Most people think you need a massive, expensive burner to eat well on a camping trip. Truth is, the best camping stove for UK adventures isn’t always the priciest or the most powerful It’s the one that suits your needs and the wild weather you’re likely to face.
Over the years, I’ve cooked everything from bacon butties in a campervan to one-pot wonders in the Lake District with my back against the wind. The right stove has saved my trips more than once.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best gas and electric camping stoves available in the UK right now – based on real experience, not just the spec sheet – so you can choose one that actually works for your kind of adventure.
Types of Camping Stoves in the UK
It’s easy to get swamped by the options. Gas, electric, and wood-burning camping stoves, each comes with their pros and real-world pitfalls.
Gas Stoves: You’ll find these in most British campsites, running on butane or propane. They’re reliable, quick to fire up, and work nearly everywhere. On a wild Dartmoor trip, my gas stove boiled water even as the rain hammered down – try that with wet firewood.
Electric Stoves: Good for family trips on powered sites. Safe, no flame, no canisters. I’ve used the Vango Sizzle Double at a festival and loved the child lock when the kids were nearby, but useless on a remote pitch.
Wood-Burning Stoves: For the eco-minded or bushcraft types. You can forage fuel, but wet wood is a nightmare and these stoves are bulky. I once spent 40 minutes trying to get a brew on in the Lakes with a soaked stick stove. Never again without backup.
So, which is best? If you’re new or want no-fuss, gas is the smart bet. Only go electric if you know you’ll have hook-up, and think carefully before picking wood unless you like faff and unpredictable results.
Key Points to Check Before Buying
- Weight: Are you hiking or driving? If you’re walking far, keep your stove under 100g. Look for options like the Vango Atom (65g). Heavy stoves are a pain on long slogs.
- Boil Time: Fast boil saves gas (and patience). Jetboil Flash will have your tea sorted in under three minutes, even in a gust.
- Stability: Wide burners help avoid that heart-stopping moment your dinner ends up in the mud. The Campingaz Camping Chef CV stays upright even when your table’s wonky.
- Windproof Design: UK campsites can be wind tunnels. I’ve owned stoves that went out every time the weather picked up. The Soto WindMaster and MSR WindBurner come with built-in shields that actually work.
- Simmer Control: Want to make a proper meal rather than just boil water? You’ll need good flame control.
Never buy on brand alone. Always look for reviews mentioning real outdoor use. Now, let’s talk about some of the best camping stoves you should probably consider for your next camping trips.
Best Camping Stoves UK – A Quick Comparison
Camp Chef Everest 2X
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 2
Power / BTU: 20,000 BTU each
Weight: Heavy
Best For: Car camping, family cooking
Pros: Wind guards, fast boil, durable, easy to clean
Cons: Not portable for hiking
Vango Atom Stove
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 1
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: 65 g
Best For: Solo hiking, wild camping
Pros: Ultra-light, cheap, reliable
Cons: Sensitive to wind, minimal simmer control
Halfords Portable Gas Stove
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 1
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: Moderate
Best For: Car campers, casual weekend use
Pros: Cheap, easy to use, quick ignition
Cons: Bulky, no fine flame control
Marksman Aerosol Canister Gas Stove
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 1
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: Moderate
Best For: Budget backup stove
Pros: Adjustable flame, piezo ignition, auto safety shut-off
Cons: Build quality basic, sensitive to weather
Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Maxi
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 2
Power / BTU: 3,500 W each
Weight: Moderate-heavy
Best For: Family camping, double burner cooking
Pros: Stable, easy to clean, foldable legs
Cons: Slightly expensive
Soto WindMaster
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 1
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: Very light
Best For: Backpacking, windy conditions
Pros: Windproof, fast boil, compact
Cons: Expensive, only 1 burner
Jetboil Flash
