While looking for under $50 camping stoves, there are a lot of products on the market. People who are low on budget often prefer cost over factors like weight, features, or brand when buying a stove. If you do not camp frequently, then a wallet-friendly camping stove would be enough for you.
As per our experience, the sub-$50 camping stoves are mostly preferred by solo campers. These inexpensive stoves are also good if you plan to cook food for a small group of people.
Even on a tight budget, these stoves come with advanced features such as igniters, windshields, simmer controls, and accessories like griddles or grills for versatile cooking options. Read about the benefits of having a portable stove with you on a camping trip.
A cheap portable camping stove allows campers to prepare hot meals, boil water for drinking or cooking, and enjoy hot beverages even when camping in areas without access to a campfire or other heat source.
So, we have bought and tested affordable camping stoves from different brands. Here are the top 5 we believe provide the best value at an economical price.
Editor’s Note: On March 3, 2024, we updated this article with helpful insights to ease your buying decision.
The Best Camping Stoves Under $50
Coleman Gas Stove – Overall Best Stove
Key Features
- Fuel efficient
- 3 years warranty
- Adjustable burner
The Coleman camping gas stove is a portable cooking appliance designed for outdoor use, particularly for camping and other outdoor activities.
Coleman is a well-known brand that has been producing camping gear and outdoor equipment for over 100 years, including camping stoves.
The Coleman camping gas stove is very fuel-efficient and has an adjustable burner. In addition to this, it is very efficient for less space as well because the burner and base are separate from the propane bottle.
When using the Coleman camping gas stove, it’s important to follow proper safety precautions, such as using it in a well-ventilated area, keeping flammable materials away from the stove, and ensuring the stove is stable on a flat surface.
It’s also essential to store and transport propane or butane fuel canisters safely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, overall, the Coleman camping gas stove is a reliable and convenient option for outdoor cooking, providing campers with a portable and efficient way to prepare meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Pros
- Efficient cooking with less consumption of fuel
- Space saver
Cons
- Weight can be an issue sometimes
Gas One GS-3400P – Best Value Camping Stove Under $50
Key Features
- Duel fuel usage
- Automatic ignition
- Built-in safety features
The Gas One GS-3400P stove is a portable propane camping gas stove produced by Gas One, a popular brand known for its outdoor cooking equipment.
The GS-3400P stove is designed for outdoor use, such as camping, backpacking, picnics, and other outdoor activities that require a portable cooking solution.
The GS-3400P stove features a single burner, which provides a high heat output for cooking various types of food quickly and efficiently.
It runs on propane fuel and butane fuel, which is a common and readily available fuel source for camping stoves. The stove comes with a built-in piezo igniter, making it easy to start the flame without the need for matches or a lighter.
The GS-3400P stove is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store. It is constructed with durable materials and features a sturdy design, making it suitable for outdoor use.
As with any camping stove, it’s important to follow proper safety precautions when using the Gas One GS-3400P stove, such as using it in a well-ventilated area.
Keeping flammable materials away from the stove, and ensuring the stove is stable on a flat surface. It’s also crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cartridge ejection when irregular pressure
Cons
- Not a good adapter hose for propane
Grill Boss 90057 Dual Fuel – A High-Quality Portable Stove for Campers
Key Features
- Automatic ignition
- Dual fuel stove
- Packed with safety features
The Grill Boss 90057 Dual Fuel Camp Stove is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that is designed for camping, tailgating, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
As the name suggests, it is a dual-fuel stove, meaning it can operate on both propane and butane fuel, providing flexibility and options for outdoor cooking.
The Grill Boss 90057 stove is constructed with durable materials, making it suitable for outdoor use. It has a sturdy design for easy setup and storage.
The stove also comes with a built-in igniter for easy lighting of the propane burners and is very easy to clean up.
The Grill Boss 90057 is known for its versatility, allowing users to cook a wide range of foods using either propane or butane fuel.
It offers options for grilling, frying, boiling, and simmering, making it suitable for various cooking styles and techniques.
The dual fuel feature provides flexibility and convenience, allowing users to choose between propane or butane based on their preference or availability of fuel.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Reliable for camping
Cons
- Propane conversion hose tucked below burner cover
Gas One Wood Camping Stove – Best to Get Under $20
Features
- Sharpless edges
- Stainless steel material
- Very efficient and sturdy
If you are very tight on budget and need just a lightweight and easy-to-carry wooden stove for your camping trip, then here’s the right deal from Gas One brand.
This particular camping stove features a unique design that includes an alcohol tray, which allows for the use of alcohol as a fuel source for cooking.
