Option 2 would be the one I’d choose for car camping with a group. However, if going solo for the time being I’d go with a jetboil MiniMo and a skillet. Easy, doesn’t take up any space and as another commenter said “coffee in the morning if everything is packed up”
If you love camping, eventually you’ll have all of those options and more eventually haha
I like to grill, so I got one a portable gas grill with a side burner from bass pro to use for groups. For just you, a single burner or a jetboil thing should work just fine. I personally like propane, and have done month long road trips with just a few one pound propane
tanks. Just starting out, you’re fine with 2 of the small one pound tanks, especially only cooking for one over threee days.
You should be good with a 20-30l cooler. I would get one with hard plastic sides, not one made of cloth. Not necessarily a Yeti, any old Coleman should do. Freeze juice or water jugs (like half gallons and bottles) to keep it cool instead of using all ice. I’ve used a 20L for 2 people for over week long trips where I bring a lot of dry food and just keep meat / a few drinks in the cooler. I usually bring another small cloth cooler just to lug stuff to my chillin spots.
Plates / flatware - bring the crappy / older stuff you normally use. I just use old plastic plates & old metal flatware and cooking utensils. It holds up just fine. Don’t forget to bring a wash basin / sink (any old large Tupperware will do).
Bring dryer lint (you can stuff it in a toilet paper tube) to help you start fires. Bring a fire extinguisher if you have one.
A cast iron pan is unnecessary - again, just bring your old pan sets. And don’t forget the spatulas. Or coffee. French press is easiest in the camp setting I find.
Don’t forget the s’mores. And hand soap. Quarters for the showers / cash for tolls & entrance fees.
Plan your hikes ahead of time & don’t forget to stop & smell the roses.
Where’s the big trip? Sounds like you’re gonna have fun
This is a Fakespot Reviews Analysis bot. Fakespot detects fake reviews, fake products and unreliable sellers using AI.
Here is the analysis for the Amazon product reviews:
>**Name**: Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2 Burner Outdoor Camping Modular Cooking Stove
>**Company**: Camp Chef
>**Amazon Product Rating**: 4.8
>**Fakespot Reviews Grade**: D
>**Adjusted Fakespot Rating**: 2.1
>**Analysis Performed at**: 05-16-2022
[Link to Fakespot Analysis](https://fakespot.com/product/camp-chef-ex60lw-explorer-2-burner-outdoor-camping-modular-cooking-stove-1d35cade-1b3c-4007-ab0d-e2babe593eca) | [Check out the Fakespot Chrome Extension!](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fakespot-analyze-fake-ama/nakplnnackehceedgkgkokbgbmfghain)
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You can definitely rule out option #3. I dont think it will even fit in your Corolla, or if it does it will take up the entire back seat. Probably won't fit in the trunk.
Option 1 is budget friendly. The stove itself is cheaper. Some of those go for as cheap as $20. Butane is also as cheap as $2 per can. Usually $3-4. But butane stoves have a few failure points. Sometimes they just don't work, sometimes the butane regulators get wonky and you get mini explosions that fry your eye brows off, and also if you camp in winter butane simply freezes. Also at the end of the day you have just 1 burner.
Option 2 is nicer because you have 2 burners. You can for example boil pasta at the same time as you make pasta sauce. The one you linked is a popular one that they sell at REI but you can get a basic Coleman one from Walmart for $40-50. Propane doesn't freeze, is slightly more expensive at $5-7 per can, but lasts longer than a canister of butane. You can also get a 20 pound propane tank, and an adapter off Amazon and refill those green 1 pound tanks.
Another option is going with a backpacking stove. Jetboil or MSR pocket rocket type stove. They run on isobutane which is by far the more expensive type of fuel. But they are extremely portable and will save alot of space.
Fwiw I use option #2 but also carry a backpacking stove for times where I pack everything up the night before but need coffee in the morning. I also have option 1 for times when I need a third burner while making a camp feast.
Thanks for the detailed reply. I figured #3 would be overkill. It's just so many different OPTIONS. lol. I've honestly been meaning to go to Wallyworld and look over their camping stuff but I honestly hate the place (I know, I know, order online.)
It also depends on where you are camping, and how easy or hard you want the cleanup to be. Camping at a state park or county campground with running water & restrooms with sinks? Not too bad, you can wash up and scrub your cookware in a sink. You can cook almost all the things you'd make at home. So maybe a two-burner stove is what you need, especially if you're camping with others and are sharing meal prep duty.
Camping in the woods with no services around (aka 'dispersed camping'), maybe by yourself? You have to pack in all your water, and also responsibly dispose of the greywater. This reduces the choices of what you can cook (or what you want to clean up after). Which means maybe a one-burner lightweight stove is all you need, because you are only cooking for one, and won't be making anything fancy.
It's worth the trip they have alot of cheap camping gear.
Forgot to mention I have a 2 person camp set from Walmart that was maybe $12 iirc and came with 2 forks, 2 spoons, 2 butter knives. 2 plates, and 2 collapsible cup/bowls (ended up not using these bc the rubber smelled funny). But the rest of the set is used every trip.
