Butane Stove Buying Guide

July 20th, 2010

Comprehensive Buying Guide for a Butane Stove


Whether you are a seasoned backpacker planning an arduous cross-country trek or a camper with a family looking forward to a long weekend with the RV, a good camping stove that meets your individual needs is absolutely essential.  A butane stove can be a good choice for a wide variety of campers.  With so many options available to a consumer, there are several things to consider before finally investing in the perfect stove for your needs.  Physical characteristics, such as size and weight, accessories, and available features are all elements of butane stoves that should be taken into consideration before a final purchase is made.

Butane Stoves

Shop for a Butane Stove

Physical Characteristics

A butane stove can be purchased in a variety of sizes to fulfill the needs of different types of campers.  A single individual looking for something lightweight that can be carried easily in a backpack for long periods of time will probably do best to consider a single burner stove, ideal for boiling water for dehydrated food, or heating food in a can.  Conversely, a family with several individuals to feed who will be staying in the same basic area during their camping excursion will most likely prefer a multi-burner stove to accommodate several pots simultaneously.

Reactor Butane Stove

Butane Stove Reactor - 159.93

In terms of weight, even a few extra ounces can make a difficult hike almost impossible, so a serious backpacker must be particularly careful when selecting a butane stove to choose one that is as lightweight as possible.  Generally the weight listed by the manufacturer is the weight of the unit by itself and does not count the weight of the fuel cartridge, so this must be taken into consideration as well.  In much the same way as the size of a multi-burner stove is not a very serious concern to a family who will not be traveling on foot with their stove, the weight will also not be as much of a consideration.  For a family, have a larger, heavier stove that can prepare more food quickly supersedes and portability requirements.

Butane Stove

Pocket Butane Stove - $39.93

Accessories

Many stoves come equipped with all the accessories a camper or hiker will need, whereas others will require that the consumer purchase other accoutrements to make them as portable and efficient as possible.   Some of the accessories that may or may not be included with a butane stove include the following:

  1. A carrying case so that the knobs and hoses do not become damaged accidentally.
  2. A cartridge that will also accept a lantern head so that a person can use a single fuel source for both light and for cooking.
  3. A stand to elevate the cooking surface
  4. The ability to accept a variety of other fuels such as isobutane or propane

Available Features

Lightweight Butane Stove

Lightweight Butane Stove - 109.75

While the number of burners is the main feature usually considered when selecting a good butane stove, other elements should be studied as well.  For example, some stoves offer a control knob that allows the user to set the height of the flame on the stove.  More economical models will have a flame that burns only at one height.  Another item that is of particular significance is the ignition element.  While most butane stoves offer an electronic ignition, some will require that the user ignite a pilot light manually with a match or a lighter.  This can sometimes be a frustration if matches or another fire source are not readily available, so a camper would do well to carefully consider his or her choices in this regard.  Depending on the available features and accessories, a quality butane stove can be priced anywhere from under $30 to several hundred dollars, so the offerings of a specific make and model should be carefully researched

Micron Butane Stove

Micron Butane Stove - $63.00

For any camper or hiker, a butane stove can be an excellent investment.  By carefully considering their specific needs and wants, a consumer can select the right stove for his or her specific situation.  If one reflects on size requirements, desired features, and included accessories, they will certainly be pleased with their final decision and enjoy their outdoor cooking experience to the fullest.  All that is required is the willingness to take a little bit of time to do the needed research, and a person will be able to make their purchase choice with ease.

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Useful Links

http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/tipsstoves.htm

http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/1999/1999-camp-stoves.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_stove


Buying Guide for Coleman Propane Stove

March 25th, 2010

Coleman through the Ages

Coleman is a name that you can trust, especially when it comes to outdoor camping supplies. The sheer volume of items they make and successfully market is a testament to their level of quality and their dedication to that quality. So with that being said, investing in a Coleman Propane stove is a smart move on your part.

