The Best Campervan Stoves | 7 Great Campervan Cookers for 2024

Looking for the best campervan stoves for your van lifestyle? These are our top 7 recommendations for great campervan cookers. 

Although having water and power are arguably the most important aspects of van life, one could easily argue that having the ability to prepare warm meals is in the top 3.

And if you are building a van, you know that there are lots and lots of decisions to make on how you want to trade off space and convenience on the back of your budget.

So when it comes to selecting the best campervan stove for your setup, you’ll have some decisions to make that we hope we can assist you through the information in this post. A good stove is definitely among the most important campervan essentials you will want to account for in your van.

First, you’re going to have to evaluate how important having a traditional RV-style stove is compared to alternative options. While some van dwellers will opt for larger and permanently mounted indoor stoves, others will opt for cooking outdoors on portable camp stoves.

Still, others will use their cooking space wisely with an electric stove or induction stove that can be stored away when not in use. And while other decisions are pretty easy to make, this one may not be so straightforward.

On that note, let’s get into what we think is the overall best campervan stove option for both cooking indoors and cooking outdoors when weather and time permits.

BEST RATED

Our Pick – Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

Portable, durable and reliably great brand

2 burners for extra cook space

Wind barriers, drip trays and dual adjustable heat controls

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Best Product // Our Top Picks at a Glance

The Best Campervan Stoves of 2024

Whether you are looking for a drop-in stovetop that you can permanently install inside your campervan or want a portable camp stove that you can use indoors or outdoors, we’ve got our list of best campervan stoves put together to cover every kind you can imagine.

Best Overall: Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

• Price Range: Around $150
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 2
• BTUs: 22,000
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 23.5 x 4.3 in
• Weight: 12 lbs

The Camp Chef Everest is the best campervan gas stove option. This 2-burner stove is an affordable option from the Camp Chef, a premier company in outdoor cooking equipment.

The Everest is a tabletop stove with a solid steel construction topped with a nickel-coated steel grate. Moreover, the knob and inlet are also reasonably strong.

We really like that the lid and the side panel make it an ideal product for outdoor cooking. It stops the wind from blowing the fire and allows you to cook in most weather conditions.

The Everest runs on propane which can either be plumbed from your van propane system or externally fueled from a 1 lb propane tank connected to its regulator adapter.

The 40,000 BTU (20,000 BTU each) camping stove is great at maintaining a steady flame. Moreover, both burners can be controlled individually, which adds to the versatility of the stove.

We use cast iron cookware in our campervan kitchen, and they are known for taking a considerable time to heat up. But this is not the case with Camp Chef Everest. Its big and steady flame only takes a couple of minutes to heat the pan. 

As it is a propane stove, it needs proper ventilation if used indoors. So, having a proper vent and windows are necessary along with LP, CO and smoke alarms.

On the downside, it does not handle wind well in low-heat settings. And there are no handles to carry the stove or to move it if it is hot. It also seems as if there is really just a “high” or “low” setting with little temperature control in between.

The 40,000 BTU (20,000 BTU each) camping stove is great at maintaining a steady flame. Moreover, both burners can be controlled individually, which adds to the versatility of the stove.

We use cast iron cookware in our campervan kitchen, and they are known for taking a considerable time to heat up. But this is not the case with Camp Chef Everest. Its big and steady flame only takes a couple of minutes to heat the pan. 

As it is a propane stove, it needs proper ventilation if used indoors. So, having a proper vent and windows are necessary along with LP, CO and smoke alarms.

On the downside, it does not handle wind well in low-heat settings. And there are no handles to carry the stove or to move it if it is hot. It also seems as if there is really just a “high” or “low” setting with little temperature control in between.

Best Drop-In Stovetop: Atwood Dometic D21-BPW

• Price Range: Around $150
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Fixed
• # Burners: 2
• BTUs: 12,400
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 18.5 x 4.1 in
• Weight: 11 lbs

The Atwood/Dometic Drop-in Cooktop fits seamlessly on the countertop and has a convenient gas connection for any campervan conversion or remodel.

