At the heart of gourmet camp food preparation is your camp stove. Just like those tree stumps perched by the firepit pretending to be cutting-edge, ergonomic, campsite furniture – some camp cookware doesn’t allow us to extend our cuisine dreams much beyond refried beans or tinned spaghetti!
The right cooker will support your sunset alfresco dining dream, and deliver – but the wrong stove could see your ideal, straight-from-a-magazine meal become a bowl of blackened, off-balanced bitterness! With the extensive range available on the market, choosing a camp stove to bring that spark to after dark cooking can be a complicated task. You need a stove that sizzles in all the right places, simmers for all the right dinners, and takes care of that suppertime snacking.
To crank the heat, we’ve dropped our picks for every type of camp chef, from a sausage in bread to a gourmet goulash, there’s a stove in the Snowys range for every camper.
See what gear our resident Camp Cook, Cam, uses when he’s cooking in the campsite?
Jump straight to
How To Choose A Camp Stove
If all you want to do is boil some water, fry up a few sausages and cook some pasta sauce, your choice is pretty simple, a single burner butane or 2-burner LPG stove on a stand will suffice, the only other thing you’ll need is the gas bottle.
If you have questions around whether you can connect stoves to caravan bayonet fittings, whether you need or can remove the regulator, if it can be installed in a camper trailer, or you’re a camp chef with specific needs from your cooker, then it is best you do some research before making a purchase.
Episode 41 of our podcast, Snowys Camping Show, is a good place to start, and you’ll find links to relevant information, along with out picks for each type of camp cook throughout this article.
If you have specific needs in a camp stove, it pays to do some research first, start with this episode.
Best Stove For Gourmet Camp Chefs
Here’s a way to create full-bodied basecamp food and simultaneously trim the fat on your kit – kickstart the Cadac 2 Cook Pro Deluxe Gas Stove by Dometic!
Despite two independent burners for double the degustation, two pot stands, and two windshields – this stove is nonetheless sleek and lightweight, blending the stylish with the versatile. Whether you’re searing a eye fillet on one side while reducing a sauce on the other, or keeping breakfast warm while the coffee brews, the dual-burner setup gives you the kind of kitchen control that serious camp cooks demand. From the ceramic-coated grill and ribbed plate for that patchwork char on your chops, to the dedicated coffee stand for those unbeatable morning brews beneath the awning – every detail is geared toward flavour-first cooking.
Find comfort in gas button protection too, preventing accidental opening of the gas supply for safe, family-friendly food fun – because the only thing that should be heated up at camp is your skillet.
Best for: Gourmet camp cooks who don’t leave their culinary expectations at home
Best Butane Camping Stove
Cook up a storm in the great outdoors with the Companion Single Butane Stove – your compact kitchen companion for camping adventures.
This nifty little stove packs a powerful punch, featuring a high-output burner that’ll have your billy boiling in no time. It’s built tough with a sturdy enamel-coated body and drip tray, ready to handle the rigours of outdoor cooking. The piezo ignition system means no more fumbling with matches, while the flame control knob lets you simmer your damper or crank up the heat for a quick fry-up — all without a complicated setup or a hefty price tag.
Butane canisters are widely available and among the most affordable fuel options going, so you’re not blowing the camp budget just to boil the kettle. Whether you’re brewing your morning cuppa, knocking out a quick snag sizzle, or cooking a gourmet feast under the stars — the Companion Single Butane Stove delivers hot meals anywhere, anytime, without the fuss.
Best for: Campers seeking a compact and affordable stove for use in fair weather
Best 2-Burner Camp Stove
Bolster the hot-pot casseroles and dinners made for the bigger bowls, with the Companion 2-Burner High Output Stove.
Featuring two 25,000 BTU burners with superior simmer control, this stove is equipped with piezo ignition and has earned its reputation as a camp kitchen workhorse. Large format burners with built-in windshields support the bigger pots, offering wide and even heat distribution across the base – whether you’re bringing a big batch of soup to the boil or holding a sauce at a gentle simmer on the second burner.
It’s the kind of stove that’s been trusted by Australian campers for years, and for good reason. Beneath the burner heads sits a stainless steel drip tray, working hand in hand with the removable grate to make clean-up straightforward after a big feed. Simple, solid, and dependable – it just works, trip after trip.
