Comparison: Best Emergency Cooking Stove (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When disaster strikes and the power goes out, a reliable way to cook becomes essential. This guide compares several popular emergency cooking stoves to help you choose the best option for your needs. We’ll examine factors like fuel efficiency, portability, ease of use, and versatility, considering both established brands and newer contenders. Whether you’re preparing for a hurricane, earthquake, or extended power outage, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different stoves will empower you to make an informed decision and ensure you can prepare meals safely and effectively.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for highly efficient:
Fire-Maple "Fixed Star 1" Backpacking and Camping Stove System | Outdoor Propane Cooking Gear | Portable Pot/Jet Burner Set | Ideal for Hiking -
Best for best budget:
Coghlan's Emergency Stove – Lightweight -
Best for portable cooking:
Coghlan's Portable Folding Camp Stove – Compact -
Best for dual fuel:
Gas One GS-3400P Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove – Patented – with Carrying Case Great for Emergency Preparedness Kit -
Best for eco-friendly:
CANWAY Portable Camping Stove Mini Wood Burning Camp Stove for Backpacking Hiking Traveling Survival Cooking Stove Stainless Steel Emergency Folding Camping Stove with Carry Bag -
Best for ultralight titanium:
Kuvik Titanium Wood Stove – Ultralight and Compact Stove for Backpacking -
Best for dual fuel:
Grill Boss Dual Fuel Portable Stove -
Best for indoor safe:
VESTA Self-Powered Camping Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove (Compact -
Best for multiple use:
Camping Stove -
Best for various fuels:
REDCAMP Wood Burning Folding Camp Stove Stainless Steel Grid
Product Comparison: Best Emergency Cooking Stove
Highly Efficient
Fire-Maple "Fixed Star 1" Backpacking and Camping Stove System | Outdoor Propane Cooking Gear | Portable Pot/Jet Burner Set | Ideal for Hiking, Trekking, Fishing, Hunting Trips and Emergency Use
Fire-Maple
- HIGHLY EFFICIENT – Our industry leading heat exchange technology minimizes wind impact and reduces boiling times by up to 30% compared to traditional backpacking stoves.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – All accessories including stove, bowl and fuel canister fit into the 1 liter cook pot. THIS SET DOES NOT INCLUDE A FUEL CANISTER, but is compatible with most canisters EXCEPT the COLEMAN fuel canisters. This item weighs only 18 oz!
- INTEGRATED AND EASY TO USE SYSTEM – The 1 liter cooking pot and the stove are one integrated unit, the built in piezoelectric ignitor ignites the stove instantly.
- SAFE, STURDY AND DURABLE – The sturdy, hard anodized aluminum pot features a locking stainless steel handle for secure and safe handling, this combined with the insulating neoprene cover on the pot will ensure years of safe outdoor cooking pleasure.
- Please use a windscreen when using the stove for better performance in windy conditons.