The D21-BPW model is an ideal device for van life if you want to permanently install a high-quality stovetop in your van’s kitchen area.

The stovetop measures 18.5 inches in width and 14.5 inches in length with a shallow 4-inch depth that allows you to use the rest of the cabinet space beneath the stove for an oven, fridge or additional storage.

The compact two-burner propane stove can produce 7,200 BTU on the big burner and 5,200 BTU on the small one, giving you the ability to cook multiple dishes at the same time.

We really like that the propane stove has a porcelain coating to keep the exterior cool, while the sealed aluminum burner heads are firing the pans. On top, it has a full-width flat grate.

Moreover, the concise control panel is in the right corner. It has two knobs and a piezo electronic ignition button which is so much more convenient than having to manually light the stove each time with a lighter..

The one thing we loved about the Atwood stove was its beautiful black appearance. The seamless design adds to the aesthetics of any van interior. And it also has an option for a tinted glass top.

On the downside, this stove puts out lower BTUs than other campervan stove options. So cast iron cookware will take some time. And it doesn’t come with any additional accessories such as a cover or propane hose.

Best Induction Stovetop: Duxtop Portable Induction 9100MC Cooktop

• Price Range: Under $150
• Fuel Source: 110V Electricity
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 1
• BTUs: N/A
• Dimensions: 16.3 x 12.7 x 3.8 in
• Weight: 5 lbs

If you’re looking to shift to an induction stovetop, this Duxtop campervan stove is a great option made by SECURA, a leading small appliance and cookware manufacturer in North America.

You’ll want a large battery bank and inverter if you want to use the Duxtop 9100MC away from shore power. While the Duxtop is a lightweight, portable induction cooktop that works with a 120V, it draws between 200 – 1800 watts.

While this is a lot of energy, it will bring the stovetop upwards of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

What we loved the most about the Duxtop 9100MC is its easy-to-use control panel. It has a push-button to turn it on and you can choose the suitable temperature and wattage through the 15 levels and presets in the cooker.

Moreover, there is a handy screen to read temperature and preset levels in the middle. And it also has a timer of up to 170 minutes.

The modern Duxtop induction cooktop has a glass cooktop and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.

On the downside, the biggest drawback to any induction stovetop is the energy requirement. You need a lot of stored battery power or to be connected to shore power to use the induction stove.

It also requires a specific magnetic pot or pan to effectively prepare a meal. So you may have to get rid of the pots and pans you already have and invest in new ones as well.

But if you are sold on induction stoves, this is the best you’ll find for the money.

Best Camping Stove: Coleman 2-Burner Camping Stove

• Price Range: Under $150
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 1
• BTUs: 22,000
• Dimensions: 22.9 x 13.8 x 5.6 in
• Weight: 10 lbs

The Coleman 2-burner Triton is another incredible propane stove ideally suited for van life. Coleman stoves are renowned in the camping world for being great all-around products.

This Coleman classic is an affordable 2-burner stove with a heat output of 22,000 BTUs between two burners. It weighs around 10 lbs and is slightly narrower than our top pick.

Like other propane stoves, it also has adjustable burners and electronic ignition. The Coleman Triton provides steady flame throughout thanks to its PerfectFlow Pressure Regulator.

After the performance, we chose this product because of the handy tray accessory and solid latch lock. The tray fits perfectly over both burners and provides a portable grill or hot plate.

We also like that the heavy-duty latch is pretty solid, making it easy to transport while keeping it shut on the bumpiest roads. With proper ventilation and safety, it can also be used indoors if the wind-blocking panels don’t do the trick.

Like other campervan stoves, you’ll either need 1 lb propane gas canisters or you can purchase a separate adapter to connect it to a larger propane tank or your van’s propane system.

