Portable gas stoves: features, tips for choosing and using

Portable gas stoves (GWP) are mobile and compact fire sources that were originally used for domestic needs. They were available in many homes with power outages. Consider the purposes for which such a stove is used, as well as what advantages and disadvantages are inherent in it.

The portable cooker is powered by a bottle of liquefied gas built into the body. Regardless of the model and manufacturer, such fire sources are lightweight and small in size. Thanks to these features, they were "adopted" by lovers of outdoor recreation. Touring models allow you to quickly warm up food you take with you or boil water for tea.

Mobile stoves with a disposable gas cylinder are purchased for use in the following activities:

• on hikes;
• winter fishing;
• for camping;
• at the dachas.

Portable tiles are portable fire sources. Due to the fact that they are supposed to be transported sometimes in difficult conditions, the manufacturer makes the cases lightweight, but at the same time durable. Most models are sold in specialized cases that reduce the risk of damage to the device if it is accidentally dropped or bumped.

Several factors are related to the advantages of portable stoves.

• High degree of security. It is achieved through certain functions (provided for most models): gas control, blocking of accidental activation, protection against gas leakage.
• Implementation of the basic options of a conventional kitchen gas stove. For example, using a portable device, you can cook a light soup, heat up water and cooked food, and stew vegetables.
• Autonomous work. The stove does not require a connection to a gas main or to a 220 V power source.With it, you can prepare a delicious and fresh lunch right in the field.
• Prompt ignition and stable flame at positive ambient temperatures.
• Versatility. Portable fire sources are allowed to be used everywhere: at the dacha, at home, at a picnic, on the river bank, in the forest.
• Convenient operation. To light the burner, it is enough to correctly connect the gas cylinder. This can be learned the first time, without the help of outsiders. To avoid errors when connecting, just study the instructions for the device.
• Economical fuel consumption.
• High efficiency.
• Low cost. Portable models are much cheaper than traditional bulky cookers. Almost any fisherman, tourist or summer resident will be able to purchase a portable tile without harming his wallet.

There are also disadvantages to tourist stoves. The main disadvantage is the need for frequent replacement of cylinders. If the gas runs out, the device will stop working. Therefore, going on a hike, you should take care of the presence of several cylinders with fuel.

Portable gas fires are divided into two types - burners and stoves. They have significant design differences. The burners are minimal, lighter and inexpensive. These devices can have the function of adjusting the intensity of combustion, pre-heating of gas and piezoelectric ignition. They are based on a torch type burner. It mixes the gas coming from the cylinder with air, as a result of which a combustible mixture is created, when ignited, a flame is formed. Thanks to a special lid, it is divided into several lights.

Plates have a more complex structure. They consist of a metal body, have one or a pair of burners, adjustment knobs. All manufactured camp plates are equipped with flare or ceramic burners.

The features of the first types of burners are described above. These models are more affordable, but they also have two significant drawbacks - high gas consumption and difficult operation in the open air in strong winds.

Ceramic burners do not create open flames. The design of such devices includes a nozzle, a bowl-shaped body, a ceramic panel. When the device is turned on, the fuel is burned inside the burner, the ceramics heats up and begins to emit thermal energy. As the ceramic burners do not create an open flame, they heat the cookware evenly. Moreover, they are easy to operate in windy weather.

Basically, manufacturers of portable gas stoves offer single-burner models. They can operate from the following types of cylinders:

• collet;
• threaded;
• disposable;
• with post-refueling function.

Less common on sale are two-burner models. These are mainly desktop variations. Such devices have an important feature - each burner will require 2 gas cylinders to operate. The advantage of two-burner stoves is their greater power, so that you can cook food for a large company.

There are many models of portable touring stoves of domestic and foreign production. Below is a ranking of the most popular models based on the opinions of users.

• Fuga Compact TPB-102. Portable plate with cylinder collet connection. It has a compact size, 1 burner, and a low weight (1.13 kg). For ease of transportation and storage, it is supplied in a specialized protective case. This model is equipped with a windscreen that protects the flame from wind gusts and ensures optimal heat distribution.

• Picnic MS-2000. Portable single-burner model with piezo ignition. The power of the device is 2.1 kW, the weight is 1.9 kg. The tile is equipped with a protective mechanism against gas leakage and accidental activation. A disposable balloon is required for operation (operation time can last up to 90 minutes).

