Propane Stoves - Some Things You Need to Know

Heating Efficiency

Gas comes out of the canister when the valve is opened which is pushed out by pressure inside the canister but when there is less gas in the canister, there is also less pressure so you see a smaller flame with the same valve opening as the canister empties. Wind affects heating efficiency but it can be remedied to a certain point by using a windscreen. You may not be able to start a propane stove in sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes.

Reliability

A camping stove should be made for rough use because you may never know what could happen in the outdoors. A simple stove has less chance of being broken than a more complicated stove. Older stoves use tough materials which can be quite heavy.

Newer stoves are more reliable in terms of consistency but they may not be very tough. Propane stoves can now be used at a much lower temperature. Reliability will be determined by the design rather than the fuel used.

Weight

If you use a propane stove for an extended backpacking trip, you'll be carrying a lot of metal because of the amount of cartridges you'll be carrying. To save on weight, use bigger cartridges on a long trip. For the same amount of fuel, carrying bigger cartridges is a lighter option.

Litter

When you carry a lot of fuel you will also need to carry a lot of litter. Fuel cartridges that has been used up will need to be discarded. Save the natural beauty for others to enjoy and carry your empty cartridges with you until you can properly dispose of them. Throwing the empty cartridges in the wild is a selfish act.

Convenience

You can get heat almost instantly with a propane stove. It's just so easy to use. Compared to liquid fuel stoves, propane stoves are quiter, cleaner and easier to maintain.

Safety

A liquid fuel stove can get quite unpredictable when you're lighting it up. Even though a propane stove is safer to use inside a tent, we don't recommend it but if you have to, make there is adequate ventilation. Without good ventilation, you may be breathing in carbon monoxide which could lead to death or dementia. It's a fire hazard as well and most of your camping are probably not fireproof. Flareups from starting a liquid fuel stove can easily destroy your tent.

Although it rarely happens, a propane stove can blow up due to broken parts. This is why you'd want a tough stove with less parts that could go wrong.

Fuel Availability

Propane stoves have limited options with type of cartridge it can use. The canister you need for your stove may not be available where you're going.

Cost

Propane gas stoves are cheaper than liquid fuel stoves in general. But if you regularly use, you're going to be spending a lot more on fuel.