The alcohol tray is a small compartment or burner that is specifically designed to hold alcohol-based fuels, such as denatured alcohol or ethanol, which can be used as an alternative to propane or butane fuels commonly used in camping stoves.
The alcohol tray typically sits below the main burner and is designed to vaporize the alcohol fuel, creating a flame that can be used for cooking.
The wood stove feature allows you to use wood as a fuel source, making it an eco-friendly option for outdoor cooking.
The stove is designed with a combustion chamber that allows you to burn wood or other biomass materials, such as twigs, leaves, or small branches, to create a fire for cooking.
The stove typically has air vents that allow for efficient airflow to support combustion and a grill grid that provides a stable surface for cooking pots or pans.
In addition to the wood-burning feature, the Gas One camping stove also includes an alcohol tray.
The alcohol tray is a small compartment or burner that is specifically designed to hold alcohol-based fuels, such as denatured alcohol or ethanol, which can be used as an alternative fuel source for cooking when the wood is not available or when you need a more controlled and adjustable flame.
The alcohol tray is typically located below the main wood-burning chamber and can be used to vaporize the alcohol fuel and produce a flame for cooking.
The Gas One camping stove with wood stove and alcohol tray is made of stainless steel, which provides durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
The stove is typically designed to be portable, with foldable or collapsible parts for easy storage and transportation. It may also come with a carrying case or bag for convenient transportation.
In summary, the Gas One camping stove with wood stove and alcohol tray is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that offers the convenience of wood-burning and alcohol-based cooking options.
It is suitable for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a portable and eco-friendly cooking solution for their outdoor adventures, with the ability to use wood or alcohol as fuel sources depending on their preference or availability of fuel.
Pros
- Stable to use
- Don’t use heavy and costly fuels
Cons
- Small in size
RANDDER Propane Portable Stove – Wallet-Friendly Pick
Features
- Uses both propane and butane
- Compact stove
- Flame adjustable
The RANDDER Propane Stove is a portable camping stove that uses butane or propane as a fuel source, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, emergencies, and other outdoor adventures.
This camping stove features a single burner with a power output of 10,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), which provides high heat for efficient cooking.
The RANDDER Propane Stove comes with a gas adapter that allows you to use both butane and propane canisters as fuel sources.
Butane and propane are common types of camping stove fuels that are readily available in camping and outdoor stores.
The gas adapter provides versatility in fuel options, allowing you to choose the type of fuel that is most convenient and accessible for your camping trip or outdoor adventure.
The RANDDER Propane Stove is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in your backpack or camping gear.
It typically comes with a carrying case or bag for convenient transportation and storage. The stove is easy to set up and use, with a simple ignition process and adjustable flame control, allowing for precise temperature control during cooking.
The stove is made of durable materials and is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It typically includes a sturdy burner and a stable base to ensure stability during cooking.
The stove may also come with a windscreen or heat shield to protect the flame from wind and improve the stove’s efficiency in windy conditions.
The RANDDER Propane Stove is suitable for a variety of outdoor cooking tasks, such as boiling water, cooking meals, and simmering food.
It is typically used with small to medium-sized pots or pans, and the burner is designed to distribute heat evenly for efficient and even cooking.
The stove is also compatible with most standard camping cookware and can be used with a variety of pots, pans, and griddles.
Pros
- Unique design
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Not good to use in the wind
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Camping Stove
The following are the factors to keep in mind while buying a portable camping stove:
Fuel Type
Portable camping stoves can typically be fueled by propane, butane, alcohol, wood, or a combination of fuels. Consider the availability, cost, and convenience of the fuel type you prefer or plan to use in your camping destinations.
Burner Type
Single burners are more compact and lightweight, making them suitable for solo or small-group camping, while stoves with multiple burners are ideal for larger groups.
Heat Output
Higher heat output indicates more powerful stoves, but may also consume more fuel. It is a must to consider your cooking needs and the altitude of your camping location when choosing a stove with appropriate heat output.
Size and Weight
Portability is a key factor for camping stoves, so consider the size and weight of the stove, especially if you plan to carry it in a backpack.
Stability
A stable camping stove is important for safe and efficient cooking. Look for stoves with sturdy construction, stable bases, and windshields.
Quality
Choose reputable brands as mentioned above that are known for their quality and durability.
Price
Camping stoves come in a wide range of prices, so consider your budget and balance it with the features and quality of the stove.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the best camping stove among all that is mentioned above is “The Coleman gas stove” because it is known for its durability, performance, and affordability. It also has an adjustable burner. However, the best camping stove for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and intended use.
Hi, I’m Masab Jamal, the founder and head editor of this blog. I love to spend most of my time in the wilderness. Apart from camping and outdoor life, I’m a full time blogger.