Choosing a reliable camping stove: What the Campingaz DLX Stopgaz offers
When selecting a camping stove like the Campingaz Camp'Bistro DLX Stopgaz, you're balancing convenience against performance. This specific model features an integrated safety shut-off valve and uses proprietary Campingaz CV470 cartridges, which differentiates it from universal canister stoves. Understanding these design choices helps determine if it matches your camping style.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The Stopgaz safety system automatically cuts fuel flow if the stove tips over—a critical feature for family camping where stability matters more than ultralight backpacking.
- Cartridge compatibility is non-negotiable: this stove only works with Campingaz CV470 canisters, limiting fuel options in remote areas compared to screw-thread universal stoves.
- The DLX's 2.8kW output and 3-arm burner design prioritize faster boiling times over fuel efficiency, making it better for group cooking than solo expeditions.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Examine the burner head construction—the Camp'Bistro uses a brass injector and stainless steel burner arms that resist corrosion from simmering sauces. Quality stoves in this category should maintain consistent flame at low settings, a feature frequently mentioned in authentic reviews of this model. Check how wind affects performance; the DLX's integrated windshield is part of its design rather than an add-on.
Backpacking Stoves Market Context
Market Overview
The European camping stove market is dominated by cartridge systems like Campingaz, Primus, and Coleman, with the DLX Stopgaz competing directly in the mid-range family camping segment. Recent trends show increased demand for integrated safety features after several camping accidents involving tipped stoves.
Common Issues
Campers frequently report inconsistent flame control with budget stoves, especially when simmering. Cartridge stoves often struggle in cold weather as propane-butane mixes lose pressure, though the DLX's upright cartridge orientation helps mitigate this. Another common complaint across the category is fragile piezo igniters failing after repeated use.
Quality Indicators
Look for brass fittings rather than plastic at critical fuel connection points. Higher-quality stoves like the DLX use thicker gauge aluminum for the burner plate to prevent warping. The best indicators are consistent performance reviews mentioning reliable ignition after months of use and stable flame patterns in breezy conditions.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with 15% estimated fake reviews suggests generally trustworthy feedback, though you should approach the most glowing 5-star reviews with slight skepticism. The 4.40 adjusted rating (down from 4.78) indicates genuine user experiences cluster around 'very good' rather than 'perfect'.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews mentioning specific use cases like 'car camping in the Black Forest' or 'weekend trips with children'—these demonstrate real-world testing. The high number of German-language reviews (9056 total) provides particularly relevant insights for European camping conditions.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews discussing long-term durability over initial impressions, as stove performance often changes after 10+ uses. Look for mentions of the Stopgaz system actually engaging during accidental tips—this verifies the safety feature works in practice, not just theory.
Expert Perspective
The Campingaz DLX Stopgaz represents a thoughtful compromise between safety-focused design and practical cooking performance. Its 4.40 adjusted rating from thousands of verified purchases suggests reliable satisfaction among European campers who value the integrated safety system. The stove excels at car camping and family trips where its 2.8kW output quickly prepares group meals, though backpackers will find the proprietary cartridge system limiting. The consistent praise for flame control in authentic reviews indicates Campingaz has refined their burner design effectively.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh whether the Stopgaz safety feature justifies the premium over basic Campingaz models, particularly if camping with children or on uneven terrain. Consider fuel availability in your region—CV470 cartridges are ubiquitous in Germany but less common in Eastern Europe. The DLX's performance makes most sense for campers who prioritize cooking convenience over minimal pack weight.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare with the Primus Kamoto and Coleman Fyrestorm, which offer similar outputs but different safety approaches and cartridge compatibility.
