Companion Butane Stove Review

Testing the Companion butane stove​

For many of us, the single butane stove is the workhorse of our camping setup. It’s a versatile piece of kit that bridges the gap between a minimalist backpacking canister system and a full-blown two-burner camp kitchen. The Companion Single Butane Stove aims to refine this classic design, promising a powerful burner and enhanced safety features in a compact, easy-to-use format. I’ve taken this stove on everything from weekend fishing trips to quiet campsite dinners, and I appreciate how reliably it delivers a strong, controllable flame. It removes the fuss from camp cooking, giving me more time to enjoy the simple pleasure of a hot meal outdoors.

The good

  • Powerful 7,500 BTU burner output
  • Piezo ignition for instant start
  • Twin release safety valve built in
  • Adjustable heat for precise control
  • Includes tough plastic carry case

The not-so-good

  • Runs on butane only (152g/hr)
  • Stove is susceptible to wind
  • Slightly bulky for true backpacking
The Companion butane stove​ the stove comes in a sturdy plastic carry case
The Companion butane stove​ the stove comes in a sturdy plastic carry case

What You’re Getting

A powerful and safe single burner butane gas stove featuring a 7,500 BTU output, Piezo ignition, and a powder-coated steel cabinet. It includes a twin release safety valve and a safety alignment mechanism for secure operation with 220g butane cartridges. Ideal for car camping and emergency use.

Quick Specs

If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.

SpecDetails
BrandCompanion
Weight (Stove Only)1.4 kg
Weight (In Carry Case)2.1 kg
Dimensions34 x 28 x 11.5 cm
Gas Output7,500 BTU
Gas Consumption152g/hr
Gas TypeButane (220g cartridge)
IgnitionPiezo Ignition
Safety FeaturesTwin release safety valve, Safety alignment mechanism
MaterialPowder-coated steel cabinet and trivet

First impressions

Unpacking the stove, the first thing I notice is the sturdy plastic carry case. It’s well designed and feels tough enough to handle being knocked around in the back of the car without issue. Opening the case, the stove itself presents as a sleek and functional rectangle, sitting neatly within its protective shell. It feels very self-contained and ready to go. Measuring 34 cm by 28 cm, it immediately signals that this stove is designed for stability, easily accommodating my larger camp frying pan.

Furthermore, the controls are prominent and intuitive, with a large knob for the gas control and the simple lever for cartridge lock-in. I like the simple, clean aesthetic of the powder-coated steel, which looks professional and hints at easy cleaning down the line.

The Companion Single Butane Stove is made of a powder-coated steel cabinet and trivet
The Companion Single Butane Stove is made of a powder-coated steel cabinet and trivet

Materials & Build Quality

The Companion Single Butane Stove employs a powder-coated steel cabinet and trivet, which gives it a solid, durable feel. This material choice is fantastic for two reasons: longevity and stability. The powder coating is clearly applied well, resisting small scuffs and scratches after several uses in different environments. Furthermore, the steel trivet provides a very stable base for my pots and pans.

I appreciate that the trivet is a separate piece that simply lifts off, which is a big help for cleaning. All the components (the gas lock lever, the control knob, and the Piezo ignition button) are firmly seated in the steel chassis, confirming this stove is built for the unavoidable rough treatment of outdoor life, not just for the kitchen bench.

All the components of the Companion butane stove are firmly seated in the steel chassis
All the components of the Companion butane stove are firmly seated in the steel chassis
The steel trivet of the Companion butane stove​ provides a stable base for camp cooking
The steel trivet of the Companion butane stove​ provides a stable base for camp cooking

Ergonomics & Weight

While the stove unit weighs 1.4 kg on its own, the total packed weight of 2.1 kg, including the carry case, makes this a very reasonable addition to any car camping load-out. Clearly, it is not built for multi-day trekking, but for basecamp, picnics, or even as an emergency backup at home, the weight is completely acceptable. The dimensions of 34 x 28 x 11.5 cm are perfect. The size offers a generously large cooking area, ensuring my 25 cm frying pan sits squarely without overhang, which translates directly to safer cooking.

The ergonomics are exceptional, built around simplicity. A single lever instantly locks the gas cartridge into place, and the whole stove is ready to use in seconds. The flame adjustment knob is smooth and responsive, moving easily from a powerful boil to a gentle simmer with only minor adjustments. The wide, low profile also contributes to its stability, reducing the chance of accidental tipping when stirring a heavy pot of stew.