Coleman Propane Stove

Click HERE - Buy a Coleman Propane Stove - Click HERE


There are a few different types of Coleman Propane Stoves out there, and the one you choose will obviously depend on your needs. In order to determine what you need, you will have to compile a list which should look similar to the one below:

  • Is the stove easy to clean?
  • How many items can it cook at once?
  • What are the customer reviews like?
  • Do I like the color?
  • Can I afford it?
  • How much does replacement fuel cost?
  • Is it sold online or in stores?


Stove Types

As with any Coleman stove products you can expect to find just about any variation on any product. For example you have the option of getting a standard flat stove with a wind guard to make sure your cooking experience is perfect. On these the propane tank will be small and off to the side. Though they use a canister, you cannot really define these as canister stoves.

There are also stoves that either feature a single burner or a double and look more like a hot plate. These are fairly popular because of their convenience and portability. If you want something a bit more convenient than that though, you could look into one of Coleman’s many folding stoves that allow for fast cooking and easy cleaning. Coleman Propane stoves are plentiful and there are many different varieties to consider.

Cleaning

You want a Coleman Propane stove that you can easily clean. This means it will need to be either one piece, or need to be easily disassembled. In addition to that, check to see if any of it is dishwasher safe. There will be some parts that you cannot run through the dishwasher, but chances are at least a part of it can be. Remember that just because it looks smooth and plastic doesn’t mean it can be put in the dishwasher. The last thing you want is to put your stove back together only to find out a piece of it has been warped.

In Conclusion

Coleman Propane Stoves are great, and no one can argue against that fact. When you decide to buy one, take your time and examine what you are getting. o matter what you buy you will get a good product obviously, considering it is from Coleman. Just make sure you get all the features you want, and that it is convenient for your camping trip.

Done w/ Coleman Propane Stove? Go to Butane Stove Home…

Butane Burners – A Buying Guide

March 24th, 2010

Cooking with Butane Burners

Cooking in the wilderness has been a pastime for thousands of years. In the beginning we did not have fancy stoves that allowed us to cook whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. Cooking required skill, and it is a skill that we have lost. No longer do we rub sticks together in the hope that fire will eventually emerge.  Times have changed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a great meal in the company of nature. Technology has evolved a point where we can simply fire up our butane burners in the wild and have the meal of a lifetime.


butane burners

Buy Butane Burners - Click HERE

Obviously you shouldn’t’ be expecting to cook a world class meal on a butane stove or butane burners, but you can at least feed yourself any anyone that happens to be with you . There are a few things that you will need to look out for when you choose to purchase butane burners, and they are the following:

Size

There are butane burners of all shapes and sizes, which mean you will need to choose wisely. For one thing, there is the micro butane burner. This is very small and will fit in the palm of your hand. Many people will choose this one simply because of its convenience, but that doesn’t mean you should jump on the bandwagon. You need to ask yourself if the burner is going to suit your needs. If the answer is no, then you should obviously keep looking! Remember that the larger burners will be able to cook for longer and handle larger loads.

Design

There are a few different types of butane burners. The most common type is the canister burner which features a canister that either sits in the open or sits in an enclosure. The canister is one part of the assemble and will need to be replaced or refilled when depleted. There are also butane burners that resemble hotplates more than anything else. These are very useful if portability is important to you.

More Things to Consider

The following is a list of things that you really need to think about when you are buying butane burners:

  • Ease of Cleaning
  • Cool-Down Time
  • Burn Time
  • Cost of Fuel
  • Portability
  • Assembly
  • Durability

These are all pretty obvious. For instance, you want to make sure that it is easy to clean, and that means taking a look at whether it can be disassembled. Is it dishwasher safe? Will the cost of fuel bankrupt you? Most importantly, how long does it take to cool down? If you want to cook and pack right away, you need a butane burner that is capable of cooling down in about ten minutes. You obviously can’t just throw it into your pack if it is still hot, so make sure you ask about these things before you make your purchase.