Best Budget
Coghlan's Emergency Stove – Lightweight, Portable Camping Stove for Backpacking, Survival, and Outdoor Cooking – Foldable Design with 24 Fuel Tablets Included (Compact for Travel and Storage)
Coghlan's
- Compact, lightweight emergency camping stove requires no liquids, priming, or wick
- Affordable, essential gear for camping, backpacking, backcountry treks, and more
- Coghlan's Emergency Camp Stove
- Handy little stove
Portable Cooking
Coghlan's Portable Folding Camp Stove – Compact, Lightweight Steel Cooking Stove for Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, or Emergency Use – Uses Canned Heat or Fuel Tablets, Black
Coghlan's
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Folds flat for easy transport or storage; perfect for backpacking, camping, and any outdoor adventure where space is limited
- Versatile Fuel Options: Compatible with Coghlan's Camp Heat (sold separately), fuel cubes, solidified alcohol, and other condensed fuel sources for convenient campfire cooking
- Durable Coated Steel Construction: Made from sturdy, coated steel that withstands rugged use; built to provide a stable cooking platform in any environment
- Fits Small to Medium Cookware: With a 6.5 in. x 6.5 in. surface area, this stove accommodates small and medium pots or pans for boiling water, heating meals, and cooking essentials
- Ultralight for Travel: Weighs just 16 oz (1 lb), making it the perfect addition to any backpack or bug-out bag without adding bulk or extra weight
Dual Fuel
Gas One GS-3400P Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove – Patented – with Carrying Case Great for Emergency Preparedness Kit
Gas One
- Duel Fuel – Compatible With Both Butane (Fuel Not Included) And Propane Fuel (Fuel Not Included), Operates On A Single Butane Cartridge 8 Oz Or A Propane Cylinder 16.4 Oz , Propane Converter Regulator Included
- Automatic Piezo Electric Ignition – Piezo-Electric Ignition That Eliminates The Use For Lighter/Matches In Order To Ignite Flame, No Need For Lighters Or Matches With This Stove
- Easy To Use – Our Gs-3400P Is Easy To Use With Adjustable Heat Dial And Automatic Piezo-Electric Ignition
- Safety Features – Built In Pressure Sensor Cartridge Ejection System And Gas Flow Cut Off Mechanism (Butane), Will Eject Cartridge When Irregular Pressure Is Detected
Eco-Friendly
CANWAY Portable Camping Stove Mini Wood Burning Camp Stove for Backpacking Hiking Traveling Survival Cooking Stove Stainless Steel Emergency Folding Camping Stove with Carry Bag
CANWAY
- Compact & Lightweight: Lightweight and easily collapsible,package collapsible size is 5.3"x5.3"x 3.38", compact design makes outdoor stove easy to be packed in a small storage bag leaves more room in your backpack
- Sturdy Camping Stove: Made of high-quality stainless steel.This backpacking stove with 3 arms pot support base provides safe and stable cooking platform and distributes heat evenly. The style 1 is suitable for 1-2 people use, and this one has one more grill top for BBQ
- Environmentally Friendly: With no fuel canisters or alcohol needed, we’ll be leaving no chemical emissions behind. The camp stove use branches, leaves, woods as fuel which is easy to get anywhere
- High Thermal Efficiency: The secondary combustion keeps camping wood stove burning continued for 20mins with dry firewood and wood chips
- What You Get: 1 x wood burning stove, 1 x storage bag, 1 x user manual. Perfect for hiking, camping, backpacking, BBQ, picnic etc
Ultralight Titanium
Kuvik Titanium Wood Stove – Ultralight and Compact Stove for Backpacking, Camping, and Survival
Kuvik
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: Elevate your backpacking experience with this 6.25” x 5” x 5” wood stove designed to collapse down to a mere 0.2" thick. Crafted from ultralight titanium, this stove weighs only 6.8 oz. The included carrying case not only streamlines transportation but also prevents soot transfer, ensuring your gear remains clean during your outdoor adventures.
- QUICK AND EASY SETUP: Just unpack the components and insert the tabs into their corresponding slots, transforming them into a freestanding fire pit. This stove features an opening for easy fire stoking and a rack capable of accommodating various pot and pan sizes. Say goodbye to cumbersome fuel canisters—this stove utilizes organic materials found around your campsite for fuel, such as dry twigs, sticks, grass, roots, or bark.
- ULTRALIGHT DURABILITY: Crafted from Grade-1 titanium, this wood stove combines exceptional strength with an ultralight design. Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, this titanium wood stove is not only corrosion-resistant, ensuring longevity even in diverse weather conditions but also boasts a strength comparable to steel while weighing half as much.
- VERSATILE PERFORMANCE: Stay prepared with this titanium wood stove, an indispensable addition to bug-out bags, winter survival kits, disaster supplies kits, and ultralight backpacks. Its robust and reliable performance will give you the confidence that your wood stove will endure the harsh demands of mother nature.
