Camping guides
Camp stove fuel types explained
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In New Zealand, the most common camp stove fuel types are propane, butane, LPG and electric (while that last one’s not technically a fuel, we’ll include it for comparison purposes!). Other camp stove fuel types such as alcohol, hexamine, wood, kerosene, gasoline and paraffin are not commonly used in New Zealand.
But what is the difference between each fuel type and which is best for camping in a van or motorhome?
In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each camp stove fuel type so that you can decide which is best for your style of camping. Making our shortlist of the best camp stove fuel types in New Zealand are:
Propane - Best for winter usage.
Butane - Best for portability.
LPG - Best for availability.
Electricity - Best for cooking inside.
For further information, you can also see our article about the best stoves for campervans.
And remember, Camplify is the quickest and easiest way to arrange campervan hire in New Zealand if you want a camper with a kitchen!
Camp stove fuel types: choosing the best type for your trip
1. Propane
Propane comes in small lightweight canisters that are screwed into the side of the camp stove using an adapter. Most propane camping stoves come with the adapter included.
Propane is a highly efficient camp stove fuel type, meaning it puts out a lot of heat and is quick to cook your food. It also provides a very high level of control over the flame so that it is easy to reach a simmer or a boil.
The best thing about propane is that it works well at sub-freezing temperatures, all the way down to -42℃. This means that it is better for winter camping than butane, which has a higher boiling point of -2℃.
Propane tends to be the most expensive of the four main camping stove fuel types in New Zealand, coming in at about $40 per kg at the time of writing. That’s about $10 per kg more than butane and LPG.
Propane camping stoves are also fairly compact and portable, making them a great choice for your campervan kitchen. Most propane canisters weigh less than 0.5kg and are much smaller than an LPG bottle. However, if you use propane inside your campervan, you will need to make sure that the windows are open and the vehicle is well ventilated.
It can be hard finding stores in New Zealand that sell propane. It is mostly sold in camping stores and some hardware stores.
Pros:
Best camp stove fuel type for winter usage (very cold tolerant).
Highly efficient, easy to light and quick to heat.
Very good flame control.
Lightweight and portable canisters.
Indefinite shelf life (as long as the canister is ok).
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than butane and LPG.
Less readily available than LPG.
Should only be used outside or in a well-ventilated campervan.
Will likely have to take an extra canister in case you run out.
2. Butane
Butane is similar to propane in that it comes in small lightweight canisters that are screwed into the side of the camp stove using an adapter.
Butane is more efficient than propane and puts out about 12% more energy when the same volume of gas is burned. It also provides a very high level of flame control so that you can easily reach a simmer or a boil.
However, butane does not work as well as propane in sub-freezing conditions. Butane will cease working at around -2℃ but propane works well all the way down to -42℃. As such, butane is best left for your summer camping trips.
Butane is the second most expensive of the four main camping stove fuel types in New Zealand, coming in at about $30 per kg at the time of writing. That’s about $10 per kg less than butane but a few dollars more than the average price of LPG.
Also like propane, butane is fairly compact and portable and is a great choice for your campervan kitchen. Most butane canisters weigh less than 0.5kg and are much smaller than an LPG bottle. Again, however, if you use butane inside your campervan, you will need to make sure that the windows are open and the vehicle is well ventilated.
It is relatively easy to buy butane in New Zealand. It is commonly sold in camping and hardware stores.
Pros:
Best camp fuel type for summer usage.
More efficient than propane and LPG.
Slightly more affordable than propane.
Very good flame control.
Lightweight and portable canisters.
Indefinite shelf life (as long as the canister is ok).
Cons:
Not as cold tolerant as propane and not great for winter camping.
Less readily available than LPG.
Should only be used outside or in a highly-ventilated campervan.
Will likely have to take an extra canister in case you run out.
3. LPG
In New Zealand, LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) is the most common camp stove fuel type and is actually just a mixture of propane and butane. Most camping stoves manufactured overseas that take propane can also take LPG.
Because LPG is a combination of both propane and butane, it is highly efficient and provides a decent level of flame control. It also has a very low boiling point, which means it will work well in temperatures down to around -42℃.
Where LPG really shines is its affordability and availability. It is the second most affordable of the four main camping stove fuel types in New Zealand, averaging under $30 per kg at the time of writing. That’s about $10 per kg less than propane and a few dollars less than butane.
LPG is also readily available all over New Zealand at service stations, grocery and hardware stores. Plus, the gas bottles are swappable and refillable.
The downside of LPG is that the bottles usually weigh 4kg or 9kg. This means that they are heavier, larger and less portable than propane and butane canisters. However, once they are secured in your campervan, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern. It is also possible to buy smaller LPG canisters (known as IsoButane/Propane fuel mix) from camping stores.
Pros:
Great fuel type for both summer and winter usage.
Just as efficient as both propane and butane.
More affordable than both propane and butane.
More readily available than both propane and butane.
Refillable and swappable.
Very good flame control.
Indefinite shelf life (as long as the gas bottle is ok).
Cons:
Heavier, larger and less portable than propane and butane.
Should only be used outside or in a well-ventilated campervan.
4. Electricity
Electric induction camp stoves use electricity to heat the plates. This option requires you to plug your campervan into 240v mains power or alternatively you can use a powerful battery and solar setup with an inverter.
Electricity is the most efficient way to power a camp stove and provides the most control over the heat of the stove. Induction stoves can be used safely inside and outside of your campervan, making them great for both summer and winter camping.
Electricity is also the most affordable option, provided the van’s electric system has already been set up. If you are staying at a powered campsite, the electricity will likely be included in the price of the site. And if your solar and battery setup are powerful enough, you can power your induction cooktop for free.
As such, electricity tends to be a great choice for those who mostly camp at powered campsites and caravan parks.
Pros:
Can be used in both summer and winter.
Often the most affordable option (if you’re a van hirer and don’t have to set up the electrics!).
Campervan kitchen stays cooler.
Can be used inside the campervan safely without ventilation.
The most efficient solution.
The most precise temperature control.
Cons:
Requires you to camp at powered sites or have a powerful solar/battery setup.
For a campervan owner, this is more expensive to set up than a gas camp stove.
Hire a van for your New Zealand camping trip
Now that you know the pros and cons of the different camp stove fuel types, you can choose the best option for you. But first, let’s help you find campervan hire in New Zealand with a great kitchen setup so you can either try before you buy or just make sure you can cook to your heart's content on your next camping trip!
Camplify enables campers to quickly search through privately-owned rentals and find the ideal van for their adventure. Simply enter your pickup location, adjust the optional filters and within seconds, you will find the perfect motorhome, caravan or campervan for your camping trip!
Arrange campervan hire on the South Island or campervan hire on the North Island today.
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