The
Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium stove achieves a maximum heat output rated at more than 11,000 BTUs, but the stove weighs only 1.9 ounces and folds down smaller than a pack of playing cards.
I own and use a Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium stove, but that's not just why I'm recommending it. Rather, my top choice for the best camp stove is also many other people's favorite. And, I've been through enough camping stoves to know when I've found a good one.
Folded up, the LiteMax Titanium is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It tucks away into a pack without taking up any space worth noting, and the stove adds a mere 1.9 ounces to your overall gear weight. The standard canister of fuel used with a Snow Peak stove (shown in photo) weighs only a little more than half a pound and is smaller than a softball, so no concerns regarding weight or size, either.
Setting up this little stove takes about five seconds. You flip open its three legs, fold down the valve control rod, screw it onto the fuel canister, and you're ready to cook.
In most conditions, the Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium stove can bring a small pot of water to boil in about five minutes, and with its standard fuel canister it should offer up to 50 minutes of burn time. The only real complaint I have about this stove, which is one to be expected from such a small device, is it's rather unstable. You need to be sure you center a pot or pan on those three little legs and make sure to place the fuel canister on as flat and solid a surface as possible. If you're not careful, you will end up with spilled water or, worse, a spilled dinner.
The Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium is a favorite of many Amazon customers, with average ratings above 4.4 stars. One customer put it best: "Small and compact, lightweight, [and] high build-quality. What's not to like?"
Trailspace Outdoor Gear Reviews notes how the stove "sets up in seconds" and praises its "excellent flame control." Backpacker also called the LiteMax Titanium the best all-around camp stove, calling it the "lightest of lightweights."
Pros: Very lightweight, excellent flame intensity control, easy set-up
Cons: Not very stable, can be extinguished by gusty wind
Buy the Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove on Amazon for $45.04 (originally $59.95)