Dual Fuel
Grill Boss Dual Fuel Portable Stove, Dual Fuel Butane & Propane Stoves, 12K BTU Butane Camp Stove & Propane Portable Camping Stoves for Emergencies, Outdoor BBQ, Cooking, Hikings & Backpacking – 90057
Chef Master
- VERSATILE DUAL FUEL CAMP STOVE, BUTANE & PROPANE COMPATIBLE – Enjoy flexible outdoor cooking with this dual fuel camp stove, compatible with both 8 oz. butane and 16.4 oz. propane cylinders (fuel not included). Whether you're seeking lightweight portability or longer burn times, this stove has you covered. The included adapter makes switching between fuel types fast and easy—perfect for adapting to your cooking environment. Ideal for camping, hiking, tailgating, and emergency prep.
- BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES FOR CONFIDENT OUTDOOR COOKING – Cook with peace of mind using the Grill Boss Dual Fuel Camp Stove, engineered with enhanced safety in every detail. Featuring an automatic gas shutoff system that instantly activates in the event of irregular gas flow, this stove provides a secure, worry-free cooking experience. Whether you're camping, hiking, tailgating, or preparing for emergencies, it ensures reliable performance in any setting. For best results, always follow proper setup, fuel connection, and maintenance.
- SIMPLE IGNITION & SAFE, USER-FRIENDLY OPERATION – Light your camp stove with ease using the intuitive ignition system—just attach your fuel, turn the knob counterclockwise past the resistance point, and listen for the click to ignite. If needed, continue turning until the flame starts. Built for safe and straightforward use, this stove is ideal for outdoor cooking in campsites, hiking trails, tailgates, and emergency situations. Ensure proper ventilation, follow safety precautions, and keep flammable materials at a safe distance.
- INSTANT FLAME WITH AUTOMATIC PIEZO IGNITION – Skip the matches and get cooking fast with the built-in Automatic Piezo Ignition system. A simple click is all it takes to spark a reliable flame, making outdoor cooking quick and effortless. Compatible with both propane and butane stoves, this ignition system is ideal for camping, hiking, road trips, tailgating, and emergency use. Designed for convenience and reliability, it ensures fast starts and consistent performance—so you can spend less time setting up and more time enjoying your meals.
- COMPACT & TRAVEL-READY CAMP STOVE FOR EVERY ADVENTURE – Take outdoor cooking to the next level with the Grill Boss Butane Camp Stove, your reliable partner for camping, hiking, backpacking, tailgating, and emergency situations. Lightweight and compact, this stove stores neatly in a durable hard-shell carrying case for easy transport and protection. Whether you're setting up at a remote campsite or cooking on the move, this dual-fuel stove is built to deliver consistent, dependable heat.
Indoor Safe
VESTA Self-Powered Camping Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove (Compact, Off-Grid, Emergency)
Insta-Fire
- TWO IN ONE: Get a space heater and stove all in one unit. Cook a meal, then warm up an area as much as 200 square feet in size.
- SAFE FOR INDOOR USE: No need to take it outside. Preserve your warmth by powering up the VESTA indoors, safely.
- NO POWER NEEDED: No plugs, no outlets, no electricity. All you need to run the VESTA is a couple of cans of canned heat. Use up to three cans at once for the highest heat.
- DISCREET FOR DISASTERS: The VESTA emits little to no smoke or fumes, making it easier than ever to cook and keep warm without disclosing your location.
- Fueled by Canned Heat (3 Included): Safe for Indoor Use. *Canned heat is chafing fuel—odorless, smokeless, nontoxic, and generally safe for indoor use. It is still HIGHLY recommended to provide adequate ventilation in any room where it is in use.
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: At just under eight pounds, the VESTA can be carried from place to place with ease.
- Includes: 3 InstaFire 6-Hour Canned Heat
- Won't reveal your location!
Multiple Use
Camping Stove, Ohuhu Camp Stove Wood Burning Stove Stainless Steel Stoves Mini Portable Stove for Camping Picnic BBQ Backpacking Hiking Survival Emergency Cooking Outdoor with Grill Grid Carry Bag
Ohuhu
- Compact, Lightweight & Portable: It can be a pain lugging around one of those heavy gas stoves, but Ohuhu camping stove is super portable and weighs just 0.98lbs! Assembles in seconds, no tools required. This portable stove for camping can fit into your gear bag, the back of your car, or many other places! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors when you’re camping, backpacking, hiking survival, fishing or in emergency!
