Introduction
Cooking outdoors requires a reliable, efficient, and portable stove that delivers powerful heat while remaining easy to transport. The 2 Burner Portable Propane Camping Stove by Cricosner is designed to meet these needs, offering a total output of 17,200 BTUs and a foldable, travel-friendly design. Whether you’re an avid camper, tailgater, or emergency prepper, this stove is built to deliver consistent heat, stable cooking, and long-lasting durability.
With a mid-range price tag of $79.99 (discounted from $99.99), this model offers great value compared to similar two-burner stoves. But is it the right fit for your outdoor cooking needs? Let’s take an in-depth look at its features, performance, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Key Features
Here are the standout features of the Cricosner 2 Burner Portable Propane Camping Stove:
- Dual High-Performance Burners: Generates a combined 17,200 BTUs, allowing simultaneous cooking with independent heat control.
- Foldable & Compact Design: Easily folds into a compact size (10” x 9” x 2.56”), making it highly portable.
- Durable Build Quality: Made from stainless steel, carbon steel, and iron, ensuring longevity.
- Integrated Windshield: A foldable windshield prevents flame blowouts in windy conditions.
- Large Stable Base: Can accommodate up to 10-inch cookware, providing enhanced stability.
- Piezo Ignition System: Features a built-in igniter for match-free startup.
- Non-Slip Feet: Keeps the stove stable on different surfaces for safe cooking.
- Easy-to-Clean Design: Includes a detachable stove rack, allowing for effortless cleaning.
- Propane Fuel Efficiency: Uses standard propane tanks, making fuel affordable and widely available.
Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This camping stove scores highly across multiple performance aspects:
| Feature | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent 17,200 BTU) |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Compact & Lightweight) |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Piezo Ignition & Adjustable Burners) |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Heavy-Duty Steel Build) |
| Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Large Base & Anti-Slip Feet) |
Final Verdict: This 2-burner propane stove is a top-tier choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a powerful, reliable, and portable cooking solution. Its high BTU output, durable materials, and user-friendly ignition system make it a must-have for camping, tailgating, and emergency cooking.
Why Choose This Stove?
Best Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 17,200 BTU Performance – Ensures fast cooking times even in outdoor conditions.
- Wind-Resistant Design – The foldable windshield helps protect the flame from wind, ensuring efficient heat output.
- Lightweight & Foldable – At just 5.51 lbs, it’s easy to transport and fits in compact spaces.
- Large Cooking Surface – Can accommodate two 10-inch pots at the same time.
- Stainless Steel & Carbon Steel Build – Ensures durability and long-term outdoor use.
- Match-Free Piezo Ignition – No need for matches or lighters, making it easy to start.
- Propane-Powered – Compatible with readily available propane tanks, ensuring cost-effective fuel usage.
- Stable & Non-Slip Design – Features anti-slip feet for added stability on uneven surfaces.
Who Should Buy This Stove?
This stove is perfect for outdoor adventurers who need a reliable cooking solution. Here’s a quick guide:
Best For You If…
| You Need… | Why It’s a Great Fit |
|---|---|
| A powerful dual-burner stove | High 17,200 BTU output allows for faster cooking |
| A portable & foldable design | Easily packs into a small size for convenient carrying |
| A stove for all-weather cooking | Comes with a windshield to maintain flame stability |
| A fuel-efficient propane stove | Compatible with widely available propane tanks |
| A safe & durable build | High-temperature-resistant steel for long-lasting use |
Not for You If…
| You Prefer… | Why It May Not Work |
|---|---|
| A wood-burning stove | This stove only supports propane |
| A built-in oven feature | Does not include an oven or baking function |
| Ultra-lightweight camping gear | Weighs 5.51 lbs, which may not be ideal for ultra-light hikers |
Build Quality & Design
The Cricosner Portable Propane Stove is built with heavy-duty stainless steel, carbon steel, and iron. This ensures high durability and heat resistance, making it perfect for rugged outdoor conditions.
Size & Portability
- Dimensions: 22”L x 10”W x 3”H
- Folded Size: 10” x 9” x 2.56”
- Weight: 5.51 lbs
The foldable design makes it easy to store and transport, while the included carrying bag enhances portability.
Stable Cooking Surface
- Supports cookware up to 10 inches
- Non-slip feet prevent sliding or tipping over
- Grooved grate design keeps pots and pans securely in place
Burners & Ignition System
The Cricosner 2 Burner Propane Stove offers independent control for each burner, allowing you to boil water on one side while simmering a sauce on the other.
- BTU Output: 17,200 BTU (combined)
- Burner Material: High-temperature-resistant copper alloy
- Ignition System: Built-in Piezo ignition (match-free startup)
- Flame Adjustment: Adjustable flame control for precise cooking
Heat Output & Cooking Performance
This stove is designed for high-performance cooking with:
- Quick Boiling: Boils 1 liter of water in under 4 minutes
- Steady Heat Distribution: Even cooking without hot spots
- Wind Protection: Foldable windshield keeps flames stable
Fuel Type & Efficiency
This stove is powered by propane, ensuring a clean-burning, efficient cooking experience.
- Fuel Type: Propane (compatible with standard propane tanks)
- Fuel Efficiency: Low fuel consumption for longer cooking time
- Refueling: Easy connection to propane tanks for quick refills
Cooking Test: Real-World Performance
- Boiling Test: Boils 1 liter of water in under 4 minutes
- Cooking Test: Handles soups, meats, and breakfast dishes with even heat distribution
- Flame Consistency: No flickering or sudden drops in temperature
Extreme Conditions Test
Outdoor cooking isn’t always predictable. Factors like wind, temperature drops, and high altitudes can affect stove performance. This section evaluates how well the Cricosner Portable Propane Stove handles extreme conditions.
