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.
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.
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.
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:
- A carrying case so that the knobs and hoses do not become damaged accidentally.
- 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.
- A stand to elevate the cooking surface
- The ability to accept a variety of other fuels such as isobutane or propane
Available Features
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
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.
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