Best for: Anyone looking for tired and tested reliability in an all-round 2-burner stove
Best 3-Burner Camp Stove
An all-in-one solution, with powering options across both disposable propane and LPG gas bottles – the 3-Burner EvenTemp Stove by Coleman has officially entered your outback eatery.
Boasting two round 11,500 BTU burners on each side for pots and pans, the EvenTemp also features one rectangular burner blazing an extra 5,000 BTUs across a broader cooking surface. With all three running, heat is distributed evenly across the stove – and that’s where the name earns its keep. Pair them with the included griddle for pan-seared proteins, flat-fried eggs, or a run of patties for the whole crew, and you’ve got a serious spread of real estate to work with.
Electronic piezo ignition keeps the startup simple, and the stove arrives compatible with its own carry bag for easy storage between trips. Whether you’re fuelling up from a disposable propane canister or a full LPG bottle, the flexibility is there to suit however you camp.
Best for: Camp cooks needing a little more heat distribution than your regular 2-burner camp stove offers
Best Budget Camp Stove
A classic multi-purpose stove for your campground meals, the Triton Instastart 2 Burner Stove from Coleman will whip up breakfast, lunch and dinner on your getaways – without putting a dent in the trip budget.
This unit features two independent, fully adjustable steel rust-resistant burners pumping out a combined 22,000 BTU, with Instastart ignition for no-fuss lighting every time. The removable grate and aluminised cooktop make clean-up a breeze after a big cook-up, and the wind-blocking system keeps the flame steady when a cheeky breeze rolls through camp. With up to 6 hours of run-time and a hose with a 3/8 fitting included, you’ve got everything you need straight out of the box.
For a budget stove, it punches well above its weight on practicality. The built-in handle on the underside keeps it easy to pack and carry between the car and the campsite, making it a natural fit for campers who want a reliable, no-nonsense cook setup without overcomplicating things. Simple, compact, and affordable – it covers all the bases.
Best for: Campers seeking a step up from a basic butane stove but not seeking anything fancy
Best Camp Stove For Big Pots
The Coleman HyperFlame FyreKnight stove is built for bolstering that unbeatable outback grub off the grid. A heavy-duty latch and pivoting handle provide comfortable carrying from the backyard to the outback, while shock-absorbing bumpers on the corners protect against the rough and tumble of off-road retreats.
The FyreKnight cranks out 24,000 BTUs across both burners — serious heat that gets your biggest pots to the boil fast, without the wait. Crucially, the open design ditches the side windshields, meaning there’s no clearance issue when you’re running a large camp oven or stockpot. The WindBlock pot support keeps things stable and protects the flame from wind, while Coleman’s SwapTop system gives you the flexibility to run different cooking surfaces at once.
Hot on quality and built to last, the FyreKnight’s robust construction pairs pioneering technology with practical, camp-ready features. Removable pan supports make post-dinner clean-up straightforward, and the overall setup is geared toward campers who like to eat well and cook big — even when they’re well off the beaten track.
Best for: Cooking at high heat, boiling water fast, and for accommodating larger pots
Best Electric/Battery Operated Camp Cooktop
From backyard to backcountry, engage your outdoor eatery with the Induction Cooktop 2000W Single by Westinghouse — the cleanest, most modern way to cook at camp.
Forget gas canisters and open flames — if you’re running a solid solar setup or plugged into powered site, induction cooking brings precision temperature control to the campsite. Both power and temperature functions enable easy use and a streamlined kitchen experience, while a trusty timer lets the multitaskers step away without a second thought. An LED display keeps everything readable at a glance, and a child-lock ensures safe, family-friendly food fun from the first meal to the last.
Boasting a slim, ergonomic design that’s easy to pack and easier to operate, the Westinghouse Single is a capable culinary companion for the campsite. Need more cooking real estate? Westinghouse also offer the Induction Cooktop 2400W Double, which adds a second element for simultaneous cooking — ideal for bigger groups or more ambitious camp meals.
