Things to Consider When Choosing Propane Camp Stoves

Propane stoves are commonly used for backpacking even though they have quite a few flaws. It's not perfect but they're good enough for many people.

Heating Efficiency

Pressure decreases as the cartridge of a propane camp stove empties making them less efficient when there is little fuel left. Wind affects heating efficiency but it can be remedied to a certain point by using a windscreen. A propane stove might not work below a certain temperature and above a certain altitude depending on the propane mixture in the cannister.

Reliability

A portable stove must be able to take rough handling and still work perfectly|Conditions inside you backpack and you body movement subject the stove to constant abuse. Reliability is one of the most important characteristics of a camp stove. Sometimes older stoves are better because they're tougher.

Newer stoves are more reliable in terms of consistency but they may not be very tough. Recent developments in design even make it usable in sub-zero temperatures. It all comes down to design rather than the type of fuel used.

Weight

Propane stoves (used for backpacking) are lighter than multifuel stoves but the fuel is much more heavier. If you want to save weight on an extended backpacking trip, use a bigger cartridge if they're available. The more cartridges, the more metal containers you need to carry and this translate to more weight.

Litter

Litter is a big problem with propane stoves. You can't reuse cartridge stoves and they need to be disposed when empty. If you have empty cartridges, you'll have to carry them until you find the proper place for disposal. You don't want to throw it in the wild if you care for the environment.

Convenience

Propane stoves are more convenient because there is no preheating required and you can have heat almost instantly. Cartridge stoves are also cleaner and less noisy.

Safety

Some mountaineers prefer propane stoves because it's safer to use inside a tent than liquid fuel stoves. Only use a propane stove inside a tent when it is absolutely necessary and you have no other choice but also be sure that there is air movement inside the tent due to good ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and even death. The flame is also a danger to your clothing, tent, sleeping bag, etc.. It would be nothing short of madness to use a liquid fuel stove inside a tent.

Although it rarely happens, a propane stove can blow up due to broken parts. The simpler the design the safer the stove.

Fuel Availability

Liquid fuel stoves are great because you can use different kinds of fuel in case white gas is not available. The cannister you need for your stove may not be available where you're going.

Cost

Propane stoves are cheaper than liquid fuel stoves in general. Some people spend up to 10 times more on fuel compared to propane stove users.