Best Survival Stoves

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Are you a survivalist who likes to engage in outdoor activities? If so, then you are someone who likes to prepare and be ready for any situation. The sale of a survival stove is a piece of equipment every lover of outdoor activities requires.

There is a variety of survival stoves available. All have features to complement most outdoor activities. When shopping for a survival stove, we must consider technology and the environment. Thus, we have compiled a list of the top five survival stoves.

In a Rush? The Winner after 19 hours of testing is:

Editors Choice icon

Solo Stove Lite

97.7/100our score
Solo Stove Lite
Why is it better?
  • Emits very little smoke
  • Cost effective
  • Doesn’t need fuel
Our Top Rated
  1. Solo Stove Lite
  2. Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stoves
  3. QuickStove Portable Emergency Cook Kit
  4. TOMSHOO Camping Stove Camp Wood Stove
  5. Lixada Camping Stove Wood Burning Stoves
Table Of Contents

Quick Comparison

RANK
Survival Stoves
Features
Rating
#1

Solo Stove Lite

Solo Stove Lite

  • Emits very little smoke
  • Cost effective
  • Doesn’t need fuel

Use: 98
Weight: 97
Stability: 97.5
Value: 98
Feature: 98
Our Rating: 97.7

#2

Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stoves

Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stoves

  • Durable aluminum alloy and stainless steel
  • Collapsible and compact dimensions
  • Compatible with other heating units
  • Adjustable flame controls
  • Adheres set by US Forestry

Use: 97
Weight: 96.5
Stability: 96
Value: 97
Feature: 96.5
Our Rating: 96.6

#3

QuickStove Portable Emergency Cook Kit

QuickStove Portable Emergency Cook Kit

  • Made of lightweight aluminum steel
  • Has three cooking positions
  • Pot holds up to 7 cups liquid
  • Made in USA
  • 100% money back guarantee

Use: 96
Weight: 95.5
Stability: 95
Value: 96
Feature: 95.5
Our Rating: 95.6

#4

TOMSHOO Camping Stove Camp Wood Stove

TOMSHOO Camping Stove Camp Wood Stove

  • Effective burn
  • Unlimited fuel
  • Lightweight and foldable
  • 12 month warranty
  • Friendly customer service

Use: 95
Weight: 94.5
Stability: 94
Value: 94.5
Feature: 95
Our Rating: 94.6

#5

Lixada Camping Stove Wood Burning Stoves

 Lixada Camping Stove Wood Burning Stoves

  • Lightweight,fits in backpack
  • Stable cooking platform
  • Titanium construction
  • Unlimited fuel
  • 3 sided air vents

Use: 94
Weight: 93.5
Stability: 93
Value: 94
Feature: 92
Our Rating: 93.3

Our Reviews

1 Solo Stove Lite

Solo Stove Lite

Use 98%
Weight 97%
Stability 97.5%
Value 98%
Feature 98%
Our Rating 97.7%

The solo stove light is a compact 4.2 inch and a lightweight 9 ounce portable survival stove. It is an efficient wood burning tool with low smoke output. It has air holes at the bottom which enables one to feed the fire from above and below.

The solo stove light does not need any fuel at all. This reduces the amount of smoke it emits. Hence does not char the surface. If you are looking for the best survival stoves, this is definitely one to consider.

Realistic Design

The Solo Stove Lite designed with a unique double wall enabling complete combustion. This creates an ultra clean burn which makes it eco friendly due to less smoke. Built to last. Created out of premium grade 304 stainless steel and nichrome wire.

Eco friendly

The Solo Stove light burns wood in an efficient manner. Wherever your outdoor adventures take you to, there will always be fuel to find. Dry wood, twigs or leaves are an ideal fuel for this stove. With its limited smoke emission, it is safe for the ecosystem.

Cost and Value

This product is a little more than other stoves. Yet, the features it emulates gives it durability and portability worth the cost. The Solo Stove Lite cost is worth the value. With proper care and maintenance, the stove can serve you for a very long time without any problems.

Pros
  • Emits very little smoke
  • Cost effective
  • Doesn’t need fuel
Cons
  • Not suitable in winter
  • Weight could be reduced

2 Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stoves

Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stoves

Use 97%
Weight 96.5%
Stability 96%
Value 97%
Feature 96.5%
Our Rating 96.6%

The Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor camping stove is made durable. Constructed of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. It is capable of handling extreme heat as well as weight.

