This is the best video on a butane camp stove. You answered questions I had that others never mentioned. Such as approximately how long a canister lasts. I do understand it depends on amount of flame used but an approximation is helpful. You also touched on not using it at freezing temperatures and the traveling outside North America situation. Best video.
I'm so happy you found all the information useful. After using it for years and years, I wanted to share everything I could and I'm glad I touched on aspects others seemed to have missed. Hope you have a blast using your stove!
I think dual fuel with propane is logical here in Canada, at least for winter potential and risks. I like butane, but sometimes propane is required. Umbrellas make great windscreens.
Propane is definitely more suitable for the cold weather. I'll be posting a video comparing butane, propane, and liquid fuel, and talking about cold weather performance. Thanks for the tip about umbrellas! We typically don't backcountry camp with one, but if folks are car camping and have one handy then it should make an excellent windscreen. Happy camping fellow Canadian, Shane
Thanks for sharing your experiences in dealing with butane camp stove flat burner types. I have several stoves because of emergency usage for hurricane or topical storm possibilities at my coastal location. I prefer stoves that are duel capability propane or butane.
Yes, having that redundancy on fuel type can be very important. Propane is readily available in North America. We have ice storms where we live, so we also have a few stoves in storage for emergency situations.
You left out a biggie: Not all canisters are CRV equipped, and can explode if the pot or pan shifts to the right over the canister department. The can should say CRV on it, and Amazon sells brands that don’t.
That’s a great point! I’ll double check to see if the canisters I buy and link to have the CRV feature built in. I’ll also update my website article to mention that as well. In my next video I’ll make sure to point that out when I compare different fuel stoves. As an engineer, I can truly appreciate the use of equipment that is intrinsically safe which is a far superior option than relying on proper procedure and potential human error. Thanks for the tip, and happy camping!
I've been curious if different canister manufacturers are interchangable Coleman -Gas one etc due to the price difference I've been hesitant on which one to purchase. Great informative video thanks for the upload.
Butane stove canisters are all the same and interchangeable. Just this past weekend we use "Woods" canisters from Canadian Tire, and in the past we've used Coleman canisters. They all should have the same amount of fuel and operate identically. Just buy which ever is on sale and you should be good :)
These are gaining popularity in South Africa due to our constant loadshedding (electricity black outs) where we are without electricity for 2 hours, two to three times a day. And gas for indoor gas stoves and heaters is becoming scarce too. Luckily there are plenty of butane canisters to keep my little stove going.
This is a silly question, I know…but after using the stove, am I supposed to take the fuel can out and store the can? What if I don’t have the lid for the can anymore? Or is it ok to just keep the can in the stove slot after releasing the lock switch? I’m just wondering if fuel leaks out and how to preserve the fuel. Thank you for your help!
Hi Annie, that's not a silly question at all! As you mentioned, you can keep the fuel can in the stove as long as you release the locking lever. This ensures the can is disengaged and gas won't leak out accidentally. When not in use, keep the stove (and the fuel can) out of direct sunlight especially in the summer time so it doesn't get too hot. For transporting and storing the fuel can, it's best to keep the fuel can lid. The lid prevents the nozzle from being accidentally depressed which releases gas. I actually accidentally pushed the nozzle and released a bit of butane when I stored the fuel can in a storage container. Luckily, I found a spare nozzle lid from an empty can. Hope this was helpful! Enjoy cooking on your stove.
After cooking do u remove the canister or is it safe to leave it in stove. Do you think it is safe to use indoors for short periods when electricity power cuts off.
Hi Jana, I typically leave the canister in the stove, but I do disengage the canister (via the locking lever) while not in use. For indoor use, it's not recommended. However, in emergency situations (such as a power outage) I guess it would be acceptable. Don't use the stove in a small enclosure. Use it in a larger space, make sure windows are open, and that there is plenty of ventilation. The burning of butane creates carbon dioxide gas which at high concentrations can lead to asphyxiation. Be safe, and thanks for watching!
Good video. I was wondering, what is the proper way to dispose of the empty canisters. Also is it ok to store a canister in the stove which is not in the locked position?
Hi Juanita, the empty canisters are non-pressurized, so they can be disposed of with your regular garbage. Yes, you definitely can store canisters in the stove in the unlocked position. I regularly do this while transporting my stove. It also lets you carry an extra canister tucked inside the stove body!
