| Propane stoves, or propane cookers as they are | | | | of a thick, heavy steel; |
| often called, are perfect for camping, hunting, | | | | 2. They should only be used for cooking, they |
| tailgating and patio cooking. | | | | are not to be used to heat a tent, camper or rv. |
| This commonly held view about propane stoves | | | | 3. You should always try to carry spare |
| arises for a host of good reasons: | | | | canisters as finding spares when out and about |
| 1. they are easy to light; | | | | can be problematic; |
| 2. their flame is highly adjustable; | | | | 4. The fuel is more expensive than |
| 3. they are safe because the propane is | | | | alternatives; |
| stored in a pressurized tank as a vapor rather | | | | 5. Propane stoves are not very efficient in |
| than a liquid; | | | | cold temperatures and high altitudes. so may not |
| 4. they are energy-efficient and self-priming, | | | | be ideal for those who like to camp in extreme |
| [a big advantage over liquid fuel stoves]; | | | | conditions; and |
| 5. their propane tanks are sealed eliminating | | | | 6. The heating efficiency of a propane stove |
| spill and smells; | | | | decreases as the cartridge empties, i.e. it loses |
| 6. they can be used at all elevations; | | | | it's burning efficiency. |
| 7. being relatively simply needing little | | | | 7. Buy quality, don't buy 'cheap'; it will pay off |
| maintenance; and | | | | handsomely in the long run. Brands such as Bayou |
| 8. due to their simpler design, they are | | | | Classic with their focus on quality and superb |
| cheaper than comparable liquid fuel stoves. | | | | performance are a good mark to choose |
| 9. they are convenient because there is no | | | | But don’t be put off by the provisos. Propane |
| preheating required and you enjoy instant heat; | | | | burners and stoves in practice do offer great |
| 10. they are great for camp-side cooking being | | | | value and service, they are generally efficient, |
| clean, quick and easy to use. | | | | easy to use and perfect for cooking in the garden |
| All round Propane stoves are a good choice but | | | | or when out and about. And, as a general rule, |
| there are a few provisos to bear in mind. | | | | there are many great offers to be found for |
| 1. They are great providing weight is not an | | | | propane burners and stoves on the internet so |
| important consideration; in practice most propane | | | | take time out and shop around as local stores |
| stoves are too heavy for backpacking because | | | | tend to have only a limited choice and much |
| regulations require propane canisters to be made | | | | higher prices. |