Best camping grills according to redditors
We found 80 Reddit comments discussing the best camping grills. We ranked the 25 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 80 Reddit comments discussing the best camping grills. We ranked the 25 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
It’s a solid fuel camp stove. The metal part folds out and you sit a pot on top of it. The fuel blocks are burned one at a time but are stored inside of it when not in use.
Edit: similar to this
This grill from UCO/Amazon is similar, check it out
http://www.amazon.com/UCO-Grilliput-Portable-Camping-Grill/dp/B000980JMW
Camping stoves are less than $10, and the fuel will last for a couple days worth of dinners. Fried eggs and Grilled cheese can help keep you warm!
Plus you can justify the cost by actually using the food you've already got. Plan B would be to buy the fuel and make a stove out of a used can, but that's more dangerous for most people.
I vary between grilling and reheating on longer trips. Food that I need to reheat can be frozen at home and defrosts in the cooler. If you’re car camping, I pack a grill to use in the campgrounds fireplace. I use one like this, but I cut the legs down a bit as I usually grill on charcoals, not wood.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-62518-Folding-Campfire-Grill/dp/B078SWBDQQ/ref=zg_bs_3401041_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=6RVVH9EDH0T8V3NTBA48
The first few nights out, I may grill London broil or marinated chicken thighs, corn grilled in it’s husk (like Mexican street corn) or potatoes wrapped in foil and dropped on the coals. These require some attention to make and are great if you have a few people to help with shucking and wrapping. If you go this route, remember to pack salt/pepper, toppings, and a decent carving knife.
Alternatively, I may make one pot meals like goulash, jambalaya, chili, etc at home and reheat. I like these when the weather is cooler and I want cooking to be less of an event. These also only need a stove, but you can reheat bread (wrapped in foil) or tortillas on the fire.
If you want to get real creative, get a Dutch oven and you can have pizza, fruit cobblers, cinnamon buns, cookies, biscuits, ... A Dutch oven is a cast iron or cast aluminum pot with a dished lid you place coals on, to bake the contents. This is probably a stretch for your first trip, but it can be fun, especially with kids. Don’t get the wrong idea here - for the ingredients I use the biscuits, cookies, cinnamon buns that come in those cardboard tubes - this isn’t pasty-chef baking. Here is one, but you will need a hook to rotate the lid for even cooking.
https://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Cast-Dutch-Handles-Handle/dp/B00019H602/ref=sr_1_18?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549465066&sr=1-18&keywords=Dutch+oven+camp
To keep the critters away, make sure you don’t cook more than you can eat, burn your paper trash, and bag the rest. Don’t dump grease as it attracts animals. If you can, strain your dish cleaning water so the food can be put in the trash and not dumped on the ground.
Edit: I forgot to say to have fun, and welcome to camping!
-This was generous gift from my SO's mom. It may not be the best tent out there, but at free it can't be beat.
-Got this for its small size and light weight. Future winter camping trips are a possibility, in which case I plan on snagging a wool blanket of sleeping bag liner.
-Simple basic sleeping pad, I've been using these since scouts and have wanted for nothing more, especially because of its light weight.
-In the event of winter camping, is this enough to insulate from the ground? If not, what could be added to my sleep system to keep me insulated from the ground?
-Lightweight and simple, these were cheap and seemed straight forward.
-They stack with the majority of either piece's empty space facing each other, allowing for decently dry storage for matches etc. inside.
-Comes with a tight fitting mesh ditty bag
-Another straight forward and cheap piece,
-This is really an optional piece, I plan on bringing it along on trips with big groups or when cooking meat is in the cards.
-These are the camping gold standard in my book, been using them since scouts.
-Came in a decently affordable combo pack, plan on using them for food/toiletries storage and bear bags.
-Love this little knife, cheap but durable and was a shaver straight out of the box.
