Based on my experience, the Gas One GS-3400P Stove is the best emergency stove money can buy. It is easy to use, can run on both propane and butane, and has the power to cook the same as one burner on a typical household stove.
This stove may not be the best for your situation, so I also included other options. To be fully prepared, you may need to purchase multiple stoves for different situations.
Power outages can occur unexpectedly, eliminating your ability to boil water or cook food. In these cases, having an emergency stove that doesn’t require electricity is a lifesaver – literally. It is one of the key steps in our power outage preparedness guide.
But, there are many different emergency stoves out there that are designed with varying uses in mind. With so many options available, which one do you choose?
Throughout my life, I have experienced multiple long-term power outages from natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes, and ice storms. I have tried multiple stoves over the past 30 years, including camp stoves, survival stoves, and simple campfires. They each have their pros and cons.
Keep reading so that you can find the best stove for you.
Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Gas One GS-3400P
Dual Fuel
Easy to Use
Heats Quickly
MSRP: $39.99
Vesta Self-Powered Indoor Space Heater & Stove
Heat and Cook
Indoor Safe
Uses Canned Heat
MSRP: $139.95
Outdoor Element Titanium Stove
Only 10.8 Ounces
Easy to Pack
Burns Biomass
MSRP: $59.95
Grayl Titanium Camp Stove
Burns Isobutane
Small
Lightweight
MSRP: $22.95
Coleman Triton + Camp Stove
Dual Burners
Easy Storage
Burns Propane
MSRP: $109.95
EcoZoom Wood Stove
Burns Wood
Efficient Design
Minimal Smoke
MSRP: $159.95
Biolite Camp
Stove 2
Burns Biomass
Generates Power
Minimum Smoke
MSRP: $149.95
The 9 Best Emergency Stoves
Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable Stove – Best Overall
- Heat Output: 8,000 BTU
- Burners: 1
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Fuel: Propane or Butane
- Ignition: Automatic
The Gas One GS-3400P emergency stove is my top choice for an emergency stove because of the price, dual fuel capability, and ease of use. It comes in a durable carry case and can run on propane and butane bottles. The automatic ignition is a nice feature since I do not need a lighter or match to light the stove.
I mainly tested this stove with propane. I find that butane does not heat as well in cold temperatures as propane and is more expensive. It is nice to have the capability to use butane if 1lb propane bottles are not available. I also purchased an adapter hose and run it off of 20lb propane gas grill tanks, making it versatile.
It can bring 2 cups of water to a boil in just a few minutes – faster than the electric stove in my kitchen. The controls are easy to use. But like any stove, I had to get used to what level I needed for cooking specific things.
When cooking a pot of rice, it was hard to judge what heat level would simmer the rice. I initially had it too high, and it overboiled. The residue from the overboiled rice was hard to clean because it got down into the stove. But it still works fine.
This stove is made of metal that is thin, so it is not the most durable. While it is a great emergency stove, it may not be the best choice if you are looking for a stove to use every day. If it gets dropped it will very likely get damaged. But, at only 3.1 pounds and the carry case, I think the lightweight is a good compromise.
If you decide on this one, don’t forget to purchase Propane or Butane Fuel Canisters.
Recommended for:
If you just want an emergency stove that works and is easy to use, get the Gas One GS-3400P. Even if you decide to purchase another of our top picks, you may also want to consider purchasing this one.
PROS
Dual Fuel Capable
Easy to Use
Stable Base
Can Support a Large Pot
CONS
Hard to Clean
Durability Under Heavy Use
Vesta Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove – Best Stove & Heater
- Heat Output: 890-2500 BTU (approximate)
- Burners: One (long enough for two small pots/skillets)
- Weight: 7.6 Pounds
- Fuel: Canned Heat (Diethylene Glycol chafing fuel)
- Ignition: Manual
The Vesta Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove is one of the more unique emergency stoves that I have used.
