checking the knobs.
If the stove is making noises when connected to propane and the burners are all turned off there may be a leak somewhere inside.
That being said, it is normal for the propane tank to make a hissing noise when you open the valve initially and when the burners are turned on.
It’s the sound of propane gas coming out of the tank.
How to disconnect propane tank from small camping stove?
If you’ve ever tried to unhook a propane tank from a large or small propane stove, maybe you’ve noticed that there is often a lot of pressure in the hose.
Propane comes shooting out when you start to disconnect it even though the valve on the tank is closed.
The propane coming out is what’s left in the camping stove gas lines.
The best way to disconnect a propane tank from a camping stove is to turn off the propane tank while one of the burners is still lit.
When the tank is shut off the burner will take care of any propane left in the gas lines.
Once the burner dies on its own make sure you close the burner valve fully.
It’s now ok to disconnect the propane tank.
This method doesn’t work so well for 1 lb propane tanks that don’t have a shut off valve.
For 1 lb propane tank, you just have to unscrew it from the stove connection as quickly as possible.
There will be a hiss of some propane being released from the line but that’s normal.
Have any more questions about propane camping stoves? Leave a comment below.
One thought in hooking up to your rv is that many appliances do not work on its low pressure system.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the input. That’s very true. It’s especially a problem if the appliance you want to connect to the RV also has a regulator on it.
A good way to make sure your camp stove or grill will work with your RV quick connect is to get one that is made for a 1 lb propane tank. They are usually made for low pressure propane sources and should work fine.