From integrated gas stoves to screw on and self-standing remote stove tops, we’ve picked our favourites to help you choose the right compact camping stove for your needs and budget.
Also read: Trial by fire: 5 of the best portable braais
Test conditions
We tested three types of cooking systems: integrated stove systems that have built-in pots; screw-in stovetops; and remote stovetops (free standing stovetops which sit on the ground next to the canister).
Weight and packed size: For hiking, lighter and smaller is better. The integrated stove systems were measured with canisters, which fit inside the pot. The screw-in and remote stovetops were measured without canisters.
Set-up time: From unpacking to ignition.
Consumption rate: We measured each unit’s actual consumption rate (ACR) against the manufacturer’s claimed consumption rate (MCR) with each brand’s approved canister. All tests were done at 1753 metres above sea level and the canisters were run until empty.
Boil time: Stoves were turned to their highest setting and the time to boil one litre of water was recorded.
Stove stability: The sturdier the better on reasonably even campground.
Pot stability: How well did the pot fit? Were the stovetop arms fixed and stable?
Integrated stove systems
These combine pot and stovetop into a single convenient system. They are pricey, but ideal in adverse weather conditions, achieve quick heating times and have excellent fuel efficiency.
1. Jetboil Mini Mo Cooking system
Best for solo dinners
R2499, drifters.co.za
Weight: 415g
Packed size: About the same as a one-litre yoghurt tub, including a 100g propane and ISO butane mix Jetboil Jetpower canister (R69, first one included in price).
MCR: 120g per hour
ACR: 70g per hour (1 hour 42 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 1 minute 41 seconds
Boil time: 3 minutes 55 seconds
Stove stability: Good. The unit comes with a stabiliser (three plastic feet that clip onto the canister) which broadens the surface area.
Pot stability: The pot clips onto the system for increased stability.
Verdict
Great for lightweight travel. The lid has an easy-pour spout and the insulating sleeve keeps it warm. It can safely take 850ml of water (when tested with one litre it boiled over). Take care not to snap the plastic feet.
2. MSR 1,7-Litre Reactor
Best for speedy spaghetti
R2599, outward.co.za
Weight: 496g
Packed size: About the size of a 500g Milo tin, including a 230g MSR IsoPro canister (R79,99, first one included in price).
MCR: 172,5g per hour
ACR: 148g per hour (1 hour 57 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 1 minute 11 seconds
Boil time: 2 minutes 30 seconds
Stove stability: The wide canister offers good stability.
Pot stability: Very stable – everything fits together very snugly.
Verdict
Yoh, this thing works well! Setup is effortless, it heats up fast, has the best boil time and is very quiet. It may be a little bulky for short hikes (you do get smaller sizes) but it is the best choice for a long trip – one canister can boil 50 litres of water.
Screw-in stovetops
These screw directly into the canister, which forms the base. They are usually smaller and lighter, but also more likely to topple.
3. Kovea Fireman Stove
Best for space-saving
R299, capeunionmart.co.za
Weight: 87,5g
Packed size: The same as a small roll-on deodorant.
MCR: 158g per hour
ACR: 103g per hour (2 hours 22 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 1 minute 8 seconds
Boil time: 8 minutes
Stove stability: Good. It has a wide canister and screws in firmly.
Pot stability: Poor. It balances on the tips of the arms rather than sitting flat on the base.
Verdict
Average stability. Packs well and comes in a neat container. The pot sits too high off the flame, resulting in a longer cooking time. Manual ignition; you’ll need a lighter.
4. Campingaz Bleuet Micro Plus
Best for the budget
R265, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
Weight: 180g
Packed size: About the size of a small box of Liquifruit and slightly wider.
MCR: 100g per hour
ACR: 77g per hour (3 hours 11 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 2 minutes
Boil time: 5,15 minutes
Stove stability: With a base-width smaller than the canister, it was quite stable.
Pot stability: This unit has four arms, unlike any others featured here.
Verdict
Easy setup, with a piezo igniter, great stability and effective heating (the pot sits close to the flame) make this stovetop a winner. Plus, it’s affordable. However, the non-universal attachment mechanism means you can only use the brand canisters.
Remote stovetops
These stovetops have their own bases and connect to the canister via a pipe, making them more stable than screw-ons.
5. All Terrain Gear Jiko Gas Stove
Best for big pans
R495, atgear.co.za
Weight: 220g
Packed size: The same as a pack of two-minute noodles.
MCR: 153g per hour
ACR: 114g per hour (2 hours 2 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 2 minutes 14 seconds
Boil time: 5 minutes 34 seconds
Stove stability: Good stability despite high profile. Rubberised feet give extra grip.
Pot stability: The three legs provide better balance for a frying pan than a pot.
Verdict
High flame but burns quietly. Great for bigger dishes and pans.
6. Fire Maple FMS 105
Best stability
R430, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
Weight: 246g
Packed size: The same as two packs of two-minute noodles.
MCR: 240g per hour
ACR: 105g per hour (2 hours 18 minutes to deplete the canister)
Set-up time: 3 minutes 55 seconds
Boil time: 5 minutes 57 seconds
Stove stability: A low profile and wide area make it very stable. Feet are not rubberised so it may slip on some surfaces.
Pot stability: Very good.
Verdict
Great stability. The automatic ignition makes lighting effortless. It’s quite noisy and the pot blackened around the flame. Comes in a neat box.
Buy the right gas
Gas canisters rely on pressure to get flowing. As such, output and efficiency decrease as pressure lowers (at higher altitudes or colder temperatures) or when fuel levels decrease. Certain gases handle these changes better than others. Most canisters have a mix of Propane, Butane and/or Isobutane. If your stovetop allows it, be sure to buy self sealing canisters which can be unscrewed when not in use and won’t leak.
- Propane – A low boiling point and high pressure point makes it usable at all temperatures, but it’s expensive.
- Butane – Has a low performance and is increasingly ineffective when cold, but it’s cheap.
- Isobutane – Better for low temperatures and high altitudes.
This article first appeared in the November 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.
All prices correct at time of publication, but are subject to change at each suppliers discretion.