Instead of using wood or gas for fuel, it uses canned heat, the kind that I sometimes see used to heat food at buffet tables (also called chafing fuel). They are safe for indoor use, and they will not spill if tipped over. This is the safest type of fuel that can be used indoors and are used by caterers every day.
The cans light just like a candle and can be extinguished just by putting the lid back on. They can be used over and over until the fuel inside them runs out.
The stove uses up to three cans at one time, and they will burn for about six hours. There is a tool included that pulls the tray out for changing the cans out. I found the tray gets fairly hot while using it, so the tool is a nice feature.
This stove converts from a stove to heater and back again without having to extinguish the cans. I like that I can use it for heat, and when it is time to cook, I just pull the top of the stove off. This conserves energy and keeps all of the heat in the room.
I found that it took about 15 minutes to boil two cups of water in a small pot. Not terrible, but slower than a gas stove. It also did not bring the water to a rolling boil, but more like a simmer. I find it is great for freeze dried meals like we have in our best emergency food kit guide. However, cooking pasta or rice will take a little longer than other methods.
There is no heat control other than adding or removing the heat cans. As you can see below, three cans are not really needed for cooking. I found two really does all the work anyway.
The top section of the stove has heat fins and a built-in fan that runs just off of the heat from the stove. I found it took a few minutes for it to come up to speed, but once it did, I was surprised how much heat it put out.
While this stove is safer to use than wood or propane stove, it is not as powerful. However, since it is a heater as well, it does have a lot of value in power outages. I found that it will keep a bedroom plenty warm in the wintertime.
Keep in mind that canned heat is more expensive than gas or wood, and to keep it going all day and night I need 12 cans. Depending on your preparedness level, a few days’ supply can get expensive. I recommend buying them in bulk from My Patriot Supply for the best savings.
Recommended for:
The Vesta Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove is for anyone looking for a safe indoor stove that is a heater as well. This is one of the few that does both.
PROS
Stove and Heater
Indoor Safe
Safer than Wood or Gas
Easy to Use
CONS
Heat Cans last 6 Hours
Outdoor Element Titanium Stove – Best Portable Stove
Save 10% off with our code “survivalstoic” at checkout!
- Heat Output: Variable
- Burners: One
- Weight: 10.8 Ounces
- Fuel: Wood, Charcoal, or any other Biomass
- Ignition: Manual
The Outdoor Element Titanium Stove is the best portable survival stove we have found.
This stove includes seven pieces of titanium in a storage sleeve that only weighs 10.8 ounces. The sleeve is only 6.5 inches by 7.5 inches and is about 1/4 inch, so it is easy to store almost anywhere.
To use it, I assemble it into a stove by sliding the sides into groves on each mating side. I then insert the bottom of the stove, the front, and finally the two top rails to hold my cooking container. No tools are needed.
I was able to assemble it without directions, but I would recommend trying it out before you absolutely need it. This way you can get a feel for how it works ahead of time.
Since the stove makes an elevated surface to allow airflow, it is very easy to start a fire inside. I have used dry twigs and sticks that are common to find just laying under trees and bushes. Dry leaves work as well; however, they make more smoke and do not burn for as long.
I can warm and boil water with this stove much quicker than starting a full campfire. The top of the stove also makes a great place for a pot or skillet since the heat is directed upward.
I do find I have to feed it fuel every couple of minutes as it burns quickly. It works better if I gather more than I think I will need before starting it, otherwise I am scrambling looking for more while trying to keep it going.
It does not work very well for large pots or skillets (although I have used a 10 inch Iron skillet on it before.) If you need to cook a large stew or boil a lot of water, it will take a lot of sticks and continuously feeding them to keep the fire going. It is great for small pots or skillets though. If you have more than two people, I recommend two of these or a larger stove.
Recommended for:
The Outdoor Element Titanium Stove is for anyone looking for a portable survival stove for use at home or on the go (like for a bug out bag.) It can burn virtually any biomass fuel and works better than just a campfire.
