From a solo backpacking stove to a full-size double burner for family meals, the right camping stove makes outdoor cooking a pleasure. We stock gas, multi-fuel and electric camping stoves from the UK’s most trusted brands.
Types of Camping Stove
Single burner stoves are compact and lightweight — ideal for boiling water, solo cooking and backpacking. Double burner stoves give you two cooking rings for preparing full meals and are the most popular choice for family camping. Three burner and multi-ring stoves suit larger groups or anyone who wants to cook more elaborate meals. Multi-fuel stoves run on gas, petrol or paraffin, making them versatile for international travel and extreme conditions.
Fuel Types Explained
Butane gas canisters are the most common fuel for camping stoves in the UK — they’re clean, easy to use and widely available. Propane performs better in cold weather as it has a lower boiling point than butane. Screw-thread gas canisters (EN417) are used by backpacking stoves from brands like Jetboil and MSR. Multi-fuel stoves accept liquid fuels and are designed for expeditions where gas canisters may not be available.
What to Look For
Wind resistance is crucial for UK camping — look for stoves with built-in windshields or recessed burners. Simmer control matters if you cook beyond boiling water — some budget stoves only offer high or off. Piezo ignition eliminates the need for matches or a lighter. Packed size and weight matter for backpackers but less so for car campers with a double burner.
Brands We Stock
We carry camping stoves from Campingaz, Coleman, Trangia, Jetboil, Go System and other trusted outdoor cooking brands.
What is the best camping stove for families?
A double burner gas stove from Campingaz or Coleman is the most popular choice for family camping. Two cooking rings let you boil water and cook a meal simultaneously. Look for models with a built-in windshield and simmer control for versatile cooking. The Campingaz Camp Bistro range and Coleman FyreSergeant are consistently popular with family campers.
What fuel does a camping stove use?
Most camping stoves in the UK use butane or propane gas, supplied in either resealable canisters or pierceable cartridges. Backpacking stoves typically use screw-thread EN417 gas canisters. Multi-fuel stoves can run on unleaded petrol, paraffin or gas. Always check your stove’s fuel compatibility before purchasing, and carry the correct gas type for your model.
Are camping stoves allowed on campsites in the UK?
Most UK campsites allow gas camping stoves, though some may restrict open flames during dry periods or in woodland areas. Always check your specific campsite’s rules before your trip. Ground-level stoves should be placed on a heat-resistant surface, and many sites require stoves to be raised off the grass. Never use a camping stove inside a tent or enclosed space.
What’s the most lightweight camping stove for backpacking?
For backpacking, a screw-on canister stove weighing under 100g is the lightest option — models from Jetboil, Go System and MSR are popular choices. Trangia storm cookers are slightly heavier but offer exceptional wind resistance and the ability to use meths as fuel. If boiling water is your main need, an integrated Jetboil system is the fastest and most fuel-efficient option.
Can I use a camping stove indoors?
No — camping stoves should never be used indoors, inside a tent, or in any enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Gas stoves produce carbon monoxide, which is odourless and potentially fatal in enclosed areas. Always cook outdoors or under a well-ventilated shelter such as an open-sided gazebo or event shelter.
Coleman vs Campingaz camping stoves — which is better?
Both are excellent brands with a long track record. Campingaz stoves are widely used across Europe and use their own resealable gas cartridge system, making refills easy to find. Coleman stoves often feature more robust construction and larger cooking surfaces. For family camping, either brand is a solid choice — it often comes down to fuel type preference and specific model features.
