For several years I have been using an Iwatani butane stove in my kitchen for everyday use. It sits on a glass cook top stove that hasn't been turned on in years. Beside it is a Duxtop induction plate and those are the only 2 burners I use. The Iwatani is also my stove of choice in the Casa as it takes up little room, ignites instantly and burns very hot. Although I cook on it almost every day I have noticed that a 12 pack case of butane canisters last me for over a year so the cost of fuel is a minor expense. But it can be expensive if you don't shop and buy them singly instead of by the case. They aren't always readily available when you are camping and can cost $5 to $7 when found.
Be advised that there are 2 types of cartridges-regular and non-explosive. This isn't to imply that the regular ones are going to explode but the non-explosive ones offer an extra layer of protection and are probably mandated in some situations. I have never used anything but the regular cartridges myself.
Checking on prices today (which have gone way up like everything else) I saw prices for a pack of 4 as high as $30 or $7.50 apiece and 12 pack prices at around $47 or $3.91 apiece. A lotta room there to make a shopping mistake! But I also found a 12 pack of the regular models for around $30 or about $2.50 apiece and a 12 pack of the non-explosive models for $3.00 apiece. As a hedge against future inflation and scarcity I ordered another case today although I have on unopened case in my shop. Should have enough to last for almost 3 years now.
Many cooking shows utilize Iwatani burners for their presentations, probably because they are rated as the best even though modestly priced. There are many many models of these stoves on the market and some ridiculously low priced. If you would like to cook with gas but it isn't available the butane stove is an excellent alternative to a glass cook top. Which everyone seems to hate as far as I can tell.
Everything seems to have a downside though and butane's weakness is that it doesn't do well in freezing temps. I was recently camped out in temps in the high teens and my approach was the same as it was back in the '60's when I backpacked with a butane stove-the cartridge spent the night in the sleeping bag with me.
Be advised that there are 2 types of cartridges-regular and non-explosive. This isn't to imply that the regular ones are going to explode but the non-explosive ones offer an extra layer of protection and are probably mandated in some situations. I have never used anything but the regular cartridges myself.
Checking on prices today (which have gone way up like everything else) I saw prices for a pack of 4 as high as $30 or $7.50 apiece and 12 pack prices at around $47 or $3.91 apiece. A lotta room there to make a shopping mistake! But I also found a 12 pack of the regular models for around $30 or about $2.50 apiece and a 12 pack of the non-explosive models for $3.00 apiece. As a hedge against future inflation and scarcity I ordered another case today although I have on unopened case in my shop. Should have enough to last for almost 3 years now.
Many cooking shows utilize Iwatani burners for their presentations, probably because they are rated as the best even though modestly priced. There are many many models of these stoves on the market and some ridiculously low priced. If you would like to cook with gas but it isn't available the butane stove is an excellent alternative to a glass cook top. Which everyone seems to hate as far as I can tell.
Everything seems to have a downside though and butane's weakness is that it doesn't do well in freezing temps. I was recently camped out in temps in the high teens and my approach was the same as it was back in the '60's when I backpacked with a butane stove-the cartridge spent the night in the sleeping bag with me.
-700x700.JPG)