PROS
Lightweight
Compact
Container Support
Burns Sticks/Leaves
CONS
Only for Small Containers
Burns Fuel Quickly
Grayl Titanium Camp Stove – Best Lightweight Stove
- Heat Output: up to 9,000 BTU
- Burners: One
- Weight: 28 Grams (less than one ounce)
- Fuel: Isobutane
- Ignition: Manual
The Grayl Titanium Camp Stove is the lightest and most compact stove we have used.
This little stove weighs only 28 grams and folds up into a little bag that is only about two inches long and about one inch in diameter. It is intended for lightweight backpackers but also works great in emergencies.
Powered by small isobutane gas backpacking bottles, this stove works anywhere and comes on instantly with just a spark from my lighter or ferro rod. I found that I can boil water in my Pathfinder Nesting Cup (this cup nests into my Grayl Water Filter) in just minutes.
I like to keep this stove in my bug out bag since it is small and lightweight. It works well at home and on the go no when I need to cook a small meal or boil water. It is perfect for freeze dried meals from Nutrient Survival or Mountain House since they only require hot water. (See our best emergency food kits guide for more on these.)
It has an adjustable burner, so I can change the amount of heat output. The valve is a little touchy and small amount makes a big difference. I also found that I have to be careful not to turn it down too much, or it will go off accidentally.
The top legs unfold to hold a small container. I have used a small 4” frying pan on it before, which is perfect for eggs and some sausage. However, it is small and not enough for a family unless you have more than one. It will not hold a larger pot or iron skillet, either.
This stove can be used indoors with proper ventilation. Make sure you have a window cracked so carbon monoxide doesn’t build up.
The only real disadvantage is the fuel source. Of course, once that runs out the stove no longer works. So, it isn’t great for long-term situations.
This stove doesn’t come with fuel, but you can order fuel canisters here.
Recommended for:
The Grayl Titanium Stove is for anyone that needs a small, compact stove that can be used anywhere. It is for short term convenience only.
PROS
Lightweight
Compact
Works Anywhere
Heats Quickly
CONS
Short Term Use Only
Only for Small Containers
Coleman Triton+ Camp Stove – Best Family Emergency Stove
- Heat Output: 22,000 BTU (11,000 each burner)
- Burners: 2
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Fuel: Propane
- Ignition: Push Button
This is the tried-and-true Coleman two-burner camp stove that has been around for years. This new model has push-button ignition, making it easy to use. Two burners are great for larger families and allow me to cook more at once.
The stove has a built-in hinged cover with a heavy-duty latch to keep it closed. This is a nice feature since no separate carry case or bag is needed, and it takes up minimum space in storage. A handle on the back of the stove makes it easy to carry. I found this stove is surprisingly lightweight for its size.
It weighs just around 10 pounds. Note that the knobs are exposed when it is closed, so care must be taken not to break them while transporting or storing the stove.
The stove’s cover also doubles as a windscreen. When cooking outside, the windscreen helps to keep strong gusts of wind from blowing out the burner flame. Finding that your burner is out can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of cooking. I found that this is perhaps the best feature of this stove.
This stove runs on 1lb propane bottles but can also run on a 20lb propane tank with an adapter hose. Having an adapter hose is great for camps stoves and portable heaters. You can have multiple propane tanks ready to go, easily covering cooking and heating in a power outage.
Since the stove is lightweight and the ignition button is fairly stiff, it tends to slide around when lighting it. I found it best to sit it on a non-slip surface. I used a couple of scrap pieces of horse stall mats under the stove, which helped keep the stove from sliding around as much.
If you want to simmer a stew or soup, I found that it was hard to get the stove low enough without turning the burner off. To cook a small amount of rice, it worked better to just let it boil for a few minutes on low and then turn the stove off. I kept the rice covered, and after 15-20 minutes, the rice was cooked. This is likely not an issue if you are cooking a large amount in a large pot.
Recommended for:
The Coleman two-burner camp stove is a great option is for those with larger families or who just want the extra features.
