Camping stoves & outdoor barbecues at Recon Company – reliable field cooking equipment for operations and trekking

Anyone who needs to cook outdoors – whether on patrol, at a bivouac or on a multi-day trekking trip – shouldn’t have to compromise on their stove. The camping stoves and outdoor barbecues in our range are selected according to the same criteria we’ve been applying for over 30 years in development projects for government agencies: reliability in wind and cold, compact pack size, and straightforward handling. If, as well as a stove, you’re looking for suitable cookware or ready-to-eat trekking food , you’ll find everything in our Cooking & Catering category.

Gas stoves, Esbit or multi-fuel – the right system for your needs

The biggest mistake people make when buying is choosing the wrong fuel system for their intended use. Gas stoves with gas cartridges are fast, clean and adjustable – ideal for trekking and camping. At sub-zero temperatures, gas loses pressure. Models with a hose allow for significantly better performance here by operating with the cartridge turned upside down (liquefied gas feed). If you’re operating in alpine conditions or in winter, you’re better off with a multi-fuel stove that runs on petrol, paraffin or kerosene. Bear in mind, however, that these systems require a bit of a learning curve to master, due to the need for pre-heating and regular nozzle cleaning.

Esbit stoves and solid fuel tablets have no moving parts – minimal weight, zero maintenance, no failure. Not the quickest solution, but the most robust for emergencies or as a backup. Wood-burning stoves and bushcraft systems operate without the need to carry fuel: ideal for stationary camps, survival scenarios or when logistics are no longer an option. After 30 years in the business, we know that the right system depends on the intended use – not on the price.

Weight, pack size, wind resistance – the three selection criteria in the field

An outdoor stove must pass three practical tests: it must still ignite reliably in 50 km/h winds, it must still work after an 800 km hike, and it must not weigh more than necessary. Ultralight titanium stoves are built for long-distance use – weighing under 60 grams, offering no comfort but maximum efficiency. Integrated cooking systems such as the Jetboil combine a burner, pot and windscreen in a single unit: fast, economical and easy to operate even whilst wearing gloves. If you’re planning for groups or a fixed camp, you’re better off with robust multi-burner systems from Primus – equipment that will last for decades.

Buying an outdoor barbecue – from campfire grills to portable tabletop barbecues

Outdoor barbecues range from simple stainless-steel campfire grills to compact folding barbecues that slip into a side pocket. The choice of material is crucial: stainless steel is heavier, but mud-resistant and rust-proof. Titanium is lightweight, but bends under mechanical stress. Cast iron is suitable for use at a fixed location, but isn’t something you’d carry in your rucksack. Our range covers all three – choose based on mobility or whether you’ll be using it at a fixed location.

Cooking systems for training and operational use – an honest assessment

Not every unit needs high-end equipment. For training operations, exercises and budget purchases, more affordable systems offer solid value for money. Camping stoves in this class can withstand regular training operations – they aren’t designed for expedition specialists, but are reliable workhorses for day-to-day operational use. Those procuring on behalf of a government agency benefit from our government discount and ISO 9001-certified order processing.

Recon Service for government agencies and emergency services

• Government discount for agencies and their personnel – available on request
• Field post delivery worldwide for soldiers and emergency services personnel abroad
• Expert advice from the Recon team – online or in person at our shop in Salzgitter
• ISO 9001 certification: Recon Company is ISO 9001 certified – audited quality processes in purchasing and order processing