@@juanitagreenspan5412 I am just getting started with camp stoves; but from my research, it is not a good idea or good practice to just dispose of butane canisters in the regular garbage. Here are the disposal tips from an online article that I found very helpful. The best way to dispose of butane is to empty the can and recycle it. The process works like this: ** Light the canister and let it burn until the gas empties. You never want to dispose of a butane can with gas remaining inside, but hopefully it’s nearly empty already at this point. When the flames die, you can proceed to the next step. ** Puncture the sidewall of the canister to remove the remaining gas. You can do this with a screwdriver or with a puncturing tool available at sporting goods stores. Use gloves to protect your hands in case the tool slips. As long as you’re not standing beside an open flame or other heat source, the canister will not explode. ** Take your empty or almost-empty can to a local hazardous waste recycling facility. If the can is leaking, damaged, or larger than 25 gallons, there’s a chance your local recycling center won’t accept it. If that’s the case, take it to a hazardous waste disposal site. ** Do not toss butane cans-even empty butane cans-into the garbage. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but it may subject you to fines or other penalties. Hope that helps! For sure, it will help the environment!! www.gaiaca.com/how-to-dispose-of-butane-and-other-solvents/
Thanks for the great question! According to many health and safety experts, portable butane stoves should never be used indoors or in confined spaces. The key risk is that the disposable butane gas canister can produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell or colour and can cause symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even death. However, many restaurants utilize portable butane stoves for indoor use at the table for things such as hotpot. Also, you'll notice many cooking TH-camr's utilizing a portable butane stove for demonstrating cooking on a countertop. Personally, we actually used these type of stoves during power outages in the past. We always ensured that there was plenty of ventilation and air flow if we needed to use it indoors but typically we used it outdoors. The other risk is that if the canister itself gets too hot and over pressurizes somehow, they are designed to vent the pressure from the canister suddenly, creating a "flash fire". So, never leave a stove unattended and know the risks if you choose to use the stove indoors. I hope this helps! Cheers, Shane
I bought one today and setting the can did not worked. I followed the process to the T, and when I pressed the lever down the gas was release into the air. I did it twice with same results. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Elizabeth. Let’s try to figure this out! First, are you using the correct size butane canister? You need to use the 8 ounce canisters. There are 5 ounce butane canisters that aren’t large enough for these stoves. Second, are you aligning the “notch” correctly? Third, are you flipping over the stove top metal “ X “ before pushing down the canister locking lever? Fourth, make sure the fuel dial is set to zero before engaging the canister lever. And fifth, after pressing the lever down, turn the fuel knob all the way to activate the ignition switch, otherwise the gas won’t ignite. Let me know if any of these things worked. Also, let me know the exact model of your butane stove and I can check to see it has special instructions. Cheers, Shane
Hello! The butane canister needs to be the 8 oz version. It looks the the Benzomatic 5.6 oz version you got from Home Depot is for refilling of butane lighters. It won’t work with standard butane stoves. Hope this was helpful. - Shane
Hi Dan, the cost per cooking hour I was referring to was based on data tabulated by MSR. The information can be found under the "Economy" section in the the following article: www.msrgear.com/blog/canister-stoves-vs-liquid-fuel/#:~:text=On%20a%20short%20trip%20that,the%20canister%20stove%20as%20well
This is the best video on a butane camp stove. You answered questions I had that others never mentioned. Such as approximately how long a canister lasts. I do understand it depends on amount of flame used but an approximation is helpful. You also touched on not using it at freezing temperatures and the traveling outside North America situation. Best video.
I'm so happy you found all the information useful. After using it for years and years, I wanted to share everything I could and I'm glad I touched on aspects others seemed to have missed. Hope you have a blast using your stove!
I think dual fuel with propane is logical here in Canada, at least for winter potential and risks. I like butane, but sometimes propane is required. Umbrellas make great windscreens.
Propane is definitely more suitable for the cold weather. I'll be posting a video comparing butane, propane, and liquid fuel, and talking about cold weather performance.
Thanks for the tip about umbrellas! We typically don't backcountry camp with one, but if folks are car camping and have one handy then it should make an excellent windscreen.