Best for: Off-grid explorers with a good 12V setup looking to get rid of gas
Best Camp Stove For Portability
Costly, but cool the JetBoil Genesis Basecamp System tantalises your tastebuds beyond the dining table, and has built a loyal following among campers who refuse to compromise on convenience.
An all-in-one, all-star camp champ – this set comes complete with a Flux Ring 5L Camp Pot, System Carry Bag, and a 10-inch fry pan coated in non-stick ceramic for a super simple post-chomp clean-up. The Flux Ring technology pushes the 10,000 BTU heating system to work with impressive efficiency, getting water boiling faster than a conventional burner while sipping less fuel in the process.
When dinner’s done, everything nests together and packs snugly into the included carry bag — a satisfying, compact bundle that’s ready to grab and go for the next adventure. It’s the kind of system that justifies the price tag the moment you unpack it at camp: thoughtfully designed, genuinely portable, and popular for good reason.
Best for: Anyone prioritising packing space in their vehicle
Best Camp BBQ
From picnics in the park to cook-ups at the campsite — the Orbitor Portable BBQ by Gasmate delivers the ultimate outdoor dinners, bringing the full backyard BBQ experience wherever you pitch up.
With a stainless steel burner pumping out 12 Megajoules per hour and rotary ignition for easy lighting, firing it up is as straightforward as connecting to a gas cylinder via the direct hose and regulator. A satin enamel cast iron grill and plate offers a generous 160cm² of cooking space — plenty of room to run burgers, snags, and a few chops simultaneously. The integrated temperature gauge earns its keep on those slow Sunday roasts, giving you the confidence to low-and-slow without lifting the lid every five minutes.
The Orbitor is built to the same standard you’d expect from a quality backyard setup, easy fold-out legs get it off the ground, and the cast iron cooking surfaces retain heat the way good BBQ gear should. For campers who take their meat seriously, this is the portable BBQ that won’t have you missing home.
Best for: Cooking meat, and lots of it
Tune in to Ben and Lauren as they decode liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and what to consider when choosing a camp stove.
Camp Stove FAQ’s
No. Camp stoves are designed for outdoor use only. Using one indoors risks fatal carbon monoxide poisoning for anyone in the space.
For the right conditions, yes. They’re affordable, compact, and the gas refills are cheap – and they perform well in warm weather. The trade-off is that performance drops significantly in cold temperatures, so they’re not ideal for winter trips.
Yes, when used correctly. The main risks relate to LPG gas connection and transport. Read our detailed gas safety guide here >>
Yes, with some care. Heat from a stove mostly travels upward, but a large pot can cause some to radiate downward. Metal tables are generally fine – plastic tables can melt in some situations, and timber may burn. Hear our podcast discussion on the topic >>.
Yes, but heat it up slowly. High, localised heat causes uneven expansion in cast iron, which can lead to cracking. Low, gentle heat is the right approach.
It depends on the stove. Some, like the Coleman Hyperflame, run hot with limited adjustment — simmering is tricky. Others, like the Dometic Cadac, offer much finer heat control. Check reviews and product descriptions for specifics.
Not unless the stove has a flame failure device. Any stove used in an enclosed space — including a caravan awning, which is classified as indoors under Australian standards — must have this safety feature.
A common topic for confusion, and something worth getting your head around. We have an article worth reading on Understanding Gas Fittings for camping stoves >>. Furthermore, in recent years the POL fitting was updated, you can read about this new LCC27 fitting here >>.
Ready to buy, check out the full range of camp stoves and accessories here >>
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.
Great post! Camping gas stoves are the unsung heroes of outdoor cooking, and your blog beautifully highlights their significance in making camping meals a delightful experience. Have you seen these models https://www.awardrv.com.au/camping/stoves/ ?
I use a Iwatani (brand) 15,000 BTU single burner stove, heats up water or anything really fast 🙂
LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yckbyhy3
Unfortunately most of the elcheapo $24 and $35 one burner stoves are only about 2,000 to 3,000 BTU.
Note: N0 gas powered item should be used in a confined space like a tent or caravan!!
Hey Snowys, is there any cooktop coming out with flame failure built in?
At the moment, the only one you sell is Bromic and it is overly expensive and doesn’t have piezo ignition.