PROS
Easy to Clean
High Heat Output
Easy to Carry
Dual Burners
CONS
Hard to Simmer
Knobs are Exposed
EcoZoom Wood Stove – Best Long-Term Emergency Stove
- Heat Output: Up to 23,000 BTU
- Burners: One
- Weight: 14.25 Pounds
- Fuel: Wood, Charcoal, or any other Biomass
- Ignition: Manual
The EcoZoom Wood Stove functions similarly to a rocket stove but does not look like a rocket stove. Rocket stoves can burn wood, sticks, leaves, or any other type of biomass. Normally, I find rocket stoves are made with square steel tubing and welded together to form a “K” or “L” shape.
The entrances from the side are for fuel and air, and in the center is a hot and efficient combustion chamber. The heat is funneled out the top of the stove, resulting in a minimum amount of smoke.
Unlike traditional rocket stoves, this stove is circular and is a little smaller than a five-gallon bucket. It has a main door for fuel on the side and a smaller door for air just below the main door. The top of the stove has a cast iron plate to rest a pot or pan for cooking.
What sets this apart from other rocket stoves is its stability and insulation. This stove is shaped like a cylinder and is about as tall as it is wide. This gives it great stability, preventing it from tipping over. Most typical rocket stoves are tall, narrow, and unstable without a heavy base.
This stove also has ceramic insulation. Most rocket stoves are just steel tubing and have no insulation. Insulation has two benefits.
The outside of the stove gets warm but not very hot. It also concentrates the heat upward, so it is not lost in the stove’s steel. This makes this stove safer and more efficient than a typical square tubing rocket stove.
This stove has stainless steel handles and can be moved after a fire starts. This also can’t be done with a typical rocket stove.
We found that while you can burn charcoal in this stove, it doesn’t quite burn as hot as sticks and leaves. The charcoal tends to just turn into hot coals. A combination of charcoal and sticks is a great way to keep the fire going.
A few pieces of charcoal in the bottom of the stove stay hot, so I don’t have to be as attentive with feeding sticks. They will stay hot for a while, so I found I can effectively stop feeding sticks to lower the heat level. When ready to crank up the heat again, I feed more sticks into the hot coals.
Recommended for:
Purchase the EcoZoom Wood Stove if you want to a long-term stove option that doesn’t require gas. The efficient design makes it easy to cook with a wood fire.
PROS
Burns Hot and Efficient
Minimal Smoke
Stable
Burns Biomass
CONS
Must Be Used Outside
Temperature Control
Biolite Camp Stove 2 – Best Power-Generating Emergency Stove
- Heat Output: Variable
- Burners: One
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Fuel: Wood or any other Biomass
- Ignition: Manual
The Biolite Camp Stove 2 is also a small wood-burning stove. It packs into about the size of a 32-ounce water bottle and only weighs 2 pounds.
This stove is unique because it has a built-in power pack that is recharged when I have a fire in the stove. The power pack can recharge my phone, lantern, or any other USB device. The stove can burn sticks, pellets, tree bark, pinecones, or any other type of biomass.
The unit also includes a fan and pulls in air from the bottom of the stove. This creates a hot fire that is nearly smoke-free. We did notice some smoke when the fire was initially started, but once the fire got hot, the smoke was very minimal. However, this stove must still be used outside, even though the smoke is less than a regular fire.
The stove has accessories such as a grill pan and a kettle pot. Alone, I can boil a small pot of water and warm soups. It is a small stove, so cooking a large stew for a big family is impossible.
During an extended power outage, I find this little stove great to recharge my USB devices. Most people look to solar panels, but they are expensive and need direct sunlight. I can use this stove anytime.
I found it was easy to just break up a few sticks from my yard and throw them in this stove. The fire will recharge the battery while warming up my coffee, day or night. It even has a built-in light to help me see and keep a fire going at night.
Recommended for:
The Biolite Camp Stove 2 is unique because it also produces electricity. It’s a great backup to other energy-producing methods if you have the extra cash to spend on it.
