Best Overall$50-$70
Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove
The most widely recommended car camping stove across sources, praised for reliability and value. Wirecutter's top pick after five years of testing, with enough power to cook scrambled eggs in 4 minutes.
If you camp even twice a year, just buy the Coleman Classic and stop researching. It's the stove everyone ends up with after trying everything else.
Pros
- Proven reliability — users report 30+ years of use
- Wirecutter top pick after five years of hands-on testing
- Good low-heat control for a camp stove
- Widely available and easy to find replacement parts
Cons
- Burns through 1-lb propane canisters quickly at high power
- Not ideal for backpacking — designed for car camping/picnic tables
- Basic design lacks premium features of more expensive models
“After five years of testing, the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove remains the best all-around camping stove for most people.”
— Wirecutter