How to Troubleshoot a Camp Chef Gas Camp Stove

Camp Chef cookstoves are simple devices. If your stove is not cooking properly, it is most likely not delivering enough fuel to the burners. Diagnose the problem by finding the point in the system where the flow of gas is obstructed, or the place where the system is not sealed. Remedy it by removing the obstruction or sealing the leak. You may have to replace parts, which you can order directly from the company.

Things You'll Need

  • Crescent wrench

  • Barbeque lighter

  • Spare parts

Step 1

If you are not able to light the stove at all, make sure there is fuel in your propane tank. If you don't have a propane gauge, you can usually tell by lifting the tank to see if it is heavy or light. If you are used to handling propane tanks you will probably have a sense of the relative weight of a full or empty tank. If you are unsure, you can try connecting the stove to a different tank.

Step 2

If you fill your tank or switch to another tank and you're still unable to light the stove, the regulator may be damaged. The regulator is the round disk on the end of the hose that connects to the propane tank. Examine the regulator to see if it appears dented or damaged. If so, then you will need to replace the hose. Contact Camp Chef or another company that distributes their parts.

Step 3

If you are getting a low flame and cannot adjust it to burn hotter, your hose may be incorrectly connected to the propane tank. Shut off all burners and turn the valve on the propane tank to the "off" position. Unscrew the hose connector, and then screw it back on again. Turn the valve on the propane tank to the "on" position, and try to light the stove again. You may have to try this several times in order to get results.

Step 4

If you have double-checked the connection to the propane tank and are still having difficulty getting a high flame, look for other places where fuel may be leaking. The bolt that connects the hose to the stove can come loose, letting enough air into the system to obstruct the flow of gas. Tighten it with a crescent wrench, just tightly enough to seal it. If one of the burners you are not using has been accidentally turned to the "on" position, this can also interfere with the flow of gas to the burner you're trying to light. Turn it off and try again.

Step 5

If you are seeing a flame coming out of one of the stove's handles, it is probably because the wind has blown out the flame, and you relit it before fully turning off the burner. Turn off that burner and then light it again. If you have a three-burner stove, and you see a flame coming from the outside bar that connects to the hose, try tightening it with a crescent wrench. If the problem persists, you will need to replace the bar. Order it from Camp Chef, or from a company that distributes their products, and install it with a crescent wrench.


Always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand when using an outdoor cook stove.


If you smell propane, turn off the stove immediately until you find the source of the leak.

References & Resources