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15 Best Portable Cookers For Camping

While camping or backpacking, mealtime is an event everyone looks forward to. Having an effective and reliable camp stove and mess kit is pivotal to preparing your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you’re setting up a campsite for the week and want to assemble a fully operational portable kitchen, or you’re backpacking through the wilderness with an ultralight burner — we’ve found some great camp stoves that are up for the task. From full size burners to your classic Coleman propane stove, we’ve compiled a list of reliable portable camp cookers that should cover whatever your outdoor cooking needs might be.

If you’re adding to your ultralight backpacking equipment than make sure to check our our posts on the best highly packable rain jackets, compact mess kits, backpacking sleeping bags and emergency radios — there’s some killer gear for the trail there as well!

Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Exceptionally lightweight at just 2.6 ounces
  • Boils water in just 3.5 minutes
  • Very fuel efficient
Price: $37.39 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Can reach boil in about 3 minutes with half the fuel of competitors
  • Weighs just 3.3 ounces
  • Four-turn regulator offers incremental heat adjustments from light simmer to full boil
Price: $59.94 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Super lightweight and portable
  • Compatible with several fuel options
  • Quality, budget option
Price: $22.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Very affordable option
  • Super lightweight
  • Simple and easy to use
Price: $23.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Stove and grill in one
  • Fuel efficient
  • Breaks down easy and packs compact
Price: $117.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Sits nicely on a table top or on the ground
  • Very affordable and built to last
  • Includes carrying case
Price: $84.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Highly fuel efficient
  • Built to last
  • Uses standard propane canisters
Price: $37.61 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Uses twigs and debris for fuel - great for campouts where you can expect conditions to be relatively dry
  • Measures just 3.8 by 5.7 inches and weighs 9 ounces
  • This unit will save you money in the long run by avoiding the consistent purchase of fuel canisters
Price: $69.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Requires no fuel canisters!
  • Very lightweight and packable
  • Stainless steel design
Price: $24.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Measures 17 by 14.2 by 14.5 inches
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Can cook five burgers at a time
Price: $41.88 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Available in large and small sizing weighing 77.6 and 42.3 ounces respectively
  • Foldable legs for slim packing
  • Regulate the cooking temperature by lowering or raising the grate surface
Price: $129.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Both a camp stove AND a charging device
  • Burns very clean
  • Compatible with some cool accessories
Price: $84.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Cast iron burner
  • Removable legs for added portability
  • High heat output
Price: $72.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Compatible with full size propane tanks
  • Stove is detachable from the legs
  • Provides exceptionally high heat
Price: $99.98 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Includes a removable grill box & griddle
  • Constructed with high quality materials
  • Capable of a variety of cooking styles
Price: $279.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking and Travel Stove

    Pros:
    • Exceptionally lightweight at just 2.6 ounces
    • Boils water in just 3.5 minutes
    • Can effectively adjust flame level from simmer to full heat
    • Fueled by high-performance isobutane-propane fuel canister
    • Very fuel efficient
    • Lightweight protective case include
    • Reasonably priced
    Cons:
    • Although the pot supports can accommodate a wide variety of mess kits, it's not great for particularly large pots/pans
    • No integrated piezo igniter
    • The high-performance isobutane-propane fuel canisters are not always easy to find depending on where you are

    The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking and Travel Stove is hands down one of the ultimate options for those seeking a truly ultralight cook system. 

    The PocketRocket 2 is exceptionally tiny, but it packs a serious punch that makes it almost as effective for cooking as many larger sized, more cumbersome stove options. It’s total weight is only 2.6 ounces – yes you read that correctly. Collapsed, the PocketRocket 2 is two by two by three inches, engineered to be remarkably compact and able to fit essentially anywhere.

    This purchase includes a tiny little carry case that brings the total weight to 4.2 ounces. This stove is they stove for those who need to maximize pack space and minimize weight, but still want a stove with high cook strength. 

    The PocketRocket will boil a liter of water in as little as three and a half minutes, so it’s not messing around despite its comically tiny size. You can effectively adjust the flame to a simmer for certain dishes or blast the heat when you want to saute some veggies or meat.

    The PocketRocket 2 runs on isobutane-propane fuel canisters and is quite fuel-efficient considering its strength. The canisters are self-sealing and available in most countries, although are sometimes hard to find compared to more standard propane or butane. The advantage of this fuel source however is longer cooking times and an even more compact profile.

