While the propane stove is the stove of choice for camping beginners, it is far from perfect. There are many aspects of propane stoves that are less ideal compared to gasoline stoves but they have their strengths as well.

Heating Efficiency

Pressure decreases as the cartridge of a propane burner empties making them less efficient when there is little fuel left. Temperature and altitude also has a big effect on efficiency. You may not be able to start a propane stove in sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes.

Reliability

A backpacking stove must be able to take rough handling and still work perfectly|Conditions inside you backpack and you body movement subject the stove to constant abuse. You can’t have a broken stove on a backpacking trip. Stoves should be made of strong material but this makes the stove heavy.

Today’s propane stoves, however, are much more reliable with consistency in weight and pressure. Recent developments in design even make it usable in sub-zero temperatures. It all comes down to design rather than the type of fuel used.

Weight

Propane stoves (used for backpacking) are lighter than liquid fuel camping stoves but the fuel is much more heavier. Using bigger cartridges on a long trip will save you a little bit of weight. A bigger cannister means that you will be carrying less metal for the same amount of fuel compared to carrying smaller cannisters.

Litter

Litter is a big problem with propane stoves. Empty fuel cannisters cannot be reused and needs to be disposed. To protect the environment you should carry empty cannisters with you until you find the right place to throw them away. Never throw away the cartridges on the trail because it’s not very nice.

Convenience

To light up a propane stove, all you need to do is turn the knob and light up the gas. Some even come with automatic ignitions you don’t even need to light up the gas. They’re also cleaner and quieter.

Safety

A liquid fuel stove can get quite unpredictable when you’re lighting it up. Even though a propane stove is safer to use inside a tent, we don’t recommend it but if you have to, make there is adequate ventilation. Without good ventilation, you may be breathing in carbon monoxide which could lead to death or dementia. There is also a risk of fire when using a stove near flammable material like your tent and sleeping bag. Due to the unpredictability nature of starting up liquid fuel stoves, never use them inside a tent.

Propane stoves are known to blow up due to broken or missing parts. A stove that is simple reduces the chance of it being broken.

Fuel Availability

Gasoline stoves can use fuel that is readily available. A particular type of cartridge for your stove may not be available everywhere so need to take that into consideration.

Cost

Even though propane stoves are cheaper, the fuel is much more expensive. You might end up paying 5 to 10 times more on fuel.