There are stoves for every camp. For a backpacking trip, a light weight stove is ideal. If you're car camping, a larger dual-burner stove can cook multiple things quickly. Stoves are available with disposable gas canisters or refillable fuel cans, depending on the model. Canisters may depressurize in the cold, according to REI.com, and liquid-fuel stoves require more maintenance. Most stoves burn white gas or propane, but some can burn other gas as well, making it easy to find fuel.
MSR Reactor
This high-tech stove is built with weather in mind, and its performance in wind and cold make it a common choice for mountaineers. The propane canister-burner-pot kit uses a unique heat transfer concept that internalizes the flame in between the stove and the pot that attaches to the burner and spreads heat out over an internal mesh fabric. According to RockandIce.com, the MSR Reactor boiled a quart of water in five minutes at a winter camp when at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. MSRP: $140.
Snowpeak LiteMax
In the realm of lightweight backpacking stoves, the Snowpeak LiteMax stands out as a performance stove at a good price. At less than two ounces, this stove is really little more than an attachable burner made for corresponding isobutane-propane fuel canisters. Free from the canister, the stove folds up well, reducing its size for easy packing. It can boil a liter of water in less than 6 minutes. MSRP: $60.
Brunton Wind River
This dual burner ultra sturdy base camp stove is made for serious camp cooking. At 23 pounds, the Wind River won't go far from camp, but it's two full-size adjustable burners put out 15,000 BTUs each, making for one hot stove. It also has useful features, like a wind guard, storage space, plastic cutting board and an optional wash basin that is sold separately. MSRP: $325.
MSR XGK EX
The MSR XGK EX is a multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from unleaded gasoline to white gas, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel. While this may seem superfluous, it is terrific for travel in other countries that may have limitations on available fuels. It has a self-cleaning jet and is fully serviceable. The XGK burns hot and heats up quickly, according to Wired.com. While the burner adjustability of this stove may vary with fuel, the stove is reliable and functions well at high altitudes. MSRP: $150.
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