Whether you prefer to take your time with a wood-burning stove or go fast and light with a gas-powered model, putting a pot on the boil for a hot cuppa or meal is one of the most enjoyable rituals in tramping. 

Stove types

There are four types of stove:

• Multi-fuel: Liquid and multi-fuel stoves burn almost any flammable fuel – including white gas, kerosene and even regular canister gas. They are environmentally friendly as the fuel bottle can be re-used. 
• Canister stoves: Simple, convenient and inexpensive to run and maintain. High-performance models have a regulator which provides consistent output for the life of the canister and improved efficiency in alpine or cold environments. Gas canisters must be punctured before recycling at a waste management centre. 
• Personal cooking systems: These stoves use a specially designed pot that attaches directly to the burner. All components nest inside the pot for easy packing. They have built-in wind resistance and quick boil times. 
• Alternative fuel stoves: These can burn twigs, fire-starters, alcohol and more – basically anything that burns. They are environmentally friendly in that the fuel source is not stored in difficult to recycle canisters. They require patience and practice to use and are not as quick to boil water as other stove types.

Windshield

Some models have built-in wind protection and are designed to work in windy conditions. Regardless, a separate windshield that wraps around pot and stove will improve performance and reduce fuel consumption. 

Stability

Canister-mounted stoves have a high centre of gravity and may require support struts that clip onto the gas canister. Liquid fuel and some gas stoves have a fuel line running from the canister to the burner, providing a lower centre of gravity. Large pot struts will support bigger pots and pans – better for larger groups.

Ignition

Gas stoves may or may not have push-button ignition. Even if push-button is installed, it’s not infallible so always carry matches or a lighter. Liquid fuel stoves need to be primed.

Burner size 

A large burner head will spread heat more evenly over the base of the cookware. Smaller burners, although possibly more powerful, concentrate heat in one location and require more attention while cooking. 

Maintenance

Gas stoves seldom require maintenance beyond giving the stove a good shake. Liquid fuel models should be cleaned and home-serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance and to avoid fuel blockages and leaks. 

Flame control

Flame adjustment should be glove-friendly and allow fine-tuning from simmer to boil.

Maintenance

Gas stoves seldom require maintenance beyond giving the stove a good shake. Liquid fuel models should be cleaned and home-serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance and to avoid fuel blockages and leaks. 

Boil times

Unless stated, boil times in this feature are for one litre of water. It is not easy to replicate the advertised boil times because there are many variables to take into account – air temperature, wind, altitude, burner size and the quality and quantity of fuel. Advertised boil times may also be the average over the life of the fuel source.

Output

This is a measure of the stove’s power, in British Thermal Units (BTU). The higher the BTU, the more powerful the stove will be and the quicker it will bring water to a boil.

MSR WindBurner Group Stove System‭ $‬499.99

Windproof radiant burner and pressure regulation provide consistent boil times, 2.5-litre pot nests all system components, strainer lid and built-in heat exchanger. Fits all WindBurner cookware. Output 7000 BTU Boil time 6min12sec Burn time 95min Weight 591g. www.ampro.co.nz

MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System‭ $‬359.99

Windproof modular stove system for soloists, windproof radiant burner and pressure regulation, one-litre pot nests all system components, strainer lid and built-in heat exchanger. Output 7000 BTU Boil time 4min30sec Burn time 95min Weight 433g (including heat exchange system/cookware). www.ampro.co.nz

Jetboil Flash 2.0‭ $‬249.95

Push-button igniter, 1-litre FluxRing cooking cup, drink-through lid with pour spout and strainer, bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl, fuel canister stabiliser, insulating cozy changes colour when contents are hot. Output 9000BTU Boil time 1min40sec (500ml) Burn time 33min (100g canister) Weight 371g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz

MSR WhisperLite Universal‭ $‬399.99

Canister and liquid fuel stove, burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded gasoline and IsoPro canisters, can burn inverted canister for cold conditions and/or when the canister’s nearly empty. Output Depends on fuel Boil time 3min30sec-4min24sec depending on fuel type Burn time 75-110min depending on fuel type Weight 318g-423g depending on fuel type. www.ampro.co.nz

Gasmate Turbo‭ $‬149

Aluminium stove and 800ml pot with heat exchange design, piezo ignition, stabilising feet, mesh carry bag, precision flame adjustment. Output 7500 BTU Boil time 3.05min (800ml) Burn time 86min Weight 500g. www.kiwicamping.co.nz

Toaks Ultralight Titanium Stove and 650ml Pot Set $199.99

Alcohol stove and pot set includes a 20g meths-burning fuel canister and 650ml pot with folding handles and lid, stainless steel wireframe. Windshield sold separately. Weight 100g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Jetboil Stash $299.95

Jetboil’s lightest stove system with a titanium burner, 800ml FluxRing cook pot with lid and attached pour handle, FluxRing technology, nesting design, fuel canister stabiliser. Output 4500BTU Boil time 2min30sec (500ml) Burn time 54min (100g canister) Weight 200g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz\

Toaks Titanium Wood Burning Stove from‭ $‬139.99

Compact wood burning stove, multiple air intakes efficiently burn wood and the wood gas, nylon storage sack included. Stove nests inside Toaks pots (sold separately). Small and large stove sizes. Weight 151g (sml), 225g (lge). www.gearshop.co.nz

MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe‭ $‬169.99

Pressure regulator for consistent boil times in all conditions, broad burner head for heat distribution, wind-blocking lip, push-button piezo ignition, fine simmer control. Output 10,400 BTU Boil time 3min30sec Burn time 60min (227g canister) Weight 83g. e.ampro.co.nz

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 $99.99

Lightweight and compact, accommodates a wide range of pot sizes, wind-resistant, hard-shell carry case. Output 8200 BTU Boil time 3min30sec Burn time 60min (227g canister) Weight 73g. e.ampro.co.nz

Optimus Crux Lite‭ $‬99.99

Compact‭ ‬cooker with large burner head for heat displacement, folding pot struts, precision flame control, storage bag. Output 12,000 BTU Boil time 3min Burn time 90min (220g canister) Weight 72g. www.tightlines.co.nz