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: Integrated
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: Light
Best For: Backpacking, cold mornings
Pros: Integrated pot, fuel efficient, fast boil
Cons: Limited simmer control, small meals
George Foreman BBQ Grill
Type: Electric
Burners / Zones: 1
Power / BTU: 2,000 W
Weight: Moderate
Best For: Powered sites, BBQ cooking
Pros: Flame-free, safe, versatile, easy cleaning
Cons: No boiling, requires electricity
Vango Sizzle Double
Type: Electric
Burners / Zones: 2
Power / BTU: 2,000 W each
Weight: Moderate
Best For: Family camping, powered sites
Pros: Flame-free, child lock, fast heating
Cons: Needs electricity, not for wild camping
Russell Hobbs Dual Electric Stove
Type: Electric
Burners / Zones: 2
Power / BTU: 1,500 W each
Weight: Moderate
Best For: Powered camping, reheating
Pros: Cheap, simple, reliable
Cons: Large, no pots included
Cobb Premier+ Gas
Type: Gas
Burners / Zones: 1 integrated
Power / BTU: n/a
Weight: Heavy
Best For: Grill + oven, serious cooking
Pros: Roasting, grilling, baking, retains heat
Cons: Expensive, heavy
Best Overall Camping Stove
Camp Chef Everest 2X
The Camp Chef Everest 2X is one of those stoves that just gets it right. I’ve used it in all sorts of conditions – from misty mornings in Brecon to soggy evenings in the Peaks – and it’s never let me down. With two powerful burners pushing out 20,000 BTUs each, it heats fast, boils quick, and handles a full breakfast spread like a champ.
The cast-iron grates feel solid under any size pan, and the built-in wind guards actually do their job (a rare thing). Whether you’re making a fry-up for six or just boiling water for tea, it’s got the muscle to do it without faff. It runs off standard gas canisters and starts with a simple push-button ignition – no fiddling with lighters or matches while your hands are freezing.
It’s also one of the easiest stoves to clean, which might sound boring, but you’ll be thankful when you’re packing up after a long day. Grease wipes off easily, and the tray beneath the burners catches most of the mess.
Now, it’s not one to take hiking – it’s a car camper’s stove, through and through. But if you’ve got the space and you want something tough, dependable, and able to handle anything from family dinners to late-night festival noodles, this is the stove I’d bring every time.
Best Budget Stoves
Not every great camp meal needs to be cooked on an expensive burner. If you’re just starting out or looking for a solid backup without spending a fortune, these budget-friendly stoves are more capable than you might think.
Vango Atom Stove
The Vango Atom Stove is about as basic as camping stoves come, but in the best possible way. At just 65 grams, it’s ultra-lightweight and perfect for solo hikers, wild campers, or anyone trying to shave grams off their pack weight. It won’t win any awards for fancy features, but it boils half a litre in about four minutes, and for just over 30 quid, you can’t ask for much more.
There’s no pressure regulator, so performance drops in the cold, and simmer control is minimal, making it better for boiling than fine-tuned cooking. It’s also sensitive to wind, so you’ll need some shelter if conditions are rough. But on a calm day or in a protected spot, it’s a little powerhouse that’s cheap, cheerful, and surprisingly reliable.
If you’re just dipping your toe into camping or need a lightweight backup stove in your kit, the Atom is a cracking choice. It’s the kind of gear you forget about—until you're glad you packed it.
Halfords Portable Gas Stove
This one surprised me. The Halfords Portable Gas Stove costs less than a takeaway and still delivers enough grunt to cook up a decent meal. At around £18, it’s a steal for casual campers, weekenders, or anyone who just wants to boil water and fry up some bacon without fiddling about.
It runs off standard aerosol gas canisters and comes in a sturdy plastic case. The design is basic but familiar – slot in the can, flick the switch, and you’re cooking in seconds. There’s no fine flame control, and it's definitely bulky compared to lightweight stoves, but it gets the job done. I’ve used mine as a backup when my fancier kit failed, and it lit up on the first try, no drama.
For car campers, festival goers, or family picnics, this is a great entry-level stove. It might not be sleek or ultra-efficient, but it’s cheap, easy to use, and works every single time. And if it breaks? No tears – just grab another.