    Although it’s exceptionally small, the folding pot-supports can fit a fairly wide array of pots and pans. Those seeking an option for heating larger cookware however should look elsewhere. 

    Operation and maintenance of the PocketRocket is just as simple as it’s inherent design – there is no priming, preheating or pressurizing required with utilizing this stove, just fire it up and get cooking! The brand has not integrated a piezo igniter, but it’s still a breeze to get going!

    For the minimalist camp cooker who’s searching for an ultralight stove that still packs a punch, look no further, the PocketRocket 2 is up for the task! 

  2. 2. Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove

    Pros:
    • Can reach boil in about 3 minutes with half the fuel of competitors
    • Weighs just 3.3 ounces
    • Four-turn regulator offers incremental heat adjustments from light simmer to full boil
    • Push button igniter is reliable down to 20 degrees F
    • Accommodates a Jetboil skillet and FluxRing cooking pot without the need for pot support (sold seperately)
    • Includes a 4-legged fuel can stabilizer
    • Jetboil Jetpower Fuel canisters are compat, and the stove can operate on other propane fuel sources as well
    • One year limited warranty
    Cons:
    • Fairly expensive option, but reamains an excellent value
    • Will be difficult to heat larger pots and pans
    • Must be careful not to damage the regulator valve and igniter - more moving parts means more potential for damage

    The Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove is another stellar option for campers and backpackers seeking a truly compact and portable stove option that still offers high, adjustable heat, and long, fuel-efficient run times.

    Weighing in at just 3.3 ounces, this little powerhouse stove can reach boil in about 3 minutes with half the fuel of competitors. A push button igniter works reliably down to 20 degrees F, and the four-turn regulator offers incremental heat adjustments from a light simmer to full boil. This is an impressively easy to operate and powerful stove for its size, enabling greater precision cooking than most other ultralight choices.

    This purchase includes a 4-legged fuel can stabilizer for use with Jetboil’s JetPower Fuel, so setting up anywhere is made easy. The MightyMo furthermore accommodates a Jetboil skillet and FluxRing cooking pot (sold separately) without the need for the pot support – so you can utilize your other awesome cooking accessories from the brand.

    With a one year limited warranty included, you can rest assured this option is built with both integrity and lifespan in mind, just be careful of that regulator valve and ignitor when packing this unit back up.

    Exceptionally lightweight and powerful and offering some awesome ergonomic features to make cooking even easier, the MightyMo Stove from Jetboil is without a doubt one of the top picks for minimalist camp cookers.

  3. 3. Etekcity Ultralight Outdoor Backpacking Stove with Piezo Ignition (2 pack)

    Pros:
    • Super lightweight and acceptable for backpacking
    • Is compatible with a variety of fuel options
    • Aluminum and stainless steel construction makes for a tough build
    • Adjustable control valve allows you to cook with precision
    • Highly affordable
    Cons:
    • Customer complaints that this stove leaks fuel (quality control issues)
    • Because of the size of the unit, you cannot cook with large pots or pans
    • No windscreen of any kind to protect the flame when cooking

    This ultralight stove by Etekcity is a great stove for the weight conscious backpacker. At less than half a pound, this stove simply screws into a 7/16 thread fuel canister and is ready to ignite.

    This is a great value unit, but check out our list of the best backpacking camp stoves for some higher quality options in this same category.  

    This stove uses a butane or a butane propane mix that burns very hot. Some fuel options for this stove include small canisters made by MSR, Coleman, Jetboil, or Primus.

    Made of an aluminum alloy and stainless steel, this is a pretty tough burner for the cost. An adjustable control valve allows you to cook with high or low heat. Etekcity claims this stove can boil a liter of water in three and a half minutes, and customer reviews insist this stove can really crank. This ultralight stove even comes with a carrying case, so plan on bringing this one with you into the wilderness.

     

  4. 4. KING SUMMIT Ultralight Backpacking Stove

    Pros:
    • Super lightweight (less than a quarter pound!)
    • Very affordable option
    • Operation of this stove is simple and intuitive
    • Compatible with multiple fuel sources
    Cons:
    • Customer complaints about this unit spraying fuel when attaching/detaching from the fuel source
    • The Piezo igniter seems to fail before the rest of the stove’s components
    • Not built for longterm durability

    The KING SUMMIT Ultralight Backpacking Stove is a highly affordable, impressively efficient and packable option who’s cooking strength and portability will impress you for the cost.

