Camping stoves are an essential piece of kit for festival-goers who want to keep costs down and avoid long queues at food stalls. Whether you need a simple stove to boil water or a more advanced setup to cook a full breakfast, we’ve rounded up the best camping stoves available in the UK to suit every need and budget.
1. Best Overall: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2
Why It’s Great: The Campingaz Camp Bistro 2 is a classic choice for festival-goers due to its simplicity, reliability, and affordable price. This single-burner stove runs on easy-to-find gas canisters and features an automatic ignition, so you don’t have to fiddle with matches. It’s compact, easy to transport, and perfect for cooking simple meals or making tea and coffee.
Features:
- Single burner with automatic ignition.
- Uses CP 250 gas cartridges, widely available at most outdoor shops.
- Sturdy design with a built-in windshield.
- Comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.
Price: Around £25, making it one of the most affordable and reliable options for festival camping.
2. Best for Groups: Outwell Jimbu Double Burner Stove
Why It’s Great: The Outwell Jimbu Double Burner Stove is perfect for those camping with friends or family and needing a bit more cooking power. With two burners, you can boil water and fry eggs simultaneously, making breakfast prep a breeze. It’s robust, with a stable design that works well on uneven ground.
Features:
- Two burners with separate flame controls for multitasking.
- Runs on Butane or Propane gas canisters, providing flexibility in fuel choice.
- Windshield for added stability in breezy conditions.
- Easy setup and pack-down, with detachable components for compact storage.
Price: Around £100, offering great value for group cooking at festivals.
3. Best for Budget: BRS Outdoor Portable Gas Stove
Why It’s Great: If you’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable stove, the BRS Outdoor Portable Gas Stove is a great pick. It’s ultra-compact, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful for its size. This single-burner stove screws directly onto a gas canister and is perfect for boiling water quickly.
Features:
- Extremely lightweight at just 25 grams.
- Simple screw-on design for easy setup.
- Uses standard screw-top gas canisters available at most outdoor retailers.
- Packs down small enough to fit in your pocket.
Price: Around £15, making it the best budget option for solo campers.
4. Best for Windy Conditions: MSR PocketRocket 2
Why It’s Great: The MSR PocketRocket 2 is known for its excellent performance in windy conditions, making it perfect for festivals where you’re often cooking in the open. This compact, durable stove features a wind-resistant burner that allows you to cook efficiently even in breezy weather. It’s quick to set up and boils water faster than many larger stoves.
Features:
- Lightweight and compact, perfect for packing light.
- WindClip windshield technology improves performance in windy conditions.
- Fast boil time of around 3.5 minutes per litre of water.
- Includes a protective carry case.
Price: Around £45, offering premium features at a mid-range price.
5. Best Multi-Fuel Stove: Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Why It’s Great: For festival-goers who want a versatile stove that can handle more than just boiling water, the Jetboil Flash Cooking System is a fantastic option. Its all-in-one design combines a burner and cooking pot, making it incredibly efficient and easy to use. It’s perfect for those who want to make coffee, soup, or quick meals on the go.
Features:
- Integrated system with a burner, cooking pot, and insulation sleeve.
- Ignites with the push of a button, no matches needed.
- Boils water in just over 100 seconds.
- Fuel-efficient, using less gas per boil compared to standard stoves.
Price: Around £110, ideal for those who want an all-in-one cooking solution.
6. Best for Versatility: Trangia 27-2 UL Stove Kit
Why It’s Great: The Trangia 27-2 UL Stove Kit is a classic and versatile option for those who want more than just a basic stove. This stove runs on methylated spirits, making it fuel-efficient and versatile. It includes a pot, pan, and kettle, providing everything you need to cook up a meal at your campsite.
Features:
- Complete cooking system with two pots, a frying pan, and a kettle.
- Runs on methylated spirits, an affordable and easy-to-find fuel source.
- Sturdy construction, built to withstand festival wear and tear.
- Packs down neatly into a compact unit for easy transport.
Price: Around £70, offering excellent value for a complete cooking system.
