Whether on a summit, around a campfire or at a festival – a warm meal or hot coffee makes all the difference outdoors. But how does a camping stove actually work, and which model suits your adventures? In this guide, we explain how the most common camping stoves work, show you what to look for when buying, and provide practical tips for use in any weather – quick, straightforward and to the point.
Who is a camping stove suitable for?
A camping stove is a lightweight, compact and comparatively affordable companion for all outdoor enthusiasts who don't want to miss warm meals or their morning coffee on the go. Whether you're planning a day hike, having a picnic, camping with the family or cycling – a small gas stove fits in any backpack.
It also provides valuable service on longer trekking tours or winter camping. If you're out for several days, it's best to combine it with suitable equipment such as an ultralight down sleeping bag and a good sleeping pad. Even at festivals or during spontaneous breaks at the summit, a camping stove provides a touch of comfort – and often makes you new friends along the way.
How does a camping stove work? The most important types at a glance
The question "how does a camping stove work" cannot be answered in a general way, as the functionality depends heavily on the model and fuel type. Here are the four most important variants:
Spirit camping stove
Spirit stoves are often also called storm stoves because they burn reliably even in adverse weather conditions. To do this, methylated spirits are poured into a small container and ignited. The disadvantage: they are relatively slow – around 15 minutes to heat water – and produce a lot of soot in the process.
Gas stove with cartridge
This variant is the most common today. Particularly popular are so-called canister stoves: the stove's thread is simply screwed onto the gas cartridge, the gas flows directly to the burner head and is ignited there. Models of this type are efficient, fast and particularly easy to transport – ideal for hiking and trekking tours.
Solid fuel stove
Solid fuel stoves are extremely simple in design and robust. They work with fuel tablets, but can also be fueled with twigs or pine cones if necessary. The disadvantage: they consume a lot of fuel with relatively low efficiency and are therefore only an emergency solution.
Petrol stove
Petrol stoves are considered the performance athletes among camping stoves. They bring water to a boil within minutes even at sub-zero temperatures, making them ideal for expeditions or winter trips. The design is somewhat more complex, but they are very powerful.
Which camping stoves work in winter?
If you're out and about in the cold season, you should specifically choose a gas stove with cartridge (ideally with a propane/isobutane mix) or a petrol stove. Pure butane cartridges fail at low temperatures because butane only vaporizes from around 1°C, isobutane from around 12°C. Propane, on the other hand, works well into the minus range.
The ultralight gas stove from Alpin Loacker brings a liter of water to a boil in just around 2.5 minutes even on cold winter days – ideal if you want to warm up quickly with a hot tea after a winter tour. To get the complete setup right, it's also worth taking a look at the suitable ultralight sleeping pad for winter tours as well as a winter-proof ultralight tent. If you're also looking for compact equipment, you'll find the perfect companion in the 40-liter ultralight backpack.
The most important purchase criteria for a camping stove
With such a large selection, it's not easy to find the right model. If you follow these criteria, you'll quickly find the right stove for your needs:
- Performance (watts): The higher the wattage, the faster the water heats up – but the higher the gas consumption. A regulator helps you dose the flame optimally.
- Fuel & cartridge: Cheap click or bayonet cartridges often cost only €1–2. Screw cartridges with threads or valves are a bit more expensive but safer and more versatile. The gases used are butane, isobutane and propane.
- Weight & pack size: For hiking, bikepacking and trekking, every gram counts – an ultralight gas stove often weighs less than 100 g.
- Stability: Look for stable pot supports, especially for larger pans or pots.
- Wind resistance: An integrated windshield saves fuel and time.
If you're out and about in winter, you should also think about the right clothing – such as Merino base layers that keep you warm while cooking in the open air.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about how camping stoves work
How long does a gas cartridge last on a camping stove?
This depends on the size and performance. A 230 g cartridge is sufficient for about 1.5 to 2 hours of burn time with economical use – enough for several days of outdoor cooking if you mainly heat water.
Is it allowed to use a camping stove in a tent?
For safety reasons, you should never use camping stoves in a closed tent. There is an acute risk from carbon monoxide, fires and lack of oxygen. Always cook outdoors or in a well-ventilated vestibule.
Which camping stove is best for beginners?
For beginners, a lightweight gas stove with a screw cartridge is best. It's easy to use, ready to go quickly, efficient and the best choice in most outdoor situations – whether a weekend trip or trekking holiday.