Camping Cookware: Stoves And Fuel Choices
Camping stoves and camping cookware are some of the most important gear to have around. When I am camping, eating is one of my favorite pass times.There is nothing better than to get back to camp and cooking a good meal, eating and taking the rest of the night to reflect on the day with my wife and son... with a full belly, naturally...
The proper camping cookware can help make those meals easy or a disaster, so it is important to get what you need to do the job right.
Before you go buy a camping stove you should decide on what kind of fuel you want to use. If you are using a fuel for your lanterns (and not electric) it would be easier to use the same type for your cooking gear. This way you can save storage space by only carrying one type of extra fuel.
Types of Fuel for Camping Stoves
Propane
As far as gas goes propane is a base campers best friend.
- It is easy to use and easy to find. Just about any camping store will carry several different size canisters
- Large canisters can be refilled
- Refilling stations are easy to find
- Smaller cans are individual use only
- You can use propane with stoves that have multiple burners, which makes cooking your meals faster and more convenient.
- Propane also burns clean and is rather efficient.
- Propane is also good to use in most conditions although extreme cold can cause some troubles.
Our family has used it for our camping for years.
Propane is also a good choice because you can run your lanterns off the same (large) propane canister.
Run down to your local hardware store and get an adaptor to split the line and you can cook and have light at the same time!
Our lanterns also have there own tall pole that they hang from to give light while we are cooking and stay out of the way.
Canister Gas
Butane and Isobutane come in disposable containers and are easy to use.
The containers are aluminum so they are light and recyclable- Good for day hikes and weekend trips
- Not good in the cold weather or higher elevations. Around 20 degrees Fahrenheit it freezes up.
This is not a fuel that I would use for base camping but it is a good alternative to propane if you are in a jam.
Petroleum Based White Gas
This type of fuel has as many upsides as it does downsides.
- Burns hot and will boil that water as fast or faster than most fuels
- You can purchase it by the quart or by the gallon
- You can take refillable canisters
- Pack only as much as you need for those backpacking trips
- Works in cold weather and at elevation
- It is also fairly cheap
But...
- You have to prime your stove before it will light
- You have to deal with refilling your stoves container
- It is prone to flair-ups
- Some campsites don't want you to use white gas because of its flammable nature
- It is a fossil fuel so it is a pollutant and if you spill even small amount it will affect the water around you.
Solid Fuel
Solid fuel comes in "hex" blocks or gel. Your not going to use this for camping with the family but this is great on backpacking and hiking.
- They are light weight
- Safe to use
- Reliable
But...
- Not easy to find
- No control over burn temperature
- It is not efficient
Really this is good for emergency use.
As I had said earlier my family used Propane on all of it's trips and we never had any problems. Still all three of these fuel types have their merits. Really the type of camping and where you do your camping should decide what type of fuel you use.
Other Stove Considerations
There are a few other accessories to look for in a camping stove. Most every stove these days come with an ignition button to make lighting your stove easy. Be aware that some are better than others and you should never depend on them.
Bring a lighter or a lot of matches; you are going to need them for your lantern and lighting a fire and for lighting the coals for the barbeque.
Overall size and weight is something to think about. A good stove for family camping is going to have two or three burners. This makes cooking your meals faster and easier but the more burners the bigger the stove will be.
Here is a checklist for backpacking.
Here is a checklist for base camping.
Dutch Oven
If you don't know what a Dutch oven is you are missing out on a great camping cooking tool!
They are so much fun.
You can cook anything from cakes and pies to stews and dumplings.
Mess Kits
If your family camping, going out and getting a special set of silverware and cooking gear is not necessary. We always used our old pots, pans, and silverware.
There are some great mess kits out there. The advantage to having them would be:
- They are lightweight and pack up really nice
- They are great for camping as well as backpacking
- Gives you a chance to teach your children the responsibility of cleaning up after themselves
Water Jugs
Some camping sites are not going to have running water in every site. That means that you will have to bring your water to your site. Water Jugs are great to have on family camping trips as well as around the house in case of disaster
- They are collapsible plastic containers
- They can have a spout for easy pouring
- They are relatively cheap
- Last a long time
Camp Fire Safety
Fire safety is a BIG issue. Only make fires in fire pits and when you are done with them put out your fire. Don't let the embers or coals burn out. Drown the fire with water and make sure all the embers or coals are out.
If there is no fire pit at your site make sure the forest service will allow you to have an open fire. If you're allowed too, make a small pit for your fire.
- Clear an area of leaves and twigs for at least 3-4 feet
- Dig a shallow pit (about 12-18 inches in diameter and about 6 inches deep)
- Collect enough rocks to surround the pit. This will help keep embers from blowing out of the pit
Forest fires are no joke and they are far more common than you might think.
Trash
Remember you are in Mother Nature and you should treat her kindly. Pick up after yourself after every meal. Most campsites will supply a trashcan or a dumpster for you. This will help keep animals out of your site as well as keep the camp clean for others to use.
If you are hiking or backpacking make sure you leave with all the trash you came with.
Now its up to you to go get some good gear and have a great time. Believe me, having the correct equipment can make your camping life much more pleasurable...