Soon enough you will have a great butane burner that will meet both your needs, and the needs of the people that you take with you. Just be patient and make sure you learn about all of the features. It will take some time, but this is one investment you don’t want to rush.

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Canister Stove Buying Guide

March 24th, 2010

Camping with Canister Stoves

Camping stoves are very important. For those who worry about the environment, rubbing two sticks together to make a fire usually isn’t an option. There are just too many dangers associated with it, the least of them being a forest fire.  For those who don’t want to lug a huge camping stove or a propane grill along on their camping expedition, there is always the option of using canister stoves.

The Advantage

Canister stoves are quite literally canisters attached to burners. These will sit nicely in an enclosure, allowing you to carry them around fairly easily. There are canister stoves of many different shapes and sizes, so you will be able to choose one that has the burn time you want.

Canister Stove

Click to Buy Canister Stoves


Burn Time

Obviously if you have a larger canister you are going to get a much better burn time. When you choose one, make sure that you choose based on how long you plan to be in the woods, as well as how much weight you want to be carrying around. Remember, the larger the canister, the slower you will be. If you are planning to go to your campsite by vehicle however, the size should not be much of an issue.

Safety

Before you actually choose any canister stoves, make sure you read some customer reviews and look at the products very carefully. These are propane, and as such they can be very dangerous. The last thing you want is your canister exploding in your backpack, so make sure you are choosing one that is of good design. Obviously you should follow your own safety protocols when you are using one of these devices. In other words, don’t do anything that would obviously compromise the safety of the canister.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

When you buy a canister stove you need to make sure that it is one you can use. There are some that have rather strange designs, and you might even have trouble making them work on the fly. For instance there are some which have their canister in an enclosure, and there are others that prefer a more external design. Then there are those that have the canister attached to a hose which attaches to a cooking enclosure. Obviously the choice is yours, and you will make the right one.

You should also inquire as to whether or not the device is easily cleaned. For instance: is it dishwasher safe or will you have to wash it by hand? This may make a difference to you, or it may not. It all depends on how much time you want to commit to maintaining the device.

Canister stoves are great, and any hiker, camper, or wilderness enthusiast should definitely look into getting one. It is important that you take your time and choose the right one though! As long as you do, you will have a great stove at a great price.

Done w/ Canister Stove? Go to Butane Stove…

Optimus Stove Buying Guide

March 24th, 2010

Optimus Stove Buying Guide

Camping gear has been around for many years. When one thinks of it, they probably think about names like Coleman or even Optimus. Optimus Stove is a great name in cooking, especially when you consider that they have been around for over one hundred years. Some have questioned their quality since they merged with the Katadyn Group in 2007, but as with any product, there are going to be those that question it. What you have to do is decide whether or not it works well for you. This is a company that has dedicated the last 100 years to making sure that you can go into the wilderness and enjoy the calm of nature with the modern convenience of a good meal.


Optimus Hiker

Optimus Hiker

Buy a Optimus Hiker

This is one of the more portable models out there, and it only takes 3.5 minutes for it to boil a liter of water. When you are cooking you will be able to enjoy a burn time of about two hours, though you may get more if you are not using the highest setting. Some stoves are awkward and difficult to fit into your camping gear. This Optimus stove is simple as can be, folding up into a beautiful metal case that fits seamlessly into your existing luggage. The case is also extremely tough, and can take just about anything. This will ensure that the Optimus Hiker will be a part of your camping gear for many years to come.


Optimus Crux

Optimus Crux

Buy a Optimus Crux

The Optimus Crux is a bit smaller than your average Optimus product, but it still does the same basic job. It can boil water in about three minutes and will cook for approximately sixty minutes on maximum burn. The stove works on propane, but you will not receive a canister when you purchase. Don’t let this deter you though because this stove is one of the best.

Choosing a Stove

When you are picking a camping stove, even from a great company like Optimus, you need to make sure the stove is actually going to meet your needs. In order to determine this you should ask yourself the following:

  • Is the stove easy to clean?
  • How much food can it cook at once?
  • Is it durable?
  • Can I afford it?
  • What is the average burn time?
  • How much does the fuel cost?