Compact Design 

The design of this backpacking/camping stove is compact. It is collapsing for easy storage. It is a small, portable 1.81 inches x 2.36 inches x 3.15 inches. This stove makes the ideal tool to take backpacking and camping.

Compatible 

This camp stove is compatible to use with other fuel canisters. As long as they are 7/16 thread butane/butane-propane single fuel canisters. It also has an output flame that can be adjusted to simmer food.

Cost & Value 

The cost of this portable camping stove is going to surprise you. For all the features you get, its cost is minimal. Adheres to all US Forestry “Leave No Trace” regulations. It burns in a clean manner, leaving behind no debris.

Pros
  • Durable aluminum alloy and stainless steel
  • Collapsible and compact dimensions
  • Compatible with other heating units
  • Adjustable flame controls
  • Adheres set by US Forestry
Cons
  • Twist handle was not durable
  • Low quality control

3 QuickStove Portable Emergency Cook Kit

QuickStove Portable Emergency Cook Kit

Use 96%
Weight 95.5%
Stability 95%
Value 96%
Feature 95.5%
Our Rating 95.6%

This product made by QuickStove is the ideal kit for cooking when you are camping or backpacking. The stove uses multi-fuel and is the ideal food preparation tool. It can be for any emergency preparedness kit.

Light, Portable, & Durable 

The QuickStove cooking kit is lightweight and portable. It weighs less than a pound, constructed of aluminum steel.

Has 3 Cooking Positions 

It is a portable stove with all the accommodations, including a large cooking pot. As well as a small cup. It can cook fast or slow, whatever is your preference.

Cost & Value 

The value of this portable cooking kit made by QuickStove is much greater than monetary. It can  cook or warm food, and boil water to your preference.

This product has a money back guarantee if you are not happy for any reason. Perfect addition to your emergency preparedness kit. An extra bonus–made in the USA.

Pros
  • Made of lightweight aluminum steel
  • Has three cooking positions
  • Pot holds up to 7 cups liquid
  • Made in USA
  • 100% money back guarantee
Cons
  • A little too heavy for an overnight trip
  • Not very compact for short trips

4 TOMSHOO Camping Stove Camp Wood Stove

TOMSHOO Camping Stove Camp Wood Stove

Use 95%
Weight 94.5%
Stability 94%
Value 94.5%
Feature 95%
Our Rating 94.6%

This product made by Tomshoo is a portable camping stove. Made of stainless steel and is foldable for easy storage when not in use. The ideal tool to take hiking, backpacking or on a BBQ picnic.

Stable and Durable 

This camping stove is made of strong stainless steel. It has a serrated cross stand that is windproof. Provides a stable cooking area with an advancement in heating abilities.

Unlimited Fuel Supply

Burns in an efficient manner. You can gather wood, leaves, branches or twigs to use as fuel to cook your day’s catch. There is also a tray included to hold your solid alcohol-type fuel.

Cost & Value 

The value of this portable wood camping stove is greater than its monetary cost. Not only do you get an excellent product, but you get a year warranty and friendly service.

Pros
  • Effective burn
  • Unlimited fuel
  • Lightweight and foldable
  • 12 month warranty
  • Friendly customer service
Cons
  • Poor quality control
  • Pieces fit too tightly

5 Lixada Camping Stove Wood Burning Stoves

 Lixada Camping Stove Wood Burning Stoves

Use 94%
Weight 93.5%
Stability 93%
Value 94%
Feature 92%
Our Rating 93.3%

This camping stove made by Lixada is the ideal lightweight stove. It is lightweight and durable, perfect for taking on a camping or backpacking trip.

3- Sided Ventilation 

There are air vents on 3 sides of this stove. This allows for excellent ventilation and greater burn efficiency.

Stable Platform for Cooking 

The cross-standing trivet provides a cooking platform that is stable. This camping stove has unlimited supplies for fuel. You can gather wood, leaves, twigs or branches to supply fuel to burn this oven.

Cost & Value 

The value of this cooking stove goes beyond monetary value. It is lightweight and small; simple to transport, small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack.

