Budget camping: Best portable electric stoves

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Electric camping stoves are a safer option than camping gas stoves. They are safe to use inside a tent if you have an electrical supply and the weather is unsuitable for cooking outside.

Electric stoves are not just hot plates but also multi-function stoves or air fryers. Multi stoves can be converted easily into an oven without spending a fortune. Air fryers can cook anything and save you time.

Here are our top-budget electric stoves.

• Quest Multi Stove – £32.99 – £55
• Quest double hot plate – £29.99
• Outdoor Revolution single induction stove – £49.99 – £59.99
• Russell Hobbs double hot plate – £37 – £49.99
• Quest single hot plate stove – £17.99
• Tower Air Fryer 4.3L– £54.99 – £60.99

What type of electric stove should I buy for camping?

When it comes to camping, having a reliable and budget-friendly cooking stove is essential. Five types of camping stoves are great options for campers on a budget: induction stoves, ceramic plate stoves, multi-cookers, slow cookers and air fryers. These versatile and cost-effective options will ensure you enjoy delicious meals while keeping your camping expenses in check. These are also ideal for use in your home for everyday cooking, not just for camping.

• Induction stoves – Induction stoves are an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers who value efficiency and precise temperature control. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they compensate for it with energy savings in the long run. Induction stoves heat the cookware directly, making them faster and more efficient than traditional stoves. Additionally, they are easy to clean and provide a safe cooking experience, as they only heat up when compatible cookware is placed on the surface.
• Ceramic plate stoves – Ceramic plate stoves offer an affordable and straightforward cooking solution for campers. These stoves have heating elements embedded in a ceramic surface, providing even heat distribution. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips. Although they may not offer the same level of temperature control as induction stoves, they can still cook a wide variety of meals efficiently.
• Multi-cookers – Multi-cookers are versatile appliances that can be cost-effective camping stove options. These appliances often combine functionalities such as slow cooking, steaming, boiling, and converting into an oven. Making them perfect for preparing various meals while saving space and money. 
• Air fryers – Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook crispy and delicious meals using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. These compact and affordable appliances can be a great addition to your camping gear. You can enjoy fried foods with an air fryer while minimizing the mess and oil consumption. Additionally, many air fryers offer cooking functions, including baking, grilling, and roasting, making them a versatile option for campsite cooking.
• Slow cookers – Slow cookers are perfect for campers who appreciate convenient and fuss-free cooking. They allow you to prepare hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious, tender dish waiting for you by evening. Slow cookers are energy-efficient and provide the convenience of hands-off cooking

So, if you’re torn between gas and electric gas stoves, read our article and uncover the differences between these two popular options. We will walk you through the pros and cons, providing insight into gas, electricity safety and the convenience of cooking.

The multi cooker: Your ultimate camping and home cooking companion

Quest 40cm multi cooker brings convenience, versatility, and ease to your camping adventures and everyday cooking. My multi-cooker is a cherished stove for many camping trips and home cooking.

• Size and shape – The multi cooker is available in various sizes and shapes, including round and square options. While the round multi cooker is my personal favourite, it’s worth noting that it may be bulkier for transportation due to its shape. However, weighing in at only 3kg, it remains relatively lightweight.
• Cooking capabilities – With the 40cm size, you can prepare a substantial main meal or utilize aluminium containers for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. Take caution when using containers to prevent burning, as stirring the food is essential. The cooker reaches boiling temperatures but can be moved safely using the handles on the sides. The clear lid with steam holes minimizes bursts of heat when lifting, but be mindful of its hot surface.
• Heat control – Adjusting to the heat controls may require some practice. I recommend testing the cooker at home to become comfortable with its settings. Start with a low setting and gradually increase the temperature to achieve the desired cooking results.
• Power connectivity – The power cable provided with the cooker is relatively short, measuring less than 1 meter. To ensure flexibility, you may need an extension lead. However, the stove offers the option to detach the power connector for placement on a table. Take caution, though, as the main body of the pan can become hot. I prefer to turn it off, leaving it on the main cooking table and transferring the food to plates.
• Versatile cooking functions – The multi cooker offers a multitude of cooking methods, including:

