1 + 1 = 1, or Now you’re cookin’ with gases

I started my van life with a Coleman one-burner propane stove. I could use either a 16-once bottle or a large five-gallon tank. The tank was more convenient because it lasted much longer and propane is less expensive in bulk. The stove sufficed, but it seemed to have only two temperatures: off and burned. Meh, I adapted to it.

A few years later, I was given a very slightly used Coleman one-burner butane stove. I liked it a lot. It was self-igniting and had much better temperature control. And it had a handy case. However, butane canisters are half the volume, more expensive, and sometimes difficult to find. Also, cool temperatures lower the pressure in the cans, reducing the flow rate, and making it so the burner barely burns. This is twice the problem if, like me, you want to use the stove as a heater. Furthermore, butane doesn’t like the thinner air of high elevations.

Golly, if only there were something out there combining the positive features of propane and butane stoves.

There is. Dual fuel stoves, like those from Gas One. They self-ignite and have good temperature control like butane stoves, and they can use cheaper, more plentiful propane that still burns well when it’s cold or above 7,000 feet.

I’ve waited until now to get a dual fuel stove because I can give away my other stoves at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. Someone will be grateful for one, despite the various drawbacks.