Pros
  • Lightweight,fits in backpack
  • Stable cooking platform
  • Titanium construction
  • Unlimited fuel
  • 3 sided air vents
Cons
  • Hard to put together
  • Cross bars may slip easily

Buying Guide

Use

The use of a survival stove is very important when you are out in the field or woods. Should you need to cook something to eat, or boil some water, this tool is imperative to have. In addition, a survival stove can aid you in warming yourself in weather conditions that are extreme.

Weight

Weight plays a major role when planning a survival kit. Survival stoves weigh differently from other elements in a survival kit. Thus, this should be a major factor to consider when buying one.

A lightweight stove will go a long way in balancing out the survival kit. For example, a gram saver stove weighs less than an ounce. This can be very efficient for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, as well as on trips.

Stability

When you are preparing or cooking a meal in the wild, you want to ensure it has the stability to withstand the elements. Stability is an imperative feature should you find yourself camping on uneven ground. The survival stove you buy should be compact, portable, and stable.

Value

With the many differences in architecture and functionality there are many advances in technology. Survival stoves are available in a variety of values. The higher the price, the more functions they have. This ensures an increase in their durability as well.

If you are a camper, it is a worthy investment to buy a survival stove that promises good value.

Features

There are some very important features of a camp stove. Some of these imperative features include a compatibility with other burning appliances. Also, it is important that the stove is portable and can easily store it away when not in use. Having good flame control is a feature to look for in a portable camp stove. You want to be able to adjust the flame from boiling to simmer.

Expert Tips/Advice 

How to use a Survival Stove

When you buy a survival stove to take camping there are certain tips you must take into account before using it. The following are some tips/advice. Take into consideration when you use one of these handy camping tools:

  • Use pots/pans that are an equal size to your cooking area. This will ensure you do not waste fuel or time spent cooking.
  • The way to conserve fuel, cook time, and maintain moistness of food keep a lid on food as it cooks.
  • By putting the fuel canister in water you can determine how much fuel is remaining. When the canister is empty it floats higher; when it has fuel in it sinks lower in the water.
  • Consider a stove that uses something other than canister fuels if traveling overseas. The reason being is that these fuels are difficult to find in other countries.

How to use a Solid Fuel Stove 

If you have a solid fuel stove this section is going to advise you how to use it.

  • First, you need to open it on a surface that is flat with the spikes facing upward.
  • Put a few hexamine blocks on the stove so you can light it. You may need to break the blocks into small section in order to enable simpler igniting.
  • Next, using a match, ignite the blocks of fuel–carefully so you don’t burn yourself.
  • Put the pan you are going to cook with on the lit blocks
  • Ensure to watch the flames as well as the blocks. You may need to add more fuel as it burns.

How to use a Gas Cooker 

If you have a portable gas cooker, here are some tips/advice for using it:

  • Ensure you put the gas cooker on a surface that is flat.
  • Detach the pan’s support from the stove top
  • Flip it over so it faces up and ready for use
  • Open the cover to the cartridge. Take off the lid.
  • Hold the cartridge in place. Press lever, allowing the canister to slot in place. Verify the it has slotted in properly.
  • Turn knob to the igniting position. Turn the knob until it ignites.
  • Modify the control until the flame is where you prefer it
  • Your stove is ready. Ensure you use pans that are sufficient sizes. Do not put the pans too close together to avoid overheating.
  • When finished cooking, turn the control knob to off.
  • Make sure the flame completely extinguishes and permit the cooker to cool all the way before disconnecting it. Never allow a cartridge to remain in the cooker when not using it.

Tips for Safe Use of a Camping/Survival Stove 

  • It is imperative that whenever you are cooking with a camping stove you ensure the surface is even and flat.
  • Avoid cooking inside a tent. Tents are highly flammable; as well, you need to have plenty of ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Before putting your stove away, ensure it is completely cooled.
  • Ensure to clean the stove and all parts completely before  putting it away after use.
  • Inspect the stove for any damage before you cook with it. If there are any signs of damage, do not use!
  • Avoid making any modifications to your stove!

Other Features of a Survival Stove

Size- The size of a survival stove should be light. Light enough to carry in your backpack and not be over-burdened by a cumbersome object.

