The Best Outdoor Propane Burners in 2021

Although they aren’t very large, propane burners are great for cooking up some food in your backyard space for the whole family. They may not have the capacity that a barbecue grill or smoker does, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t stand up to a seafood boil or frying a turkey. There is just something about cooking outside during a party that makes you feel connected with your guests.

I don’t have a lot of experience with cooking on a propane burner, but I do have a lot of knowledge about outdoor cooking in general. I have a very good idea of what would work for my family and what wouldn’t. What’s great is that I was able to find such a variety of brands that make propane burners, so you can find the best propane burner for your needs.

Propane burners are heavy-duty and usually made out of cast iron, so you know that they will last for years to come. If you were thinking about buying one but you don’t know where to start, look no further. We are going to compare the best propane burners on the market right now to help you feel more confident in your decision. Whether you are a novice to outdoor cooking or an expert, there is something for every preference and budget included in this list.

Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick for the best propane burner here.

What Should I Look For When Buying an Outdoor Propane Burner?

There are always going to be features that you are going to want to look for when purchasing any product. Propane burners are no exception. Certain things are necessary, while others aren’t as important but should still be kept in mind, if you are seriously considering buying one. Let’s go over some features that you should be thinking about if you want your own outdoor propane burner.

Heat Control

You will see that every type of propane burner will have some sort of dials and valves to help control the flame and the heat, and this is the same for the propane tank. Having a burner that makes adjusting the heat output easy is where you are going to get the most control.

Heat Distribution

The best propane burners won’t require you to have to move the food around during cooking, because the heat will be evenly distributed every time. Make sure that the propane burner you choose comes with cooking grates that will help with that – nothing low quality, if possible – unless you don’t mind spending time constantly tending to your meal.

Safety

First, you want to make sure that the legs are strong and sturdy to prevent the burner from falling over or anything else dangerous happening. The next part is crucial. Don’t use it indoors! Choose a designated outdoor space to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Exposure can be deadly.

Size

Do you want a single burner? Double? Triple? Deciding what kind of cooking space you would like to have will help you pinpoint the best propane burner for you.

Stability

Obviously, you will need to have a stable space to set up your burner. You will not want to use it on uneven ground if the legs aren’t adjustable. This could be very dangerous.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Outdoor Propane Burners

To figure out which propane burners were the best of the best, we had to see what the people had to say. Reviews and ratings are very important to take a look at before you purchase a product, especially one you aren’t familiar with. Then, we took the information we learned and compared the value to the price to make sure you would be getting a propane burner that was worth it. Since I don’t have a lot of experience with these products, I was eager to learn more, because I love to smoke and grill in the backyard during the summer.

#1: Bayou Classic SP10 High-Pressure Outdoor Propane Burner (Best Value – All-Purpose)

The Bayou Classic SP10 propane burner comes at a great price for its value, which made us choose it as our #1 pick. The portability of propane burners makes them a great choice for your backyard or tailgating. You will see quickly that it’s durable, easy to use, and has the perfect size cooking surface. Keep reading to learn about the features that make this one of the best propane burners out there.

The 14-Inch Diameter Cooking Surface Is a Great Size

Overall, this burner has an 18-inch profile, making it small enough to load up into your car or RV and take with you on the go. The 14-inch cooking surface is also nice because you can use a variety of pots and pans on it, giving you so many meal options. It is so much value for the price.

The Flame Is Adjustable

This gives you so many different ways to cook. You can sear or fry at high heat or simmer at low heat. The versatility allows you to make so many different types of foods that it is the perfect investment for a party. Just remember that, since it is a single burner, you can only have one pot on it at a time.

Many Beer Fanatics Use This for Brewing

Even though the Bayou Classic is great for cooking, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for homebrewing as well. Based on our research, we found that it is another great mid-range choice for making your own craft beer. So, if you want to use it for both, then this could be a perfect match for you.

What else does this outdoor propane burner have to offer?

• 57,000 BTU output
• Can hold up to a 100-quart stockpot
• 360-degree windscreen for protection
• Wide and sturdy legs
• 10 PSI adjustable regulator

With a solid, 1-piece steel frame, you know you are getting durability and high quality with the Bayou Classic propane burner. Customers really love this one, and it is very obvious why. The versatility and portability alone are huge selling points, making it more than worth the price. You won’t see this kind of value with any other outdoor propane burner on our list, even though some come close. Nothing is disappointing about this product, especially since you can whip up a delicious seafood boil or a unique craft beer. If you really only fancy a single burner, then you can’t go wrong with the Bayou Classic SP10.

