How to use a butane camping stove

28th April 2022•Camplify Team

Not sure how to use a butane camping stove? With the right tips and instructions, you can eat delicious meals under the stars without the stress - there’s really no better way to relax and refuel after a day of sightseeing in New Zealand!

Below, we share a simple step-by-step process to setting up and cooking with a butane camping stove, as well as some key safety considerations.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for use as a general guide only. Please consult the instructions and safety manual of the specific butane camping stove you are using before you cook!

How to use a butane camping stove in 4 steps

1. Perform a safety check

When it comes to learning how to use a butane camping stove, safety comes first. A butane camping stove uses butane, which is a highly flammable, liquified gas. This fuels the burner to create a heat source for you to cook on. It’s important to check over the stove before you attempt to get it working. Here’s what you should look out for:

Any signs of damage, dents or holes
Make sure you’re away from any open fires before operating
Find a flat surface where the stove isn’t likely to tip over

2. Load the canister

Before you get started, you need to load the canister. Start by ensuring that the dial is in the off position before you begin.

Next, go ahead and open the butane cartridge compartment. At one end, you will see the latch stove. Line up the top of the canister with the divet and secure it into place.

Go ahead and close the compartment, pushing down the lock lever to secure it into place.

3. Place the cooking grate on top

One of the main advantages of butane cooking stoves is just how compact they are. Usually, the cooking grate is flipped over and placed upside down on top to keep it as small as possible.

Simply remove the grate, turn it over and install it properly in the designated space on top before you begin cooking.

4. Ignite the gas

This step is quick and simple. Turn the dial the entire way around until you hear a click. This will ignite the gas. The flame will catch and you can begin cooking. Once alight, be sure to adjust the gas flow as needed with the dial.

Safety tips to consider

With the above steps, you’ll get the hang of your butane camping stove straight away and find yourself reaching for it every night to make a tasty meal! But it’s also important to stay safe while you cook. Make sure to follow below measures to avoid any mishaps:

1. Always watch the stove while operating

You need to always have an eye on the stove to ensure no little kids with wandering arms reach in, or just in case it tips over.

2. Do not use the stove in an enclosed area

Portable camp stoves are always designed to be used in open, outdoor spaces. Unless the stove states otherwise, make sure to use it outside with plenty of ventilation.

3. Turn the stove off straightaway

As soon as you’re done with cooking, make sure the gas knob is turned off all the way.

If the canister still has gas left, you can leave it inside the camping stove (once again checking the gas knob is turned off) for next use. Be sure to store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

Once the canister is empty, remove and dispose of safely. Pop a new canister in place.

Best butane camping stoves

Now that you know how to use a butane camping stove, it’s time to buy the right one.

1. Gasmate Burner Butane Stove

This double burner butane stove lets you have two pots on the go at once. It’s made from solid steel with a powder coated body and heavy-duty chrome-plated cooking trivets.

The fold-down windshields allow you to cook in all camping conditions. It uses 450gm iso-butane canisters and compacts down to make it easy to travel and store.

Buy now: Gasmate Burner Butane Stove

2. Kiwi Camping Butane Stove Single Burner

This portable butane camping stove comes with a stainless steel cooktop and a very handy carry case, making it nice and easy to transport in a van.

It has a total output of 8,500 BTUs of cooking power, which makes cooking on the go a breeze! The pressure sensitive shut-off safety device makes it a nice and sensible option, with a flame protection ring for added safety.

It uses 220gm bayonet butane canisters.

Buy now: Kiwi Camping Butane Stove Single Burner

Hire a van for your New Zealand camping trip

There’s no better way to see the sights of New Zealand than from the comfort of your own campervan. You’ll have the perks of a home on the road as you explore, travelling at your own pace and enjoying spontaneous adventures along the way.

Even better, when hiring through Camplify, many of the vans come with their own butane camping stove so that you have one less item to worry about (it’s always a good idea to check if one is included beforehand). Sort out campervan hire on the North Island or campervan hire on the South Island to get started!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

Comprehensive hire insurance
Nationwide AA roadside assistance
24/7 customer support
All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.