camping

Liquid Fuel Stove

What is a liquid fuel stove?

A liquid fuel stove is a camping stove that burns liquid petroleum fuels such as white gas, kerosene, or unleaded gasoline instead of pressurized gas canisters. These stoves require priming and pumping to create fuel pressure, and they excel in cold weather conditions where canister stoves may fail. Liquid fuel stoves are popular among winter campers and expedition backpackers because they maintain consistent performance in sub-freezing temperatures and fuel is widely available worldwide.

Related Terms

Canister Stove

A canister stove is a lightweight, portable cooking system that screws directly onto a pressurized fuel canister containing a gas mixture (typically butane, propane, or isobutane). These stoves are popular among backpackers and campers because they ignite instantly, burn cleanly with adjustable flame control, and require minimal setup or maintenance. Canister stoves are ideal for boiling water, cooking simple meals, and situations where convenience and weight savings are priorities, though they can be less efficient in very cold temperatures compared to liquid fuel stoves.