What To Look For
Stoves can be divided into two basic types, cartridge and liquid gas. The former typically involves a proprietary compressed gas cartridge that will match up with either your specific stove model or a brand. These stoves will burn steadily until the cartridge is empty, giving you reliable cooking and ease-of-use. Your other option, liquid gas, involves a non-disposable container, like a metal water bottle, that you can fill with different gases depending upon your stove's needs (most use white gas). Liquid gas can be a little more difficult to use, often requiring pumping and preheating, but can be more adaptable and won't require you to toss out the cartridge after every use. Once you have selected between these two types, you will want to consider other factors such as the time it takes to bring water to boil, noise and portability.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure you can operate your stove before setting off on a hike, particularly if you plan to purchase a liquid fuel stove. Liquid fuel typically requires a few pumps to pressurize the bottle, then a small amount of gas is released and allowed to pool. This gas is ignited to warm the pipes to a point where the gas is converted from solid to a burnable vapor. Another mistake to avoid is purchasing a stove that is too flimsy for your pots and pans. While going light is great, you also want to be able to cook without constant frustration.
Where To Buy
While many big-box retailers have camp stoves, backpacking stoves are best bought at an outdoor outfitter. Many outfitters, such as REI, will allow you test out the different types of stoves in stores so you can see what is best suited for your needs. Buying fuel is a different matter. Liquid gas tanks can refilled easily, with many gas stations carrying containers of white gas fuel. Additional cartridges can typically only be purchased at an outdoor outfitter.
Cost
Prices for camp stoves can vary wildly. In general, cartridge models are a little cheaper. For example, the Optimus Crux Lite is a cartridge stove that comes in at $40, whereas the similar Brunton Bantam, which runs off of a liquid canister, costs $107. Another recent option which is quite popular with backpackers are cartridge stoves with an integrated cooking container, like a pot and a stove that is all one piece. These models, including the MSR Reactor and the Jetboil, can a be little pricier, typically from $80 to $130.
Comparison Shopping
Finding deals on camp stoves can be a little difficult, since the suggested retail price tends to hold true in any outdoor outfitter. If you have tried out the stove model you are interested in, you might be able to find a better deal online. However, the best comparisons to make are in the field. Talk to backpackers when you are out hiking to see what they think of their stoves. They may have problems or needs you hadn't imagined when researching different models.
Accessories
Depending upon your stove, a wind-screen can be one of the most important accessories. While some stoves come with their own igniters, you will want to carry matches and a lighter regardless. In addition to your standard cooking gear, you will want to be sure to have a pot holder to manipulate your pans and pots while on the stove.