A downside is that it can be hard to start as you must both hold the stove to keep it from moving while applying pressure to the ignition button. Like the Camp Chef, the temperature also does not adjust well between the high and low settings. There is also no carrying case for stowing it away or carrying it out to set up.

Best Single Burner Stove: Coleman Portable Butane Stove

• Price Range: Under $75
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 1
• BTUs: 7,650
• Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 4 in
• Weight: 4.7 lbs

This one-burner stove by Coleman is the perfect product for small campervans. The portable butane stove has a compact design and comes with a handy carrying case.

Another Coleman classic, this high-quality camp stove can produce 7,650 BTUs and can work for a whopping 70 minutes on an 8.8 oz butane canister, which can be concealed in a compartment near the burner. 

Coleman has a porcelain-coated tray and grates with aluminum burners for a rustless long life. The porcelain and removable grate make it easier to clean. And around the burner, there is a ring to shield the flame against the winds.

We like that it is functional, strong, versatile and easy to clean. Moreover, it has an adjusting dial with a lock button to prevent accidental gas leakage.

A disappointing feature is the carrying case. It is a handy addition, but the build quality is not up to par.

Also, this camp stove is our only recommended product that runs on butane. This may make it more difficult to use as butane is not always as readily available as propane.

But butane canisters tend to last longer than their propane counterparts so you should be able to get more cooking done with this little guy!

Best Backpacking Stove: Jetboil Genesis

• Price Range: Under $400
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 2
• BTUs: 10,000
• Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 7.2 in
• Weight: 9.1 lbs

The Jetboil Genesis is among the best camp stoves when it comes to portability, having been created by a company that caters to campers and backpackers.

While it is not cheap, the Jetboil Genesis is a complete kit that includes a foldable two-burner stove, frying pan and saucepan. And all this fits perfectly in a 10.75 x 8.5-inch carrying case.

We like that the portable stove only weighs a little more than 6 lbs with all the accessories and stows away easily inside any van.

The rugged and durable device can produce 10,000 BTUs collectively on both adjustable burners. It also has a solid simmering capability and boils water in under 5 minutes using propane as its fuel.

If you want a versatile camp stove that you can use both while you are camping in your van as well as on any hikes or excursions you may take, the Jetboil Genesis is the premier option.

On the downside, the Jetboil Genesis comes with a detachable windscreen, but it is flimsy and weak. There have also been reports about failure with the propane regulator that causes irregular flames.

But overall, if you’re looking for the best camping stoves to use both around the van and in the wild, this is it. 

Best Alternative: Camp Chef Outdoor Oven

• Price Range: Under $400
• Fuel Source: Gas
• Installation: Portable
• # Burners: 2
• BTUs: 18,000
• Dimensions: 18 x 24 x 31 in
• Weight: 37.1 lbs

The Camp Chef Outdoor Oven is another quality product from the makers of Everest (our top product). No small camp stove, it combines a stovetop and oven in one product that measures 18 x 24 x 31 inches and weighs just over 35lbs.

But the outdoor oven is a great product with two brass burners on top with a combined power of 9,000 BTUs. The stove features enamel-coated steel grates and a foldable cover that shields the fire from three sides.

But the outdoor oven is a great product with two brass burners on top with a combined power of 9,000 BTUs. The stove features enamel-coated steel grates and a foldable cover that shields the fire from three sides.

Although the Camp Chef Outdoor Oven is pretty bulky, it is an excellent addition to your campervan.

We are big fans of this combination stove and oven as an option for anyone in van life who wants both but does not want to sacrifice all of the space in their van for full-sized appliances. Stow it away in a variety of places and take it out only when you need it.

On the downside, it burns a lot of fuel and needs proper ventilation and safety alarms if you are going to use it inside. And it is really only ideal if you plan to do a fair amount of both baking and cooking on the stovetop.

Otherwise, you might be better off investing in one of the other products on our list of best campervan stoves and/or purchasing a camper oven separately.

