These stoves provide versatile cooking options whether you’re going solo or with a group.

Windshield

Some models have built-in wind protection which improves their performance in windy conditions. A separate windshield that wraps around pot and stove will also 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.

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, including 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.

Flame control

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

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. 

Output

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

Maintenance

A good shake is pretty much all that a gas stove requires. Liquid-fuel models should be cleaned and home-serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance and to avoid fuel blockages and leaks. 

Stove types

There are four types of stove:

1 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 fuel bottles can be re-used. 

2 Canister stoves
Simple, convenient and inexpensive to run and maintain. High-performance models have a regulator that 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. 

3 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. 

4 Alternative fuel stoves
These can burn twigs, fire-starters, alcohol – basically anything flammable. They are environmentally friendly only in that the fuel source is not stored in canisters that are difficult to recycle. They require patience and practice to use and are not as quick to boil water as other stove types.

MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System $449.99

This fuel-efficient system has a windproof radiant burner, a pressure regulator for consistent boil times in all conditions, and a 1-litre pot that locks onto the stove and canister. There’s a strainer lid and built-in heat exchanger. All components nest inside the pot. Output 7000 BTU Boil time 4min 30sec (1000ml) Water boiled 18l (227g canister) Burn time 95min Weight 433g. www.ampro.co.nz

MSR Switch Stove System $359.99

A versatile all-in-one stove that can be used with the supplied 1-litre pot or your own cookware. It has a pressure regulator for consistent boil times and cold-weather use, piezo igniter and a burn-resistant cork cosy. All components nest inside the pot. Output 11,000 BTU Boil time 5min (1000ml) Water boiled 14.8l (227g canister) Burn time 84.5min Weight 392g (117g stove only). www.ampro.co.nz

Jetboil Flash 1.0l $299.95

This quick-boiling stove uses a ceramic-encased igniter for reliable one-step ignition. The 1-litre pot locks onto the burner, there’s a coloured grip zone, a colour-change heat indicator shows when water is ready, and the bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. Output 5300 BTU Boil time 2min (500ml) Water boiled 10 litres (100g canister) Burn time 40min (100g canister) Weight 371g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz

Jetboil Zip 0.8l $249.95

This stove offers no-frills cooking with the advantage of being stowable and efficient. It has an 800ml pot, ignites with a match, has a textured grip zone, and the bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. Output 5300 BTU Boil time 2min (500ml) Water boiled 12 litres (100g canister) Burn time 60min (100g canister) Weight 324g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz

Toaks Titanium Wood-Burning Stove $209.99

Small twigs fuel this efficient and clean-burning stove. It’s made from three pieces of titanium that lock into place. It burns both wood and the wood gas in the stove. 225g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Jetboil MightyMo $159.95

This stove has a push-button igniter and a pressure regulator for consistent performance down to -60. It has a four-turn flame control for precise simmering, and fold-down pot supports that can accommodate your own cookware or Jetboil’s cooking skillet and FluxRing pot. Output 10,000 BTU Boil time 3min (1000ml) Water boiled 12 litres (100g canister) Burn time 36min (100g canister) Weight 95g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz

MSR PocketRocket 2 $129.99

MSR’s lightest and most compact stove has a WindClip for wind protection, a focused burner for a solid flame, folding pot supports and a hardshell carry case small enough to fit inside a cup. Output 8200 BTU Boil time 3min 30sec (1000ml) Water boiled 16l (227g canister) Burn time ~60min Weight 73g. www.ampro.co.nz

Kovea Solo $89

A backpacker’s stove with rotating support legs, piezo ignition built into the valve for quicker fuel ignition, fold-down construction for compact storage and glove-friendly aluminium flame control. Output 6434 BTU Boil time 4min 32sec Water boiled 21l Burn time 93min Weight 120g. www.brittainwynyard.co.nz

Firemaple Petrel Stove System $129

This stove includes a 600ml pot with a heat-proof handle and heat exchanger for quick boil times. It has built-in ignition, a micro windscreen, anti-slip pot supports and gas canister support struts. Output 9554 BTU Boil time 1min45sec (500ml) Water boiled 18l (230g canister) Burn time 60min (230g canister) Weight 246g (85g stove only). www.vaughansports.co.nz

Utensils and food

Jetboil Summit Skillet $119.95

This easy to clean non-stick skillet has varied wall thickness for even heat distribution, a folding handle and includes a spatula. 401g. www.jetboilnz.co.nz

MSR Titan Long Spoon $49.99

Ultralight and extra-long for reaching into dehydrated meal pouches. Carabiner loop end. 19g. www.ampro.co.nz

Firepot Porcini Mushroom Risotto $18.99

A creamy arborio risotto with pan-fried mushrooms, cooked in mushroom stock and finished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Real Meals Wilderness Stew $17.95

A rich minced beef stew with potato, carrots, celery, pumpkin and mushrooms cooked with locally brewed IPA. www.realmeals.co.nz

Odour-proof Food Bag $12.50

A waterproof and air-tight, hermetically sealed food bag with laminated nylon reinforcement that keeps smells in and mice out. Tear and puncture-resistant. Fits 4–5 days of food. BPA-, Phthalate-, Latex- and PEVA-free. 40g. www.kiwiultralight.co.nz