Camping stoves have long employed the assistance of propane canisters to fuel their fire. While propane stoves do have their benefits, the simplicity of EcoZoom stoves make outdoor cooking a no-brainer. Going on camping trips requires some methodical planning and packing of gear. If you are going to be cooking while camping, a camp stove and fuel will be needed to keep you fueled for fun out in the great outdoors. Over the past few decades propane stoves have become the de facto type of stoves used in campgrounds, probably because they act like an indoor gas stove which makes them approachable to campers of all types. While propane stoves do offer a familiarity and ease of use for camping, they do have their drawbacks. We might be biased...ok we're really biased, but here are 5 reasons why our EcoZoom stoves make for a better camping stove than propane stoves:

1. The Hiss - If you've ever used a propane stove while camping you know exactly what I'm talking about. Maybe it's the end of the day and you are tired, or maybe it's the crack of dawn and you trying to wake up nice and slow. Either way, you value the peace and quiet of the outdoors...but don't get used to it. As soon as you fire up your propane stove out comes the loud hissing noise while you cook. Not exactly the peace and quiet you were looking for. EcoZoom stoves aren't silent, but they do offer a naturally quiet and comforting crackle of burning wood and a light whisp of air flowing through rocket stove.
2. The Hose - Cooking with a propane stove means you need to connect the propane canister to the stove before using. This doesn't mean you can just give it a few twists and call it good. An insecure connection isn't safe and can result in a fire. You also need to ensure that all hoses and connector points are in good working conditions and not leaking. EcoZoom stoves have no connectors or hoses to care for. There is no need to worry about unsafe leaks or explosions, just get your fire started in the combustion chamber and watch it burn slowly and safely.
3. The Ignitor - Click. Click. Click. Turn off the gas. Click. Click. Click. Sounds like the ignitor switch isn't doing the job that it was doing on day one. In fact there are multiple components that may be showing wear and tear. Check 'em all before you use your stove to make sure everything is working properly. The EcoZoom Dura has no moving parts while the EcoZoom Versa just has two doors. EcoZoom stoves are simple products with limited components, but don't be fooled by this. The simple design leads to big and efficient cooking power.
4. The Transport - Carrying propane canisters isn't difficult, but they do need to be protected so they don't jostle around or come into contact with heat. EcoZoom stoves use wood or charcoal for fuel. Transport as you please!
5. The Last Gasp - Running out of propane in the middle of cooking is awful. It brings back some funny family memories of Dad realizing that he was out of propane in the middle of burger night. Don't get caught in this situation, go buy and bring an extra propane canister. EcoZoom stoves use wood, leaves, dried corncobs...or any other type of biomass. Just look around and it's likely you will never run out of fuel.

  About the Author: Tom Pritchard is an EcoZoom employee and likes to cook outdoors with his EcoZoom rocket stove on camping trips or sunny days. You can email him directly at tom@ecozoomstove.com.