-Came with a super thick plastic sheath
9)Hatchet: Estwing Hatchet - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TNWD40?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
-Heard this was a classic, people say they've still got the one's their grandfather's used. It's heavy, but I'm happy with the tradeoff.
-Got it sharpened well enough to cleanly slice through paper at the moment
-Great sharpener, pretty much the go to field sharpener from what I've gathered.
-Only took a couple minutes to learn how to use, the only hard part is consistently following the bevel through each stroke, but it gets easier.
-Very great, medium size towels with their own tote
-Seems great, picked it up at REI physical store then read reviews and got spooked, we'll see though, a minority of the reviewers swear by it.
-Just in case it sucks, any suggestions for a collapsible water container of equal size/price?
-These came free with my water filter, and they have many good reviews. If they do well, I may buy some extras.
-More showing of my primitivist ass, and I thought I could take some weight off of my SO by carrying enough water for the two of us.
-Got these a long time ago when I knew less, they are pretty bulky and my first item I want to replace
-SO's mom gifted this this Christmas, so amazing and thoughtful, one of the best gifts I've ever gotten and I love the color
-Pack of flashlights (might not bring all four) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V639BNC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01
Items not shown:
-Always a tin or bag of Drum Tobacco and papers
-Kindle, old generation one
-Collapsible trowel
-Paracord
-Burlap shoulder bag for gathering kindling etc
Items still wanted (suggestions greatly appreciated):
-Knife for SO
-Work gloves
-Plastic flasks for booze
-Belt pouch
-Higher quality tarp
-Knife Sharpener
-Sleeping bag liner or wool blanket
-Any food suggestions!
-Rain cover for pack
-Smell proof food bags
I don't have much experience outside of scouts, so I'm very open to critique of my setup. I will warn that I am very much into primitivism, and camping for me is a gateway to a backcountry, esthetic lifestyle I one day I hope to live, so some of my gear choices may not always be the most efficient. Any advice from a primitivist or purist standpoint is doubly appreciated.
Coghlans 8770 Pack Grill https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OPHA0S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K6jjyb7EE1RFC
Well, that's only the top part. You still need the fuel.
I initially thought you were linking to something like the Esbit stove. I have one. Was able to warm up a can of ravioli and make some hot tea.
This probably answers most of your questions. I would do a dry run of setting up your tent when you get it so you know what you are doing before you get to the camp site. Bring any tools you might need for this (usually a hammer/mallet so you can knock in the tent pegs to keep it attached to the ground.) Look up the campground you want to visit and make a reservation. I'm pretty sure all the green pass sites have an online reservation system. Most campsites allow fires but will have restrictions/rules regarding them. Make sure you figure those out once you decide on where you want to reserve. I have a pack grill I always bring with me. You can throw it over any kind of fire pit they might have there. Sometimes they have grills there for you to use. Otherwise grab a sleeping bag, some clothes, your food and water and have fun!
I have one of these I've used a few times. Super lightweight and gets the job done. http://www.amazon.com/UCO-Grilliput-Portable-Camping-9-Inch/dp/B000980JMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462917629&sr=8-2&keywords=portable+camping+grill
Here's a nice ribeye beginning its journey.
I really like the grill pictured. Small and packs easy. Not the simplest thing to put together, but there is something zen about putting all the spokes in place. Had it for a year now and still hanging in there.
UCO Grilliput Portable Camping Grill
I'm fully clothed wearing a coat. Homeless challenge.