PROS
Built-in Power Pack
Compact
Lightweight
Minimal Smoke
CONS
Must Be Used Outside
Small
Coleman Bottle Top Stove – Best Small Emergency Stove
- Heat Output: 10,000 BTU
- Burners: 1
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Fuel: Propane
- Ignition: Manual
I like the simplicity of the Coleman Bottle Top Stove. The fewer parts a stove has, the less likely something will go wrong. In an emergency, simple often works better than fancy. This stove screws right onto the top of a 1-pound propane bottle, and the only moving part is the control knob.
The stove has a plastic base for the propane bottle to sit on. The base makes the stove stable, but the main issue is the height of the stove. The total height is about 14 inches, so when I sit a pot on top of it, I don’t like that I have a hot pot of food fairly high over a table or counter.
One gentle bump and the pot can get knocked off the stove, crashing to the table or ground. I find I must ensure the stove is level and be very careful not to bump into it when using it. It’s not necessarily great for those with children for this reason.
While the stove is compact, it does not pack well or come with a case. If heavy items hit it in a bag, it could be damaged. I just leave mine in the box, which stays on the shelf, ready for an emergency.
This stove may not be large enough if you have a large family. But keep in mind you can always buy multiple ones.
Recommended for:
Even if you buy our top pick, the Coleman Bottle Top Stove is a great backup since it runs on common propane bottles. It is simple, inexpensive, and reliable. However, it may not work best for larger families or those with children.
PROS
Compact
High Heat Output
Simple, Robust Design
CONS
Cook Height
No Case
Not Good Around Children
Mr. Heater Buddy Flex Cooker
- Heat Output: 6,000-8,000 BTU
- Burners: One
- Weight: 5.6 Pounds
- Fuel: Propane
- Ignition: Push Button
The Mr. Heater Buddy Flex Cooker is an indoor safe emergency stove that runs on propane.
This stove has a quick disconnect gas hose that connects to the Mr. Heater Buddy Flex Heater. It is intended to be used as a combo emergency heat and stove (although you have to purchase the heater separately).
I like this combo since there is only one gas source I have to worry about. I can use it with or without the heater being on, so it is useful any time of year.
The stove pulls propane from the tank in the heater, which can be smaller one-pound bottles or with an adapter hose a 20 pound gas grill type bottle.
The stove has a built-in ignition system and I found it is easy to light without a separate spark or flame. It does require an AAA battery though.
I like how the stove has a built-in attachment bracket to the heater. When I am not using them, I can store them both as one unit. The hose also stores nicely under the stove.
I found that this stove will support a larger pot or frying pan, and since it is low profile, it is great for families. I don’t have to worry as much about the kids knocking it over. The built in safety features (Low oxygen, Tip Switch, and Thermal shutdown) and nice to have as well.
You can make this stove work without the heater if you have a hose adapter and a propane regulator. But the value is using it in conjunction with the heater. Otherwise, our top pick is a better choice.
Recommended for:
Mr. Heater Buddy Flex Cooker is for anyone that has a family and needs a heater/stove combo that is indoor safe. This is a great combo to prepare for power outages.
PROS
Sturdy
Indoor Safe
Large Cook Area
Combo with Heater
CONS
Requires Separate Heater
Price Higher Than Others
Tips for Choosing the Best Emergency Stove for Power Outages
When deciding which emergency stove (or stoves) is right for you, there are a few items to consider:
- Which fuel type is best
- Fuel availability
- Where do you live and how much storage space you have
- Where do you plan to use your stove
- How big is your family
- Short term vs. long term use
Let’s look at each of these factors in turn.
Fuel Type
In this review we recommended either gas or wood/biomass fueled stoves. Some pros and cons should be considered for each as you prepare.
Gas-fueled stoves are easy to operate and provide heat instantly. They can operate in a variety of environments and weather conditions. Most importantly, some can be used inside with proper ventilation.
However, to use a gas-fueled stove, you must have fuel stored. Once you run out, they are useless until you find more. Most power outages only last a few days, but in some cases, they can last much longer. The winter of 2021 in Texas is a good example of an extended power outage when many were without power for many days.
