SIX OF THE BEST...
FOX HEAT TRANSFER 3200 £49.99
Part of the popular Cookware range from Fox, this compact device folds down neatly and sits solidly on three curved legs.
It has a really stylish look, with a black finish that sets it apart from most other stoves on the market. the built-in windshield is a bonus, and is designed to funnel air for a more consistent flame.
It comes with Piezo ignition, puts out an impressive 3200W of power and weighs 320g. Our only minor concern would be the potential to over-extend and bend back the stove’s thin legs.
BULIN BL100 T4 £20
The internet’s favourite! this Chinese cracker has gained a cult following among savvy carp anglers looking for an online bargain.
Many have spotted that this stove looks and performs like many fishing-branded versions at a much lower cost. It’s not the most compact design, but it does form a very solid base despite not having extending legs. the pre-heat tube is a welcome feature and the surface area is large enough for big pans. It has a claimed power output of 3000W but the wind-shielding properties are poor.
COLEMAN FYRESTORM PCS £75
COLEMAN has a top pedigree in the stove market and produce plenty of options. this version comes with a built-in pot with a 1.3-litre capacity that also doubles as a carry case for the burner and small gas can.
there’s a pre-heat tube for cold weather, a really efficient built-in windblock, and the Piezo ignition is neatly mounted on the flexi-hose. It puts out 2200W of power and the stove weighs 258g, the pot adding another 318g. On the downside, the top-heavy design isn’t the most stable and the cooking base is a bit narrow for use with other pans.
TRAKKER ARMOLIFE TRI-LITE £39.99
WEIGHING just 225g, this featherlight beauty is one of the most popular carp stoves on the market. Don’t be fooled by its dainty design: this thing kicks out 3200W of power and has a Piezo igniter.
the tri-lite packs down into a very flat package and has a low centre of gravity for stability and a big surface area for supporting larger pans. Very well priced, the only downside is that its flame is exposed to the elements, so some form of baffle is handy on windier days.
PRIMUS EASY FUEL DUO £ 9 7. 5 0
DESIGNED in sweden and made in estonia, Primus burners are relied upon all over the world.
the easy Fuel Duo is a classic folding camping stove that weighs 385g and puts out 3000W of power, with Piezo ignition and a pre-heat tube. It’s got a big surface area for large pans and the legs lock solidly in place. the ‘Duo’ part of the name refers to its clever ability to work with gas canisters with a screw top or non-threaded tops. however, in this country you’re unlikely to encounter the latter, so it’s more a feature for the globetrotting carper.
WYCHWOOD TACTICAL STOVE £54.99
ANOTHER mini marvel is this little burner from Wychwood.
It’s got the most satisfying packdown shape and size of all on test (it’ll fit inside a carper’s kettle) and weighs just 231g. there’s a pre-heat tube and the whole thing is well constructed from copper, stainless steel and aluminium. Very occasionally the legs will fool you into thinking they’re solidly locked in position when they’re not, but that’s a minor gripe, as is the fact it has no Piezo ignition facility.