Backpack - $12.95
headlamp - $10.17
sleeping bag - $24.00
travel toothbrush + paste set - $4.90
Dr Bronner Soap - $4.99
baby wipes - $3.95
Good pocket knife - $12.99 metal spork - $2.16 pot - $8.96 stove + fuel - $10.99 $96.06 add on a bottle of water and bic lighter from a store and that's it.
i just ran a good sized cub scout camping trip with 47 people. for dinner, we had tinfoil packet cooking and we had about 1/3lb of meat per person + 5lbs of hot dogs plus a lot of potatoes, carrots, bell peppers and onions. this was not enough. nothing came home. so, i doubt 1/4lb will be enough. i'd bump that up to at least 1/3lb and maybe even closer to 1/2lb. don't forget, the meat is going to shrink as you cook it.
we just made tacos at home. 1 good sized tomato was plenty for my family of 5 with leftovers. maybe figure 1 tomato per 7 people. if you shred up lettuce, i'm betting 2 heads will be plenty. people don't put a lot of tomatoes and lettuce on tacos. get a big bag of pre-shredded cheese too.
we make breakfast burritos for our camp breakfast, but we premake them. we made 50 burritos using 10" wraps at home. then, on that morning we get a fire going and put the foil wrapped wraps on campfire grills over the coals. i used 10 quarts of pre-scrambled eggs, about 45 slices of cheese and 30 sausage patties. they are a huge hit every time and make breakfast so much easier since all of the heavy lifting is done at home. we made about 20 sausage, egg and cheese, 20 egg and cheese and 10 just egg. next time, i would make 30 sausage/egg/cheese, 20 egg/cheese and maybe 3 just egg.
i HIGHLY recommend checking your area for a restaurant supply place. the one by me, Restaurant Depot, only serves restaurant and food businesses, but also allows for non-profits to use it as well. their prices are much better than Costco for bulk items, but be realistic about what you need in bulk. i've got about 7lbs of sausage patties and a huge pack of american cheese sitting in my fridge now. i think i can keep the sausage in the freezer until our next trip, but it was total overkill.
that looks like a ripoff of the Grilliput, lots of places sell it:
http://www.amazon.com/UCO-Grilliput-Portable-Camping-Grill/dp/B000980JMW
As others have said, it really depends on what you are doing and what you plan to cook.
For car camping, I've got a big dual burner Coleman propane stove. With a griddle, I can cook up bacon, eggs, and potatoes and feed an army. I also use this stove for BBQs and backyard parties, it's a beast. If I were to buy one now I'd probably get a Camp Chef Everest.
If I'm car camping but flying to my destination, or backpacking and want to do a little cooking, I'll bring a Kovea Supalite (without the piezo). It's a great little Ti stove, big enough to hold a normal size frying pan but folds up nice and small. The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is very similar.
When I'm just out on my own and only need to heat a mug of water for freeze dried meals, I'll bring the BRS-3000T. Got it on Amazon for $12, it's a nice litte stove... but some have had issues with the stand collapsing from heat when running full blast. I don't use it full open to conserve fuel so I haven't had a problem. The BRS-3000T is a knock-off of the Fire-Maple FMS-300T (which I didn't know at the time); I picked up the US version for my son, the Olicamp Ion Micro Ti, again a great little stove.
I've got an old Jetboil (link to the updated version); it's an integrated stove which means the pot is connected to the stove; this can be useful in some situations. The main benefit of the Jetboil is that the pot has a heat exchanger so it's very efficient heating water. With the integration and heat exchanger, it's a bit heavy compared to other options, but it's very convenient. I don't bring it backpacking too often due to the weight, but it goes car camping so I can heat water for coffee while other things are cooking on the dual burner propane stove. Today, I'd probably get the MSR Windburner or the Fire-Maple FMS-X2.
Lastly, I've made several alcohol stoves BITD. The benefit of an alcohol stove is that you can make one for free, you only need to bring as much fuel as you're going to use (as opposed to a canister where you may end up carrying around a half-empty canister at the end of the trip). One downside is that it's slow, in the mornings I like to have my water heated quickly for coffee. Another is that it's considered an open fire, some places with fire restrictions won't allow a stove that doesn't have a valve to turn it off.