• Pathfinder MaximuM PF-GST-DM01. Two-burner model designed for those who prefer active outdoor recreation with a large company. This tabletop weighs 2.4 kg and has a capacity of 2.5 kW per burner. The model is universal - due to the specialized adapter included in the kit, it can be connected to ordinary household gas cylinders.

• TKR-9507-C (Kovea). Hotplate with ceramic burner and one burner. The weight is 1.5 kg, there is a piezo ignition, the power is 1.5 kW. It can withstand a load of up to 15 kg. The tile comes with a sturdy case for safe transport. Thanks to the ceramic hob, gas consumption is kept to a minimum. The stove is powered by a collet gas cylinder.

In addition to stoves, gas portable burners are in demand among tourists. "Chamomile". They are connected to a gas cylinder using a special flexible hose. Such devices are characterized by lower weight and size characteristics in comparison with tourist tiles.

Before going on a picnic or camping trip, it is important to ensure that you have a portable gas stove. To choose the optimal model, you should know which characteristics to pay attention to first.

The higher this indicator, the more heat the stove gives. Modern portable gas stoves are divided into three groups of models:

• low power (indicator does not exceed 2 kW);
• average power (from 2 to 3 kW);
• powerful (4-7 kW).

For hiking or fishing, you shouldn't always choose high-powered appliances. As a rule, such devices are suitable for summer cottage use or for recreation by large companies (from 8 to 12 people). With a powerful stove at hand, you can heat up water in a 5 liter container or cook lunch. To prepare food for a large number of people, you can use devices of low and medium power, but the cooking time and gas consumption will be significantly increased, which must be taken into account. If no more than three people go on a hike, low-power models are quite suitable.

An important indicator, which is usually paid attention only when it is necessary to overcome long distances. The longer the journey, the heavier the burden will seem. Going on a long hike, do not give preference to two-burner stoves. The ideal solution would be to purchase a stove with one burner or a conventional burner.

Fuel costs are an indicator that the manufacturing company usually indicates in the technical documentation for the tile. The fuel consumption shows how long it takes one liter of liquid to boil or how much gas will be spent during the hourly operation of the device.

Different models of tiles have different sizes of the working part (hob). They will determine how much food can be prepared at one time. For example, if a five-liter container is provided on the hob, it will not be difficult with its help to cook dinner for a company of 7 people.

A convenient function that allows you to light the flame on the burner by turning the button until it clicks. Thanks to her, you don't have to worry about having matches or a lighter. The only thing worth considering is the possible risks of poor operation of the piezo system in conditions of high air humidity (the ignition elements will become damp). So, it turns out that matches will be useful in tourist luggage.

Most models of mobile gas stoves come with a plastic cover. Its main purpose is to facilitate the transportation and storage of the device. Some tiles are equipped with a windscreen. It is a removable metal shield that protects the flame from wind influences.

In addition, some manufacturers equip the slabs with a special cover, which, when opened, will perform the function of wind protection. The package may also include stabilizers. They are designed to be fixed to the bottom of the fuel tank. Their purpose is to reduce the risk of the instrument tipping over.

The use of a portable cooker should be correct, as a gas-powered appliance is explosive. In order for the device to work properly, you need to adhere to certain recommendations.

• Before switching on a new device for the first time, make sure that there are no packaging residues and plugs in the threaded holes.
• The device is installed on level surfaces. If you intend to use tiles on sand, earth or grass, then something should be placed under it.
• Before connecting the cylinder, it is necessary to unfold the retaining elements that act as a stand for the container used.And before connecting a container with gas, you need to carefully inspect the valves, connections and the fuel system for damage.
• After the actions taken, the cylinder is screwed onto the thread, the device is turned on by activating the piezo ignition button. To correctly adjust the intensity of the flame, you need to use the valve located on the body.

Subzero ambient temperatures can complicate the operation of the devices. In order not to run into problems, it is important to keep the gas cylinder warm. To do this, it should be "wrapped" in a warm cloth when there is no need to use it. Owners of stoves with piezo ignition should remember that a push-button igniter may fail. In this case, the burners can be ignited from an extraneous source of fire (as mentioned earlier - from matches or a lighter).

Compliance with these simple rules is the key to the safe and trouble-free operation of a portable gas stove or burner.

In the next video, you will find a big test of camping gas stoves.