    The Piezo electronic igniter allows for quick ignition, and an adjustable flame control allows you to dial in the desired heat for whatever you’re cooking. There’s no priming or preheating required – just fire her up! This stove is compatible with most single butane or butane-propane blend fuel canisters, so you conveniently don’t need to purchase any particular fuel source.

    The aluminum alloy and stainless steel construction is meant to withstand some abuse in your backpack, but don’t let this stove get too knocked around because it’s still quite a delicate unit given its small size. The folding design paired with the included carrying case really makes this stove one of the most portable available.

    For the cost, don’t expect this stove to last you a lifetime, but definitely check it out if you’re looking for a tough and tiny camp stove to stuff in a backpack. Make sure to check out MSR’s Pocket Rocket for a higher quality version of this stove 

     

     

  5. 5. Coleman Perfect Flow Grill Stove

    Pros:
    • Very fuel efficient unit
    • Packs well (collapses to a thin rectangle when closed) if you are car camping
    • Conveniently combines both a camp stove AND a grill
    Cons:
    • A bit too cumbersome to hike with
    • Grill space although adequate, is too small to cook for larger groups
    • Fairly heavy option for travel

    When it comes to searing steaks or cooking up some dogs, the Coleman Perfect Flow Grill Stove is all you need. This simple and reliable unit by Coleman is a great camp stove and grill all in one.

    The two in one design allows you to use the stove and grill at the same time, so you won’t waste any time cooking your meals.

    Coleman’s Wind Block panels help to shield the burners from wind and can also be folded down and used as side tables. I can’t speak enough about this feature — when battling high winds in the field it’s really helpful to have some built in protection from frustrating gusts.

    The Perfect Flow Grill/Stove puts out 20,000 total BTUs of cooking power, so there’s not really anything this unit can’t do in terms of camp cooking. It will fit up to a ten-inch pan on the stove and sports 130 square inches of grill space, so despite its compact size you can cook a pretty decent amount of food on this bad boy!

  6. 6. Coleman Butane Stove

    Pros:
    • Sits nicely on a table top or on the ground for no spill cooking
    • Includes carrying case
    • Very affordable and built to last - good value for the money
    • The butane fuel canisters required for this stove are reasonably priced
    Cons:
    • Relatively low heat output - look elsewhere if you’re interested in a powerful camp stove
    • It’s not a very lightweight stove at almost five pounds and is an awkward size and shape for packing in a backpack
    • Complaints that the fuel canisters may leak if not removed from the stove after use

    Here’s another solid option in portable camp cooking by Coleman. Although it’s nothing special, the Coleman Butane Stove is reliably built and very well might be all you need to prepare your morning coffee and simple camp meals.

    Some campers prefer this style burner to the Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove because of the way it packs and how it sits on a table surface. I personally like how this style burner sits nice and flat, and is less likely to tip over when cooking with heavier pots or pans.

    This unit will fit up to a ten-inch pan, and has a 7,650 BTU output, so it’s not the most powerful stove out there if you need to cook with particularly high heat. Flame adjustment control allows you to cook on its higher setting as well as at a simmer.

    A cartridge safety locking system is a nice feature to ensure your fuel source is drawn from safely. This unit takes a different style butane fuel canister than the previous stoves mentioned, so be prepared to stock up if you choose this one.

    All in all, this is a simple and reliable butane camp stove that will hold up and cook for years with the proper care. If you’re preparing simple meals and don’t require the high heat of a more high-end portable cooker, then definitely consider this low cost, low maintenance camp stove.

  7. 7. Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove

    Pros:
    • This stove is highly fuel efficient - giving you quite of bit of cooking time off of one propane canister
    • Rated great for long lifespan and solid durability
    • Is compatible with Coleman’s standard propane canisters which are one of the cheaper options in camp stove fuel
    Cons:
    • Fairly heavy to backpack with
    • The platform for the canister takes up a considerable amount of space if trying to pack light
    • A bit outdatted considering all the new stoves onthe market - but sometimes old is best

    Everyone’s uncle, grandfather, or scoutmaster owns a Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove, and for good reason! This burner is a reliable and affordable option that you can count on to effectively cook your meals.

    It’s not quite as portable as some of the ultralight backpacking stoves listed here, but could still certainly be stowed in a backpack and hiked with.

    The burner and base separate from the propane bottle for compact carrying. Coleman’s “PerfectHeat” technology ensures this burner cooks efficiently and won’t burn through all your propane. It puts out 10,000 total BTUs of cooking power – not bad for such a small unit.

