The one rule first
Outdoor use only
Propane and butane stoves produce carbon monoxide during combustion. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and accumulates to dangerous levels in any enclosed space. Use camp stoves outside, on a porch or deck, or in a garage with the door fully open and adequate cross-ventilation. Never operate a fuel-burning stove inside a home, tent, or closed vehicle.
With that established: a propane camp stove is the most practical alternative cooking method for a power outage in a home with any outdoor space. It runs on widely available fuel, cooks at full performance in any weather, and operates with no grid power required. Most households have a porch, deck, or backyard where they can cook safely.
For households in apartments without outdoor access, butane tabletop stoves can be used in front of an open window with a fan pulling air outward. This reduces but does not eliminate risk. A more suitable option for true indoor use is a portable induction burner powered by a portable power station, which produces no combustion gases at all.
Propane vs butane
Propane: better for emergencies
Standard 1-lb cylinders are available at every grocery store, hardware store, and gas station in the U.S. Propane performs reliably in cold weather down to well below freezing. Standard cylinders connect directly to Coleman and Camp Chef two-burner stoves without adapters. For a household emergency supply, propane is the more versatile and accessible choice.
Butane: compact, but cold-weather limited
Butane canisters are smaller and lighter than propane cylinders. Tabletop butane stoves fold flat and take up minimal storage space. The tradeoff: butane loses pressure at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which reduces output and can prevent ignition entirely in cold conditions. For warm-climate households or as a kitchen supplement, butane is acceptable. For emergency preparedness in variable climates, propane is the safer primary choice.
Our picks
Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Stove
The most widely owned camp stove in the United States, sold continuously for over 100 years. Two independently adjustable burners with 20,000 total BTU handle any household meal. Wind-blocking panels protect both burners. The PerfectFlow pressure regulator maintains consistent heat as the propane cylinder empties. Packs flat in a suitcase-style case. Runs on standard 16.4-oz propane cylinders or connects to a 20-lb tank via an optional adapter hose for extended use.
One standard 16.4-oz cylinder lasts approximately one hour on high. For three meals per day over 72 hours, four to six cylinders is a practical starting supply stored with the stove.
Output
20,000 BTU (2 burners)
Fuel
Standard 1-lb propane cylinders
Cooking surface
Fits 10" and 12" pans
Storage
Folds flat, suitcase-style
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Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Stove
The compact option for smaller households, apartments, or as a backup stove. The dual-fuel design accepts both butane canisters and standard propane cylinders, which means it can use whatever fuel is available. At 3.3 pounds with its carrying case, it stores in a cabinet drawer. Consistently recommended in tested roundups for its balance of value, fuel flexibility, and reliable ignition. Best for one to two people cooking simple meals.
Fuel type
Butane or propane (dual)
Burners
1 burner
Weight
3.3 lbs with case
Ignition
Piezo electric (no matches)
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Fuel storage
Store propane cylinders upright in a cool, dry location away from heat sources, open flames, and direct sunlight. An outdoor storage box, shed, or garage shelf is appropriate. Do not store propane cylinders indoors, in a basement, or in an enclosed vehicle trunk. Propane cylinders have an indefinite shelf life as long as the valve seal remains intact and the cylinder is undamaged.
A practical starter supply for 72-hour preparedness is four to six standard 16.4-oz cylinders per household. This provides roughly four to six hours of high-heat cooking time. Efficient use of the stove, including covering pots to retain heat and cooking one dish at a time, can extend this substantially.
For extended outages, a Coleman adapter hose connects the two-burner stove to a standard 20-lb propane tank, providing roughly 20 hours of cooking on a single tank. A 20-lb tank costs $30 to $40 filled and is widely available at hardware stores for refill.
NWS recommendation
For most households: Coleman Classic 2-Burner with four to six 16.4-oz propane cylinders stored alongside it. Set it up outside on the porch or deck when the power goes out. The stove is familiar, the fuel is available everywhere, and it cooks normal meals on normal cookware with no learning curve. For compact storage or one-person use: Gas One GS-3400P with propane cylinders.
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