Looking for a camp stove that won’t cost you a fortune? There are plenty of camping stoves for sale at a range of prices, and the ultra-budget end of the market has gotten surprisingly capable.
I picked up 2 stoves from a lesser-known brand on AliExpress, ran actual boil tests with both, and have thoughts worth sharing.
Here’s what I found.
What I bought
Both stoves are sold on Amazon and AliExpress under a handful of different brand names, but they come from the same manufacturer. I bought mine under the brand “Tarka.”
Prices were:
- Single burner, 3500W: €16 including shipping to the EU
- Triple burner, 5800W: €19 including shipping to the EU
That’s a €3 difference for a lot more stove, as you’ll see.
The test setup
I ran each stove through 2 back-to-back boil tests. Each time:
- 300 ml (10.5 oz) of water starting at 12°C
- Same pot, fully cooled between fills
- Cheap butane canisters, full at the start of each round
This kept the variables tight enough to get a real comparison.
Results
Single burner (3500W)
- Boil time: 2 minutes, 31 seconds
- Fuel used: 11.9 grams
- Fuel per minute: 4.7 grams
- Weight: 246 grams (8.6 oz)
- Gas tube length: 30 cm
Triple burner (5800W)
- Boil time: 1 minute, 35 seconds (56 seconds faster)
- Fuel used: 7.7 grams (4.2 grams less)
- Fuel per minute: 4.8 grams
- Weight: 323 grams (11.5 oz)
- Gas tube length: 45 cm
The triple burner was faster and used less fuel to do the same job. That’s the headline.
One honest note: I didn’t open the triple burner to full blast. The thing goes hard. I pulled back because it felt like it was pushing the limits. At full power, fuel efficiency probably drops, so treat these numbers as a controlled test, not a real-world maximum.
What both stoves do well
Both stoves share most of the same features:
- Piezo ignition built in
- Regulator for gas flow control
- Windscreen
- Same footprint and pack size
- Runs on propane for sub-zero temps or affordable butane for everything else
- Works with those heavy green American propane canisters via a cheap adapter
- Handles a range of cookware, from a small cup to a few liters for pasta. You probably wouldn’t put a full 6L Dutch oven on either one, but most everyday camp cooking is fine.
The gas canister and flow control sit far from the heat, which I genuinely appreciate.
Stability is better than it looks. Both stoves are more stable than top-mount canister stoves. They’re not as stable as a boxy blue campingaz setup, but for a budget hose-style stove, they hold their ground well.
Single burner pros
- Lighter at 246g
- Cheaper upfront
Triple burner pros
- Faster boil time by nearly a minute
- Better fuel economy in testing (which adds up over time)
- The butane adapter has feet, so it stays right-side up and more stable
- 45 cm gas tube gives more distance from the heat
For just €3 more, the triple burner is the better buy if weight is not your main concern. The fuel savings will cover that difference after a few uses.
Where these stoves struggle
Be upfront about the limitations:
- Unknown brand, no warranty. These come from a manufacturer you’ve never heard of and ship in identical boxes.
- The metal hose is a concern. It’s likely a mesh wire over plastic. It may wear out with regular use. Treat it carefully.
- Durability is variable. Some users report 2-plus years of solid use. Others saw issues after a year or so, including burned-out mesh or gas leaks. It depends on how often you use it and how you store it.
- It belongs in an odd middle space. Too heavy for through-hiking, and a single burner feels limited for family car camping. Best used for weekend trips where weight is not critical, or as a backup stove in a chuck box.
How they compare to Jetboil
Jetboil’s specs show it boils 500 ml in about 100 seconds. These budget stoves boil 300 ml in 95 to 151 seconds, so Jetboil is still faster and reportedly about 50% more fuel-efficient. Those numbers were for propane, and I used butane, so it’s not a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
Jetboil wins on efficiency and speed. These budget stoves win on stability and cost. If you want to explore Jetboil options, there are used ones on GearTrade worth looking at, including the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove and the Jetboil MightyMo.
Who should buy one of these budget stoves
These make sense for you if:
- You want a backup stove for car camping or a chuck box
- You don’t want to commit to a single cooking method (fire, charcoal, or gas)
- You only need occasional use and don’t need a warranty
- You want stable, hose-style gas connection without paying $100+
They’re less ideal if you camp frequently, go on long trips, or need something you can count on every single time.
Better options if your budget is higher
If you camp regularly with a family, something like the Camp Chef Everest Camp Stove puts out 20,000 BTU per burner and has a proper windscreen and matchless ignition. The Coleman Classic Two Burner Stove has been around since World War II and still works. Both cost more upfront, but you’re buying longevity and reliability.
The used market on GearTrade often has both at a significant discount, so you can get quality gear without paying full retail.
FAQ
Can I use these budget stoves with a 1 lb green propane canister?
Yes. Both stoves work with standard green propane canisters using a cheap adapter. Keep in mind that propane canisters can ice over if you’re not holding them at the right angle, especially in cooler temperatures.
Are these stoves safe to use?
For occasional casual use, they work. The gas connection and flow control are far from the burner, which reduces risk. The hose is the main concern with long-term use. Inspect it before each trip and replace the stove if you see any signs of wear or cracking.
How do they perform in wind?
Both have a built-in windscreen that works reasonably well. Full blast camp winds will still give you trouble, as with most stoves at this price point. Try to set up in a sheltered spot when you can.
Can I simmer on these stoves?
Yes. Both stoves simmer well at low heat. The regulator gives you good control over the flame, which is one of the better things about the hose-style design.
How do butane and propane compare for camping stoves?
Butane is cheaper and more widely available in smaller canisters, but it performs poorly below freezing. Propane handles cold weather much better. Both of these stoves support both fuel types, so you can switch based on your conditions.
What’s the difference between a top-mount canister stove and a hose-style stove?
Top-mount stoves screw directly onto the canister. They’re lighter but less stable, and the canister gets hot. Hose-style stoves like these connect via a tube, so the canister sits on the ground away from the flame. That gives you more stability and keeps the gas cooler.
Should I buy these on Amazon or AliExpress?
Either works. The same stoves appear under different brand names on both platforms. AliExpress tends to be slightly cheaper, but shipping takes longer. Amazon has faster delivery and easier returns if something goes wrong.
