Camp stoves and camping grills

From s’mores to pasta, food just tastes better when you’re out camping in the wilderness. There’s something so satisfying about cooking up a delicious meal while you’re far from the everyday comforts of a home kitchen. To achieve these 5-star meals, you’ll need your own camp stove or grill. There are several different types of camp stoves and grills depending on what kind of camping you’ll be doing, and MEC has them all. Find your perfect camp kitchen setup from epic brands like MSR, Primus, Jetboil and more.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best type of camp stove to get?

The best camp stove for you depends on how and where you plan to camp. If you're backpacking or heading into the backcountry, weight and packability are key—look for a lightweight canister stove or an integrated stove system that boils water quickly and packs down small. If you're car camping, weight isn't a concern, so you can go for a larger two-burner stove or propane grill that lets you cook more elaborate meals. These offer a home-cooking experience at the picnic table, with space for standard kitchen pots and pans.

What’s the difference between backpacking and car camping stoves?

Backpacking stoves are designed to be lightweight, fuel-efficient and packable. They're great for boiling water quickly but have limited stability and cooking surface. Car camping stoves are heavier, with multiple burners and more cooking control, so you can cook full meals for multiple people.

Are canister stoves good for backpacking?

Yes—canister stoves are one of the most popular choices for backpackers. They screw directly onto small pressurized fuel canisters and are known for their simplicity, reliability and fast boil times. Some models are minimalist and ultralight, while integrated stove systems (like Jetboil) come with built-in wind protection, heat exchangers and cookware for added efficiency. They work well in most three-season conditions, though high elevations and freezing temperatures can affect fuel performance.

What kind of fuel do camp stoves use?

Camp stoves use several types of fuel depending on the model. Backpacking stoves often run on isobutane or propane fuel canisters, which are compact and convenient. Some backcountry models use white gas, which performs well in cold temperatures and is refillable, making it a good choice for long or international trips. There are also alcohol stoves and solid fuel stoves, which are ultra-light and simple but slower to cook with. Car camping stoves and grills usually run on 465g propane canisters, and some can be connected to full-size refillable propane tanks with an adapter hose.

Backpacking stoves

Designed to be lightweight and compact, backpacking or backcountry stoves don’t take up too much room. Their small size means that they’re less stable than car camping stoves and you’ll need to use smaller pots. Canister stoves for backpacking also are very fuel efficient. Most backpacking stoves are best for boiling water for dehydrated meals, but some models can also simmer – great for those who want to cook real meals. The best choice for most backpackers and hikers is a canister stove or an integrated canister stove system, but a white gas stove, wood-burning stove, alcohol stove or solid-fuel stove might also be right for your style of backcountry camping.

Car camping stoves and grills

Car camping stoves and grills aim to replicate the experience of cooking in a kitchen... except outside. Their large size and heavier weight make them easy to carry from the car to the picnic table, but not much further. Two-burner stoves are the best choice for most car campers. Most two-burner stoves run on small green 465g propane canisters. If you camp a lot, you may want to buy an adapter hose so you can use a large refillable barbecue-style propane tank. They accommodate standard kitchen pots and are great for making meals for groups. More elaborate camp chefs might want to bring along a propane grill or pizza ovens.

Don’t forget to meal prep!

As you plan your meals with your camp stoves and grills, think about how much time you’ll have to cook and to clean up each day based on your trip itinerary. Meals that require lots of prep and ingredients are more suited to trips where you spend hours lounging in camp, instead of on journeys with long, hard days hiking or paddling.

For big days when you’re on the move a lot, bring snacks you can eat on the go for sustained energy. On any trip (even if you’re only out for a few hours) carry some extra food in case of emergency.