Well that can be a long list... here goes though:
Water
Dehydrated food
Cooking utensils (I just bring a small pot/cup and a spork personally)
Stove
Sleeping bag
Tent (two pound, two person from Big 5)
550 paracord
2 tarps
Katadyn base camp filter
Sunshade for camping pad
Multi-tool
Compass
Map
Lighter & matches
Water purifying tablets
I'm sure I'm leaving a few things off, but those are several of the basics
I use an alcohol stove. The one I have is made by these guys from those heavy aluminum beer bottles. It will not crush easily and comes with a windscreen. You could just make your own though.
There are other companies who make alcohol stoves and even sell them on Amazon.
Lots of people like Esbit stoves but the fuel is harder to come by.
For a canister stoves I think UL folks go with the MSR Pocket Rocket but I am not sure because I haven't used one in over 8 years.
I just recently went on my first backpacking trip. It was just an overnight trip, but I used this: http://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO
It was the cheapest (10 dollars including enough fuel for a day or two), smallest stove I could find, it was rated well and I got free shipping. After using it, I was very happy with it. I used it to boil water for coffee, and I cooked hotdogs and chili with it as well.
I was literally just using it on the ground (and I only brought a small lantern and some glow-sticks with me for light. I was able to cook on it in the dark nonetheless. Super easy and effective.
If I decide to go on longer trips, I might get something bigger, but then again I might not. It's pretty awesome.
The only downside is that the fuel has a bad odor, and you have to wash your hands (or wear gloves) when handling it. Simple problem to fix though. Just don't sit downwind of it and keep your food covered if possible.
Pretty sure this is a portable camp stove. You would maybe soak that pad in alcohol and set a pot on top. Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1539965937&sr=8-14&keywords=camp+stove+folding
Pot $12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Z10XTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_ZcYNyb0J85PK0
Folding stove and fuel $10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C1UGVO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_phYNybV3AVZ1B
Not throwing money at a deceptive half assed kickstarter $ !=
Edit: and look a huge kit on sale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GG5FXHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_zkYNybKKJMJZR
Over the past year I've been piecing together camping gear. I ultimately plan on doing backpacking trips once I become a more experienced camper, and graduate college. Growing up, I went camping frequently but never really did any backpacking or primitive camping where you have to hike to the campsite - my dad always took us to the campsites you can drive up to. My friend, who boasts about the camping etiquette and survival skills he learned in boy scouts, justly criticizes my experience camping - which is limited to campsites that don't require you to pack light and have easy access to water (and restrooms). For example, I've never had the opportunity of digging a hole to shit in. Do I just dig a hole with my hands? Do I need to bring a shovel? How much toilet paper do I need to bring for a 2-3 day trip? I know I have to bring the used paper with me, so how do you recommend carrying trash in general?
Things like this I figure I'd learn overtime. And I do plan on pacing myself; I'm going to work my way up from 1-2 day trips to 2-3 day trips to 4-5 day trips, and ultimately something like the Appalachian Trail. My favorite place to go camping is Big Bend National Park, and there's a 2-3 day trip I'd like to do sometime this year.
I guess my main questions are:
Here's a list of my gear:
Also, I plan on getting a pair of hiking boots this summer. Any suggestions?
edit: grammar
Wow. Yea I can see that.
Someone should write a book; a street survival nutrition guide. It's not easy to buy the kind of food that works best in those situations from regular grocery stores.
Edit: we've been fly fishing out in the middle of nowhere for so long I can cook a surprising amount of stuff on this little stove the size of a pack of cigarettes, called an Esbit stove. Once you have the little stove, moreover, which costs about $10, the solid fuel pellets are really cheap. I could write an Esbit stove healthy field cooking cookbook.
That would really suck. I wonder if there's any way I could call them and ask. I need that full size grill! It's so god damn awesome to just grill like 2 lbs of steak and burgers at the same time! I was thinking of getting one of these if necessary: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Road-Propane-Portable-Grill/dp/B00GPEKBPE, but I'd totally rather just take the big boy.
