Gas One GS-3400P Review

Boil Time

This is one of the slowest stoves to boil water. In fact, it is even slower than its predecessor, the GS-3000. Why? When Gas One added the optional propane attachment (which we love), it knocked the BTUs down from 8000 to 9000. In comparison, most high-performing stoves have 20,000-30,000 BTUs.

And the Gas One High Pressure Burner (below and to the right) has 65,000 BTUs!

What does that mean in real-world performance? If you wanna boil a giant pot of water, you're gonna be sitting around for 10-20 minutes.

The burner on the GS-3400 is only a few inches wide, compared to nearly six inches on the Gas One High Pressure, below.

That said, if you're boiling 10 ounces of water or a cup of coffee, you should still be able to do it in just a few minutes, as long as it's not windy.

We did not notice a significant difference in boil time between propane and butane. That said, butane performs poorly in the cold. So if you are camping in the cold, we recommend bringing the propane attachment.

Simmering Ability

This is where the stove shines. It is easy to control the heat output. While there is no built-in windshield, we use the plastic case to help shield the flame.

Ease of Use

It doesn't get much easier to use a stove. If using butane, the fuel canister stays in the unit, so you just need to lock it into place, twist the dial, and the auto-igniter will light it.

Using the propane attachment is a bit more of a hassle, but not a deal-breaker. The biggest question is where to store the adapter. We tried storing it under the burner, but it does not fit easily and even causes the fuel line to become misaligned (see below).

Attaching the propane adapter adds an extra step, but it is not a big deal.

The detachable burner grate is easy to remove and clean.

Portability

At only 3.3 pounds, without butane or the propane adapter, this is one of the lightest camp stoves out there. Unlike some stoves that require you to keep track of an igniter, fuel can, and hose, this stove, when in “butane mode,” is an all-in-one solution.

The footprint is quite efficient and works great in cramped spaces and small counters.

Should You Buy the Gas One GS-3000?

Of all the stoves we've tested, this is the one that we most often reach for. Why? Because it's just so simple, quick, and easy. If we were cooking for multiple people in a windy area, this would not be ideal. But since we are usually just making coffee or boiling water for a cup of Ramen, it's really all you need, and it's just so easy.

If the weak flame does not deter you, you might recommend buying two and spacing them out rather than buying a double-burner camp stove.

That said, if you want real power and a real windscreen, a more traditional camping stove is the way to go.

What Other Camping Stoves Should You Consider?

For the single-burner butane stove, this is hard to beat. The Coleman Butane Instastart is a great stove, but it is nearly triple the price. No other single-burner stove has this ease of use and value.

If you want sheer power, go with the Gas One High Pressure Burner. But that stove has no windscreen and is much easier to use.