From October 2022, any bbq or cooker connected to bayonet on caravan or camper must have flame failure (weber will be updating their bbqs end of this year I’ve been told). Otherwise it’s illegal. This law is already in place but they will be cracking down on it from October 2022.
I know most of your cooktops aren’t compatible with caravan bayonet, but it means the ones that are (i.e. companion wok cooker) can’t be used either (it’s illegal even now, depsite working with gas bayonet).
G’day Ted, thanks for flagging that one for us mate. As far as we’re aware, the legislation is on stoves manufactured specifically for caravans and campers, as opposed to the portable camp stoves we’ve got. I’ve double-checked with our team to see if anyone knows about further changes and if or when they’ll affect us, but we haven’t heard anything conclusive from our suppliers. It sounds like there’s a fair bit of movement going on in the gas world at the moment. We do know that the old POL fitting is slowly being phased out and replaced with a new gas connection called LCC27, so it’s possible that the AGA is bringing in other regulations to coincide with this, and manufacturers are given a date to work towards. We’ll have an article about the POL to LCC27 change early in the new year, and perhaps we’ll know more about built-in flame failures by then. Sorry, we’re not able to offer more insight mate. Cheers
Why is there no mention of a Weber. I have been camping for Over 40 years and the main problem cooking outdoors is wind. No problem with a Weber. Much better than most of the ones you have mentioned.
G’day Steven, Webers are a terrific unit however, we’re not a Weber stockist and use our sales figures to determine what is in most demand to offer a well-rounded list. The closest product we have to a Weber is the Voyager BBQ from Gasmate which didn’t make it into our 2020 list but certainly, the wings on many of the other units do a decent job of sheltering the flame from wind. We’re yet to update this blog for 2021 and who knows, maybe we’ll see the Voyager in there..? Thanks for your feedback, mate.
I’m a big fan of Zempire 2 Burner Deluxe Stove, cost less than $100 and it has plenty of flame, sturdy and compact design and is easy to clean, perfect for long weekends camping.
Thanks Chris, I’m considering the Zempire wide version so your opinion is helpful.
Too bad you couldn’t figure out how to give the gas consumption figures in MJ’s. Australia has only been metric since 1972. Cant rush these things
Hi,companion 3 burner deluxe,can i fit a bayonet fitting to it
G’day Darryl, are you hoping to fit a Companion Deluxe 3 Burner Stove to your caravan or camper? Unfortunately, that setup won’t work with this stove but here are the links to the cookers that can be fitted using an additional hose without a regulator. Hope that helps, cheers.
https://www.snowys.com.au/voyager-portable-bbq
https://www.snowys.com.au/double-burner-cooker
I also have the Coleman Powerhouse works fantastic in the extreme cold weather and also the hot running on shellite , I do have another attachment made by Paulin for the duel fuel stove that will allow you to run on propane as well, great stove that i can run on 3 different fuels .
I am currently fitting out a Merc Sprinter as a camper and looking at installing gas for cooking. To save getting a cooktop permanently mounted like most new caravans have, can i use one of the above cooktops (preferably with a grill) inside my camper?
All of these stoves are designed for outdoor use only Mick with plenty of ventilation, so we couldn’t really recommend any of them for use inside your van. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help.
Powerhouse does work well not just in cold weather but at high altitude where most gas units have problems.
Hello
As I scrolled through the list, I was hoping that progress had not relegated the Dual Fuel to the museum. You’ve restored my faith in good marketing. The Dual Fuel because of its high BTU output, performs quite well in windy conditions, compared to gas units which don’t really cut it. Reference to the DF performing well in cold as against gas, also applies at higher altitudes, which I guess can sometimes be the same thing!!
Cheers
Richard
Great to see the Coleman Powerhouse 2 Burner stove is mentioned once again. I bought mine in 1994 and have had absolutely no issues over these years. I even cooked bacon and scrambled eggs this morning for a self-isolating backyard camping expedition with my daughter. Tough as nails, great control with the flame and use both burners to cook pasta at the same time without a problem. I’m sure it will keep me going for another 26 years!
Wow Carty, that’s incredible that it’s been going for over a quarter of a century! Also great to hear you’re still enjoying being outdoors despite the restrictions going on at the moment ~ Cheers!