Happy camping fellow Canadian,
Shane
I open the plastic box that holds the stove to a 90° angle and put it on it's side for a quick windscreen.
Yes! That’s a great hack to block the wind 😊
Looking at one of these for my next trip but didn't know much about them. Thanks for the video!
Hi Ken. Glad you found the information useful. They're very handy for cooking outdoors.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in dealing with butane camp stove flat burner types. I have several stoves because of emergency usage for hurricane or topical storm possibilities at my coastal location. I prefer stoves that are duel capability propane or butane.
Yes, having that redundancy on fuel type can be very important. Propane is readily available in North America. We have ice storms where we live, so we also have a few stoves in storage for emergency situations.
man I always enjoy your uploads!!! I picked one of these up at the beginning of the year, really happy with it!
Thanks Wes!
7:50 You can also open the carrying case and use that to try to block some wind.
Yup! That works too. Maybe use some rocks or firewood logs to keep it propped up. Great suggestion.
Thanks! At Walmart December 21 2022, one can cost me $3.47. Great video!
wow, what a bargain!
Excellent informative video-Thanks
I'm glad you found it useful, Thomas!
You left out a biggie:
Not all canisters are CRV equipped, and can explode if the pot or pan shifts to the right over the canister department.
The can should say CRV on it, and Amazon sells brands that don’t.
That’s a great point! I’ll double check to see if the canisters I buy and link to have the CRV feature built in. I’ll also update my website article to mention that as well.
In my next video I’ll make sure to point that out when I compare different fuel stoves.
As an engineer, I can truly appreciate the use of equipment that is intrinsically safe which is a far superior option than relying on proper procedure and potential human error.
Thanks for the tip, and happy camping!
I've been curious if different canister manufacturers are interchangable Coleman -Gas one etc due to the price difference I've been hesitant on which one to purchase. Great informative video thanks for the upload.
Butane stove canisters are all the same and interchangeable. Just this past weekend we use "Woods" canisters from Canadian Tire, and in the past we've used Coleman canisters. They all should have the same amount of fuel and operate identically. Just buy which ever is on sale and you should be good :)
Not all the same. Make sure it has the CRV logo on it.
great video. thanks.
Thanks Mark! I'm glad you found it informative.
These are gaining popularity in South Africa due to our constant loadshedding (electricity black outs) where we are without electricity for 2 hours, two to three times a day. And gas for indoor gas stoves and heaters is becoming scarce too. Luckily there are plenty of butane canisters to keep my little stove going.
Wow, really? What part of SA? Do people also use propane stoves?
This is a silly question, I know…but after using the stove, am I supposed to take the fuel can out and store the can? What if I don’t have the lid for the can anymore?
Or is it ok to just keep the can in the stove slot after releasing the lock switch?
I’m just wondering if fuel leaks out and how to preserve the fuel.
Thank you for your help!
Hi Annie, that's not a silly question at all! As you mentioned, you can keep the fuel can in the stove as long as you release the locking lever. This ensures the can is disengaged and gas won't leak out accidentally.
When not in use, keep the stove (and the fuel can) out of direct sunlight especially in the summer time so it doesn't get too hot.
For transporting and storing the fuel can, it's best to keep the fuel can lid. The lid prevents the nozzle from being accidentally depressed which releases gas. I actually accidentally pushed the nozzle and released a bit of butane when I stored the fuel can in a storage container. Luckily, I found a spare nozzle lid from an empty can.
Hope this was helpful! Enjoy cooking on your stove.
@@meandering-shane thank you so much!! This helps indeed :) thank you for your videos!
After cooking do u remove the canister or is it safe to leave it in stove.
Do you think it is safe to use indoors for short periods when electricity power cuts off.
Hi Jana, I typically leave the canister in the stove, but I do disengage the canister (via the locking lever) while not in use. For indoor use, it's not recommended. However, in emergency situations (such as a power outage) I guess it would be acceptable. Don't use the stove in a small enclosure. Use it in a larger space, make sure windows are open, and that there is plenty of ventilation. The burning of butane creates carbon dioxide gas which at high concentrations can lead to asphyxiation. Be safe, and thanks for watching!