#2: Camp Chef Tahoe Deluxe 3-Burner Grill (Best Premium)

If you really want something to splurge on, this product should be on the top of your list. You’ll see later that we have a 2-burner stove on this list, but this one slightly edges it out because of the extra burner. Of course, it’s not exactly necessary, but it is a nice perk if you are cooking for a crowd. Nothing is better than getting extended family together for a tailgating party. Keep reading to see why this is worth the extra money.

Burner Housing Limits Hot and Cold Spots

Nothing is worse than the wind affecting the cooking of your food. Luckily, this gas stove was designed with exactly that problem in mind. The way the burners are set up reduces exposure to the weather, providing you with much more even cooking. It is not only helpful but gives you another reason to relax and enjoy your time using this burner.

You Can Remove the Legs for Portability and Versatility

Even though this propane burner weighs about 47 pounds, you can still remove the legs and use it on a tabletop if you choose. This can allow for more room to get around since it is quite large because of the 3 burners. However, this is also nice if you are having a get-together at a campground or somewhere that is not your backyard. It is easy enough to slide into the trunk or the back of the truck for transport.

What are some other features of this luxury propane burner?

• Matchless ignition
• 3 cast aluminum burners
• 90,000 total BTU burner
• Perfect for large pots
• Includes 3-foot hose and regulator
• 608 square inches of total cooking space
• 3 sided wind guard
• Dimensions: 42.75 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches

Of course, this propane burner is a lot more expensive than any of the others on our list. However, if you have the budget and like the cooking space, you will not be disappointed.

#3: Concord Deluxe Banjo Single Propane Burner (Best Cast Iron)

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If you love heavy-duty cast iron for cooking, then the Concord Deluxe Banjo propane burner would be a great choice for you. This outdoor propane burner is made of cast iron and nothing else but a weatherproof coating to help it last for years to come. It’s very strong and powerful, making it great for all sorts of outdoor cooking. Let’s see what other features this burner has to offer.

It Has a High Heat Output for a Single Burner

At 200,000 BTU, you can get a lot of heat from this burner, making it great for all different types of cooking. It’s also helpful that it can handle a 400-pound or 200-quart pot at one time. This would make it such a great choice for entertaining a large crowd. It is the highest output compared to any other propane burner we mention with the 200,000 BTUs.

It Has Detachable Legs

Any product that has so many options to make it work for all people gets a gold star from me. It is nice to be able to take off the legs to adjust the height if needed. This is perfect for storing it in a small space when not in use. You won’t have to worry about the extra space the legs would take up.

What are some other features of this outdoor propane burner?

• Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 18 inches
• CSA certified
• 20 PSI regulator
• Weighs 32 lbs.
• 16-inch diameter cooking area

Sturdy cast iron is one of my favorite cooking surfaces because of its durability and non-stick properties. This propane burner is easy to use and easy to clean. It’s not heavy, even though it is made from cast iron, so it is a great option for a portable gas burner. Since it is also CSA certified, in addition to being easy to store, it would be great to take on a trip as well. This burner is a steal for its quality. Plus, it makes a great runner-up for a single burner compared to the Bayou Classic SP10.

#4: Edelmetall Bru Propane Burner (Best for Homebrewing)

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At the price you pay for this burner, you would expect the highest quality possible for a propane burner, and this one delivers. Obviously, it is more than twice the cost of the Bayou Classic, so it will be the best choice if you have extra money to spend. This burner looks and feels like it was made for a professional, and if that intrigues you, maybe it’s your perfect match. Read on to learn more about the Edelmetall Bru propane burner.

It Is Perfect for Homebrewing

Something that you probably didn’t know about outdoor propane burners is that they are not only designed to cook food, but you can also use one to craft your own beer. This particular product was made for that, and it’s what most people primarily use it for. It uses the best materials that surpass normal standards like brushed stainless steel and copper.

You Can Purchase Leg Extensions for More Height

On its own, this propane burner is pretty short. This doesn’t make it the most ideal for freestanding use. Luckily, you can purchase extensions for the legs to make the burner easier to reach. The best part is that they are just as sturdy as the actual unit, so you won’t have to worry about stability.

Here are some more features of this burner.

• 72,000 BTU output
• Can adjust to any kettle size
• Precise valve for the best control
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 15 x 16 inches
• Weighs just under 30 lbs.