We used this stove in New Hampshire when we went camping in 1967…these petrol stoves are as old as the hills…old technology…that works. I think it is positively tragic that these are not stocked here along with the single burner Coleman 533.
HI, I have an Motor home with an outside gas connection, what Gas stove/ BBQ can I use. I have limited space and weight is a factor.
We only have a couple of options, this is a range we are working on expanding at the moment. You need a low pressure i.e. regulated stove, your options are the Companion Wok burner (https://www.snowys.com.au/double-burner-cooker), the Companion RV stove (https://www.snowys.com.au/rv-stove-and-grill), and the Gasmate Voyager (https://www.snowys.com.au/voyager-portable-bbq).
For each of these, you will also need a hose with a bayonet fitting and no regulator (assuming your campers supply is regulated), of which we have only just received in stock and will have online in the next few days.
Lets talk about the Companion Single Burner Camp Stove.
I am certain that it is a great product, but any retail who cares to sell it, should provide a real list of sites that can fill the small gas bottles it attaches to. I know I can connect it to a bigger bottle with a connecter, but that is not the point.
Rant over!
Hi Simon.
We both sell and fill the gas bottles you are referring to. Ideally, these fit on top of a 3/8″ gas bottle which come in sizes from 1.25kg up to about 4kg, see this one for example – https://www.snowys.com.au/38-bsp-camping-gas-cylinder-2-kg. These are better than using a 90-degree adaptor for a POL bottle as they can spin around once there is weight on top of them.
As for gas fills, as I mentioned, we can do this for you, and just about any hardware store will be able to help too. Alternatively, you can use a site like this to find your closest refill location – https://gasbottlerefills.com/.
Oops, contrary to my comments, I see the Companion 2 burner high output is listed but the picture is incorrect – that is of a lower output stove from their camping stove range.
None of the stoves above can exceed 20,000 BTUs per hour. If you want a serious stove that also has a very fine incremental adjustments for simmering, you can’t go past these two:
1. Gasmate Turbo 2 Burner stove – which is so similar in it’s construction to the famed Campchef Summit two-burner camping stove (not available in Australia). Comes with 1 year warranty, circa $139
or
2. Companion 2-burner high output stove. 3 year warranty, circa $149 to $199 (Tentworld, Snowys, Anaconda)
These are all Made in China, with fairly thin metal construction (easily dented), but if you want your billy to boil quickly, or your stew to simmer very gently, they are the bees knees due to their superior burner design.
Following on from this I think you need to do an article on gas bottles and how to transit them safely in a vehicle. There are not many carry options out there. My best option was to buy the Rhino bottle holder and modify to suit my mesh floor roof rack. The 3 kg gasmate squat bottle from Snowies sits well on the Rhino cylinder mount and my load profile height is good and keeping weight to minimum. However the Rhino strap is a bit too long in adjustment to be a really good fit as its made for a 4 kg bottle. Rhino don’t supply U rubber for the gas bottle base or dome head M8 bolts – that was needed too. No wonder many people must be just chucking their bottles inside closed vehicle spaces. Thanks for good help at Adelaide Snowies store – we tried several 3 kg bottles – same make – but different base diameters! Base rim size is critical to get the bottle to sit right on the holder bar.
Thanks for the feedback on what content you’d like to see on the blog, David. You’re right, there aren’t a lot of options out there for transporting gas bottles safely so I’ll definitely pass that onto the team. It’s fantastic to hear that you had a good experience in the Adelaide store as well. Cheers – Emily.
I am so dissapointed with my Coleman Fyrelight stove that I bought from Snowys. It may boil water like a rocket, but trying to cook using a frypan or saucepan is appalling. It simply produces too much heat from the burners and can’t simmer, or operate on reduced output. I rang Coleman to try and get a smaller jet, hopefully to reduce its output a bit but no, they don’t sell jets, don’t import any. Tried various plumbing and camping shops but Coleman has a different thread to most common alternative units. So, the Coleman Fyrelight just sits in the shed gathering dust, an expensive piece of junk.