- Stable & Durable: Like any high quality gear, Ohuhu backpacking wood burning stove is made to last through all sorts of adventures thanks to the stainless steel. In the meanwhile, the mini camp stoves, built with top-notch stainless steel, can support pots and pans, hot temperatures of the fire, and the journey there and back without an issue. The camping stove also comes with a detachable stainless steel plate.
- Mutilple Use: What’s great about this camping stove is its wide compatibility with all sorts of fuel types. Not only can you use a traditional gas tank or solid fuel tablets, but you can also use any type you might bring or find along the way. Ohuhu wood burning stove is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way for cooking, boiling, and enjoying nature.
- Wide Compatibility: You can fit just about any pot or pan on this camp stove thanks to the sizeable cooking surface. Whatever the situation calls for, boiling water and coffee, cooking food, or just making a nice campfire for heat and enjoyment. Ohuhu wood burning stove can do it all!
- Adjustable Ash Catcher: Get exactly the heat levels you need thanks to the 2 adjustable heights (2.8”/3.8”) of the portable stoves. Use intense heat for grilling or lighter heat for warming up previously cooked food or boiled coffee. This user-friendly design makes the camping wood stove efficient and easy to use!
Various Fuels
REDCAMP Wood Burning Folding Camp Stove Stainless Steel Grid, Portable Collapsible Backpacking Stove Survival Rocket Stove for Hiking Outdoor Tent Camping Picnic BBQ, Samll
REDCAMP
- MATERIAL: After we listening to the customer's adivce we will tear off the protective film when we finish the product. Please remove the residual protective film before use. Crafted with high quality stainless steel, this portable camping stove will steadily burn bright, whatever heavy weight or high heat comes its way
- STABLE AND SAFE: Stainless steel grid backing plate creates a stable cooking platform, the cuboid design makes the product more stable and provides a reliable support for the kitchen utensils
- VARIOUS FUELS: The stove accept various fuels like leaves, twigs, you can get these easily in the nature and enjoy a real wilderness fun
- FOLDABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Easily collapsible and lightweight, Unfold size: 8.3"x5.9"x5.5", fold size: 8.3"x5.9"x1.5".Net weight: 1.9lbs. This camping stove comes with its own carry bag so you can sling it along and serve up a warm meal wherever you’ve set up camp
- BACKPACKING STOVE: Eat well wherever adventure takes you with this camping stove wood grill. With a compact foldable design and a durable stainless-steel construction, this small wood stove makes it easy to prepare delicious meals and snacks on-the-go.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What is an emergency cooking stove?
An emergency cooking stove is a portable stove used for cooking when your primary cooking method is unavailable, such as during a power outage or outdoor adventure.
What fuel types do emergency cooking stoves use?
Emergency cooking stoves can use various fuel types, including propane, butane, wood, or a combination of fuels.
What are the key features to consider when choosing an emergency cooking stove?
Consider portability, fuel availability, ease of use, cooking power (BTUs), and stability when selecting an emergency cooking stove.
Are dual-fuel stoves a good option for emergencies?
Yes, dual-fuel stoves offer versatility by allowing you to use either propane or butane, increasing your fuel options in an emergency.
Are wood-burning stoves suitable for indoor use?
No, wood-burning stoves are generally not recommended for indoor use due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards, unless specifically designed and properly vented.
What is a self-powered camping stove?
A self-powered camping stove generates its own electricity, often through thermoelectric generators, eliminating the need for external power sources.
How important is portability for an emergency stove?
Portability is crucial, especially for backpacking or situations where you need to move your cooking setup quickly. Look for lightweight and compact designs.
How do I safely use a portable camping stove?
Always use stoves in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup, operation, and fuel storage.