How to Choose the Best Campervan Stove

Choosing the best camp stove for your van comes down to personal preference and budget, among several other criteria. We personally prefer permanently mounted drop-in stoves and ovens in our RVs.

But we know that the trade-off for space is not always the best. As such, we’ll cover the essential features to look for when deciding which campervan cooker is best for your cooking needs.

Portable vs Permanent Install

As the name implies, most portable stoves are easy to carry and placed on any flat surface to cook meals. The versatile camp stoves can usually be used both inside and outside the van, with proper safety precautions.

Moreover, they can be placed in storage space and out of the way until you want to use it. And depending on which one you choose, you can usually take them with you on hikes or other multi-day excursions where you may want to heat up a meal.

On the other hand, permanent stoves are fixed to the counter space and typically can be plumbed into your campervan propane system.

Fuel Source: Gas vs Electric

There is always a big debate between gas stoves and induction cooktops when it comes to van life.

The primary difference is the fuel. Induction cooktops use electricity, while gas camping stoves use propane or butane gas.

Electric stoves are comparatively safe as there is no naked flame. But they are less efficient and use far more power than propane stoves. You would need to consider a rather large battery bank and inverter setup if you wanted to rely on an induction stove.

On the other hand, both butane and propane are more affordable sources of fuel and readily available. Plus, there’s nothing like cooking a meal on an open flame on a traditional kitchen stove!

Number of burners

The number of burners is a vital factor when you think about how much cooking you plan to do in your campervan. A large cooking surface with multiple burners will be useful if you cook frequently.

But if you are among the solo van dwellers, then a single-burner portable campervan stove may be the right option. Most options range between 1 to 3 burners.

BTU Output

BTU is the amount of heat that one burner produces on a campervan stove. The higher the BTUs, the faster the cooking process will be.

An average campervan stove produces between 7,000 to 10,000 BTUs while it may be able to reach up to 22,000 BTUs like in Everest two-burner gas stove. But the increasing heat output will consume more fuel.

These campervan stoves also typically have an adjustable flame to reduce butane and propane consumption and lower the BTU output.

Dimensions

Space is limited in any campervan so you need to determine how much counter space you are or are not willing to give up in order to cook.

If you’re like us, you cook almost every day. So having a permanent stovetop is pretty important and we’re willing to sacrifice some room for a drop-in stove or a full-on RV range. We prepare both coffee and/or tea twice a day and this simply would not be convenient if we had to use a small one-burner camp stove.

But if you don’t cook often, one-burner stoves are not very big and they are lightweight, easy to store and don’t take a lot of counter space.

Evaluate how much room you want to dedicate to cooking space and you’ll be able to find the best campervan stove for your van.

Inside or Outside Cooking

Deciding whether you prefer to cook inside or outside is also important. Most of our recommended products are more like camp stoves than RV stoves. You can likely use them indoors in a bind during inclement weather.

But you shouldn’t do this more often than you need to and you must always have the proper safety considerations in effect.

So if you think you’ll enjoy cooking indoors more, or you’d like to not think about the days of wind, rain and cold that will force you indoors anyway, we’d recommend that you consider indoor stove options.

Propane and butane camping stoves are the best for outdoor usage. Simply connect a fuel canister and you are good to go. While drop-in and electric stoves are ideal for indoor cooking.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the best camp stove is not a problem if you have the right knowledge. Hopefully, we have helped you make the best decision about which is the best camper van stove for you.

A straightforward choice for us is the Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove, which is large enough for all of our cooking needs and yet is small enough it can be packed away easily.

This stove is an industry leader when it comes to portable camping stoves. Because it is not permanently installed in your camper van’s indoor cooking space, it can easily be transported to cook food outside.

With proper ventilation from a vent fan, the Camp Chef Everest two-burner stove is an excellent choice for indoor cooking as well. With a piezo ignitor, this portable camping stove acts more like a high-end RV stove than one meant for van life.

Wind barriers, drip trays and dual adjustable heat controls make this portable stove our top choice, hands down.

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