I think indoor use should be fine as these stoves are often used in some asian restaurants! Should open a window then tho maybe to be safe
Good video. I was wondering, what is the proper way to dispose of the empty canisters. Also is it ok to store a canister in the stove which is not in the locked position?
Hi Juanita, the empty canisters are non-pressurized, so they can be disposed of with your regular garbage. Yes, you definitely can store canisters in the stove in the unlocked position. I regularly do this while transporting my stove. It also lets you carry an extra canister tucked inside the stove body!
@@meandering-shane Thanks. That is a big help.
@@juanitagreenspan5412 I am just getting started with camp stoves; but from my research, it is not a good idea or good practice to just dispose of butane canisters in the regular garbage. Here are the disposal tips from an online article that I found very helpful.
The best way to dispose of butane is to empty the can and recycle it. The process works like this:
** Light the canister and let it burn until the gas empties. You never want to dispose of a butane can with gas remaining inside, but hopefully it’s nearly empty already at this point. When the flames die, you can proceed to the next step.
** Puncture the sidewall of the canister to remove the remaining gas. You can do this with a screwdriver or with a puncturing tool available at sporting goods stores. Use gloves to protect your hands in case the tool slips. As long as you’re not standing beside an open flame or other heat source, the canister will not explode.
** Take your empty or almost-empty can to a local hazardous waste recycling facility. If the can is leaking, damaged, or larger than 25 gallons, there’s a chance your local recycling center won’t accept it. If that’s the case, take it to a hazardous waste disposal site.
** Do not toss butane cans-even empty butane cans-into the garbage. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but it may subject you to fines or other penalties.
Hope that helps! For sure, it will help the environment!!
www.gaiaca.com/how-to-dispose-of-butane-and-other-solvents/
@@Gwen3344 Thanks Gwen.
@@juanitagreenspan5412 You're welcome.
Can you use it inside
Thanks for the great question!
According to many health and safety experts, portable butane stoves should never be used indoors or in confined spaces. The key risk is that the disposable butane gas canister can produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell or colour and can cause symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even death.
However, many restaurants utilize portable butane stoves for indoor use at the table for things such as hotpot. Also, you'll notice many cooking TH-camr's utilizing a portable butane stove for demonstrating cooking on a countertop.
Personally, we actually used these type of stoves during power outages in the past. We always ensured that there was plenty of ventilation and air flow if we needed to use it indoors but typically we used it outdoors.
The other risk is that if the canister itself gets too hot and over pressurizes somehow, they are designed to vent the pressure from the canister suddenly, creating a "flash fire".
So, never leave a stove unattended and know the risks if you choose to use the stove indoors.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Shane
I bought one today and setting the can did not worked. I followed the process to the T, and when I pressed the lever down the gas was release into the air. I did it twice with same results. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Elizabeth. Let’s try to figure this out!
First, are you using the correct size butane canister? You need to use the 8 ounce canisters. There are 5 ounce butane canisters that aren’t large enough for these stoves. Second, are you aligning the “notch” correctly? Third, are you flipping over the stove top metal “ X “ before pushing down the canister locking lever? Fourth, make sure the fuel dial is set to zero before engaging the canister lever. And fifth, after pressing the lever down, turn the fuel knob all the way to activate the ignition switch, otherwise the gas won’t ignite.
Let me know if any of these things worked. Also, let me know the exact model of your butane stove and I can check to see it has special instructions.
Cheers,
Shane
I bought Benzomatic butane from Home Depot. It doesn't have the notch. Is there any way to use it, or should I return it?
Hello! The butane canister needs to be the 8 oz version. It looks the the Benzomatic 5.6 oz version you got from Home Depot is for refilling of butane lighters. It won’t work with standard butane stoves.
Hope this was helpful.
- Shane
Why not use the case as a wind shield? Set it upright and open it up like a book and put it around the stove.
Absolutely! Just need to prop up the case a bit so it doesn't blow over. I usually use a few large pieces of firewood.
Q: If a can is $1 and last min 1hour, how is the cost $6 per hour?
Hi Dan, the cost per cooking hour I was referring to was based on data tabulated by MSR. The information can be found under the "Economy" section in the the following article: www.msrgear.com/blog/canister-stoves-vs-liquid-fuel/#:~:text=On%20a%20short%20trip%20that,the%20canister%20stove%20as%20well