Quick Summary
Gas stoves are best for most UK campers — they work anywhere, heat instantly, and don't require an electric hook-up. Electric stoves are safer around children and convenient if you always use EHU pitches, but are useless without mains power.
Our recommendation: A quality gas stove like the Cadac Carri Chef range as your primary setup, with an electric hob as a bonus when you have hook-up.
When it comes to cooking at the campsite, the debate between gas and electric stoves is one that divides campers. Both have their place — but which is right for you? Here's an honest breakdown for UK campers.
Are Gas Camping Stoves Still the Best Option?
Gas stoves have been the go-to for campers for decades, and for good reason.
Pros
- Works anywhere — no hook-up needed, ideal for wild camping or basic pitches
- Instant heat and precise flame control
- Lightweight and portable — great for backpacking or touring
- Wide range of options from compact single burners to full multi-burner setups like the Cadac Carri Chef 40 and Cadac Carri Chef 50
- Performs well in cold weather (propane especially)
Cons
- Requires gas canisters or cylinders — ongoing cost and something to remember to pack
- Open flame — needs care around tents and in windy conditions
- Canisters can be tricky to dispose of responsibly
Are Electric Camping Stoves Worth It?
Electric stoves are growing in popularity, particularly as more campsites offer electric hook-up (EHU) pitches.
Pros
- No gas to buy or carry
- Safer around children — no open flame
- Consistent heat output regardless of weather
- Increasingly common on campsites with EHU pitches across the UK
Cons
- Requires an electric hook-up — useless without one
- Generally slower to heat than gas
- Less portable — not suitable for wild camping or off-grid adventures
- Can draw significant power, which may affect other appliances on your hook-up
Which Is Best for UK Campers — Gas or Electric?
For most UK campers, gas wins — especially if you tour different sites, wild camp, or want flexibility. The UK's variable weather and the popularity of touring means you can't always guarantee an EHU pitch, and gas gives you the freedom to cook wherever you are.
That said, if you exclusively use EHU pitches and camp with young children, an electric stove is a genuinely safer and convenient option.
What's Our Recommendation?
For versatility and performance, we'd always recommend a quality gas stove as your primary cooking setup. The Cadac Carri Chef range is a great starting point — modular, well-built, and suited to everything from a quick brew to a full campsite feast. Not sure which size to go for? Read our Cadac Carri Chef 40 vs 50 comparison to help you decide.
Browse all camping stoves and BBQs →
Frequently Asked Questions: Gas vs Electric Camping Stoves
Can I use a gas stove inside a tent?
No — you should never use a gas stove inside a tent or enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Always cook outside or in a well-ventilated awning with proper ventilation. If you need to cook under cover, ensure there's adequate airflow and never leave a lit stove unattended.
How much power does an electric camping stove use?
Most electric camping stoves draw between 800W and 1500W. On a standard 10-amp UK campsite hook-up, you'll have roughly 2,300W available, so an electric stove will use a significant portion of your power budget. You may need to turn off other appliances (like kettles or heaters) while cooking to avoid tripping the site's electrics.
Are gas camping stoves cheaper than electric?
Gas stoves are generally cheaper to buy, with good options from around £30. However, you'll have ongoing costs for gas canisters or cylinders. Electric stoves have no fuel costs beyond the campsite's electric hook-up fee (usually included in your pitch price), but the stoves themselves can be more expensive upfront.
Which is safer for family camping — gas or electric?
Electric stoves are generally considered safer around young children because there's no open flame. However, gas stoves are perfectly safe when used correctly outdoors. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions, keep gas canisters upright and secure, and never cook inside a tent.
Can I use both gas and electric stoves when camping?
Absolutely — many campers use both. A gas stove as your primary cooking setup gives you flexibility for any pitch, while an electric hob or griddle is a great addition when you have an electric hook-up. This gives you the best of both worlds: gas for flexibility and electric for convenience when on an EHU pitch.
