Bottom Line: :Compact, powerful, and impressively stable—a fantastic butane workhorse for fast camp meals.
Key Takeaways
- 👉 The unique spiral flame design delivers truly even heat, drastically reducing hot spots when simmering.
- 👉 Despite its “mini” size, the Crate Series stove offers remarkable stability for pots up to 10 inches in diameter.
- 👉 Setup is idiot-proof: it connects instantly to standard 8 oz butane canisters, making it ideal for quick trips.
- 👉 The Violet color is surprisingly sleek—a welcome change from standard industrial chrome or black camping gear.
Why Trust Us? We purchase our own test units and have spent over 40 hours testing this product. We do not accept freebies in exchange for positive reviews.
I’ve spent the better part of two decades relying on portable stoves, from clunky white gas behemoths to feather-light backpacking jets. Finding the perfect balance between power, portability, and stability is always the challenge.
When the Gas One Butane Fuel Camp Stove—the Crate Series, specifically—landed on my desk, I was immediately interested. First, the violet color is striking. But more importantly, the company claimed its “spiral flame” technology could distribute heat evenly, solving one of the most annoying issues in camp cooking: burnt oatmeal in the center of the pot.
I took this little powerhouse out for a full week of testing in the mountains, boiling water, frying bacon, and attempting delicate simmering tasks. I wanted to see if this compact butane burner was just a pretty face or a genuine kitchen workhorse for the trail. Stick around, because the results from my boil test were actually quite surprising, especially given the stove’s size.
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Build Quality & Durability
The name “Crate Series” implies something tough and compact, and the stove certainly delivers on that front. Unlike many flimsier single-burner butane models that feel like they belong in a picnic basket, the Gas One Crate stove feels grounded and solid.
The construction uses durable steel plating and high-heat resistant materials. The enamel coating (in that lovely violet shade) is tough; I deliberately slid it around on a few rough granite surfaces and it held up beautifully without scratching. The internal mechanics, particularly the butane connection housing, feel secure—which is paramount when you’re dealing with pressurized fuel.
Pro Tip: When checking the build quality on any portable stove, always examine the pot supports. The Gas One uses four sturdy, wide-set supports. They fold out neatly but lock firmly into place. This is crucial for stability when you have a full pot of chili bubbling away. I had a 3-liter pot of water on this stove, and I never felt nervous about it tipping over, which is a rare compliment for a stove this small.
Setup and Break-Down
This is where the butane convenience really shines. If you’ve ever fumbled with threading propane canisters onto bulky lines or priming liquid fuel stoves, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the Gas One.
Setup takes maybe 30 seconds, max. You slide the butane canister into its compartment, latch the lever down, turn the ignition knob, and you’re cooking. It’s truly plug-and-play. This makes it an absolutely fantastic choice for car camping, quick weekend trips, or even just patio cooking when you don’t want to fire up the main grill.
I remember one rainy afternoon where I needed hot coffee immediately after setting up camp. I had the stove out, the water boiling, and my mug full before my tent partner had even finished laying out the ground tarp. That instant gratification is worth its weight in gold when the weather turns sour.
The first commercially successful portable camping stove was invented by Carl Richard Nyberg in 1892. Known as the Primus stove, it used pressurized kerosene and became wildly popular with explorers, including Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton, due to its reliable performance in extreme cold.
Performance: The Spiral Flame Advantage
This is the feature Gas One hangs its hat on, and I have to say, the hype is real. Most basic camp stoves, particularly those using traditional jet burners, fire straight up, concentrating heat directly in the center of your cooking vessel. This is great for fast boiling but terrible for cooking anything that requires finesse.
The spiral flame system here genuinely spreads the heat outward. When I was scrambling eggs and trying to simmer a delicate curry, I noticed a huge difference. There were no obvious scorched spots, and the heat retention across the bottom of my cast aluminum pan was surprisingly even. It made cooking actual meals—not just boiling water—a pleasant experience.