These are all things that you will need to ask yourself prior to making your purchase. The thing you need to remember here is that this is not a decision to take lightly. Your Optimus stove is a huge investment, and if you are someone who truly enjoys the wilderness, you will be getting a lot of use out of it. Make sure it has the right burn time and that it will accommodate everything you want to cook for the foreseeable future.

Done w/ Optimus Stove? Go Back to Butane Stove…

Propane Stoves

March 23rd, 2010

Propane Stoves: Buying Guide

Propane Stove

Buy a Propane Stove - Heat Up Your Trip!


When you’re out in the wild, you need some way to cook your food. Sure you could rough it and make a roaring fire, but then again, whose watching? We have so many modern conveniences now that it would almost be a shame for us not to take advantage of them. That being said, it’s time to look at propane stoves for your next camping trip.

The propane stoves are quite a bit like propane grills, and when you are choosing one, you will have a number of different models to select among. For one thing you will need to decide how many burners you want.  In addition to that you will need to see how easy it is to clean.

Cleaning

A good propane stove or butane stove will have removable panels so that you can easily clean the device. It is indeed recommended that you constantly clean because if you allow grease and other elements to build up on the burners you will have a serious problem. It might not happen now, it might not happen two months from now, but at some point you will fire up the stove and it will literally catch on fire. There are many that are dishwasher safe, so make sure you keep an eye out for these in the event you need some really convenient cleaning methods.

Quick Start

Most propane stoves will come with a battery powered quick start button that will ignite the stove and light it without the presence of a lighter. This will definitely help on windy days or even days that you just want to get going fast. Once it gets started, a good propane stove will provide even head distribution across the entire stove.


Propane Placement

Unlike a propane grill, propane stoves will have their propane off to the side. Rather than being a large tank, they will feature a small canister that has a specific burn time. The burn time you look for will depend on how long you plan to stay on the trail. One thing that you should do is carry extra propane canisters to make sure that you always have enough.

Cooking

On these stoves you can cook just about anything! You can use pots and pans, or you could lay out meat. It all depends on what you want to do that particular day. Most models will even come with a wind shield to make sure that you have the greatest cooking experience.

Durability

Making sure that your propane stoves are durable is extremely important for a number of reasons. The first reason is that you don’t want the stove to fail while you are out camping. The second reason being that a propane stove is a big investment and you will most likely be looking at your stove for a number of years. You don’t want anything tacky, and you don’t want anything of low quality. So that being said, find the right camping stove for the right job.

Done w/ Propane Stoves? Go Back to Butane Stove…

Heating up With Your Camp Stove

March 17th, 2010

Heating it up with a Camp Stove

If you are a first time camper, or are just getting into the sport, then you probably don’t know much about food preparation in the wild. There is a bit more to it than there is to cooking at home, which means you may need to learn an entirely new skill set. One thing that you can be thankful for however is that you won’t need to cook over open flames unless you really want to. Modern technology has made camping much easier, and the camp stove is just one of those innovations.

Camp Stove

Click the Camp Stove for More Camping Stove Options!

Size Matters

When you are choosing your camp stove or a butane stove, you need to make sure that it is the proper size. There are many different models of many different dimensions. There are some that have two burners, and you may run across some that have four. It’s hard to tell what type of camp stove you will need, but take your immediate circumstances into account when you are making your decision.

For instance if you are cooking for two people, then you might only need a small camp stove. These are cheaper and chances are that you are only going to need a single burner. The single burner variants are cheaper and can fit easily into a backpack. If you are cooking for more people however, then you will definitely need a camp oven that supports two pots. There are several different types, and you should take these factors into account:

Ease of Use
Size
Weight
Power

Cooking Time

There are many different types of stoves, but not all of them can meet the standard when it comes to cooking. For instance, how long do you want to cook? There are some stoves with a very limited cooking time, which is dependent on the amount of fuel they happen to have. Take this into account when you are purchasing your stove!

