Campingaz Camp Bistro Review
- Budget-friendly
- Convenient travel case
- Self-igniting (no need for matches)
- Heats food quickly
- Simple set-up
- Sturdy build
- Only one burner
- Small gas canisters run out quickly
- Larger than other single burners
- Need to be in a sheltered area
Key Features
The Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 takes the solid design and reliability of its predecessor, the Camp Bistro 2, and elevates it with improved features, making it one of the top portable stoves for recreational campers. This compact stove is ideal for campers who drive to their site and need a dependable, easy-to-use cooking solution. Whether you’re cooking a quick meal on a weekend getaway or prepping a feast at a larger family campsite, the Camp Bistro 3 is designed to make outdoor cooking as hassle-free as possible.
Let’s break down the key features that make the Camp Bistro 3 stand out:
Set-Up
Setting up the Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 is a breeze, taking less than a minute from start to finish. Like the previous model, it operates without the need for electricity, using Campingaz CP250 gas cartridges. Simply open the compartment, insert the canister, and the stove is ready to use. A key improvement is the enhanced cartridge locking system, which ensures the canister clicks securely into place for safe operation.
This upgraded safety mechanism gives peace of mind, especially for beginners or those who want to avoid any confusion when installing the canister. Once the canister is securely in place, you’re ready to start cooking with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for those who want to get their stove going without technical challenges, making it ideal for family camping trips.
Ignition
The automatic piezo ignition system of the Camp Bistro 3 continues to impress. Like the Bistro 2, the ignition system eliminates the need for matches or a lighter, providing easy and reliable flame control with just a turn of the dial. The burner outputs an impressive 2,200W (approx. 7500 BTU), delivering rapid heating for fast cooking.
With the adjustable flame control, you can easily set the flame to high for a quick boil or turn it down for a simmer. The stove has an average boil time of around 5 minutes and 25 seconds, making it efficient when cooking meals outdoors. This kind of performance ensures that you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meals.
Stability
Stability is crucial when cooking outdoors, and the Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 excels in this area. Its sturdy rectangular design (14 x 12.3 x 4.7 inches) offers a solid base, ensuring no wobbling when cooking on flat ground. A new raised and grooved pan support around the gas burner adds extra stability, especially for larger pans, with a maximum pan size of 10 inches.
During our tests, we used various pan sizes, including larger ones, and the stove maintained excellent stability throughout. Whether you’re boiling water, frying eggs, or simmering a stew, the stove remains steady, offering peace of mind while cooking.
Gas Cartridges
Versatility of Cooking
One of the standout features of the Camp Bistro 3 is its versatility. Despite being a single-burner stove, you can cook virtually anything you would on a traditional kitchen stove. We successfully tested it with a variety of dishes, including pasta, stir-fry, soups, and even grilled meats.
For meals requiring multiple cooking stages (like pasta dishes), we suggest cooking one element first (e.g., boiling the pasta) and setting it aside before using the burner to prepare your main ingredients. This way, you can keep your meal preparation seamless, even with just one burner.
Transport
Weighing in at just 3.5 lbs, the Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 is highly portable and comes packaged in a durable plastic carrying case. The case makes it easy to transport from your vehicle to the campsite and keeps the stove protected when not in use. The compact design means you can store it in your car or with your camping gear without taking up much space.
Price
Compared to other outdoor stoves on the market, the Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 remains competitively priced. Although gas canisters are sold separately, they are relatively affordable, and the stove itself offers great value for casual campers. For small families or solo adventurers looking for a simple yet reliable cooking solution, the price makes this stove an excellent investment.
A Few Downsides
Like its predecessor, the Camp Bistro 3 has a few downsides to consider. First, the stove only has one burner, which can be limiting if you need to cook multiple dishes at once. Additionally, the gas canisters run out fairly quickly, especially if you’re cooking for a group or on longer trips, so be prepared to pack extra canisters. Lastly, there’s no built-in windscreen, so using it in exposed, windy areas can affect performance. It’s best suited for sheltered environments to ensure stable flame control.
How Does it Compare to Other Stoves?
Bottle Top Propane Stove by Coleman
This stove by Coleman is a single burner like the Camp Bistro 3, however, it is much lighter in weight and more compact. It is, therefore, a good choice for backpackers who have weight and space limits.
This stove features PerfectFlow technology which means it functions well in most conditions (including wind, extreme weather and high altitude).
The overall cost is more expensive than the Camp Bistro 3 however it appears to be aimed more at backpackers or all-weather campers compared to car/family campers.
Classic Trail Stove by Primus
This stove is a lightweight single burner that is marked at a similar price to the Camp Bistro 3. It is an affordable option aimed at campers who don’t want the extra weight to carry.
It is similar to the Camp Bistro 3 in that it has a large burner, which spreads heat around the full base of the pan.
Though the gas lasts for a similar amount of time as the Camp Bistro 3 canisters, the fuel efficiency isn’t great, working best with larger pans to prevent heat loss.
The weight aims it more at hikers and backpackers looking for an inexpensive stove.
Camp Chef Mountain Series Everest 2X
Unlike the Camp Bistro 3, this stove features an additional burner and integrated heat shields to protect the burners from the elements, such as wind. While this makes it more versatile, it also increases its weight significantly to 12 lbs, making it less portable compared to the lighter Camp Bistro series.
Despite its heavier build, this stove is highly powerful, with two high-pressure burners delivering a total output of 20,000 BTUs each, providing ample cooking power for larger meals or quicker cooking times. If you require the added power and dual-burner convenience for your camping trip, this stove is a solid choice.
However, keep in mind that it comes with a higher price tag compared to the Camp Bistro 3, making it a less attractive option for those on a tight budget. But for campers looking for more cooking capacity and strength, this model is worth the investment.
Tahoe Stove by Camp Chef
Now this is a stove for serious car campers cooking for a large group. Boasting three powerful burners (30,000 BTUs each) and a freestanding frame, this propane stove can accommodate all your cooking needs.
The biggest downside is the combined weight of the frame and propane tank which can be a pain to carry to the campsite.
It is also a higher priced option too.
But if you are a keen cook and have a large group of campers, it’s definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Overall, the Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 builds on the strengths of the Bistro 2, offering improved safety features and a powerful, user-friendly design. While it’s not the lightest stove on the market, its ease of use, versatility, and portability make it a great option for recreational campers who want a dependable and straightforward cooking experience. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, affordable stove that performs well in typical camping conditions, the Camp Bistro 3 is an excellent choice.
Hayley is from the UK and has a passion for the outdoors, taking regular hiking trips with her Australian fiancé. When she is not hiking, she is working as a freelance writer in Glasgow or travelling the highlands in Neil, her campervan.