Performance in Windy Conditions
- The integrated windshield effectively blocks strong gusts, keeping the flame stable.
- Cooking performance remains consistent even in moderate wind speeds of 10-15 mph.
- Unlike some stoves with open burners, this model minimizes heat loss, ensuring steady cooking.
Efficiency in Cold Weather
- Propane tends to perform better than butane in cold temperatures, making this stove a more reliable option for winter camping.
- During tests in sub-40°F conditions, the stove maintained strong and consistent flames without noticeable drop-offs.
High-Altitude Cooking
- At elevations above 5,000 feet, propane stoves can sometimes burn weaker due to lower oxygen levels.
- The Cricosner stove’s dual-burner design allows for heat adjustments, ensuring effective cooking even at high altitudes.
- Flame efficiency remains impressive compared to budget stoves, though oxygen depletion can slightly increase boil time.
Best Stove Settings for an Optimized Cooking Experience
Adjusting the flame for different cooking methods can improve efficiency and extend fuel usage.
Recommended Settings
| Cooking Task | Recommended Heat Setting |
|---|---|
| Boiling Water | High flame (max heat) |
| Simmering Soups | Low flame (slow cooking) |
| Grilling Meats | Medium to high flame |
| Frying Foods | Medium heat for even cooking |
| Keeping Food Warm | Low flame |
Tips for Fuel Efficiency:
- Use windshields to prevent unnecessary heat loss.
- Cook with lids on pots and pans to speed up cooking time.
- Opt for smaller propane tanks for short trips and larger tanks for extended stays.
User Experience: What Outdoor Enthusiasts & Experts Say
The Cricosner 2 Burner Portable Stove has received positive feedback from campers and outdoor cooks. Here’s what real users appreciate:
What Campers Love
- Reliable Ignition: Piezo ignition eliminates the need for matches.
- Dual Cooking Capability: Cooking two dishes simultaneously saves time.
- Lightweight & Compact: Easy to carry and store in a small bag.
- Wind Protection: The windshield makes a noticeable difference in maintaining flame stability.
Common Criticisms
- Propane Only: Some users prefer dual-fuel stoves for flexibility.
- No Pressure Regulator Included: While compatible with standard propane tanks, a pressure regulator must be purchased separately.
How It Compares with Competitors
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Cricosner 2 Burner | Coleman Classic 2-Burner | FineFlame 3 Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTU Output | 17,200 BTU | 20,000 BTU | 20,400 BTU |
| Burners | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Windshield | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ignition System | Piezo ignition | Manual ignition | Piezo ignition |
| Weight | 5.51 lbs | 10 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes | No | No |
| Portability | High | Medium | Low |
| Price | $79.99 | $69.99 | $89.99 |
Why Choose This Stove Over Others?
- More portable than Coleman Classic while offering high heat output.
- Better weight-to-performance ratio compared to FineFlame’s bulkier design.
- Windshield and compact storage provide an advantage in travel-friendliness.
Longevity & Durability: How Long Will This Stove Last?
Durability is a key concern for outdoor cooking gear. This stove is constructed from stainless steel and carbon steel, ensuring high resistance to rust and heat damage.
Key Durability Factors
- Burner Longevity: Copper alloy burners last longer than standard aluminum ones.
- Frame Strength: Metal components resist warping under heat.
- Anti-Slip Feet: Prevents wear and tear on uneven terrain.
With proper maintenance, this stove can last several seasons of regular use.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Keeping the stove clean and well-maintained ensures longer lifespan and better performance.
Maintenance Tips
- After Each Use: Wipe down burners and grates to remove grease.
- Monthly: Inspect propane connections for leaks.
- Seasonally: Check ignition system to ensure proper function.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak flame | Low propane supply | Replace or refill the propane tank |
| Burner not igniting | Blocked igniter | Clean igniter tip with a soft brush |
| Flame keeps going out | Wind exposure | Adjust windshield or reposition stove |
| Uneven heating | Clogged burner ports | Use a needle to clear debris |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight & Foldable Design for easy carrying.
- Powerful 17,200 BTU output provides fast and efficient cooking.
- Integrated Windshield protects against flame blowouts.
- Dual-Burner Setup allows for multi-task cooking.
- Piezo Ignition ensures quick and match-free startup.
Cons
- Does not include propane canister (must be purchased separately).
- No built-in pressure regulator, requiring an additional purchase.
FAQs
Does this stove work with small propane canisters?
Yes, it’s compatible with 16 oz and 20 lb propane tanks (adapter required for larger tanks).
Can it be used indoors?
No, this stove is designed for outdoor use only due to propane combustion emissions.
How stable is it on uneven surfaces?
The anti-slip feet and large base keep it stable, but placing it on a flat, solid surface is recommended.
Is the carrying bag durable?
Yes, the included bag is strong enough for repeated outdoor use.
What’s the best way to clean it?
- Remove the grates and wipe the stainless steel surface.
- Clean burners with a soft brush to prevent clogging.
Setup & Usage Guide
Step-by-Step Setup
- Unfold the stove and ensure it’s on a flat surface.
- Connect the propane tank securely to the inlet.
- Turn the burner knobs to the ignition position.
- Press the Piezo igniter until the flame starts.
- Adjust the flame based on your cooking needs.
Final Conclusion
The Cricosner 2 Burner Portable Propane Stove is an excellent choice for campers, tailgaters, and outdoor chefs. With high heat output, portable design, and reliable performance, it’s one of the best budget-friendly propane stoves available.
For those who need a lightweight, powerful, and wind-resistant cooking solution, this stove is highly recommended.
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