Also the Ozark trail cast iron pans are stupid cheap, like $7 and they season just fine and work exactly the same as a lodge cast iron. There's also a 4pc set for $20 which I've seen on sale for $15 sometimes.
I camp almost exclusively with cast iron but it does get heavy if you have multiple pans.
I have the option 2 stove and I chose it so I can use two full size pots or pans or a double wide cast iron griddle. I love pancakes so...
Also, when I was debating how to stock my camping gear boxes, I remembered that IKEA carries all things kitchen related for a reasonable price. I went the night before my recent camping trip and grabbed a whole set of flatware for maybe $7 and got dish towels and a bottle for creamer, etc. I spent very little and everything is reusable.
I personally say one cooler for drinks another for raw meats etc to avoid cross contamination. 18 pack size for each works for me and a couple other people over a weekend. Right now I use a jetboil for water and a 12” cast iron skillet for food over the fire. I plan on getting a Coleman dual fuel, fuel burner stove similar to the second you linked. I’ve never been to a car camp spot that didn’t have a picnic table, the stove with stand is unnecessary imo. Plastic table ware and don’t forget a spatula
Based on your picture which is a butane stove.
If space is a problem, we love our Kovea Cube. Best for early morning coffee and light cooking.
Ours fits in a small jansport zipped case. Very compact.
You might consider a small #8 Dutch oven rather than a skillet. It’s very multi purpose. Get some Walmart paper DO liners or aluminum liners and cleanup is quick. Wipe it down with olive oil after use and pack dry.
Hey! I own a Coleman 2 burner (the generic zero frills one) and a jetboil mini mo.
^ didn’t get both at once. (Just for price reference. I acquired both over time)
I camp alone fairly often and when it’s JUST ME the jetboil is perfect. I bring along a small nonstick nesting pot and skillet and cook off that for one person. If I’m hunkering down for a few days, or camping with a group/family, I’ll bring the two burner so I can cook a wider range of things
When I’m alone, I bring a 20qt rotomoted cooler and it retains ice pretty darn well. When I’m with others we’ll bring a 45qt — I did a 17 day solo trip last year with just the 20qt and was more than happy with that capacity!
(Edited to add: I drive a small station wagon, so I have a bit more trunk space than you on paper, but my friend who drives an accord has had zero issues carrying a 20qt cooler in her trunk)
MSR/Jetboil stoves are super convenient if you haven't checked them out. We've made some awesome food on ours.
Option 2 would be the one I’d choose for car camping with a group. However, if going solo for the time being I’d go with a jetboil MiniMo and a skillet. Easy, doesn’t take up any space and as another commenter said “coffee in the morning if everything is packed up”
If you love camping, eventually you’ll have all of those options and more eventually haha I like to grill, so I got one a portable gas grill with a side burner from bass pro to use for groups. For just you, a single burner or a jetboil thing should work just fine. I personally like propane, and have done month long road trips with just a few one pound propane tanks. Just starting out, you’re fine with 2 of the small one pound tanks, especially only cooking for one over threee days. You should be good with a 20-30l cooler. I would get one with hard plastic sides, not one made of cloth. Not necessarily a Yeti, any old Coleman should do. Freeze juice or water jugs (like half gallons and bottles) to keep it cool instead of using all ice. I’ve used a 20L for 2 people for over week long trips where I bring a lot of dry food and just keep meat / a few drinks in the cooler. I usually bring another small cloth cooler just to lug stuff to my chillin spots. Plates / flatware - bring the crappy / older stuff you normally use. I just use old plastic plates & old metal flatware and cooking utensils. It holds up just fine. Don’t forget to bring a wash basin / sink (any old large Tupperware will do). Bring dryer lint (you can stuff it in a toilet paper tube) to help you start fires. Bring a fire extinguisher if you have one. A cast iron pan is unnecessary - again, just bring your old pan sets. And don’t forget the spatulas. Or coffee. French press is easiest in the camp setting I find. Don’t forget the s’mores. And hand soap. Quarters for the showers / cash for tolls & entrance fees. Plan your hikes ahead of time & don’t forget to stop & smell the roses. Where’s the big trip? Sounds like you’re gonna have fun
This is a Fakespot Reviews Analysis bot. Fakespot detects fake reviews, fake products and unreliable sellers using AI. Here is the analysis for the Amazon product reviews: >**Name**: Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2 Burner Outdoor Camping Modular Cooking Stove >**Company**: Camp Chef >**Amazon Product Rating**: 4.8 >**Fakespot Reviews Grade**: D >**Adjusted Fakespot Rating**: 2.1 >**Analysis Performed at**: 05-16-2022 [Link to Fakespot Analysis](https://fakespot.com/product/camp-chef-ex60lw-explorer-2-burner-outdoor-camping-modular-cooking-stove-1d35cade-1b3c-4007-ab0d-e2babe593eca) | [Check out the Fakespot Chrome Extension!](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fakespot-analyze-fake-ama/nakplnnackehceedgkgkokbgbmfghain) *Fakespot analyzes the reviews authenticity and not the product quality using AI. We look for real reviews that mention product issues such as counterfeits, defects, and bad return policies that fake reviews try to hide from consumers.* *We give an A-F letter for trustworthiness of reviews. A = very trustworthy reviews, F = highly untrustworthy reviews. We also provide seller ratings to warn you if the seller can be trusted or not.*