• Frying pan
• Hot plate for food in containers
• Slow cooker (requires regular stirring)
• Oven (using aluminium foil)
• Easy cleaning – Cleaning the multi-cooker is a breeze. Often, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient. For stubborn food residue, boil water in the cooker and let it sit for a while. Dispose of the water and wipe clean. Ensure the electrical connections remain dry and disconnect the appliance from the main supply before cleaning.
• Pricing and durability – Prices may vary depending on the cooker’s brand, vendor, and size. The Quest 40cm multi-cooker is available from Amazon. The 40cm size is ideal for cooking, but ensure you secure it properly during transportation. Despite some wear and tear from over 30 camping trips, my multi cooker remains functional, with a slight dent on the side that affects the snug fit of the glass lid. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does not hinder its usability as a pan or an oven when sealed with foil.

Quest double ceramic stove: Efficient and convenient cooking on the go

Regarding cooking during your camping adventures, the Quest double ceramic stove is a reliable and user-friendly choice. With its adjustable dial controls and different hob sizes, this stove provides convenience and versatility for outdoor cooking.

• Easy-to-use design – The Quest double ceramic stove boasts simple dial controls that adjust the temperature to your desired level. The hobs come in two sizes, catering to different saucepan sizes. The smaller hob measures 15.5 cm and operates at 1000W, while the larger hob is 18.5 cm and offers a power output of 1500W.
• Suitable saucepan sizes – Despite the smaller hob size, I’ve used a 16cm saucepan without issues. However, larger saucepans don’t receive sufficient heat distribution, making them unsuitable for this stove.
• Compatibility with home saucepans – One of the advantages of the Quest double ceramic stove is its compatibility with your existing home saucepans. You don’t need to invest in new cookware unless you prefer using camping-specific saucepans that can condense down for space-saving purposes.
• Adequate cooking power – While not the most powerful stove available, the Quest double ceramic stove is still sufficient for various cooking tasks. This stove can handle the job if you need to cook pasta, reheat pre-cooked meals, or fry bacon. However, I recommend using a mains camping kettle for quicker boiling water if you can access an electric hookup (EHU).
• Power settings and indicator lights – With five power settings, the stove provides flexibility in controlling the heat intensity. Convenient indicator lights let you know when the stove is turned on. Additionally, the stove features an overheating cut-off function, ensuring safety during use.
• Learning curve and cooking time – Like any stove, the Quest double ceramic stove requires some time to get accustomed to. It’s important to note that it is not an instant stove like an induction hob, so patience is key. It typically takes a minute or two to heat up, which may be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. 
• Watchful cooking and cleaning – To prevent boiling over, it’s essential to keep an eye on the stove while cooking. Cleaning the stove can be tricky, as you must wait for it to cool down before cleaning any spills. Over time, the rings may discolour, particularly the aluminium edging, but the main body of the stove should stay white if cleaned after each use.
• Portability and storage – The Quest double ceramic stove has no carry case, but you can wrap it in a towel or use a protective bag during transportation. The stove’s rubber feet keep it stable on any tabletop surface, minimizing movement while cooking.

The Quest double ceramic stove, available on Amazon, offers a practical and efficient solution for cooking during your camping adventures. Its easy-to-use design, compatibility with home saucepans, and adjustable power settings make it a versatile choice for various cooking tasks. While it may not be the fastest stove, it provides ample cooking power for most camping needs.

Outdoor Revolution single induction hob: Efficient cooking made easy

Outdoor Revolution, a reputable brand in the camping industry, continues to deliver quality with its single induction hob. This hob provides a reliable and convenient cooking experience with user-friendly controls and versatile heat settings.

• User-friendly controls – The hob features simple controls that make operation a breeze. With 10 adjustable settings, you can easily control the heat between 60°C and 240°C, allowing for precise temperature adjustments from low heat to boiling.
• Convenient temperature control – The up and down temperature control buttons enable you to fine-tune the heat to your desired level. The hob also includes a booster function for fast heating and a low-heat option to keep food warm without burning. Compared to ceramic hobs, it is a more enjoyable cooking experience as you have more control over the heat.
• Saucepan detection and alarm – One impressive feature of the Outdoor Revolution single induction hob is its saucepan detection capability. The hob will only start heating when a compatible pan is correctly positioned on it. Moreover, an alarm will sound if a saucepan is removed from the hob, providing an additional safety measure.
• Cool surround for safety – During cooking, the hob’s surround remains cool to the touch, eliminating the risk of accidental burns. This feature ensures a safe cooking environment, especially when children are present. 
• Compatibility and availability – The Outdoor Revolution single induction hob is available on Amazon. Individual hobs can be purchased separately or as double hobs. Before buying a double hob, check the prices, as it may be more cost-effective to purchase two single hob.