When backpacking through the wilderness, you will have plenty of survival gear. You want to ensure it is not too heavy to make the journey seem overbearing and uncomfortable.

Speed- You will want to ensure the time it takes to cook a meal is enough. You do not want a survival stove that has a long burning time which will use a lot of fuel.

Besides, you will want a stove that heats up  and gets water boiling or food cooking at a fast speed.

Ease of Use- This is an important feature of a survival stove. You will want to ensure the stove you buy is not only going to burn, but also that it is easy to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a camping stove safe to use indoors?

A: If you have one of the old-fashioned wood burning camping stoves, then the answer is yes. However, due to the open flame, you do run a chance of getting burned. If you are going to use this type of stove indoors you need to ensure proper ventilation to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide can be eliminated efficiently.

Q: Do camping stoves produce carbon monoxide?

A: Carbon monoxide is a gas that is transparent, tasteless, and odorless. When burning fuel for a lantern, heater, or camp stove you are creating carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is similar to oxygen. Except it has 200 times the rapport for crunching hemoglobin.

Q: Are alcohol stoves safe to use indoors?

A: Yes. A denatured alcohol stove is clean-burning. This makes them an excellent option for indoor usage. Because the flame cannot be seen easily, it is imperative to proceed with great care when using it indoors. The flame of an alcohol stove is very large and open. Therefore, one must proceed with great care and concern of safety when using these stoves indoors.

Q: Is it safe to use Coleman stoves indoors?

A: The answer to this question is no. Coleman stoves were made to use outdoors only. The Colman stove should only be used in a well ventilated area that has no flammable materials nearby. The reason for this is there is a lot of carbon monoxide emitted by a Coleman stove.

Q: Do butane stoves give off carbon monoxide?

A: Butane is a clean burning product. Therefore, it typically does not produce carbon monoxide when using it to cook with. However, even though not normal, there is the off chance that “incomplete combustion” will create a little carbon monoxide. Whenever cooking with a survival stove, it is always best to provide some type of ventilating area just to be safe.

Q: Are butane stoves banned?

A: These popular “lunchbox” style stoves have been banned by the NSW Office of Fair Trading. The reason for this ban is there are certain issues with the safe use of this stove, in particular, overheating. The NSW Office of Fair Trading has been employing the NSW and other states to remove these stoves from retail stores.

Q: Which camp fuel type is the easiest on your stove?

A: White gas is a flammable gas that is commonly utilized as the fuel source when camping. This camp fuel is what can be used for cooking, heating, and seeing in the dark. This “white gas” burns much cleaner than other fuel does. It is the best option and it is the simplest fuel to aid you when you need to start up your appliances. Using white gas does not result in the release of black smoke or any fumes that are toxic. This is often a side effect from using regular gas fuels as well as kerosene.

Q: What can you cook on a camping stove?

A: here are so many things you can cook when you are using a camping stove. This is just a short list to whet your appetite give you an idea to get you started:

  • Campfire chicken and vegetable stew
  • A sweet potato, one-pan potato pasta
  • English breakfast in one pan
  • Chicken noodle soup
  • Chicken Pilaf in one pot
  • Chicken & vegetables stew
  • Sweet potato pasta in one pan
  • Spinach, chorizo, and chickpea stew
  • Hamburger, Vegetable, beef soup
  • Spoon bread
  • Dutch oven lasagna
  • Cheesy Asparagus one pot Orzo

Q: How to make a camping stove?

A: Here are some simple instructions on how you can erect or assemble a small “hobo stove” when out in the wilderness:

  • First, you will require a large aluminum can--it must be both tall and wide.
  • Will your stove require a floor or bottom? This is an essential question to ask yourself. If so, you are gong to need to have some holes along the bottom and top.
  • Next, you need to remove any labels that are on the can. Also, wash it completely.
  • Cut a door for the bottom to provide adequate ventilation. You will need a rectangular hole on the side of the can, near the bottom. This should be about ¼ of the entire height and ⅙ of the perimeter.
  • Now make some ventilation for the smoke to escape safely

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Jim Parson
Jim Parson
Let me introduce myself briefly, I am Jim Parson – the founder of Savvy Survivor. I am 29 years old and have always had a strong passion for all things outdoors. These activities include climbing, hiking, and camping.

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