Here is that one-
https://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Grill-Stainless-Strength-Expedition/dp/B06XTZ6MXD
and here is something similar, but a little larger-
https://www.amazon.com/DRIX-Outdoors-Stainless-Lightweight-Backpacking/dp/B07BZCM4KP/
Sounds like youre looking for something fun and comforting to carry for your group. If youre able to cook steaks on a campfire, a portable grill like this is nice to have for the group. I bring one for the casual weekender trips for my friends and I to cook on. Although, they are small so depending on your group it might be best to bring multiple!
 
A small lantern is also something that can bring comfort around camp during night time, I bring a Snow Peak Mini Hozuki. Its a great yellow light that has dimming settings we use to play cards or illuminate our mini bar lol.
Here's a simple folding grill.
Lodge and Camp Chef have tripods for Dutch ovens or grills that can hold skillets or food over your fire pit.
Here are links for a few, different, swivel, grills.
This one is smaller,lighter,cheaper and has a !arger grilling surface https://www.amazon.com/Chiefmax-Portable-Folding-Camping-Grill/dp/B01KGNUSS4
This is the one I have.
Purchases so far:
On the to-buy list, I'm hoping to get into ultralight + hammock camping for the summer:
Also do you guys have any recommendations for a warm-weather sleeping bag? I live in GA so past April, the lows only get into the 60-70 range on a "cold" night. I'm almost leaning towards Hammock + just a warm camp blanket. Any thoughts?
There's a chance you have this stuff listed, but I'm not seeing it...
I see tarp and stakes, but no rope.
Not seeing cutlery.
You'll want bungee cords if there might be raccoons trying to get into your food at night.
Lighter fluid is nice to have if you need it.
Paper towels.
Real, regular towels.
Percolator if you like coffee.
​
These are really nice to have (anything like that) in case the grill surface is too high: https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Pack-Grill-12-5x6-25-Inch/dp/B003UAIQ1C/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=camping+grill&pd_rd_i=B003UAIQ1C&pd_rd_r=6e8e42b9-b154-4a68-8ecf-780982547952&pd_rd_w=rb9I8&pd_rd_wg=tFXoR&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=1FE2S2YM4NXFAENDCFKR&qid=1563960110&s=sporting-goods
​
As are these (you don't want to be at the mercy of a camp fire for 6 days) https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Camp-Bistro-1-Burner-Butane-Camp-Stove/34761205
There's nothing cool about it, it's an 18lb waste of space.
It has 132 square inches of grill top. This has nearly double the grill space if you have a family to feed, or if you are okay with smaller for 1-2 people? This is the standard go-to grill for camping
First Aid Kit - you might not need it ever, but you should always have it. All kits are different but there are fundamental items that should be carried, you can check out the NOLS Kits
and either buy one or for less, make your own that is custom to your needs and desires.
Tools - First, carry a knife that can cut decent size branches, again, you might not need it but its good to have. Second, I recommend getting a water filter such as a Sawyer mini or Katadyn Be Free as they are both lightweight and will probably decrease your pack weight if you hike near water. Third, Fire can be helpful in many situations but must be used carefully and with respect. If you live somewhere that allows it, a wood burning camp stove will be worth some warmth and also allow you to cook if you bring along a mess set. I personally use an MSR Pocket Rocket. As a day hiker, you might not use a stove often but it's not bad to have if you do longer hikes or are far from civilization so if that's the case, look into tablet stoves. generally, you should have a lighter or two just in case. You may also consider carrying a survival blanket just in case (as goes for most these objects).
The Front Pouch - So the idea behind having this pouch is to have things that you want quick access too on the trail, the most important of which is your map. Navigation is important when hiking so if you're not familiar with an area buy a map and bring a compass. I personally don't use a compass but I've learned how to navigate without one, however you should always have a map. You may also need to have a permit for some hiking areas and it's nice to have within reach, usually with your map. you may also like to have TP and a camp trowel in there so that it is not hard to find at the wrong moment. along with that, a trash bag of any kind should be carried. Finally, carry snacks in there so that you don't have to dig around to find them.
