Camping stoves are essential for outdoor adventurers, providing a reliable and convenient way to prepare meals in the wilderness.
However, there may be situations where indoor use becomes a consideration—whether due to harsh weather conditions or emergencies.
While we generally discourage cooking in a tent (see our full article on the dangers of tent cooking), there are scenarios where you might need to use a camping stove indoors.
This guide highlights the potential risks and offers practical safety measures to minimise them.
Safety First: Understanding the Risks
The two primary dangers of using camping stoves indoors are:
Fire Hazards
- Most tents are made from flammable materials like nylon or polyester, which can ignite quickly if exposed to open flames.
- A fire in a confined space can spread rapidly, putting lives and property at risk.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- CO is an odourless, colourless gas produced by burning carbon-based fuels, such as propane, kerosene, or charcoal.
- Inhaling CO in enclosed spaces can lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, or even death.
Key Safety Tips:
- Avoid using charcoal or kerosene stoves indoors due to their high CO emissions.
- Choose stoves powered by alcohol, white gas, or propane, which emit fewer harmful gases.
- Always ensure proper ventilation by cooking near a stove vent, inside a fireplace, or in a room with open windows.
Special Rules for Cooking in Tents
Cooking inside a tent significantly increases risks. Tents have limited ventilation, and their materials are often highly flammable. While cooking in a tent is strongly discouraged, here are a few tips for extreme situations, such as mountaineering:
Use the Vestibule:
- Cook in the tent’s vestibule or porch area to stay sheltered while maintaining better airflow.
- Ensure there’s enough clearance between the flame and the tent fabric.
Ventilate Properly:
- Keep vents open and use fans or other methods to improve airflow.
Be Wildlife-Aware:
- In the UK, this doesn’t really apply but we do have some overseas visitors to the site so wanted to include. In bear country, avoid cooking or storing food inside your tent to prevent attracting wildlife.
But to be clear even with the above we wouldn’t recommend cooking inside your tent.
Safer Alternatives to Propane Stoves
If indoor cooking is unavoidable, consider alternatives to traditional propane stoves:
Denatured Alcohol Stoves:
- Clean-burning and low risk of gas leaks.
- Must be cooled before refuelling.
Canned Heat (e.g., Sterno):
- Convenient, with a controlled flame that’s easy to light and extinguish.
- Emits less heat, reducing fire risk.
Electric Cookers:
- Remove the risk of CO poisoning entirely.
- While safer overall, fire safety precautions must still be followed.
Meals Ready to Eat (MREs):
- No cooking required; these pre-packaged meals are ideal for emergencies.
- While not as satisfying as a hot meal, they eliminate all fire and CO risks.
Conclusion: Prioritise Safety Above All
Camping stoves can be used indoors in emergencies or extreme conditions, but they require caution and strict adherence to safety guidelines. By:
- Selecting the right fuel,
- Ensuring adequate ventilation, and
- Exploring safer cooking alternatives,
You can enjoy the convenience of a camping stove without jeopardising safety.
Remember, preparation and awareness are key to staying safe while making the best use of your camping equipment.