Camping Stove Fuel Comparison
The fuel you choose for your camping stove affects weight, cost, convenience, and cold-weather performance. This guide compares all common camping fuel types available in the UK, with real-world figures for burn time, boil speeds, and cost so you can make an informed choice for your next trip.
Fuel Type Comparison
| Fuel Type | Energy (kJ/g) | Boil 1 L (~) | Burn Time per 100 g | Cost per Hour | Cold Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isobutane/propane mix | 49.3 | 3–4 min | ~60 min | £0.40–0.60 | Good to −10°C |
| Butane canister | 49.5 | 3–5 min | ~55 min | £0.30–0.50 | Poor below 0°C |
| Propane (resealable) | 50.3 | 3–4 min | ~50 min | £0.25–0.45 | Excellent to −40°C |
| White gas / petrol (liquid fuel) | 47.3 | 3–5 min | ~45 min | £0.20–0.35 | Excellent (requires priming) |
| Methylated spirits (meths) | 23.8 | 8–12 min | ~25 min | £0.15–0.25 | Moderate (slow in cold) |
| Solid fuel tablets (Esbit) | 31.0 | 10–15 min | ~20 min | £0.50–0.80 | Moderate (wind-sensitive) |
Boil times and burn rates are approximate and depend on stove design, altitude, wind conditions, and starting water temperature. Costs based on typical UK retail prices (2025).
Gas Canister Sizes & Capacity
| Canister Size | Total Weight (approx.) | Burn Time | Litres Boiled | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 190 g | ~60 min | ~20 L | 1–2 nights solo |
| 230 g | 360 g | ~140 min | ~45 L | Weekend trip solo, 1–2 nights for two |
| 450 g | 640 g | ~270 min | ~90 L | Multi-day trip, group of 2–3 |
Pros & Cons Summary
| Fuel Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Gas canister | Convenient, clean, instant on/off, simmering control | Empty canister waste, poor in extreme cold, hard to gauge remaining fuel |
| Liquid fuel | Best cold-weather performance, refillable, versatile fuel sources | Requires priming, maintenance, spill risk, heavier stove |
| Methylated spirits | Ultralight stoves, silent operation, cheap fuel, easy to source in UK | Slow boil, low energy density, no simmer control, invisible flame |
| Solid fuel tablets | Lightest stove option, no spill risk, compact | Slowest, residue on pots, wind-sensitive, limited heat output |
Calculate Your Fuel Needs
Work out exactly how much fuel to carry for your trip:
- Fuel Canister Calculator — estimate gas canister usage based on trip length, meals, and water boiling needs
Performance figures are based on typical conditions at sea level in still air. Wind, altitude, and cold significantly reduce efficiency. Always carry slightly more fuel than calculated, especially for winter trips. Never use camping stoves inside an enclosed tent — carbon monoxide is odourless and lethal.