The Outdoor Revolution single induction hob proves to be a reliable and efficient cooking companion for your camping adventures. This hob ensures precise and safe cooking with user-friendly controls, adjustable temperature settings, and a saucepan detection feature. Although an induction hob is more expensive than ceramic hobs, it is ideal if you are concerned about safety or clumsy like me.

Russell Hobbs double hot plate stove: Efficient cooking with a touch of style

Russell Hobbs is a name that stands out as a household favourite. Their double hot plate stove offers similar functionality to the Quest model but with considerable power and design differences.

• Dual hot plates – The Russell Hobbs stove features two hot plates—a large one and a small one. The larger hot plate boasts a power of 1500w, matching the performance of the Quest stove. However, the smaller hot plate operates at 750w, resulting in slightly longer boiling times.
• Stainless steel finish and brand value – With Russell Hobbs, you’re paying for the brand’s reputation and the stylish stainless steel finish. The sleek appearance adds a touch of sophistication and makes cleaning easier. However, it’s important to note that abrasive cleaners or scrubbers should be avoided to prevent marking the stove’s body.
• Optimal cooking – The larger hot plate is recommended for quick cooking due to its higher power output. The smaller hot plate is ideal for keeping food warm, reducing the risk of burning. However, keeping an eye on the food is still essential to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• Pan size and heat distribution – To prevent overheating and extend the stove’s lifespan, it’s advised not to use excessively large pans. It’s also crucial to use flat-bottomed saucepans for even heat distribution throughout the cooking surface.
• Dial controls and indicator lights – The dial controls on the Russell Hobbs stove can be challenging to gauge initially. However, each hob has an indicator light that illuminates when it’s in operation. Once the desired temperature is reached, the light will turn off. To turn the stove on, you must rotate the dial clockwise and anticlockwise to switch it off. Remember that the stove takes time to cool down; caution is advised afterwards. Always unplug the stove when not in use.
• Temperature settings – The temperature settings on the Russell Hobbs stove are not marked as on/off but can be adjusted according to your needs. The range typically varies from 1 to 6, setting 1-2 for keeping food warm, 3-4 to bring food to a boil, and 5-6 for continuous boiling.
• Availability and pricing – The Russell Hobbs camping stove is available on platforms like Amazon, BBQ, and Wayfair. Among these options, Amazon offers the most competitive pricing, often providing delivery within two days. BBQ may be a suitable alternative for quicker delivery, albeit at a higher cost.

The Russell Hobbs double hot plate stove combines efficiency and style, making it an excellent choice for your camping kitchen. This stove delivers functionality and aesthetic appeal with its dual hot plates, stainless steel finish, and reliable performance.

Quest Single Hob stove: Compact power for versatile cooking

The Quest single hob is worth considering if you’re seeking a single-hob stove that combines power and versatility. In many ways, it resembles its double hob counterpart, with the primary distinction being its size.

• Powerful single hob – The Quest single hob stove features a powerful 1500w hob, allowing you to cook with larger saucepans and pots. With this high power output, you can achieve efficient and rapid cooking results.
• Convenient power controls – Equipped with five power controls, the Quest single hob stove offers precise temperature adjustments to suit your cooking requirements. You can easily find the perfect settings for a gentle simmer or a rolling boil. However, it takes a while to adjust, like any new stove. So test before you take on your camping trip.
• Indicator light – To provide visual feedback, the stove includes an indicator light that illuminates when the hob is turned on. This feature ensures you know the hob’s status and helps prevent accidental burns or mishaps.
• Automatic temperature control – Once the hob reaches the desired temperature, it automatically switches off, ensuring optimal cooking conditions and energy efficiency. This feature provides convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your cooking without constantly monitoring the stove.