    The burner is adjustable and it even includes wind baffles to help protect the flame from frustrating breezes. Lots of customer reviews mention how they have owned and used this stove for more than ten years, a sure sign of reliability!

  8. 8. Solo Stove Lite Portable Camping Hiking and Survival Stove

    Pros:
    • Uses twigs and debris for fuel - great for campouts where you can expect conditions to be relatively dry
    • Measures just 3.8 by 5.7 inches
    • Patented design features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and secondary combustion. for efficient and almost smoke-free burning
    • This unit will save you money in the long run by avoiding the consistent purchase of fuel canisters
    • No moving parts or gas components to malfunction - this stove is exceptionally simple and practically indestructible
    • Works well with fuel tabs if you want to simplify getting an initial flame under the stove
    • Nests within the companion Solo Stove Pot 900 (not included)
    Cons:
    • Fairly high initial cost, but this stove will end up paying for itself when you consider the money saved on fuel canisters
    • Boils 34 fluid ounces water in 8 to 10 minutes, so you'll have to be a bit more patient with this one
    • A bit bulkier than some ultralight options

    The Solo Stove Lite Portable Camping Hiking and Survival Stove is a remarkably efficient and easy to use wood and debris burning cooking option that’s engineered for long lifespan, and campers who appreciate utilizing nature’s available fuel sources.

    Measuring just 3.8 by 5.7 inches and weighing in at 9 ounces, the unique patented design features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and secondary combustion. This creates a highly-efficient and almost smoke-free burn that sports some pretty potent cooking strength depending on your fuel source.

    Once you get this bad boy going, it can boil 34 fluid ounces of water in 8 to 10 minutes, so it’s not nearly as rapid-heating as gas-powered options (although that’s a lot of water!). This stove is for more patient campers who enjoy the simplicity of cooking with twigs and natural fuel sources. While it might not offer the same level of cooking strength as gas stoves, keep in mind this unit will save you money in the long run by avoiding the consistent purchase of fuel canisters.

    The SoloStove Lite also works well with fuel tabs if you want to simplify getting an initial flame under the stove.

    Best of all in our opinion, there are no moving parts or gas components to potentially malfunction – this stove is exceptionally simple and practically indestructible. The brand recently sent me this model to try cooking with, and I’ve been very much impressed with its inherent durability, sharp aesthetic and ease of operation.

    If you want to pair this camp cooker with the perfect piece of cookware, we recommend the Solo Stove Solo Pot 900 – the two will nest together wonderfully for easy transport.

  9. 9. Ohuhu Stainless Steel Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

    Pros:
    • Requires no fuel canisters!
    • Very lightweight and packable
    • Environmentally friendly (no emissions or batteries!)
    • Stainless steel design should hold up well in the long term
    • Can use wood pellets for burning if you’d prefer to not search for your “fuel” in the field
    Cons:
    • If you don’t have adequate burnable material where you’re camping, this stove is a no go
    • Pretty small size, so don’t plan on cooking for the whole family with this one
    • There are no included instructions, so figuring out this five piece set will require a little initial patience

    The Ohuhu Stainless Steel Wood Burning Backpacking Stove is very cool option for the camper or backpacker who wants to leave the fuel canisters behind and cook with what nature already offers!

    This lightweight (less than a pound) and highly portable camp stove can fit in a backpack easily and doesn’t require the added weight of propane or butane canisters. If you’re going to be hiking through wilderness that provides an abundance of twigs, leaves, and pine cones, then this stove could save you some serious space and weight in your bag.

    Constructed from stainless steel, this five-piece unit is corrosion resistant and will hold up to high heat just fine. The three-arm pot support system provides a stable cooking platform for a pot or pan. Due to its small size, you cannot really effectively cook with a large pot or pan.

    One neat thing to consider with this stove is that it’s environmentally friendly in the sense that it doesn’t have any emissions or batteries! If you are looking for a real space-saving stove, or like the idea of cooking with a real wood flame fire, then definitely check this one out.

  10. 10. Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

    Pros:
    • Measures 17 by 14.2 by 14.5 inches
    • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
    • Can cook five burgers at a time
    • Dampers allow you to effectively control the temperature inside your grill
    • Durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean
    Cons:
    • Not terribly portable considering the domed design
    • Will have to pack charcoal to operate this grill, limiting its portability
    • Will take some time to cool off after use

    The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is one of the ultimate compact options for charcoal lovers seeking an affordable and efficient camping grill.