Here is the bottom line with this propane burner. Can you cook with it? Yes. Is that why it’s so popular? No. This product was made with beer enthusiasts in mind. My opinion is that, if you love craft beer, want to learn how to brew your own, and have the money, then choose this one. If you are primarily looking for a burner to cook on, you might be better off with a different choice like the Bayou Classic SP10.

#5: GasOne Portable Propane High-Pressure Single Burner (Best Low Cost)

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Even though this propane gas burner costs relatively little, it is still a heavy-duty burner that is worth checking out. From large pots to a turkey fryer to homebrewing, this is a very versatile piece of equipment that has a lot to offer despite its low price. Keep reading to see what we like most about this portable propane gas burner.

It Has a Fully Adjustable Air Control Panel

A unique feature of this single burner stove is that it has a thin metal panel that controls the volume of oxygen that enters the burner. This flow of oxygen is used to control the fuel combustion efficiency. You can use this to get a blue flame, which happens from the increase in oxygen, since natural gases burn hotter.

It’s Lightweight

At 16 pounds, the GasOne portable propane burner is the lightest in our list. This makes it easier than ever to transport. Since most of these products are made to take tailgating, it makes sense that some of them weigh so little to make them a breeze to lift. This model was designed with that in mind.

Here are some more features of this propane single burner.

• 100,000 BTUs of heat output
• Burner made of cast iron
• Height adjustable
• Detachable legs
• Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 x 11.22 inches

The GasOne B-3000H-1 model is the cheapest of our top picks, but it’s still a great option if you don’t have the funds to splurge on one of the others. Its high praise makes it a great portable propane burner that you can bring along to any outdoor party you like. It’s so simple and easy to use as well, so you can’t go wrong.

#6: Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove (Best Double Burner)

All of the propane burners on this list are single burners, which are usually the most popular. However, not everyone wants to wait for the burner to be free to cook a quick side dish. This is where the extra cooking surface comes in handy. Gone are the days of cooking one thing at a time. If you have a family that you are taking camping, you may want to spend your money on one of these Camp Chef double burners rather than a single burner. Read on to see why this is the best choice for that extra burner.

You Can Bundle with Accessories

This Camp Chef model gives you the choice to add on some extra things for a little bit more money. You have the option to add a cover, carry bag, or fry griddle. These will save you the trouble of trying to find the right size accessories for your propane burner, making it easier than ever to store or take on the go.

There are Other Accessories to Look Out For

In addition to the cover and carry bag, there are other things you can purchase to enhance your cooking experience with the Camp Chef double burner stove. It will take a little bit of research but will be well worth it if any of these sound like they could be helpful to you. They are the Camp Chef cast iron grill griddle, Camp Chef dutch ovens, the SG30 barbecue box, and the professional BB30L barbecue box.

It Has the Largest Cooking Area

You probably guessed that since there are two burners instead of one that there would be a lot of extra cooking space. And there is! At 448 total square inches, you will have more than enough room to fry a turkey and make a delicious side. Who wouldn’t love that kind of cooking surface? I personally love the extra room because of the number of people I would be cooking for. It’s helpful and makes the process go faster.

What are some other features of this double burner outdoor stove?

• Adjustable legs for uneven ground, removable for tabletop use
• 60,000 BTUs total output
• 3-sided wind guard
• 2 cast aluminum burners
• Includes 3-foot hose and regulator
• 1-year warranty
• Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 29 inches

For the base price, this propane burner is really reasonable, since you are getting such a large cooking surface. Since it only weighs about 30 pounds, it would be a great choice for a portable propane gas stove that you can take pretty much anywhere. The best part is that it is a burner made by Camp Chef, a well-known brand that makes high-quality outdoor products that people love.

#7: Northern Brewer Dark Star Propane Burner (Most Versatile)

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This Dark Star propane burner was also made by Northern Brewer, just like the Edelmetall Bru. However, it looks a lot different and has a more simple design. It is a great lower-cost option if you want to get into brewing your own craft beer. The best way to describe this one is like a budget option if you can’t afford the other propane burner. Read on to learn about the #7 best propane burner to see if its versatility make it the right choice for you.

It Gives Off More Than Enough Heat

At 65,000 BTUs of heat output, this propane burner can handle a lot more than you think. This alone makes it a great contender when compared to the other burners on our list. It heats up very quickly, keeping you from having to do much but sit back and wait.

It Is Lightweight but Strong

Even though it only weighs 14 pounds, it can hold a lot of weight. You can quickly brew batches up to 15 gallons at a time, allowing you to make a large amount of your homebrew if you choose to. This is great if you are planning to make some of your own craft beer for a party or special event.