Summary - This is all advice from a Backpacker so there will be many things you don't need on every hike but could save your life if you get caught in a bad situation, many of the objects I recommend are the same. If I'm close to home or not going out too far on a day hike, I usually carry a Knife, Be Free Filter, Lighter/Stove (depending on mileage) an extra coat, and extra food, but each hike and hiker are different. You will eventually find a system that works well for you, but it's always good to carry things that make life on the trail easier and can get you through a night in the wild. With thought on my comment, you should also check out the Ten Essentials as they will almost always be worth their weight.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
There are a lot of really cool camping things! I'll be back to edit this post on my computer with some things that we like / are unique /cool
EDIT - these are things that we use that we love. These things all range in price, so hopefully you can find one or two to fit whatever budget you have.
Other general items that are useful: Climbing/heavy duty carabiners (to clip stuff to other stuff. you can even get locking ones); water filters (if you get a Lifestraw, I recommend the water bottle. The actual Lifestraw is an interesting idea, but we've found in practice it's a little awkward); hammocks with nice straps; base layers; battery-operated lights of any kind (especially ones that clip or are hands-free); a set of waterproof cards (to pass the time on a break); nice, wicking socks; hiking poles; a camping knife.
I haven't tried Cairn (the camping sub box) but they always look interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Heavy-Duty-Swivel-Grill/dp/B004XAT4OG/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1397856888&sr=8-48&keywords=camping+grill
http://www.amazon.com/Campfire-Pit-Grill-Non-stick-Grilling/dp/B00IM31JAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397856913&sr=8-2&keywords=camping+grill+swivel
seems the search keyword you're looking for is swivel grill
Then go with the MSR Whisperlite that /u/gcranston recommends. However, it doesn't use ISO-Butane as suggested. It uses white gas. It is very easy to get a hold of here in the US. I have had one for almost 20 years and it still works wonderfully.
You have to purchase the bottle separately, but they aren't that expensive. Just make sure that you use a windscreen. It improves the cooking time significantly. You can easily make one.
I've used the Esbit (http://amzn.com/B001C1UGVO) stoves before too and they work. They don't work super fast, but if you are cooking something for one, you can't really get any cheaper. If you are only cooking for yourself or just heating things up, these little stoves work well. Every time I have used one, I have had people tell me that it will never work, how silly I look with them and how cheap I am, but they are small and cheap. Again, you need a windscreen for these to work.
It looks pretty flimsy :/ If I was to get a "lightweight" grill for camping I would just get this.
Here is from the budget backpacker:
Stove: esbit is 6.3 oz with 6 fuel cubes (weight includes fuel) for <$11.00: http://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1462135828&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=esbit+stove
Pot: GSI stainless weighs 5 oz for <$10.50 http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Glacier-Stainless-Bottle/dp/B001LF3IB6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1453225574&amp;sr=8-6&amp;keywords=backpacking+pot
Utensil: I use a standard aluminum fork and spoon because they weigh less than an ounce each, but you can also look at this:
Toaks titanium spork weighs 0.6 oz for <$9.00 http://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-SLV-01-Titanium-Spork/dp/B009AO19MK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1462136083&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=toaks+titanium+spork
Once again, not 100% ultralight, but pretty light weight and a good starting place for a beginner.
I always bring my super small portable bbq some charcoal, bacon, wraps, onions, peppers, and jerk sauce. Much nicer and cheaper than the food available on site.
I have this mini, portable stove on my WL.
So you could do the chopping, and I could do the cooking?
https://www.amazon.com/UCO-Grilliput-Portable-Camping-9-Inch/dp/B000980JMW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1526397301&amp;sr=8-9&amp;keywords=backpacking+grill
You can also get an Esbit version. They're nice because they can hold a fair bit of fuel in a pretty small package. It comes with a screw top and an O-ring, so you can fill it with fuel, put it out, and seal it back up with no wasted fuel. They're also lightweight, and you can use over the counter rubbing alcohol for fuel - although the BTUs on that sort of stuff might be inferior to other fuels. I don't know.