In Conclusion

It’s going to be completely up to you as to what type of stove you actually get. Your choice may very well impact the quality of the camping trip, believe it or not. For instance if you choose one that is too heavy, then you won’t want to backpack up a mountain with it because you will find yourself to be exhausted by the time you get there.

If you are traveling to your campsite by car or truck, then you can buy any equipment you want because you probably won’t have to carry it. Do take into account that emergencies do occur and you might just find yourself walking. That’s not to say it will happen, but keep your options open.

So the choice is yours, but choose wisely. You will be stuck with your camp stove for many years, and you want it to perform admirably. So long as you take your time, read customer reviews, and of course inspect many different models, you should be quite happy with your decision.

Done w/ Your Camp Stove? Go to Butane Stove…

Camping Grills

March 16th, 2010

Make it easier with Camping Grills

If you have ever considered camping, then you should consider buying one of the many camping grills on the market. You could try to cook over a fire, but it probably won’t be much fun will it? The best thing that you can do is shop around and look at good camping grills. Remember that the last thing you want to do is buy a cheap one, so pay close attention and read customer reviews!

Camping Grills

Buy Your Camping Grills at Amazon

Choosing a Model

There are two things to consider when buying camping grills: size and weight. You don’t want to buy one that is too heavy because you might be toting it with you up a steep hill. You also need to take a look at how many people you happen to be cooking for. These grills are fairly large anyway, but a larger one is adequate for more people. Camping grills are usually for group meetings or other activities in the woods, and you will probably not be taking one on a deep hike.

Brand Matters

When you are buying any camping grills you need to make sure that you buy a high quality one. There are quite a few generic brands out there, and while some of them may very well be good, it would be best to buy a brand name grill such as Coleman. If you purchase a high end grill then you will most likely get one that is impervious to water damage among other things, which is exactly what you should be going for.

Capacity

See what the grill can cook. Some grills may actually different spots on them for different types of foods. For instance if you want to cook hamburgers and hot dogs on the same grill, then you might actually have an upper shelf that you can put one selection on while leaving the other on the lower part of the grill. There are a million other features that you can look for when you are seeking out camping grills.

Before you make your purchase, make sure you go to different sporting goods stores and see what is being offered. In addition to that, ask your friends what they use! You never know what kind of good advice a friend might offer, but even more importantly you should look at what the general public has to say. Customer reviews and forums can grant you valuable information that you can use in your quest for answers, so make sure you check them out!

Are you ready to own a great piece of camping equipment? If so then get out there and start looking. It’s only a matter of time until you are the proud owner of a brand new camping grill. Enjoy!

Done w/ Camping Grill? Go back to Butane Stove…

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Hook-Up-a-Propane-Tank-to-a-Camping-Grill&id=3358325 <http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Hook-Up-a-Propane-Tank-to-a-Camping-Grill&amp;id=3358325>

http://ezinearticles.com/?Where-to-Buy-a-Camp-Grill-With-Folding-Legs-That-Uses-Wood-For-Cooking&id=3473788 <http://ezinearticles.com/?Where-to-Buy-a-Camp-Grill-With-Folding-Legs-That-Uses-Wood-For-Cooking&amp;id=3473788>


http://www.cabelas.com/camp-blind-stoves.shtml

Camping Cookware

March 10th, 2010

Cooking in the Wild w/ Camping Cookware

The wilderness can be tough, but you can make it easier on yourself by bringing the right equipment. With that in mind, what type of cookware do you think you should bring with you? Camping cookware is actually pretty easy to pick out, but it all depends on how many people are coming with you and what you want to cook. So let’s take a look at what’s out there and what you will need to do to prepare for your big wilderness outing.

Cooking for Two

Camping Cookware

Purchase Camping Cookware From Amazon



The cookware will depend widely on the number of people you’re planning to feed on your outing. For instance if you are just feeding a few people, then two pans should do just fine. If you are planning to feed six to eight, then you’re going to need a whole set.