You Can Also Cook on It

Yes, Northern Brewer markets their outdoor propane burners for craft beer primarily. However, there is no stopping you from using it to cook up a seafood boil if you wanted. It has the capacity. You just need the proper cookware, and you are good to go.

What else puts this as the #7 best propane burner?

• 3.5 inch wind guard
• 6 inch diameter banjo-style burner
• Has a lighter port
• No assembly required
• Adjustable regulator for flame control
• Supports up to 125 lbs.
• Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 13.5 inches

The bottom line is that this is a very versatile propane burner at an affordable price. If you enjoy Northern Brewer products but can’t afford the Edelmetall, this is still a worthy alternative. Even though you can also cook on it, it was designed for homebrewing primarily. I wouldn’t choose this one if you are using it for only cooking.

Budget Options

Not everyone has an unlimited budget for the things that they want. This is why we included a section with the best propane burners if you’re on a strict budget. These are even more inexpensive than the low-cost option above, so you can still own one without breaking the bank. However, keep in mind that these aren’t among the ones we consider to be the best. They will work fairly well but don’t have the same quality as the others.

#1: Coleman Gas Camping Stove

This is a great product if you can make a tabletop model work. It is much smaller and less powerful compared to all of the other propane burners but will still work to heat some food on a camping trip. It’s a double burner which is nice for simultaneously using two pots and pans, but it isn’t made for anything large like frying a turkey. If you want small and simple, this could be great if you don’t have extra money to spend.

Here are some features of this propane burner camp stove.

• 20,000 total BTUs of output
• 2 adjustable burners
• 3 year limited warranty
• Wind guard panels
• Dimensions: 4 x 21.9 x 13.7 inches

#2: GasOne B-5150 Outdoor Cooker

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This is another propane burner made by GasOne, which is smaller and less powerful than the GasOne B-3000-H. However, it is a great low-budget option. You can still cook quite a large variety of foods on this burner. It is just a low height. The nice thing though is that it still has a sturdy construction for being so portable. Keep reading to find out a little more about this propane burner.

• Steel-braided hose
• High-pressure adjustable regulator
• Great as a turkey fryer
• Weighs just over 10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 12.25 inches

#3: Basecamp F235825 Burner Angle Iron Stove

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This is as simple and inexpensive as they come, with the additional cost of accessories required. Many people who have purchased this propane burner have positive things to say about it though. The square cooking surface is a nice touch, and it claims to be more durable than cast iron construction. Still, it gets the job done for such a low price. Read on to find out more about this propane burner.

• Hose and regulator are not included
• Manual match ignition
• Adjustable legs
• 15,000 BTU
• Dimensions: 14.88 x 10.55 x 3.54 inches
• Weighs just under 5 lbs.

If you decide to go with one of these budget options, just keep in mind that, even though these work fairly well and have decent reviews, these didn’t make it into our top picks for a reason. These were added for someone out there with a truly strict budget who can’t afford any of the other choices. We just want to help everyone out there who enjoys outdoor cooking and brewing.

Is an Outdoor Propane Burner Worth It?

If you already own an outdoor grill, you are probably wondering why you would even think about purchasing a propane burner. Well, the short answer to the question is that they are in fact worth it but are not for everyone. It will depend on what your outdoor cooking style is like, as well as the kind of meals that you like to create in your outdoor space.

There are several things you can do with a propane burner that you can’t do with your traditional grill. The first is obvious – homebrewing. If you want to take on a new hobby of brewing your own craft beer, then a propane burner could be a good idea for you. Also, you can’t fry a turkey or have a real crawfish boil without one. They give off plenty of heat to do both of those things, which you can’t do with your kitchen oven or barbecue grill. If these things sound like what you are interested in, then a burner would absolutely be worth it to you.

How Do I Start an Outdoor Propane Burner?

The important thing to remember before you start up your propane burner is that you make sure the regulator is turned off and the propane tank valve is closed. You don’t want to do anything with either of them until the regulator is secured to the propane tank. Then from there, it’s easy. Let’s over the steps below.

1. Slowly turn the valve on the tank until it’s all the way opened.
2. Turn the dial for the regulator, to allow the gas to flow from the hose to the burner.
3. Light the burner with your lighter.
4. Adjust the dial as needed to get the flame you want.

It is really that simple. Each of these burners will start up basically the same way. The only difference will be between automatic and manual ignition. You are dealing with an open flame, so remember to be careful. Now you’re all set and ready to start cooking.

