The Best Camp Stoves for Families (Based on Real Camper Experience)

If you're shopping for a new camp stove, you've probably noticed there are a lot of options out there. And sorting through them can feel overwhelming. The good news is that real campers have already done a lot of the testing for you. Based on a popular Reddit thread in r/camping, here's a breakdown of the stoves people actually love and why.

Before we get into the picks, if you want to browse camping stoves for sale from trusted outdoor brands, GearTrade has a solid collection worth checking out.

Camp Chef: The Top Choice for Families

The name that came up more than any other in the thread was Camp Chef. Several campers pointed to the Camp Chef Everest 2X as the clear winner for family cooking.

One commenter put it simply: the 20,000 BTUs per burner make a real difference, especially when you need to boil large amounts of water at camp. Another said it burns way hotter than standard Coleman stoves, which matters when you're cooking for a hungry group after a long day outside.

The Camp Chef Explorer also got a lot of love. One camper described it as something you can "build out however you desire" with enough power and space to cook for the whole campground if you want. It's a modular system, so you can add accessories like a griddle or cast iron grill over time.

If budget isn't a big concern, the Camp Chef Mountaineer is worth a look too. A few campers called it a step up for those who want to go all out.

One thing to keep in mind with Camp Chef stoves: they run hot. One camper warned that at less than 50% heat with an aluminum grill attached, the stove melted a hole right through it. So stick to cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

Coleman: The Classic That Still Holds Up

The Coleman dual burner stove has been around since World War II, and there's a reason it's still being recommended. It's simple, durable, and easy to find secondhand at garage sales for almost nothing.

Several campers mentioned owning theirs for decades with no real issues. One person's stove from the early 1970s is still going strong. That's a solid track record.

The main complaints about Coleman stoves are fair though. The burners run at basically full power with little ability to simmer. The cooking surface feels small when you're feeding a family of five. And wind can blow out the flame if it catches the stove at the wrong angle.

For a couple or a smaller group, Coleman works great. For a bigger family that wants more flexibility, you'll probably want to look at Camp Chef.

Other Stoves Worth Considering

A few other names came up in the thread that are worth a mention:

• Jetboil Genesis is a premium pick for campers tight on space. It nests well, has great heat control, and has proven reliable over many years of use.

• Partner Steel stoves are the heavy hitters of the camp stove world. They're pricey, but built to last a lifetime with commercial grade construction.

• Dometic Cadac 2 got a shoutout from one camper who said it beat out several other stoves including Camp Chef and Blackstone in their experience.

One Practical Tip on Propane

A few campers mentioned switching from single use 1 lb propane bottles to a 5 lb tank with an adapter. It's cheaper, creates less waste, and you're less likely to run out mid cook. Flame King makes a setup that lets you refill 1 lb bottles from a larger tank, which is a smart option if you want to keep using smaller canisters.

FAQ

How many BTUs do I need in a camp stove for family cooking?

Ans: For a family, look for at least 10,000 BTUs per burner. Stoves like the Camp Chef Everest 2X offer 20,000 BTUs per burner, which is more than enough for boiling water, frying, and simmering at the same time.

Are two burners enough for a family camping trip?

Ans: Usually yes, but it depends on how you cook. Two strong burners handle most meals well. If you cook elaborate meals or feed a large group regularly, a three burner setup might be worth considering.

What size propane tank should I bring camping?

Ans: A 5 lb tank works well for most weekend trips. For longer stays or bigger groups, a 20 lb tank connected via hose gives you more cooking time without constant refills.

Can I use cast iron cookware on a camp stove?

Ans: Yes, and most experienced campers recommend it. Cast iron holds heat well and handles high BTU burners without warping, unlike some aluminum cookware.

How do I protect my camp stove from wind?

Ans: Look for stoves with built in wind guards or add a portable windscreen. Some campers also position their stove with the back facing the wind to reduce flame blowout.