How to Safely Use a Camping Stove

Introduction

A camping stove is practical and generally very safe to use for preparing meals during outdoor excursions. However, misunderstanding or misuse of these portable appliances can pose dangerous risks. In this guide, we’ll review safety protocols for various camping stoves.

General camping stove safety guidelines

• Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions: Before operating any cooking equipment, including camping stoves, check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information on proper usage, storage, and precautions that are unique to each stove model.
• Properly store and transport camping stoves and fuel: Mishandling these items can lead to leaks, spills, or damage that may pose significant risks to people in the vicinity.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance: Taking care of a camping stove helps guarantee its performance. Inspections help identify potential issues and prevent malfunctions that could endanger the user and others.
• Maintain adequate ventilation: Only use the camping stove in well-ventilated areas to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, or “CO,” build-up. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you and is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.

How to set up your camping stove

Setting up your camping stove can be an enjoyable experience when done safely. Before you get started, consider the best environment for your camping stove.

Find a level surface away from any flammable materials

Keep the camping stove about 10 feet away from combustible items like dry leaves and brush to avoid potential accidents. Make sure you also have protection from the wind in case large gusts move through the area. Strong winds can blow out flames and make operating a camping stove more dangerous.

Assemble the stove

Take the time to make sure everything is put together correctly to prevent any potential safety hazards. Check that all pieces are tightly fastened.

Test for leaks

Testing the stove helps prevent hazardous scenarios like fires or explosions. While testing, take a good look at all valves, pipes, and connectors before proceeding with ignition. If doubts arise during this test, do not use the stove.

Lighting the stove

Once you complete the setup process, it’s time to light the stove. Here are some things to consider:

• Determine if you want to use a match or a lighter. Matches guarantee a longer-lasting flame but lighters can be much easier to use in windy conditions.
• When the fire is burning steadily, adjust the flame intensity as needed. Depending on the type of stove you’re using, this process may look different. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when adjusting gas or fuel flow. Low flames are usually preferred for most cooking tasks, while high flames may be necessary for other cooking or boiling larger amounts of water.

READ MORE: Don’t Get Burned! 14 Quick and Easy Oven Safety Tips

Safe cooking practices

Secure pots and pans on the stove

If necessary, use appropriate supports to avoid any spills or accidents in case of sudden wind gusts or uneven surfaces.

Use kitchen utensils designed for camping

Avoid bringing plastic tools near a hot flame since they can melt. The chemicals in burning plastic can also cause you and those around you potential harm when inhaled. It’s wise to invest in a camp stove set with specialized kitchen utensils made for open-fire cooking.

Attend to the stove while cooking

As you start cooking, make sure to watch for changes in texture or color that could show an improperly adjusted flame. Some dishes also need frequent stirring, which will help prevent burning.

Fuel safety tips

Choose the correct fuel for your stove

When selecting and purchasing fuel, make sure to buy the right one for your particular stove. Some stoves such as a propane stove can only work with specific types of fuel like propane canisters. Always double-check the fuel’s compatibility before using it.

Store fuel in a cool, dry place

When storing fuel, make sure containers remain in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or direct sunlight. They should also be stored in a secure environment out of reach from children or animals.

Inspect fuel container for damage before using

If you suspect any fuel container is damaged or cracked, do not attempt to refill your stove. Damaged containers are dangerous to use as they may leak fuel.

Refer to manufacturer instructions when refilling fuel

Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions during the refilling process since there may be differences between models due to fuel type or other factors. To keep everyone around you safe, always extinguish all flames before attempting to add more fuel.

Properly dispose of fuel containers after use

When disposing of fuel containers, take caution since gasoline fumes are flammable and may ignite. Make sure all materials that were used remain sealed until they’re ready to go into a hazardous waste site.

Emergency Preparedness

• Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket on hand and make sure everyone in the area knows where it is and how to use it before using a camping stove. You should also keep a first aid kit nearby so you have the tools needed to handle injuries quickly.

• Have an emergency action plan, especially when there are extra people with you, like family camping trips. The plan should include an overview of what to do if something goes wrong with the stove and how everyone should respond.

Adhere to “leave no trace” principles

Adhering to the Leave No Trace principles is a key part of responsible camping. Wherever you go, try to minimize your impact on the environment while exercising care and respect with these tips:

• Take only what you need and leave the natural ecosystem undisturbed.

• Respect wildlife by keeping noise levels low. Dispose of cooking waste in designated trash bins or compost piles.
• Never feed wild animals or bring domestic pets into their habitats.

• Dispose of ashes, fuel containers, charcoal briquettes, sawdust, kindling wood, matches, and lighters correctly.

• Abide by any rules set out by the park or place where you are camping. This enables future visitors to enjoy its beauty as much as you did!
• Extinguish all flames after cooking. Never leave any flammable material near the stove. Extinguishing a camping stove safely will depend on its model. Gas stoves need to be turned off and then disassembled after they cool down. Liquid fuel stoves should never be lit until they’re completely cold again. Remember to always follow manufacturer instructions when wrapping up your cooking session.

Conclusion

Camping stoves are great tools to bring along on a camping adventure and can help you enjoy the area more. By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can set yourself up to have an enjoyable trip.

If you have appliance-related questions or concerns, please reach out to our team here. You can also get repair help on our forum and shop for parts on our website by having your appliance model and serial numbers on hand.