How Do I Use an Outdoor Propane Burner?

It’s actually extremely easy to use an outdoor propane burner, even without any experience. Just choose the cookware you are planning to use and place it on the lit burner, just as if you were cooking in your kitchen. Then, you add in the food you are going to cook, and that’s it.

The cookware you choose must be able to stand up to the high heat. You can use the regulator to adjust the temperature as needed, but there are no secret tips or tricks to using one of these propane burners effectively. It really is one of the most simple outdoor cooking methods around. As long as you have propane in your tank and a lighter, you’re all set.

It is similar if you are homebrewing with your outdoor stove. You will start it up the same way every time, except you will use the right size pot for your beer and let it boil. Brewing craft beer is almost as simple as boiling water.

Just please remember that you are using a propane burner that isn’t made for indoor use ever. Always use it outside to not put yourself at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. It would also be a good idea to pick up a pair of heat-resistant gloves, since you are being exposed to open flames.

How Do I Clean an Outdoor Propane Burner?

Making sure you keep up with cleaning your propane burner is one of the best things you can do. For one, it will help the burner last longer. It’s known that if you take care of something properly, you can increase its life span. Of course, you may not want to clean your burner after every use, but you must do so. Why? Well, grease can start to cake up over many uses, and the last thing you want to happen is cause a grease fire. Plus, your propane burner won’t work as effectively if it’s dirty.

All you have to do is brush it down with a wire brush after each use. Then, you will want to use an abrasive cleaner to make sure none of the gunk is left behind. The most important thing to remember is to make sure that the gas is turned completely off. It may even be a good idea to detach the propane tank as well. Don’t forget to dry it to prevent rusting. If you keep up with this process after every use, it will be quick and easy, so don’t worry.

How Do I Maintain an Outdoor Propane Burner?

This goes deeper than just everyday cleaning. The best way to do this is to use a toothbrush to make sure there is no residue left behind from previous uses. Also, be sure that the internal nozzles stay clean as well, so they don’t clog up. You can use a paper clip or needle to loosen them up if needed. After all of that is done, blow off the excess residue so it doesn’t re-collect. Even though these burners aren’t expensive, you wouldn’t want your reason for replacing them to be because of poor maintenance.

Verdict: Your Best Outdoor Propane Burner 

Here is our summary of the best propane burners on the market.

If you want the best value for your money, pick the Bayou Classic SP10 High-Pressure Outdoor Propane Burner. It gives you just the right amount of power at a great size and price. It is by far the best quality in comparison to what you are paying.

For a luxury propane burner, pick the Camp Chef Tahoe Deluxe 3-Burner Grill. It has the most cooking space and is great for entertaining for those with a high budget.

If you are looking for the best heavy-duty cast iron construction, pick the Concord Deluxe Banjo Single Propane Burner. Everyone loves to cook on cast iron, and this sturdy propane burner is well worth the money with the highest output of 200,000 BTU.

If you want the best for homebrewing, pick the Edelmetall Bru Propane Burner. This product feels like a splurge if you enjoy craft beer. It is by far the best choice for brewing your own.

If you want to keep the spend low, pick the GasOne Portable Propane High-Pressure Single Burner. You get a lot of features for such a low price, making it a great choice for a small budget.

If you are looking for a double burner gas stove, pick the Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove. It provides extra cooking space and plenty of accessories to choose from to add to your grilling experience.

For the best versatility, pick the Northern Brewer Dark Star Propane Burner. Not only can you make your own brew, but you can also cook on this propane burner.

Here are the best lower budget options.

The Coleman Gas Camping Stove is the only tabletop we mention, so you will have to get past that if you are set on freestanding. However, it is a great propane burner camp stove for heating some food during your camping trip.

The GasOne B-5150 Outdoor Cooker is small and sturdy, but you can’t adjust the height. It’s very lightweight and a great burner for a little outdoor get-together on a budget.

The Basecamp F235825 Burner Angle Iron Stove has pretty decent reviews but will need you to purchase the additional accessories for it to work best. Other than that, it is the cheapest single propane burner that we talk about.

When you are looking for a proper propane burner for all of your outdoor needs, you will need to decide what you will be using it for the most. Will it be just a convenient cooking area? Will you be brewing your own craft beer? Both? This and your preferences on heat output and size are going to be crucial details you will need to figure out before you go ahead and purchase a propane burner.

Luckily, most propane burners aren’t terribly expensive, so you will be able to find one for every type of budget and outdoor space. Each of these top picks is great in its own way.