I've cooked on single-burner backpacking stoves and big two-burner car camping rigs. After enough trips, I learned to match the stove to the trip. A lightweight canister stove is great for solo hikes. Two burners with wind guards are better when you're feeding a family at a campsite.
Look for BTU output first. Higher BTU means faster boiling. Wind guards matter more than you think—they save fuel and keep flames steady in breezy conditions. If weight is a concern, stick with compact models. Dual-fuel stoves (propane and butane) give you flexibility when one fuel is hard to find.
1. Coleman Triton 2-burner Propane Stove
Solid two-burner stove with 22,000 BTU total. I've used this for car camping and tailgating. The wind guards keep flames consistent even when it's breezy. Two adjustable burners mean you can simmer on one side and boil on the other.
It's 5 pounds, so not a backpacking stove. Setup is simple: screw on a 1-pound propane canister and light with a match. No built-in ignition, which keeps the design simple and reliable.
Pros:
- 22,000 BTU heats fast
- Wind guards protect flames
- Two burners for multitasking
- Compact for a two-burner
Cons:
- No built-in ignition
- Requires 1-pound propane canisters
2. Gas One Gs-3400p Propane Or Butane Stove
Dual-fuel stove that runs on propane or butane. This is handy if you're traveling internationally or if one fuel type is sold out. Comes with a carrying case.
It's a single burner, so you're cooking one pot at a time. But it's compact and lightweight. I keep one in my emergency kit because it'll run on whatever fuel I can find.
Pros:
- Dual-fuel flexibility
- Compact and portable
- Includes carrying case
Cons:
- Single burner limits multitasking
- Fuel canisters sold separately
3. Coleman Triton+ 2-burner Propane Camping Stove
Upgraded version of the Triton with push-button ignition. No matches needed, which is convenient when it's windy or your hands are full. Same 22,000 BTU and wind guards as the standard Triton.
The InstaStart ignition works reliably in my experience. If it ever fails, you can still light it with a match. Slightly more expensive than the standard Triton, but the ignition is worth it.
Pros:
- Push-button ignition
- 22,000 BTU output
- Wind guards included
Cons:
- Propane tank not included
- Heavier than single-burner stoves
4. Camping Stove 2 Burner Propane Stove With Grill
Two-burner stove with a grill attachment. The foldable design and carry bag make it easy to transport. 17,000 BTU is decent for a portable stove.
The included grill is a nice bonus if you want to cook burgers or sausages. Piezo ignition lights it quickly. The windscreen helps in windy conditions, though it's not as robust as the Coleman guards.
Pros:
- Includes grill attachment
- Foldable with carry bag
- Piezo ignition
Cons:
- Lower BTU than some models
- Windscreen could be more substantial
5. Grill Boss Dual Fuel Portable Stove
Lightweight dual-fuel stove at 0.5 pounds. Runs on butane or propane. 12,000 BTU is enough for solo or couple camping.
This is one of the lightest dual-fuel options. Good for backpacking when you want fuel flexibility. Smaller cooking surface means you're limited to smaller pots.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight (0.5 pounds)
- Dual-fuel capability
- 12,000 BTU output
Cons:
- Small cooking surface
- Single burner only
6. Ogery 2-burner Foldable Camping Stove With Griddle And Carrying Bag
Two-burner stove with both textured and smooth griddle surfaces. Foldable design packs down well. Piezo ignition and adjustable burners.
The dual griddle surfaces are useful. Smooth side for pancakes, textured side for burgers. At 5.7 pounds, it's not ultralight, but it's versatile for car camping.
Pros:
- Dual griddle surfaces
- Folds with carrying bag
- Piezo ignition
Cons:
- Heavier than compact stoves
- Green color shows dirt
7. Shinestar Dual Fuel Stove
Single-burner dual-fuel stove with 7800 BTU. Comes with a propane adapter hose and carrying case. At 4.15 pounds, it's portable but not ultralight.
The lower BTU means slower cooking, but it's fuel-efficient. Good for solo trips where you're not in a rush. The adapter hose lets you use larger propane tanks, which is economical for longer trips. While you're at it, take a look at our compact cookware set. While you're at it, take a look at our collapsible kettle. While you're at it, take a look at our folding kitchen table.
Pros:
- Dual-fuel compatibility
- Adapter hose included
- Comes with carrying case
Cons:
- Lower BTU output
- Single burner only
How to Pick the Right One
- For car camping with a group: Get a two-burner stove with high BTU (Coleman Triton or Triton+).
- For backpacking solo: Go lightweight and single-burner (Grill Boss or SHINESTAR).
- If you travel internationally: Dual-fuel stoves give you fuel options (Gas One or SHINESTAR).
- For cooking and grilling: Look for models with griddle or grill attachments (OGERY or WLSINJL).
- If you want push-button ignition: Go with Piezo or InstaStart models (Coleman Triton+, OGERY).
Bottom Line
Match the stove to your trip. Two burners and high BTU for car camping, single burner and light weight for backpacking. Dual-fuel gives you flexibility, wind guards save fuel and keep flames steady.