Marksman Aerosol Canister Gas Stove
The Marksman Gas Stove is the definition of budget-friendly and functional. At around £14, it comes with piezo ignition, adjustable flame control, and an automatic safety shut-off. These are features you’d usually expect at a higher price point. It’s not flashy, but it heats up food and water just as well as models that cost double.
This is the kind of stove you toss into your kit without thinking, knowing it’ll do the job when you need it. It uses standard aerosol-style butane canisters, which are easy to find and cheap to stock up on. The build quality isn’t premium, but honestly, it holds up well if you treat it with a bit of care.
I’ve recommended this one to friends, family, and anyone who wants a reliable backup stove that won’t cost a fortune. Whether you’re cooking noodles at a festival or warming soup on a coastal walk, the Marksman punches well above its price tag.
Best Double Burner Stove
Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Maxi
If your idea of camp cooking goes beyond heating a tin of beans, the Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Maxi is a proper upgrade. I’ve seen it dotted across campsites from Cornwall to the Lakes, and it’s easy to see why – it’s built for real cooking, not just survival meals.
With two powerful 3,500W burners, you can get breakfast and brews going at the same time – handy when you’ve got hungry kids or mates hovering around. The fold-up legs keep it off the damp ground, and the enamel-coated grates are easy to wipe clean after a long weekend. It’s stable even on slightly lumpy grass and doesn’t take an engineering degree to set up.
It’s not the cheapest at just under £90, but it’s one of those buys that’ll last if you treat it right.
Best Stoves for Backpackers
Soto WindMaster
If your kit lives on your back, you know every gram matters. The Soto WindMaster is my go-to for tough hikes. It lights up in strong winds (seriously), boils water fast, and packs small. When I solo camped on the Pennines, this was the only stove that didn’t let me down in the howling wind.
Alternative: The Jetboil Flash, with an integrated pot, is brilliant for cold morning brews and uses fuel sparingly – just don’t expect fine cooking.
Both options mean a slightly higher investment, but you get less frustration when the weather turns nasty.
Best Electric Camping Stoves
George Foreman BBQ Grill – Our Top Electric Choice
If you’re camping on a powered pitch but still want that classic BBQ vibe, the George Foreman BBQ Grill nails it. It’s electric, stylish, and surprisingly versatile – great for anyone who wants flame-free grilling without sacrificing taste. The ridged griddle lets fat and juices run off into a drip tray, and the whole hotplate lifts off for easy cleaning after a smoky sausage session.
It comes with a stand (perfect for setting up outside the tent) but also works just as well on a tabletop. The safety plug-in temperature control won’t work unless the grill’s properly fitted, which gives you peace of mind, especially around curious kids or clumsy adults. With the lid on, this thing gets hot enough to sear burgers and cook chicken beautifully – we tested both and were impressed. Even halloumi and veg came out perfectly grilled.
It’s not ideal for boiling a kettle or heating up soup – that’s not its gig – but if you’re planning proper BBQ food with mains power nearby, Big George has your back.
Vango Sizzle Double
The Vango Sizzle Double is a cracking option if you’ve got access to a campsite hook-up. It’s all-electric, flame-free, and gets hot quickly – ideal for cooking indoors or in an awning where safety is key. With two 2,000W induction zones, it’s powerful enough to rustle up meals for a family without faff, and the child lock is a lifesaver when little hands are roaming around.
We used this on a soggy week in the New Forest and didn’t miss gas one bit – no canisters to run out, no wind blowing out your flame mid-fry. But fair warning: it’s no good for wild camping or flaky power spots. No electricity means no dinner.
If you mostly camp with electric access, though, it’s a brilliant hassle-free stove that feels like bringing your kitchen with you.
Russell Hobbs Dual Electric Stove
It’s basic, it’s affordable, and it works. The Russell Hobbs dual electric hob is your classic no-frills camping cooker if you’ve got reliable power on-site. Two solid hot plates, decent spacing between them, and at £29, you really can’t complain. It draws about 1500W at full blast, so no worries about overloading your pitch’s supply.