Wood/biomass fueled stoves have an endless fuel supply unless you are in the desert or an urban environment. Even then, while fuel may be harder to find, you can likely find something that will burn. However, finding dry fuel may be an issue if the weather is very wet.
Having a survival fire starting kit and some dry kindling stored can be extremely useful. See our guides on the best bushcraft saw and best bushcraft hatchet for some good options to keep on hand for cutting wood.
The one glaring negative that must be considered is that you can’t use a wood-burning stove inside. Burning wood causes too much smoke and carbon monoxide, which is very dangerous in an enclosed environment.
You must also constantly attend to a wood fire and feed it fuel. A gas stove does not require continued attention to keep it burning. In addition, the heat from a gas stove can be adjusted easily and quickly. A wood stove requires fuel to be added or removed or dampers to be adjusted.
Where You Live
Where you live greatly influences which emergency stove is the best for you. If you live in an apartment, you need something compact. Unless your apartment is in more of a rural area, you probably don’t have much room to cook outside.
In this case, a smaller gas stove/heater combo is the best choice. If you live in a home with property and trees and have a covered area to cook, then a wood stove makes a lot of sense.
Where Will You Use the Emergency Stove
Do you anticipate that you will want to cook inside or outside? As I mentioned, wood stoves must be used outside, and gas stoves can be used inside (with care) or outside. In the US, power outages usually occur because of winter weather, tropical storms, or tornados.
During the winter, cooking outside can be done, but it is usually cold. It is certainly more desirable to cook inside when it is very cold. If you live in an area where the winters are not very cold, cooking outside year around may be fine for you.
Family Size
The size of your family, as you already know, determines how much food you need to cook or how much water you need to boil. One of the smaller stoves on our list may not be large enough to cook everything you need for a large family.
You may need to consider purchasing multiple stoves and extra fuel if your family is larger than 3 or 4 people.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use
Should you prepare to need your emergency stove for a few days or a few weeks? This is a personal decision that everyone must make. Most power outages are restored in less than five days. The keyword in that sentence is the most.
What if the emergency is more widespread and the power is out for weeks? If you only have a gas stove, you will eventually run out of fuel. Wood, leaves, and sticks are one of the earth’s most plentiful renewable resources. If you want to prepare for the long-term situation, consider a wood stove.
Safety
During power outages, stress levels are high, and it is easy to forget safety. Every year, at least 430 people succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages from improperly using stoves, heaters, and generators.
If you plan to use a gas stove inside, ensure the room is properly ventilated. Place your gas stove near the vent hood over your kitchen stove. Directly under it is ideal. The best way to ensure the carbon monoxide level in your home is safe is to also purchase a carbon monoxide monitor.
For emergencies, a portable battery-powered meter is the best. Store two sets of batteries with the meter. Also, do not store the meter with the batteries installed.
Anytime flames are involved, make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. Accidents can happen to all of us, but not being prepared to extinguish a small fire often results in a big fire.
Also, wear gloves when using a stove that you are not familiar with. Small stoves can be unstable, and grabbing something that is falling is a normal reaction. Leather work gloves are sufficient to protect your hands from something hot for a few seconds.
Helpful Emergency Stove Accessories
Get Prepared for Power Outages
Overall, we recommend the Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable Stove as the best emergency stove. It is easy and safe to use, has dual fuel capability, and is powerful enough to cook a large pot of stew. It is also a great way to boil water without electricity.
Depending on where you live, the size of your family, and your preferences, you may also want to consider one of the other stoves. To be fully prepared, choose a large or small gas stove plus a wood-burning stove. This will give you a backup gas stove and a wood-burning stove for longer-term power outages.
You never know when the next emergency will happen. I woke up a few years ago to a natural disaster, and our power was out for a week. To prepare for a power outage, be sure to read our full how to start prepping guide and how to prepare for a food shortage as well. Make sure you are prepared!
Go Back to the Prepping Guide
