How Hot Does a Backpacking Stove Get?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking stoves are a great way to make a hot meal in the wilderness. They’re lightweight and easy to set up, making them an ideal choice for campers and hikers looking for a convenient way to heat up food.

But just how hot does a backpacking stove get?

The answer depends on the type of stove you have. Alcohol stoves, which use denatured alcohol or ethanol as fuel, usually reach temperatures of around 200°F (93°C).

This is enough to bring water to a boil and cook basic meals, but it’s not hot enough for some types of cooking, like frying eggs or making pancakes.

Gas stoves, on the other hand, can reach much higher temperatures. Most gas stoves are designed to reach temperatures of up to 500°F (260°C), which is more than enough heat for almost any type of cooking you’d want to do in the outdoors. Some gas stoves even come with adjustable flame settings so you can dial down the heat if needed.

In addition to temperature, another factor to consider when choosing a backpacking stove is fuel efficiency. Alcohol stoves tend to be much more fuel-efficient than gas stoves, since they don’t require as much fuel to produce the same amount of heat.

However, they also take longer to heat up and may not reach as high temperatures as gas stoves.

Conclusion:

How hot does a backpacking stove get? The answer depends on what type of stove you have—alcohol stoves typically reach temperatures between 200-250°F (93-121°C), while gas stoves can reach up to 500°F (260°C). Fuel efficiency is also something to consider—alcohol stoves tend to be more efficient than gas stoves but may not reach as high temperatures.