Sorry to hear about your disappointment with your FyreLight stove, Frank. I agree that they are not the best for simmering, but if you need a stove purely for boiling water fast or barbequing a few snags in a hurry, then the HyperFlame stoves are a good choice. ~ Ben
I found a you tube video that fixes the low output on the fyreknight and other colemans. The valve wont stay put on low is the problem
Its an easy fix – remove the valve and it has some lubricant on the rubbers, wipe it clean and the you tuber says to use silicon lubricant, but my silicon lub says it may damage rubber, so I used wd40 instead. Here is the vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vREI5oG6RyM
I also have the fyreknight – search you tube for a video explaining using some silicon paste lube available at Supacheap etc to lubricate the valve. It is acase of the valve is sticky rather than the jet too big. Mine simmers wonderfully now. Sorry Snoweys – purchased from the other guys though..
Agree!! We are really disappointed with the Coleman -it only cooks on very high heat. Don’t try cooking pancakes, or bacon & eggs, chicken .. or anything really! Its exterior looks nice but it burns your food unfortunately.
Hey Frank, that stove of yours is actually really good. It’s just the control knobs that are sticky with grease.
It’s been a massive issue.
Some cleaver dude shared a video online on how to very quickly resolve the problem.
When the stoves were manufactured, they put a bit too much of the grease around the O-ring and spigot.
Just unscrew the control knob spigot, clean, lightly lube and refit!
Mate, I was disappointed with the stove too at first!
But now… it’s the bees knees when it comes to cooking!! Hot and fast, low and slow!
Try it, if in doubt look it up on utube!
Cheers and happy camping 👍
Coleman hyperflame great for boiling. Far too hot for simmering fry or grilling. Gas control only quareter trun between off and full on
The #7 even temp much better option and control over heat output.
My Hyperflame for sale..minimally used. Bought previously from Snowys
I agree it’s not the best for simmering. There is a fine point where the flame will turn down a little, but it’s hard to find. The Eventemp has long been a good all rounder and may be a better choice for family cooking, but if you’re only interested in boiling water then the Hyperflame stove won’t keep you waiting around for long.
The Coleman Hyperflame Camp Stove is brillant if you to boil water
Totally hopeless to grill as far too hot.burns the steak. The gas control knob only 1/4 turn between low n full on. Why did coleman make it such a small range..stupid in my opinion .the coleman even temp @ #7 in the list MUCH better at grill or frying. Better camp stove
Total fire bans prohibit the use of solid or liquid fuels, so you can’t use the Coleman powerhouse on total fire ban days.
Not necessarily, as it depends in which state.
According NSW RFS the rules seem to apply only to BBQ’s, Ovens (E.g. Pizza), and open fires. I don’t think any of the appliances in this article would be considered BBQ’s or ovens.
Gas is not necessarily allowed. For example in SA, which covers both BBQ’s and gas appliances, which cannot be used unless “within 15 metres of a domestic premises, OR on a coastal foreshore”. So that cancels out your use of gas cookers while camping in the bush in SA on Total Fire Ban days.
The important thing is to check the rules in your state or where you plan to do most of your outdoor cooking.
Might just be safest to stick to ham sammos on Total Fire Ban days regardless of the cooking mechanism you own 😉
Companion gas wok cooker is the only thing I have cooked on for 5 years plus a small $79 oven! Absolutely the best thing ever
I have had all sorts of stoves over the years, usually the gasmate/primus style ones. Wait till the jet blocks – then fiddle trying to clear it, or put a new one in or even GET a new one! SO… the last one that died on me in the middle of a meal I buried. Yep, right where it was. I went and bought a Coleman Guide Series Powerhouse Stove. Three burners. No jets – regulated pressure so it attaches straight to a 4.5k bottle. No Piezo to stop working. i use matches, a gas lighter, a ciggy lighter or a flint to light it. First time, every time. I spilt a heap of food on the burners once. Actually, more than once.Pulled it apart (phillips head screw on the burner and my multitool), cleaned it and back cooking in 5 minutes. This series of stoves, made in the USA, not anywhere cheap, are THE BEST. Not the cheapest, but i HATE cold curry and stew. Hope this helps!