Pan Logistics


There are a number of differences between a standard cooking pan and camping cookware. One thing is that the cheaper pans will likely be made of a cheaper material, though they will still be able to handle cooking. You can buy pans of higher quality, but the decision to do this will depend highly on how often you are planning to go camping.

Take note that camping cookware actually has detachable handles. This makes it much easier to fit into your bag, but there is a chance that the handle will break off. If you purchase high quality pans this may not happen, but you certainly do not want to take the chance. That being said, you should really make sure that you buy a pot lifter just in case you try to lift it off the burner and find that you’re holding nothing but the handle.

Utensils

You will of course need utensils, and the following should do nicely:

  • Ladle – This is a standard piece of cookware that is used to dip into soups or other foods so that you can serve it.
  • Knife-A good knife is absolutely essential if you really want to make headway in your camping. Why exactly? Because you will generally be handing out plastic knives and forks it would be a good idea to have a decent knife to cut any meat that you might be cooking.
  • Spatula -If you are cooking meat, you will need a way to get it off of the grill. This means you will been to use a spatula, and you should probably use one made of metal for greater durability.
  • Butane Stove – You must use a butane stove to cook your food! Who wants to eat raw food in the great outdoors?


Plates should probably be plastic unless you prefer to use metal plates. That being said, don’t bring your fine china with you. This is a basic guide for camping cookware and what you should bring with you on your camping trip. You may just find tons of other great things to bring along at your local sporting goods store. Until then, you have a very good place to start!

Coleman Stove

March 9th, 2010

A Coleman Stove for the Road

In America, the leading name in camping gear is Coleman. They have been specializing in outdoor equipment since 1900, and their equipment has helped outdoorsmen of all types. From Sailboats, to sleeping bags, there is nothing that you won’t be able to find at Coleman. Coleman has many different products – but we’ve the Coleman Stove to be of especially high quality. Check the buying guide below, good luck!

Coleman Stove

Buy a Coleman Stove - Camp in Style!

Choosing a Stove

Because Coleman is a rather diverse company, especially when it comes to stoves, so when you decide to purchase one of their fine products, make sure you are getting something that you actually like. For one thing, how do you do your camping? Are you someone that would rather drive to the campsite? Do you like to walk? This will be a big factor in the type of grill you get, because if you like to walk then you would want something that is small and portable. If you like to drive then you can use anything you want.

Keeping the Flame

Naturally you will want something that cooks for an adequate amount of time. The typical burning time for an outdoor grill is about four hours, so make sure you look for something within this range. If there is anything with a longer burning time, make sure you look into it.

Likely Candidates

We’ll take a look at a few stove candidates that you might consider using in the future. There are many great Coleman stoves that you can rely on  - no matter how you choose to get to your campsite. So let’s take a look at two models, from which you can make a great decision.

Coleman All in one Cooking System

This all in one cooker has some rather amazing features that just about anyone could enjoy. First of all, it has InstaStart, meaning it lights immediately without a match. It has a dome shaped lid that lifts up to reveal a multi-level cooking system. With this system you will be able to cook many things at once, and with a four hour burn time,  you’re sure to cook everything you need.


Perfect Flow System

The Pefect Flow system from Coleman isn’t quite as good as some of the other models you might find, especially the all in one cooker, but it certainly holds its own! The best part about the PerfectFlow system is that it is able to regulate the fuel flow and make sure that you have constant heat. This Coleman stove is perfect for any type of camping.

When it’s time to hit the trail and enjoy all nature has to offer, take a piece of home with you. Coleman stoves have been helping people appreciate the wilderness for years, and you should really look into trying one out.  So check out our links and click on one the coleman stove photos above – begin the search for the perfect butane stove.

Done reading about the Coleman Stove? Go Back to Butane Stove…

Helpful links:

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/subcategory.asp?CategoryID=27110&email=rtglxeshowcase&promo=homeflash


http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000003609&categoryid=27110&brand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleman_Company