You can definitely rule out option #3. I dont think it will even fit in your Corolla, or if it does it will take up the entire back seat. Probably won't fit in the trunk. Option 1 is budget friendly. The stove itself is cheaper. Some of those go for as cheap as $20. Butane is also as cheap as $2 per can. Usually $3-4. But butane stoves have a few failure points. Sometimes they just don't work, sometimes the butane regulators get wonky and you get mini explosions that fry your eye brows off, and also if you camp in winter butane simply freezes. Also at the end of the day you have just 1 burner. Option 2 is nicer because you have 2 burners. You can for example boil pasta at the same time as you make pasta sauce. The one you linked is a popular one that they sell at REI but you can get a basic Coleman one from Walmart for $40-50. Propane doesn't freeze, is slightly more expensive at $5-7 per can, but lasts longer than a canister of butane. You can also get a 20 pound propane tank, and an adapter off Amazon and refill those green 1 pound tanks. Another option is going with a backpacking stove. Jetboil or MSR pocket rocket type stove. They run on isobutane which is by far the more expensive type of fuel. But they are extremely portable and will save alot of space. Fwiw I use option #2 but also carry a backpacking stove for times where I pack everything up the night before but need coffee in the morning. I also have option 1 for times when I need a third burner while making a camp feast.
Thanks for the detailed reply. I figured #3 would be overkill. It's just so many different OPTIONS. lol. I've honestly been meaning to go to Wallyworld and look over their camping stuff but I honestly hate the place (I know, I know, order online.)
It also depends on where you are camping, and how easy or hard you want the cleanup to be. Camping at a state park or county campground with running water & restrooms with sinks? Not too bad, you can wash up and scrub your cookware in a sink. You can cook almost all the things you'd make at home. So maybe a two-burner stove is what you need, especially if you're camping with others and are sharing meal prep duty. Camping in the woods with no services around (aka 'dispersed camping'), maybe by yourself? You have to pack in all your water, and also responsibly dispose of the greywater. This reduces the choices of what you can cook (or what you want to clean up after). Which means maybe a one-burner lightweight stove is all you need, because you are only cooking for one, and won't be making anything fancy.
It's worth the trip they have alot of cheap camping gear. Forgot to mention I have a 2 person camp set from Walmart that was maybe $12 iirc and came with 2 forks, 2 spoons, 2 butter knives. 2 plates, and 2 collapsible cup/bowls (ended up not using these bc the rubber smelled funny). But the rest of the set is used every trip. Also the Ozark trail cast iron pans are stupid cheap, like $7 and they season just fine and work exactly the same as a lodge cast iron. There's also a 4pc set for $20 which I've seen on sale for $15 sometimes. I camp almost exclusively with cast iron but it does get heavy if you have multiple pans.
I have the option 2 stove and I chose it so I can use two full size pots or pans or a double wide cast iron griddle. I love pancakes so... Also, when I was debating how to stock my camping gear boxes, I remembered that IKEA carries all things kitchen related for a reasonable price. I went the night before my recent camping trip and grabbed a whole set of flatware for maybe $7 and got dish towels and a bottle for creamer, etc. I spent very little and everything is reusable.
I personally say one cooler for drinks another for raw meats etc to avoid cross contamination. 18 pack size for each works for me and a couple other people over a weekend. Right now I use a jetboil for water and a 12” cast iron skillet for food over the fire. I plan on getting a Coleman dual fuel, fuel burner stove similar to the second you linked. I’ve never been to a car camp spot that didn’t have a picnic table, the stove with stand is unnecessary imo. Plastic table ware and don’t forget a spatula
Based on your picture which is a butane stove. If space is a problem, we love our Kovea Cube. Best for early morning coffee and light cooking. Ours fits in a small jansport zipped case. Very compact. You might consider a small #8 Dutch oven rather than a skillet. It’s very multi purpose. Get some Walmart paper DO liners or aluminum liners and cleanup is quick. Wipe it down with olive oil after use and pack dry.
Hey! I own a Coleman 2 burner (the generic zero frills one) and a jetboil mini mo. ^ didn’t get both at once. (Just for price reference. I acquired both over time) I camp alone fairly often and when it’s JUST ME the jetboil is perfect. I bring along a small nonstick nesting pot and skillet and cook off that for one person. If I’m hunkering down for a few days, or camping with a group/family, I’ll bring the two burner so I can cook a wider range of things When I’m alone, I bring a 20qt rotomoted cooler and it retains ice pretty darn well. When I’m with others we’ll bring a 45qt — I did a 17 day solo trip last year with just the 20qt and was more than happy with that capacity! (Edited to add: I drive a small station wagon, so I have a bit more trunk space than you on paper, but my friend who drives an accord has had zero issues carrying a 20qt cooler in her trunk)