From camping in the starlight to having a backyard barbecue or simply cooking during an emergency, the right outdoor cooking stove makes all the difference when cooking outdoors. In this guide, we will go through some of the best outdoor stoves, including gas and propane ones, that you can consider buying in 2024, based on extensive testing of various models.
We took these stoves camping, tailgating, and even off-grid, testing their performance, durability, and usability. Then we cooked hearty meals and boiled water in record times, then put these stoves through unforgiving situations to see how well they would hold up.
From ultra-light gas stoves just right for hiking to potent propane models capable of feeding large gatherings, we delve deep into the best options available. This buying guide will not only list our top recommendations but also reflect on what to look for in a great outdoor cooking stove so that you can easily choose one to fit your needs.
FMS-133 Outdoor Gas Cooking Stove
Speaking about getting a proper outdoor gas cooking stove, the FMS-133 is a game-changer. We went camping with this stove and even used it in a small kitchen, and it passed with flying colors. Compact in size, with a strong 3000W burner, this stove fits well for both outdoor use and small kitchens.
From the moment we unpacked the FMS-133, it was clear this was going to be a serious kit. All stainless steel and aluminum alloys in their construction feel both solid and light in weight at the same time. With folded support legs and a compact size of just 60x40mm when collapsed, it would fit in your palm, within its heavy-duty plastic case, that alone makes it very easy to carry and store.
We made sure to do quite a bit of cooking on the unit during our review process, from boiling water in under three minutes to sautéing vegetables at a consistent temperature.
The compact burner design eliminates hotspots for more precise control over your cook. Windy conditions didn’t faze the FMS-133 either, since its steady flame maintained consistent performance while outdoors.
It also features one of the best compatibility with the EN417 butane and propane mix cartridges for versatility in the use of fuels. Gas does not leak from the round valve connection, hence, it is very safe to use.
Perfect for the outdoorsman, camper, or person with a very minimal kitchen, the FMS-133 puts power with portability and performance together.
Pros
- High-power capacity of 3000W for fast cooking.
- Ultra-compact, foldable for easy storing and transporting.
- Long-lasting construction of stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
- Burning steady, even in windy conditions.
- Compatible with EN417 butane and propane cartridges.
Cons:
- Maybe not quite suitable for large-size cookware.
- It requires much care during handling, lest the small-sized parts get lost.
The FMS-133 proves the old saying: good things indeed come in small packages. And it should be a consideration when one is looking for the right outdoor gas cooking stove.
FMS-105: The Perfect Companion for Outdoor Stoves for Cooking
If you’re looking for something more like outdoor stoves for cooking that are reliable and efficient, consider the FMS-105 Deer Maple Remote Controlled Gas Stove. We have used this in our multi day camping, which serves all sorts of tests, and it doesn’t disappoint. Strongly built with great power and remote control, it was just perfect for outdoor cooking: versatile and very reliable.
First to notice is that the FMS-105 features a wide burner to accommodate larger cookware, such as 8-inch pots or pans. Unlike other stoves that easily become unstable with the use of bigger pots, the FMS-105 has a stainless steel anti-slip bracket that works wonders. We have cooked several hearty skillet meals without problems of tipping or wobbling, even on uneven ground.
What makes this stove stand out among the others is its remote control. On cold, windy mornings, we loved starting up and adjusting the flame without any need to hunch over from several feet away with the Piezo system.
It wasn’t only more convenient but safer too in these particular conditions. Because of the windproof design of the stove, the flame stayed steady, and that gave us more confidence while preparing meals.
Despite the high performance, the FMS-105 is still very portable at 237 grams in weight, folding down to a compact 91×60 mm, and easily fitting among all our camping gear. Equipped with a 2600W heating capacity, water boiled in no time for our coffee, and meals were well-cooked with much-valued time saved on the track. Another plus for the cyclotron-type flame is that the stove isn’t a gas guzzler.
Whether you’re planning a camping trip, hiking adventure, or fishing expedition, the FMS-105 Deer Maple delivers a blend of power, stability, and convenience that makes it one of the best outdoor stoves for cooking we’ve tested.
Pros
- Extra-wide burner accommodates larger cookware.
- Great stability from the anti-slip bracket.
- Remote-control operation for ease and safety.
- Windproof, with good piezoelectric ignition.
- Lightweight and compact for easy portability.
- Fuel-efficient; it consumes less gasoline.
Cons
- The remote feature adds complexity for a first-time user.
- Lacks power for very big groups in case of cooking meals.
The FMS-105 is powerful, portable, and practical in virtually any outdoor application related to food preparation. In short, it’s for anyone on an adventure who considers hassle-free convenience important.
FMS-102 Outdoor Propane Cook Stove
The FMS-102 is definitely a great choice if one is looking for an outdoor propane cook stove that actually combines qualities of portability, power, and efficiency. We had tried this ultra-light stove on a recent no-companion campout and found it very agreeable for fast and efficient cooking.
Very lightweight at 127 grams, FMS-102 saves room in space for the economy, be it a backpacker or camper. Foldable support legs give it a compact size that could just fit in the traveling bag, thus the ease in its transportation cannot be out of place, small in size yet big, truly with a heating capacity of 3200w.
We boiled a liter of water in a little more than three minutes when testing, which is ideal for everything from coffee to instant meals to boiling water for purification. The piezo ignition was fairly easy to get the stove running in moderately breezy conditions.
Sturdily built, it stabilized itself rather well. Durable design, pretty resistant to all kinds of weathering. Be it a solo trekker or minimalist camper, FMS-102 gave me an amazing experience of performance and portability.
Pros
- Ultralight, at only 127 grams.
- Foldable, compact, and therefore easy to carry.
- Strong burner, 3200W, for fast cooking.
- Reliable piezo-ignition: Makes work virtually trouble-free.
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger group meals.
- Care should be taken not to damage small components.
For anyone looking for an outdoor portable propane cook stove in a compact size but powerful, the FMS-102 is definitely one of the best.
Conclusion
Picking the proper outdoor cooking stove guarantees a continuous and delightful outdoor cooking experience. Whether for backpacking, a compact and lightweight stove is in need, or for camping, one wants a powerful and stable one, the variation of the reviewed stoves gives a broad range to each other in aspects of high heat capacity, portability, and the ability to resist bad weather.
Types of fuel, stability, ease of use, and durability are factors to consider in order. A good investment in an outdoor stove definitely translates into great meals on an adventure, giving you the confidence to cook anywhere, at any time, and in any weather.
FAQs
1. Can you cook on the outdoor stove inside?
Altogether, because of ventilation-associated building up of carbon monoxide, it is not advisable to use an outdoor stove indoors. This is for being outside while cooking or in an extremely well-ventilated area.
2. How many BTU stoves do I need for outdoor cooking?
For outdoor cooking, a 10,000 to 20,000 BTU-rated stove will fit most needs: boiling, grilling, frying. Higher BTU-rated stoves will do a far better job of cooking larger meals or under windy conditions.
3. How to build petrolite outdoor cooking stoves?
To make a petrolite outdoor cooking stove, take a base of petrolite or perlite and add on a metal cooking surface for conducting heat. It should have a sufficiently strong frame not to collapse during use.
