Canister Stove Windscreens and DIY Tips
Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping and hiking, but has faced frustrating cooking experiences due to windy conditions? We’ve all been there – struggling to keep the flame steady and our food warm while the wind seems to have a mind of its own. Don’t worry, there’s a simple solution: windscreen, also called windshield, for your canister stove. Remote canister stoves and other types of stoves can use traditional windscreens, but this article is meant for canister stoves where the burner is directly screwed onto the canister. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best windshields you can buy, how you can easily create your own, why they’re essential, and how to properly use them in a safe manner.
Why Do You Need a Windscreen for a Canister Stove?
Cooking outdoors can be an amazing experience, but nature doesn’t always cooperate. Wind is one of those factors that can turn a delightful cooking session into a frustrating ordeal. When you’re using a canister stove, which is a popular choice among campers due to its convenience and affordability, the wind can easily disrupt the flame, leading to uneven cooking and longer cooking times. That’s where a canister stove windscreen comes to the rescue. While integrated canister stoves have a windscreen built-in and other types of stoves have a wide array of windscreens available, the options for canister stoves are unfortunately very limited.
How Can a Windscreen Help?
A canister stove windscreen acts as a barrier against the wind, creating a sheltered cooking area around the burner. By blocking the wind, you’re allowing the flame to burn more consistently, so your meals will cook faster and more evenly. This not only saves you valuable time but also ensures that your camping cooking experience is hassle-free and enjoyable. Wind is also a major factor in increased fuel usage, so let’s keep the wind away from the flame.
How to Use A windscreen on A Canister Stove?
Before we dive into crafting your own windscreen, it’s crucial to understand proper windscreen placement to ensure safety during your camping cooking endeavors. While the windscreen is designed to protect your stove from gusts of wind, it’s important to remember that it should never surround the canister itself. The windscreen should only be placed around the burner area of the stove. Placing a windscreen around the canister can lead to overheating, potentially causing the canister to burst or explode. Safety should always be a top priority when dealing with camping equipment.
Best Canister Stove Windscreens available on the Market
Unfortunately, the selection of windscreens that can be used on canister stoves is very limited in 2023. One great and budget-friendly option we saw in our research is the Optimus Clip-on Windscreen. Another solid option is the Ocelot windscreen series made by Flat Cat Gear. Let’s take a closer look at both of them.
Optimus Clip-on Wind Protector
This ingenious accessory clips effortlessly onto your canister stove’s top ring, providing great wind protection and boosting cooking efficiency.
Crafted with precision, it features a half-circle windscreen that shields your stove from the elements while allowing proper ventilation to prevent gas buildup. Despite occasional scuffs, it remains highly functional and easy to clean.
What sets this windshield apart is its packability; it can snugly wrap around your cooking pot, simplifying storage and transport. Plus, it can also shield a spirit stove from the wind, ensuring hassle-free cooking. Make sure to measure your stove to make sure it’ll fit around your cooking pot.
The Optimus Clip-On Windshield excels in speeding up cooking times by focusing heat around the pot base. It’s a lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective solution, suitable for various stoves. With proper care, it’s built to last a lifetime.
Ocelot windscreens
How to Make Your Own Canister Stove Windscreen
Creating your own canister stove windscreen is not only cost-effective but also surprisingly simple. Here are two step-by-step video guides to help you craft your own windscreen and enhance your outdoor cooking game. The first guide is for making a lightweight windscreen quickly and cheaply. The second one is more durable, and robust, but requires a bit more work. It’s so robust, that you’ll only have to do it once.
Benefits of Do It Yourself Canister Stove Windscreen:
- Cost-Effective: Making your own windscreen is much cheaper than buying a pre-made one.
- Customizable: You have full control over the size and shape of your windscreen, tailoring it to fit your specific canister stove.
- Satisfaction: Crafting your own camping gear can be rewarding and adds a personal touch to your outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
Don’t let the wind ruin your outdoor cooking experiences. With a canister stove windscreen, you can ensure that your meals are cooked efficiently and enjoyably, no matter the weather conditions. Remember, safety should always come first – never surround the canister itself with a windscreen, only the burner. Happy camping and bon appétit!