You’ll need your own pots and pans – It’s just the hob – but for reheating soup, cooking pasta, or sizzling a fry-up, it does the job just fine. It’s not compact, measuring just under 50cm wide, so make sure your table can handle it. Great for anyone who wants something reliable without gas faff. Just plug in, turn it on, and you’re cooking.
Best Grill and Oven Combos
Cobb Premier+ Gas
Fancy roasting, baking, grilling, and boiling – all with one piece of kit? The Cobb Premier+ Gas lets you do just that. One of my mates cooked an entire roast dinner on a beach in Wales using this thing, and it turned out better than anything we’ve done at home. It’s a proper bit of kit for anyone who wants more than just bacon and beans on a camping trip.
Powered by gas, it heats up fast and retains heat brilliantly thanks to the enclosed design. The lid traps in moisture and heat, so you can cook everything from roast chicken to jacket spuds. There's even a pizza stone accessory if you're feeling fancy. And the best part? It stays cool on the outside, so no worries about singeing your knees when cooking near the tent.
At just over £200, it’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re serious about cooking proper meals outdoors and want something that feels a bit like bringing your kitchen oven with you, the Cobb Premier+ Gas is absolutely worth it. It’s the kind of gear that turns an average camping trip into a proper foodie weekend.
Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Stove
Choosing the right camping stove isn’t rocket science, but get it wrong, and you’ll be stuck with cold beans or a pan that takes 40 minutes to boil. Start with your fuel: gas stoves are popular and easy to use, but if you're heading somewhere cold, make sure it’s propane or a propane mix. Butane just gives up when the temperature drops.
Next up – how far are you carrying it? If you’re hiking or backpacking, a palm-sized burner is gold. If you’re driving to a campsite, go wild with double burners and even grills. Also, think numbers: solo campers can manage with a tiny burner, but feeding four hungry bellies? You’ll want at least two burners on the go.
And finally, ask yourself what kind of cooking you're into. Just boiling water for coffee or packet noodles? Go basic. But if you’re the type who brings herbs and a chopping board, make sure your stove can simmer and not just scorch. Auto-ignition is also a life-saver when your lighter mysteriously vanishes or ends up soggy.
Tips from Experienced Campers
If there’s one thing you learn after a few soggy weekends and singed eyebrows, it’s this: experience counts.
- For winter camping, don’t even think about butane. Go for propane. It lights faster and works when your fingers are too cold to bend.
- Always, always bring a backup stove. Even a £14 aerosol model can be a lifesaver if your main kit breaks.
- Maintenance: Clean out burner jets with a pin after every trip, especially if exposed to grit – blockages kill stoves faster than anything.
- Fuel Compatibility: Double-check your canisters are available near your trip – CV470 for Campingaz, screw-thread for MSR/Primus, etc.
- Table Wobbles: Stick to wide, solid cookers if your camp tables are flimsy. I’ve lost countless sausages to a wonky table in Wales.
- Test at Home: Don’t make your first fry-up in a wild Welsh gale. Light and test your stove in the garden first.
Final Note
The best camping stove for UK trips is the one matching your way of travelling and eating outdoors. Gas stoves rule for versatility and reliability – pick the Camp Chef Everest 2X for proper campsite cooks, Vango Atom or Halfords if you’re skint but want hot tea, and double burners for family feasts.
Backpackers, get the Soto WindMaster for real windproof performance. Electric stoves are great if you’re on hookup. If not, don’t risk it.
Before you buy, consider fuel, size, stability and the type of cooking you’ll do. Ignore shiny branding – trust field-tested reviews, and pack a backup if you can. Cook safely, look after your kit, and you’ll eat well wherever you pitch up – whether it’s a windswept Scottish loch or a muddy festival field.
Ready for your next trip? Check your gear, double-check that lighter, and enjoy every hot brew – whatever the weather throws at you.