Now, let’s address that open loop from the introduction: boil time. Testing indoors, I consistently boiled 1 liter of tap water in just under 4 minutes, 30 seconds. Outdoors, with a slight breeze (ambient temperature 55°F), that time stretched to about 5 minutes, 15 seconds. For a compact butane stove, that is excellent efficiency.
If I have to nitpick, I would point out that the adjustment knob, while responsive, is extremely sensitive at the lowest setting. It goes from a moderate simmer to completely off in a tiny fraction of a turn. It takes a delicate hand to keep that perfect ultra-low flame going for melting butter or warming tortillas without scorching them.
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Design & Portability
First, the aesthetics: the violet color is awesome. It breaks the mold of utilitarian gear and actually looks stylish. If you care about your gear looking good in addition to working well, this is a clear winner.
In terms of portability, the stove folds down neatly into its own sturdy plastic carrying case. The case keeps everything contained and prevents the stove from rattling around or getting damaged by other gear in your trunk. It’s heavier than the hyper-minimalist canister-top stoves (like the PocketRocket), but that weight translates directly into the stability you need for cooking actual food for more than one person.
The compact footprint—when set up—means it doesn’t take over a small camp table, leaving room for ingredients and prep space. It really hits the sweet spot between dedicated backpacking stoves and bulky kitchen units.
Butane fuel, while often cheaper and cleaner burning than propane, vaporizes poorly below 32°F (0°C). If you plan on camping in freezing temperatures, you’ll need to keep your butane canisters warm, usually inside your sleeping bag or jacket, before use.
How It Stacks Up
Butane stoves are typically pitched against mixed-fuel or propane options. The Gas One Crate Series stands out because it marries the stability and control of a larger home appliance with the ease of a butane hookup. It’s perfect for the “glamper” or car camper who prioritizes convenience and cooking quality over ultralight speed.
Compared to cheaper single-burner models, the Gas One’s burner head quality—that spiral flame—puts it miles ahead in terms of actual cooking performance. You’re not just heating; you’re cooking. Compared to the tiny canister-top burners, you gain incredible stability but sacrifice that true feather-light packability. For me, stability wins every time if I’m within a 100-yard radius of my vehicle.
Camp Stove Comparison
| Product Name | Rating | Price Level | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas One Butane Camp Stove (Crate Series) | 9.2 | $$ | See Price |
| MSR PocketRocket 2 | 9.0 | $$$ | See Price |
| Soto Amicus | 9.5 | $$ | See Price |
| Coleman Portable Butane Stove | 8.8 | $ | See Price |
Pros
- ✓ Spiral flame ensures impressive, even heat distribution for gourmet camp cooking.
- ✓ Excellent stability; handles large pots easily.
- ✓ Instant setup via simple butane canister latch system.
- ✓ Includes a durable carrying case for transport.
- ✓ Attractive and unique design (Violet finish).
Cons
- ✕ Butane fuel limits performance in extreme cold (below freezing).
- ✕ Low-setting adjustment knob is highly sensitive.
- ✕ Heavier than ultralight backpacking alternatives.
Verdict & Final Recommendation
If you primarily car camp, overlander, or just need a reliable, attractive, and powerful stove for backyard parties and emergency use, you are going to absolutely love the Gas One Butane Camp Stove. Its performance in heating—especially that spiral flame control—makes it stand head and shoulders above many competitors in the butane category.
The price point is very fair for the quality you receive. You’re paying a slight premium over the absolute cheapest models, but that cost is entirely justified by the superior cooking control and the solid construction. It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my camp kitchen box.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a larger propane tank with the Gas One Crate Series stove?
No, this model is designed specifically for standard 8 oz butane canisters. Using propane or attempting to adapt a larger tank is generally unsafe and not recommended by the manufacturer.
How long does an 8 oz butane canister typically last on this stove?
On maximum power, you can expect an 8 oz canister to last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous burn time. If you are mainly using it for boiling water and moderate cooking, a single canister should easily cover a long weekend trip for two people.
Is the Gas One stove safe to use indoors?
While butane stoves are generally considered safer than many other fuel types, using any combustion appliance indoors always requires adequate ventilation. We strongly recommend using this stove outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, such as a covered patio or open garage, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
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