    It doesn’t get any simpler than this – simply lay down your charcoal, ignite and start grilling! Measuring 17 by 14.2 by 14.5 inches, this is a reasonably portable option considering it runs on charcoal, but keep in mind it’s not nearly as portable as some gas-powered alternatives.

    Able to cook up to five burgers at once, this is the perfect sized grill for a few campers. Dampers allow you to effectively control the temperature inside your grill, while the durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean.

    The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl furthermore holds heat wonderfully, and won’t rust or peel over time. You gotta love the simplicity and flavor of a classic charcoal grill!

  11. 11. Primus Aeril Campfire Grill

    Pros:
    • Available in large and small sizing weighing 77.6 and 42.3 ounces respectively
    • Foldable legs for slim packing
    • Regulate the cooking temperature by lowering or raising the grate surface
    • Stainless steel construction is corrosion resistant and easy to clean
    • Nylon storage bag included
    Cons:
    • Fairly expensive option
    • Requires an open fire for effective use
    • Will take some time to cool off after use before being safe to handle

    The Primus Aeril Campfire Grill is a simple and straightforward camp cooker that’s simply designed to be an adjustable-height cooking grate for use with open campfires.

    Available in large and small sizing weighing 77.6 and 42.3 ounces respectively and designed with foldable legs for slim packing, this remains an impressively packable cooking option despite its fairly large deployed size. The large model offers 18.9 by 16.9 inches of cooking space.

    Built from stainless steel, the Aeril Campfire grill heats quickly, resists corrosion, and is a breeze to clean. The height is also easily adjusted for finding that perfect distance from the flame in order to cook at whatever temperature you’d like!

    With a nylon storage bag included, you can take this unit anywhere with minimal effort. Beach cookouts, overland excursions, and classic campouts are all perfect settings for this simple, yet unique cook system.

  12. 12. BioLite Wood Burning CampStove

    Pros:
    • Both a camp stove AND a charging device
    • Lightweight and highly portable
    • Burns very clean and won’t make the inside of your backpack soot ridden
    • Burns on natural fuel sources, so leave the canisters at home
    • BioLite offers some cool attachments/accessories for this unit (LED lights, grill attachments, etc)
    Cons:
    • If there’s not an abundance of dry twigs and burnable material where you camp/backpack, then this isn’t the stove for you
    • Requires pretty frequent additions of fuel to maintain even, high heat
    • A bit on the heavy side for backpackers who are serious about trimming pack weight

    This BioLite Wood Burning CampStove is a seriously cool gadget for any camper that appreciates both unique and useful gear. This camp stove is not only an effective device for preparing meals, but also utilizes the thermal energy it creates to charge any USB compatible device!

    Biolite claims that 20 minutes of charging with a strong fire can give most smartphones up to 60 minutes of talk time….pretty sweet! This burner is fueled by inserting twigs and sticks, so it can be a great option for the backpacker who wants to save space on fuel canisters and also have a charging device.

    It’s only about two pounds in weight and has roughly the same dimensions as a one liter Nalgene bottle, so I’d say it’s highly portable. It even comes with a carrying sack, and customer reviews insist this stove burns super clean and won’t turn the inside of your pack all sooty.

    When this bad boy gets going, it can boil a liter of water in about four and a half minutes – pretty decent. An internal starter battery conveniently helps to kick-start your cooking fire before the stove starts to generate its own power.

    Considering it’s both a portable charging device AND a reliable camp cooker, Biolite’s price tag is pretty reasonable. If you have the funds to spring for this unit, then you’re sure to impress your camping pals with this unique piece of equipment.

     

     

  13. 13. Camp Chef Universal Output Single Burner Stove

    Pros:
    • Cast iron burner is well built and will out-live most camp stoves
    • This is a high powered burner with a lot of cooking potential
    • Customizable unit that you can use for many different cooking styles
    • Removable from legs for added portability
    Cons:
    • Customer reviews stating the legs are a little short for some users
    • Considering it's comparable in price to the two burner option listed here, you might just want to spring for the other camp stove
    • Heavy option for camping trips

    This single burner unit by Camp Chef is a high-powered, customizable camp cooker that can be fitted with an array of different attachments (griddles, BBQ boxes, etc) for different cooking methods.

    This unit is highly comparable to the Camp Chef Explorer 2,  the difference of course being it has one burner instead of two.

