Butane stoves use pressurized canisters of butane gas for fuel. The stoves are lightweight, easy to transport and store and provide reliable heat for meals away from home. You can choose single-burner models for backpacking or multi-burner stoves for tent and car camping. The canister of butane detaches from the stove when the stove isn't in use, and the pressurized canister prevents the gas from spilling.
Setup
Set up your stove on a flat, stable surface, away from anything flammable, such as the flap of your tent. Check for dry leaves and branches around the stove, and clear these away or move to another spot before using the stove. Don't allow children or pets to play around the stove, and keep the stove out of pathways to prevent anyone from kicking it over or tripping on it. On windy days, the stove will work better if you protect it with some kind of windbreak. Some stoves come with metal wind shields. If you're backpacking, clear a flat space on bare ground and set up the stove behind a pile of rocks to block the wind.
Ventilation
Never use the stove inside an enclosed space such as a car, camper or tent. Don't use the stove for heat inside a tent or structure. Fuel combustion produces carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas. Breathing in carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Lighting
Follow directions for lighting your stove. Usually, this involves turning the valve to the light position, then lighting the burner with a match or lighter. As soon as the flame catches, turn the knob to adjust the flame. If the burner will not light, close the valve and wait a few seconds for the gas to disperse, then try again.
Cooking
Don't allow food to boil over, because this could douse the flame. Because your pan is over direct flame, food can burn quickly, so don't leave food unattended. Use a pan that's the right size for the burner. This is especially important with single-burner stoves, which can tip over if you use a pot that's too large or heavy.
Fuel Storage and Handling
Store fuel canisters upright in a cool, dry place. When you're backpacking, carry the canister on the outside of your pack or cushioned inside to avoid accidental puncture. Don't try to bring canisters on a plane--they are prohibited in both checked luggage and carry-on bags. Butane stoves may be difficult to light if the fuel is cold, so when you're camping in winter or at high altitude, carry the canister inside your jacket for a while to warm it up before you attach it to the stove. Never change the canister while the stove is lit. Pack out empty canisters and dispose of them in the trash at home.
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