Thanks for this Peter. We do sell the Powerhouse Stove – https://www.snowys.com.au/2-burner-dual-fuel-powerhouse-stove, but the stoves we get in Australia run on liquid fuel i.e. shellite and Coleman fuel. I wasn’t aware that there was a version that was compatible with LPG gas bottles, which is what I assume you are referring to. You are right though, these powerhouse stoves are more field maintainable, they also perform better in a wider range of climates and just keep on keeping on, so they are worth the extra coin. Thanks again for your feedback.
I am a long term user of LPG camping gas stoves as well and the first thing that springs to my mind, the same as you, are the bad memories of blocked jets. I did not bury my stove right there but transported it home for the hard rubbish collection.
I now use the big heavy cast iron LPG single gas ring that does not have a gas jet.
I bought the Primus high output 2 burner stove and I can assure you it doesn’t have a simmering problem. Since purchased it has made me look good as camp chef/Dad! From simmering porridge on low without burning the milk through to using the 3 burner hotplate for eggs&toast, lamb cutlets, backstrap and steaks, through to stir frying chicken and veg. This is your highest output stove at 25,000 BTU per burner and it has the horsepower to do anything including boiling 1.5 litres of water in 4 mins! The only critisim is it’s heavy on gas (we use on avg 3.7kgs in 14 days – that’s breakky, lunch, dinner and 5 x 1.5 litre Billy’s per day) and its top and wind walls are a touch flimsy. But it is strong where it matters, heavy gauge grate, quality burners, stainless drip tray and first time start every time. Doesn’t look as flash as the Coleman’s but it’s become my favourite peice of camping gear and I’ll back this to last for years. It’s also rated by your own reviews as being awesome for simmering and was ranked #1 overall by another online camp stove review. Best selling doesn’t mean best product in my honest opinion. Also love your work snowys – the effort you guys put into before and after sales correspondence with your customers is top notch. Great people with passion!
This is great feedback, thanks Jesmond. First-hand experience like this is super valuable to anyone looking for a camp stove. Thanks for the kind words about Snowys too, we love what we do.
I have a two-burner primus stove I bought in London in 1976 that still works fine. Basic design similar to modern stoves but different burners and no piezo ignition. That’s probably bad news for Snowys because it seems like these things will last forever!
I don’t think it’s bad news Rossmcg, we don’t like selling products that won’t go the distance to anyone. There’s always more camping gear you can buy anyway 🙂
I have found the regulated Coleman stoves (like your #1 pick) to be very unreliable. The regulator develops a leak which reduces the heating power of the stove & results in your gas running out very quickly – and if you forget to turn your stove off at the gas bottle all your gas will leak out. This has happened to me twice, both times at remote camps. Coleman have told me that the regulator is a replaceable part and that they do fail from time to time. I would not recommend people buy this stove, and for those that do own it, that they only use it close to a camping shop or buy a spare regulator now in anticipation of future failure.
This is a fair comment Dan.
We have had the occasional issue with the regulator on the Coleman Stoves. I guess the purchaser could go one of two ways. Stoves that output lots of heat are a little more complex and it would be best to go prepared with spare parts or a backup option, in your case the only spare part would be the regulator you mention. On the other hand, you could go for a stove with less heat output but a very simple design that is practically failsafe.
Can I also add here that the HyperFlame is number one purely based on sales volume. These are not the cheapest stove on the market and we don’t push customers into buying one stove over the other. In fact, the Primus High Output stove is similar in performance and has the occasional regulator issue also, but the limited pot space is probably what pushes people to the Coleman option.
For customers who like the features and specs of the HyperFlame stoves, you can grab a spare regulator from our website here.
You state that the Powerhouse Stove is field maintainable and runs on unleaded or diesel fuel — however on the sales website for Snowys it says Runs on Unleaded petrol, Shellite or Coleman fuel
Does it really run on diesel??
Hmmm, thanks for picking up on this MarkO, I had to double check things here. It will run on diesel fuel but this won’t be as efficient and also be a little dirtier (sootier) than the cleaner fuel options. Coleman actually state in their user guide not to use kerosene, and diesel would be under the same banner. I’d recommend using clean fuel wherever possible, and relying on the diesel in an emergency. I’ll update our copy for clarity. Thanks ~ Ben.