Meals don’t taste much better than when they’re cooked over a portable stove after a long day in the hills.
Fuel types
Gas stoves are simple, convenient and inexpensive to run and maintain. Many gas-powered models now have regulators or use inverted canisters to provide consistent output and improve efficiency in alpine or cold environments. Liquid and multi-fuel stoves burn almost any flammable fuel.
Maintenance
Gas stoves seldom require maintenance, whereas liquid fuel models should be cleaned and serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance – it’s possible to do this yourself.
Ignition
Push-button ignition is convenient, but not infallible, so always carry matches or a lighter. Liquid fuel stoves often need to be primed and can take practise to light.
Boil times
There are many variables to take into account when testing boil times: air temperature, wind, altitude and burner size. Even the quality and quantity of gas has an effect. Therefore, use advertised boil times as a guide only. Unless stated, boil times in this feature are for one litre of water.
Flame control
Flame adjustment should be glove-friendly and allow fine-tuning from simmer to boil.
Windshield
A windshield that wraps around pot and cooker will improve performance and reduce fuel consumption. Some models have a built-in windshield and are designed to work in windy conditions.
Stability
Canister-mounted stoves have a high centre of gravity and may require canister support struts. Liquid fuel and some gas stoves have legs beneath the burner, providing a lower centre of gravity. Large pot struts will support bigger pots and pans – ideal for larger groups.
Burner size
A larger burner will spread heat more evenly over the base of the pan. Smaller burners, although possibly more powerful, concentrate heat in one location, requiring more attention while cooking.
Personal cooking systems
These tower-like stoves include a pot that attaches directly to the burner. They have quick boil times, making them a good choice for those whose culinary needs are limited to dehydrated food.
Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a stove…
MSR WindBurner Group Stove System $429.99 |
MSR WhisperLite Universal $349.99 |
MSR WindBurner Stove System $299.99 |
Jetboil Flash $239 |
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 $99.99 |
Jetboil MightyMo $119.95 |
Macpac Micro Stove $59.95 |
Gasmate Sika Butane Stove $39.99 |