    This might be what you’re looking for if you want the power and durability of a heavier, high powered camp stove, but don’t necessarily need two burners. The single burner design certainly makes this unit a good bit more portable than Camp Chef’s two-burner option.

    The leg extensions are detachable, so feel free to use it with or without the legs. The burner is made of commercial quality cast iron – a fan favorite amongst many avid camp cooks. Sporting 30,000 total BTUs, this stove is truly the real deal in camp cooking. Rig it up to a full size propane tank and use it at home, or use it as the main power behind your portable camp kitchen.

  14. 14. Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove

    Pros:
    • Connects to a full size propane tank OR can be modified to fit disposable canisters
    • Can cook with really high heat compared to conventional camp stoves
    • This stove can be modified to fit a number of different cooking attachments — its a customizable system that you can fit to your needs
    • Quite affordable considering the heat output, materials used and customization potential
    • Can be detached from the legs and placed on a table for more portability
    Cons:
    • The legs on this stove are a little short for some!
    • Complaints that the regulator cuts off gas flow if it’s not used gently
    • Not a terribly portable option for camping trips compared to a lot of other options

    Now here’s a killer unit for the diehard camp kitchen. The Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove is a serious cooker for the serious camper featuring 448 square inches of cooking space perfect for cooking for larger groups.

    The burners are aluminum and can be customized with a number of different features/attachments by Camp Chef. BBQ grill boxes, griddles, cast iron grills, and even Dutch ovens and pizza ovens can be attached to this versatile unit.

    The highly efficient “blue flame” burners have an impressive output of 30,000 BTUs each. This stove connects to a bulk propane tank with an included regulator or to disposable canisters using an adapter that’s sold separately.

    Despite its impressive cook-strength here and two-burner design, the removable legs keep this camp cooker a reasonable size for travel once broken down. 

    Great for cookouts, tailgates, or for creating a real-deal camp kitchen, this two-burner unit by Camp Chef is well made and will cook with far more power than your conventional camp stove.

     

  15. 15. Blackstone Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

    Pros:
    • Comes with a removable grill box and griddle
    • Constructed with high quality materials
    • Capable of a variety of cooking styles without having to purchase any attachments/accessories
    • Exceptionally high heat output
    Cons:
    • Quite a heavy unit - you might need a friend to get this big boy out of your vehicle and set up
    • Due to the materials used, it’s a pretty pricey portable camp cooker
    • Some might not like the design of the legs

    The Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo by Blackstone is one of the ultimate options in portable camp cookers. There’s practically no assembly required, so this grill and griddle combo is ready to rage as soon as you pull up to the campsite.

    I love how this unit offers versatile cooking options without needing to purchase any attachments or accessories. One burner has an output of 15,000 BTUs and the other is capable of 20,000 BTUs, so this is a pretty powerhouse cooker.

    The heavy duty ventilated grill box comes with durable, high quality cast iron grill grates, while the griddle is steel for optimal heat distribution and control. This grill/griddle is a whopping 75 pounds, so it’s not going to stray far from your vehicle or home – but it’s none the less a fairly portable unit due to its easy assembly and carrying handles. The higher weight of this unit stems from the higher quality cast iron and metal construction, so it’s heavy for good reason.

    If you want to be the grill master at your next camping outing on a top-performing cooking unit, then look into this sweet set up by Blackstone.

Ultralight Backpacking Stoves

Seeking something exceptionally lightweight and packable for use on the trail and other contexts that call for a compact cook system?

A few of our favorite options for ultralight camp stoves that pack light while still offering impressive cook strength include:

Portable Camping Grills

On the hunt for a portable camp cooker but don't want to settle for a glorified propane burner? If you love to grill on your campouts but don't have the space to bring along a full-on grill system, there are some particularly packable alternatives that still allow you to lay down some grill lines!

Some of our favorite portable grill options include:

Portable Charcoal Grills

Love cooking over charcoal but struggle to find the space for a cook system that allows you to? Fortunately there are some compact charcoal grills on the market perfect for camping and road trip applications

A few of our top picks include:

Portable Wood Burning Camp Stoves

Like the idea of owning a wood burning portable cooker for camping? There are many compact options on the market that offer high-heat cooking at an impressively packable size - some of which you can use to with a grill grate in order to achieve that delicious wood-fired taste!

Some of the best options are simply collapsible grill grates that are designed with adjustable height settings. 

A few of our favorites include:

See Also:

A top list of the best camping and backpacking grills and burners available. We've included some classic propane and butane burners as well as some newer, state of the art camp cookers.