The Quest single hob stove offers a compact yet powerful solution for your cooking needs. With its 1500w hob, versatile power controls, and automatic temperature control, this stove provides both convenience and efficiency. Whether cooking a simple meal or preparing a feast, the Quest single-hob stove is up to the task.

The Quest single-hob stove is available from Amazon as it is cheaper than the induction. It is ideal if you have a tight budget or are only looking for a simple one-hob electric stove.

Tower 4.3L air fryer: Compact and efficient cooking companion

The Tower Air Fryer offers a convenient and energy-efficient solution for cooking delicious camping meals. Although bringing an air fryer on a camping trip may seem unconventional,. Its compact design and impressive cooking capabilities make it a valuable addition to camping cooking.

• Compact size, suitable for small groups – The Tower Air Fryer is designed for smaller groups with a 4.3L capacity. While it may not accommodate large quantities of food, it is perfect for cooking smaller portions. For example, you can cook up to five drumsticks or two handfuls of chips at a time.
• Quick and easy cooking – As a first-time air fryer user, I was impressed by the Tower Air Fryer’s speed and simplicity. It cooks food rapidly. Allowing you to enjoy a quick and hassle-free meal. The straightforward controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners.
• Energy efficiency and safety – With a power rating of only 1500W, the Tower Air Fryer is highly energy-efficient, making it suitable for camping trips without worrying about tripping the electrics. A simple dial on the front controls the temperature range of 0-200°C, while the timer ensures precise cooking times. However, handling the fryer cautiously is essential as the internal cage becomes hot during use.
• Versatile cooking options – While the air fryer excels at cooking drumsticks, chips, and chicken nuggets, it also offers versatility for other dishes. You can even prepare baked potatoes, although I prefer the traditional cooking method over an open firepit for that authentic flavour.
• Affordable and easily accessible – The Tower air fryer has gained popularity due to its user-friendly design and affordable price point. It offers a cost-effective solution compared to other air fryers on the market. They are gradually reducing in price as the demand has decreased. The Tower air fryer is available from Amazon and can be a great addition to your kitchen at home and for camping.

Still not sure if an electric camping stove is for you? For further insights into camping stoves, read our article that compares gas and electric options. We provide a comprehensive guide on the different types of camping stoves, pros and cons. Plus, safety tips so you know that your family is safe.

Related Questions

Enhancing camping comfort: The advantages of electric stoves

Electric stoves offer a convenient and efficient cooking solution for camping enthusiasts. They have become an appealing alternative with their portability and ability to use them inside tents. However, it is essential to consider a few factors to make the most of this option.

While using an electric camping stove, it is essential to be mindful of condensation build-up. Adequate ventilation within the tent can help remove this issue and prevent discomfort. There are other ways to deal with condensation inside a tent, not only due to cooking. Read our article for tips on reducing condensation, using simple items such as a cup of salt to soak up excess moisture. Additionally, it’s worth noting that cooking smells may linger inside the tent, so taking measures to minimize odours is advisable.

One aspect to remember is the potential increase in daily camping costs when using an electric stove unless you have access to a quiet generator. Energy prices have risen recently, leading campsites to adjust their rates accordingly. Considering this, campers should evaluate the cost implications before opting for an electric stove.

On the bright side, relying on an electric stove eliminates concerns about running out of gas during your camping adventure. This advantage brings peace of mind, as campers can focus on enjoying their trip without worrying about refilling gas canisters.

By considering these aspects and taking appropriate measures, campers can enhance their camping experience with the practicality and reliability of electric stoves.

The pros and cons of cooking with an electric stove inside a tent

When it comes to cooking during a camping trip, one option that has gained popularity is using an electric stove inside a tent. However, before embarking on this culinary adventure, weighing the pros and cons is essential.

One of the primary advantages of cooking with an electric stove inside a tent is convenience. Electric stoves are portable, compact, and easy to transport. Making them an ideal choice for campers who prefer a hassle-free cooking experience. They also provide a reliable heat source, eliminating the need to worry about gas canisters running out or dealing with open flames.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Condensation build-up is a common issue when using any type of stove inside a tent, and electric stoves are no exception. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent excessive moisture and potential discomfort. Additionally, cooking smells can linger inside the tent, so minimising odours and keeping the sleeping area pleasant is important.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Unless you have access to a quiet generator, using an electric stove in the great outdoors will increase your daily camping rates.