The Companion butane stove is ready to use in seconds after locking the gas cartridge into place with the single lever
The Companion butane stove is ready to use in seconds after locking the gas cartridge into place with the single lever
The Companion butane stove​ case slots easily in the back of our Titan drawer
The Companion butane stove​ case slots easily in the back of our Titan drawer

Performance & Features

This stove really shines when it comes to performance, primarily due to its 7,500 BTU burner. That amount of heat is plenty for boiling a litre of water in just a few minutes, even when the wind is a slight nuisance. The Piezo ignition is a convenient feature, lighting the gas instantly every single time without the hassle of matches or a lighter. I am genuinely impressed by the safety mechanisms, too. The stove includes a twin release safety valve and a safety alignment mechanism for the butane cartridge.

This system immediately releases pressure or disengages the cartridge if the heat or pressure builds too high, providing huge peace of mind, especially when cooking with larger pots that reflect heat back down. The consumption rate of 152g/hr means a standard 220g butane cartridge provides enough cooking time for multiple meals over a weekend trip before needing a change.

The Companion butane stove includes a twin release safety valve and a safety alignment mechanism for the butane cartridge
The Companion butane stove includes a twin release safety valve and a safety alignment mechanism for the butane cartridge
The 7,500 BTU burner of the Companion butane stove​ is able to boil a litre of water in just a few minutes
The 7,500 BTU burner of the Companion butane stove​ is able to boil a litre of water in just a few minutes

Considering the Companion Double Butane Stove

If you find yourself needing to cook a little more than a single pot can handle, perhaps for a family or a couple who enjoy multi-course meals, it is definitely worth looking at the Companion Double Butane Stove. This unit essentially doubles the cooking capability, offering dual burners that each feature the same powerful 7,500 BTU output, giving you 15,000 BTU in total.

Naturally, the double unit is larger, measuring approximately 62 cm by 28 cm, and it is heavier at around 3.9 kg, but that bulk translates directly into a spacious cooking area that can comfortably handle two pots or a large frypan and a hotplate simultaneously. Like the single version, it includes the essential twin release safety valve and Piezo ignition for instant, secure start-ups, making the jump to two burners seamless and just as safe as your single companion butane stove.

Companion double butane stove

Companion double butane stove

  • Rated: 9.2/10
  • BTU Output: 15,000

Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup

Cooking on the Companion butane stove requires you to think about more than just the flame. To get the most out of your 7,500 BTU burner, you need other quality cookware for to fully kit out your camp kitchen.

The verdict

The Companion Single Butane Stove is a fantastic piece of simple, reliable cooking gear.

It offers a powerful 7,500 BTU burner and excellent safety features wrapped up in a tough, easy-to-use steel cabinet. The instant Piezo ignition and precise flame control make cooking outdoors a stress-free experience, perfect for everything from a quick roadside lunch to a full dinner at the campsite. Given its sturdy build and complete self-contained design with the included carry case, this stove is an essential component for hassle-free outdoor cooking.

Best for

This stove is best for car camping families, casual outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use backup cooking solution. Its stability and excellent safety features make it ideal for quick setup at basecamp or for emergency use.

Is it worth the money?

Absolutely, the Companion Butane Stove is worth the money. It offers a great blend of high heat output and essential safety features in a compact, durable package. Its sheer convenience and reliability make it an investment that eliminates the frustration of trying to cook over an open fire.

Check price at Outback Equipment

Frequently asked questions

How long does a canister last on the companion butane stove?
The Companion Single Butane Stove has a gas consumption rate of 152g/hr. Using a standard 220g butane cartridge means you get over an hour of continuous burn time at full power. For typical cooking where you cycle the flame, a canister generally lasts for several meals over a weekend trip.
What are the key safety features of the companion butane stove?
The Companion butane stove prioritises safety with two main features: a twin release safety valve, which manages internal pressure, and a safety alignment mechanism that ensures the butane cartridge is correctly seated before the stove can be operated. These mechanisms provide secure, worry-free cooking.
Is the Companion single butane stove suitable for cold weather use?
Since the Companion butane stove runs purely on butane, its performance decreases significantly as temperatures approach 0°C. Butane struggles to vaporise in the cold, leading to weak flames. For cooking in cold conditions or high altitudes, you will need to choose a propane or multi-fuel stove.

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9.2/10Check price at Outback Equipment