The only thing I WILL say about them, though, is that I'd recommend keeping it relatively warm in colder weather. I've found that my alcohol stove simply refuses to start if its too cold, and so the last time I went out I kept it in my sleeping bag with me while I slept, and it fired up without much trouble in the morning.
Also would recommend some sort of windscreen, just in case. Esbit does also make another UL stove that uses their fuel tablets, which the alcohol stove can fit into (but getting it lit requires a little extra effort either getting it into the slots, or lighting it while its in the slots).
Of course, there's also always these guys also by Esbit, which you can store the fuel cells in when its folded. The only thing I don't like about them (which take with a giant grain of salt, because I'm 100% an amateur to all of this) is that you're limited with the fuel cell and the length of burn. You don't end up wasting any excess fuel with the alcohol stove. Also, you do get the added benefit, if you're using rubbing alcohol for fuel, of having an antiseptic available in a pinch.
Finally, an option to keep the whole package on the small end, you have these little guys as pot stands. They work great to keep my pot elevated off the stove, but I will say that they do seem to get in the way of the burn a bit and inhibit some of the airflow, but not enough to be a huge issue. They fit into the Esbit alcohol stove perfectly, but again, you might be better off with something that lifts the pot up a bit more for a better burn. I think they're designed to be used with the their own brand of alcohol stove, though, so that's probably why they don't work great.
Usually I eat at the camp site or close to it. But in case I want a cup of tea/coffee I carry an [Esbit Stove] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001C1UGVO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1481712503&amp;sr=8-2&amp;pi=SX200_QL40&amp;keywords=Esbit&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=31ZdIVkJyJL&amp;ref=plSrch)
It packs small, costs nearly nothing and is capable to heat an occasional can of food as well
Edit: formatting
How long would one of those little 8ounce gas cans last for?
Also, whats the benefit to gas cans vs solid fuel like this
We love this little Coleman grill, it's perfect for festivals or car/canoe camping trips. I've found that it doesn't get insanely hot like some camp stoves do, and we have used a normal pot or pan on top of the grill.
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020955-RoadTrip%C2%AE-Party-Grill/dp/B00ISKDOES/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1465582700&amp;sr=8-13&amp;keywords=Coleman+RoadTrip+grill
If you get this you don't have to worry about gas, you can cook on a patio and gather sticks from outside
Wealers Compact Folding 12 Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill Made From Stainless Steel. Portable and Great for Camping, Picnics, Backpacking, Backyards, Survival, Emergency Preparation. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017O9ZH3E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LpVuzbKPC2ZQV
I have been eyeing this one because it's small enough for a bugout bag, camping and for blackouts. What do you think? Do you know of a better one?
I got it on amazon I'll find the link and post it, I spent the winter staring at it till I finally pulled the trigger.
Texsport Heavy Duty Swivel Grill https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004XAT4OG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1RN4ybFBY16RZ
Here you go!
Info | Details
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Amazon Product | Wealers Compact Folding 12 Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill Made From Stainless Steel. Portable and Great for Camping, Picnics, Backpacking, Backyards, Survival, Emergency Preparation.
>Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. By using the link above you get to support a chairty and help keep this bot running through affiliate programs all at zero cost to you.
Our finest piece of car-camping gear - https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Camp-Propane-Grill-Stove/dp/B00VTJGWQW
Worth every penny for its compact size and multi-use ability.
Where will you be camping? You may seriously need a bear bag if you're packing in a bunch of meat. How are you planning on running the rice cooker too?
As for the grill, I'm not sure if you want propane powered or passive so here's both. I've personally used both and they both work well.
Passive:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074N1W4G8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Powered:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KM5MDQH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
The case the powered one comes with isn't great and by your text it sounds like you're leaning more towards relaxed camping (Which I would recommend for a first time.)
