Car camping stoves, found anywhere from outdoor stores to the sporting goods sections of your local discount stores, are usually much larger and much heavier than backpacking stoves and are reasonable in price for the job they do.  The tabletop models weigh around 10 pounds without fuel, while the free-standing models can weigh several more pounds.  Car camping stoves usually run on propane or white gas, have multiple burners, and burn hotter than backpacking stoves.  They also burn fuel faster.

Advantage of Propane versus Gasoline
1. With propane there is no pumping/priming necessary.  This saves time and effort, and in general makes the cooking go more smoothly.
 2. Propane provides a constant heat source.  Because the pressure is not user-regulated (yes, the flame is) propane stoves provide a much more constant heat level.  Make sure the propane stove you buy is "regulated," in that it provides constant pressure.
3. Propane fuel is cleaner and easier to refuel.  Instead of adding a liquid gasoline which could overflow onto your hands or something else, with a propane stove you merely change coupling.
4. Can be hooked up to a bulk system. There is no convenient way to do this with a gasoline-fueled stove.
5. With a propane stove, there is never any generator to change; if the generator goes on your gasoline stove you better have a spare, and the tools to change it. (However, generators last a long time.)

Safety and Tips for Using a Propane or Gas Stove
1. Read and follow instructions that come with stove and propane cylinder.
2. All stoves consume oxygen.  Do not use in unventilated areas.
3. Use a stove as a cooking appliance only.  Never alter a stove in any way.  Never use stove as a space heater.  Never leave stove unattended while it is burning.
4. Never allow tents, sleeping bags, clothing, or any flammable material to come close to a stove that is operating.
5. Never install or remove propane cylinder while stove is lit, near flame, pilot lights, or other ignition source or while stove is hot to touch.
6. Never store propane near flame, other ignition sources, or where temperatures exceed 1200F.
7. Keep all connections and fittings clean.
8. Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in low places.
9. Always let your gas stove cool before refilling.
10. Always test the stove before you leave home to be sure it works and you know how to use it.

When planning a family camping adventure, you may want to consider a two or three burner stove.  The extra burner(s) will come in handy when cooking larger meals.  Also, most multi burner stoves can use (liquid) unleaded fuel, standard Coleman stove fuel, or propane.  Brands like Coleman typically offer a couple versions of each two-burner stove, with the difference being the space for the pots.  The "standard" sizes are adequate for most small families, and with a little creativity and planning, can function well for up to ten persons.

The “standard” size stoves can be a good choice for even larger families if there will be a campfire which could be used to heat some dishes.  Otherwise, you might want to try the extra large size stove, as it will accommodate larger pots and may even put out more heat.

It will be easier for your first few trips if the stove has at least two burners.  This will allow you to use nearly all the same food as at home.  With two burners, you can have a typical two-pot meal, like pasta on one burner and sauce on the other.

The main thing with a family camping stove is that it allows you to cook meals that are like the meals you cook at home.  However, I believe to make it a true camping experience, especially if you are camping with children, some cooking should be done over an open fire.  Even if you are just using the fire to heat water for tea, coffee or hot chocolate use of a fire warms more than just the water, it creates memories! 

Remember, even if it is raining, operate your stove outside, not inside a tent, or anywhere else with poor ventilation which could lead to fire or asphyxiation and don't ever fill the fuel tank to the brim.  Leaving a small air space in the tank will help prevent spills and ensure that the stove holds pressure better.  Place your stove on a stove base made of a square of closed-cell foam wrapped in duct tape or a piece of plywood.  This will improve stability and help conserve fuel.  Once you are sure your stove is stable, check all fuel lines, valves and connections for leaks before lighting.  Other safety tips include lighting your match before you turn on the stove, waiting until any spilled fuel or food dries and is cleaned before lighting and keeping your liquid fuel away from the stove and cooking area.  Also, if you are using a picnic table as a stand for your stove, be extra sure it is stable before anyone sits down at the table, and never have them sit in front of the stove.

Tags: camping equipment