How to Safely Use a Camping Stove

Cooking with a camping stove offers many advantages: They’re reliable, convenient and allow you to be more self-sufficient. Camping stoves use different types of fuel. Propane is the most popular, but other stoves use fuels like white gas and denatured alcohol. Scouting America recommends you do not use liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol and ethanol.

Camping stoves can come as small single-burners, perfect for a backpacking trek, or large double-burner setups, which work best when car camping. Consider how you’ll use your stove before buying.

CAMPING STOVE SAFETY RULES

When using a camping stove, follow these safety rules:

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a stove, and be sure to follow them. Use only fuels that are in accordance with the instructions, and do not modify the equipment beyond its design limitations.

• Never use a stove inside or near a tent or under a dining fly.

• Don’t overload the stove, and never leave a stove unattended.

• Let the stove cool completely before changing fuel canisters or putting it away.

• Keep all propane canisters away from sources of heat, even if they are empty.

• When changing canisters, or if you suspect a problem, test for fuel leakage by using a solution of 1 tablespoon of dish soap mixed with 1 cup of water. Lightly sprinkle the soap-water solution over the connection and fittings between the propane canister or tank and the stove. If you see bubbles from any connection, turn off and disconnect the propane canister or tank and reconnect properly.