In this blog post we will go over different types of stoves and will tell you how they differ from one another.
There is a mind-boggling amount of different camping stoves available on the market. Choosing the right stove for your needs can be difficult.
Alcohol Stoves
You can often hear the word Trangia mentioned in conversation, the renowned Trangia alcohol stove that has a handy set of pots. The stove itself is very simple, and does not contain complicated, easily breakable parts. The stove basically consists of a burner for methylated spirits which is then lit, the burner has an adjustable lid, that can be used to adjust the size of the flame.
Alcohol stoves, the good:
· Simple construction, hardly any breaking parts
· Easy to use
· Sturdy and safe
· Good when cooking for a large group
· An inexpensive purchase
Alcohol stoves, the bad:
· Fuel is heavy, container might leak
· Not the most efficient of stoves
· A large package for hiking
Gas Stoves
Gas stoves have already overtaken alcohol stoves with their popularity, even though alcohol stoves still have their loyal users. Trangia also sells a range of gas stoves, where the alcohol burner has been replaced with a gas burner. There are three kinds of gas stoves: a simple burner that attaches directly to the gas cylinder, a separate burner with a stand that attaches to the gas cylinder with a hose, and a stove with its own wind shield and stand, able to boil water quickly.
Gas cylinders come in three different sizes: 100 g, 230 g and 450 g. The gas also comes in winter grade, which burns better in temperatures below freezing. The burner itself, or the stove, is attached by either screwing it directly to the top of the gas cylinder or, in some models, to the hose that connects the bottle and the burner.
A gas stove is easy to use. You need to find a flat surface to set the stove on. If the gas stove is of a type that attaches directly to the gas cylinder, a stand that in turn attaches to the gas bottle can be used for a surer placement. Open the gas valve and light
Gas stoves, the good:
· Efficient and faster than an alcohol stove
· Ease of use
· Relatively cheap (more expensive models available)
· Packs into a small space, light
Gas stoves, the bad:
· Don’t work well in colder temperatures
· The burner contains parts that can break or get blocked
· Can be a little unstable
· Some models might have a problem with adjusting the flame to a size that allows for simmering (food might burn to the bottom of the pan).
A wood stove, there is nothing like the experience of an open fire the smell, the crackling sounds, makes even boiling water into an ambient experience.
The wood camping stove is a viable alternative when hiking in areas where making an open fire is permitted. It allows you to make food quickly and efficiently, and is quicker to put out than an open fire. The wood stove also doesn’t use much fuel, so a few twigs and branches go a long way.
Wood camping stove, the good:
· Fuel can be found almost anywhere, for free
· Using the stove is atmospheric.
· Wood stoves are cheap
Wood camping stove, the bad:
· Limited by open flame regulation
· Require some learning techniques
· Not necessarily the fastest stove in the world
In summary gas and alcohol stoves are a good choice for beginners. Gas stoves are more efficient and can be stowed into a smaller space (depending on pots, pans, etc.). Alcohol stoves are often sturdier, but require care with the handling of the fuel. Nothing beats a open flame to make food, but due to being classified as an open flame its use is strictly regulated.
remember to stay safe and enjoy the tranquility