2nd Powered:
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020943NP-Classic-Propane-Stove/dp/B00005OU9D/ref=sr_1_4?crid=UAB015Q00MS8&amp;keywords=coleman+camping+grill&amp;qid=1556680435&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=coleman+camping+g%2Caps%2C154&amp;sr=8-4
Coleman usually makes pretty good stuff that'll last and this one has more burners.
I've never had a problem with packing meat in ice for camping. But I've never tried dry ice so I don't know the pros/cons but that might be overkill for a short trip. As long as your cooler is good and the weather isn't too hot where you're at it'll last multiple days.
Do you need any help with getting other camping supplies?
Anybody can understand that. It wasn't what I said. Read what I actually wrote. I am speaking specifically about THIS POST. OP in THIS POST spent at least $10 on these supplies. Yes, many people have these things and can make one for cheap or free even. No one is arguing that. What I was saying is that even if you can build one of these for $1-2 and another $1-2 on fuel, they are still half way to the cost of a real lightweight stove that will work in all conditions and last a long time and actually work repeatedly and as expected.
For a fun/novel thing to do, there is nothing wrong with it. If you would rather have this than even an esbit tablet (which would still cost less than this stove + fuel and be lighter and not make a mess and work in almost all conditions), then that is your choice. I wouldn't and I have made many makeshift stoves and gear of all sorts. Sometimes it makes sense and sometimes it doesn't. This is onetime that it is a false economy.
Edit: For anyone that wants to see what I am talking about, at even a bit of a high price on Amazon you can get six Esbit tabs and the stove for $10, which is about $1 per use and not far off what an alcohol stove will cost to run. One tab also will actually boil water in most circumstances in 8 minutes or less: https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO/
Looks like this was done but no longer available.
https://www.amazon.com/BestRest-Moto-Grill-tm-Motorcycle-Grill/dp/B071WSPP3Y
We have the Coleman Roadtrip. We're limited on space so we never bring it camping, used it for grilling out at our apartment. Works great, but it doesn't fold flat to the ground so it is hard to pack. If I got one again, I'd get the Roadtrip LXE . My father in law has it and brings it along. It has two burners for more control, side tables for prep, and you can change out the grate for a griddle.
Since I'm limited on packing space I just use an over the fire grill grate. Works great, and it's cheap. The more expensive models come with a grill and griddle. over fire grill
If you have the technology to tap threads, you could run your locking rods through to the outside of your square tubes and put wingnuts on the ends to hold everything together. If you don't have taps, you could replace these with threaded rods, but be careful of zinc coatings.
There is a commercial version called the Grilliput, but it's basically the same as what you've done. Probably lighter though.
Out here in the West, we cannot burn fires right now. Usually, however, this is not the case. I usually use a fire for all my heating needs. I stumbled across this and thought it innovative.
I use this. It is 12 oz, so a little heavy. However, I can cook and boil at the same time if need be.
This is also cool.
But if you really want to go super light, make sure your kettle or pot does not have any plastic or silicone parts, and that you have a towel or a glove to touch it when it is hot. Make a stick stand or a tripod with twine or cordage and hang the kettle or pot from it....or... take a flat rock and place in the middle of the fire, setting the pot on top of it. The latter method takes some technique and will require a lot of fire monitoring to keep the flames where they need to be. You also need a perfect rock.
The Coghlans pack grill is good.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coghlans-8770-Pack-Grill-Metallic/dp/B001OPHA0S/ref=cts_sp_1_vtp?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&amp;pf_rd_p=1212178027&amp;pf_rd_r=VT8SDGE43BE6FTZZY0G9&amp;pd_rd_wg=2juPk&amp;pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&amp;pf_rd_t=40701&amp;pd_rd_i=B001OPHA0S&amp;pd_rd_w=TsTxH&amp;pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&amp;pd_rd_r=VT8SDGE43BE6FTZZY0G9&amp;_encoding=UTF8
Check out reviews on it on youtube .