Camping Stoves: Car Camping Edition
By Kieran Dunch
Car camping stoves are a different breed than backpacking stoves. They are generally larger, heavier, and more powerful than their backpacking counterparts. They are also more versatile, and can be used for a wider range of cooking styles and dishes. Here is my guide to all the different types of car camping stove out there: What type is good for which trip, pros and cons, and relevant links. Happy searching!
Classic Propane Stoves
When you imagine a camping cooking stove, this is probably what you think of. These propane-powered stoves are great for car camping trips, and are super flexible. They are great for cooking in windy or rainy conditions as well. The typical burner will have two stoves, and will be able to cook a variety of dishes. They are not great for backpacking, as they are quite heavy and bulky. A propane stove is a great, non-risky choice when it comes to camping stoves. Make sure to pack enough propane for your trip!
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Great for a variety of dishes
- Can cook in windy or rainy conditions
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
Link: Classic Coleman Stove
Charcoal Grills
If you’re looking for a classic camping barbeque, then a charcoall grill is a great choice. There are some compact and portable charcoal stoves out there that will cook meat and vegetables nicely. Like and BBQ, they do have a bit of trouble in windy or rainy conditions, so ou might have to cook under a tarp or rain shelter. They are also a bit more difficult to clean than a propane stove, but the flavor of the food is worth it! If you want a classic camping barbeque, then a charcoal grill is the way to go.
Pros:
- Great flavor
- Classic camping barbeque
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Tougher to clean
- Herder to operate in windy or rainy conditions
Link: Cuisinart Charcoal Grill
Campfire Cooking
If you’re looking for a authentic and rustic cooking experience while camping, then maybe an old-fashioned campfire grill is the way to go! These are grates that you can place over a campfire and fire-grill anything! You can also use a dutch oven to cook stews and soups. This is a great way to cook, but it does require a bit of skill, patience, and time. You can wrap vegetables and meat in tin foil and cook them in the coals, or you can use a cast iron skillet to cook eggs and bacon. Make sure you bring a meat thermometer, as it can be hard to tell when meat is done over a campfire.
Pros:
- Authentic and rustic
- Great flavor
- Less Expensive
Cons:
- Requires skill and patience
- Takes more time to cook
Link: Amazon Campfire Grill
There are many different kinds of stoves out there, I hope this guide helped you learn about a few of them. Let me know what your favourite kind of camping stove is in the comments below!