Why I choose butane stove as my main cooking source/ Van life cooking stove options

Today, I go over why I choose butane stove as my main source of cooking and how long a butane can last me. #vanlife

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Hi my name is Emi. My van life story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship one for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my owning inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I will sleep, didn’t know where I will work but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I will only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people will consider this the lowers time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After, trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the saving that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I are living full-time in my self convert van.

[MrOhms]

I replaced my butane stove with a GasOne butane/propane hybrid stove a couple years ago. It's physically the same size as my old butane stove, but it gives you a backup fuel source in case you can't find butane or it's too cold for the butane to burn well. I love it.

[larryseroter]

I agree with you, butane is much better than propane when it comes to cooking. Smart girl, smart choice. Stay safe Emi.

[alanbennett]

Hi Emi, just take the butante to bed with you on the cold nights at the end of your quilt/sleeping bag..it will ensure its working for the morning cuppa !

[lifewithcats]

Completely agree with propane tank especially in a small space. Thinking of doing van life as a single female with cats and your videos are really helpful. Thanks Emi!!! Safe travels 🙏

[wendym]

I bought two gas one stoves from Costco and paid $17.49 each. I bought 8 packages of butane as they come 4 to a package at $12.99 each. I’ll never stop stocking up on this.

[kathymiller]

Edmonton. I have a hard time watching your videos because there isn’t a food I don’t like. Therefore, every single thing you cook seems to be my favourite! I want to dive into the video and share it with you! Keep on cooking Emi and give Kelly a hug from me.

[sayouthonekesmoungkhoune]

Your axcent is way out of this world. I love you for that.

[dbeard]

Good afternoon Em, my day started off crappy, but now I'm just happy to share some time with you. Nice tutorial on camping stove fuel. You could make "dust" an interesting subject! It's your sincerity that comes across as a nice factoid. Now...if you said it in french...oui cheri! Stay safe beautiful!

[lordlord]

Hi Emi🧏🏾‍♀️
Wow, the stove is only $19.99 at Wal-Mart here in the states.
Yes, yes, yes I agree with all you say, butane is the best.👍🏾
I have been using butane stoves for 20yrs and I wouldn't trade it for anything, nope🙅🏾‍♀️
And when I buy my cans I Always place a strip of duct-tape over the cap for safety.💁🏾‍♀️

Lastly;
When winter returns and it's near or below zero here's a hack...
Before you go to bed put a can close enough to reach so when you wake up, place the can under the blanket with you, it worms up fast.

Stay safe and love your video's 💞

[DonnaBMacK]

I have the same little butane stove for camping and power outage. Works well.

[Beth-ie]

Those ignition switches ALWAYS break, whether it's a big gas barbecue grill or a little stove like yours. I think you are a genius, because I wouldn't want propane in my van either. Do wish they would recycle those canisters. Someday they will say hopefully say "you make them, you need to recycle them"... about everything! Happy trails lady and cat. 🤓✌️👏

[daveholley]

Emi, when it gets cold in the winter start your van and put the butane can over the defrost vent on the dashboard. I had do that with spray paint in my work truck every winter ! ✌️💜🎸

[jackie]

I have that little stove in my horse trailer living quarters and it works perfectly. Take Care and be safe.

[jessegreywolf]

thanks for the info! especially nice to have a break-down of the costs

[patriciamartin]

Hi from Tennessee USA. Really enjoyed your informative video. I have never used a butane stove before. I have also used propane when camping. Think I am going to try a butane stove. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and enjoy your week. Take care and stay safe.

[liammcweeney]

Have a great day weekend emi. Hope you are well

[LifewithMaiOfficial]

Thanks for the info, i was looking at this option last night as I am starting to go on my weekend van life adventures soon! I learn a lot and always get inspiration from your videos! Thank you Emi! 🥰🙏

[badgirl]

I love my butane stove. I got mine at a local Korean grocery store for about $12, and a 5 pack of butane canisters for about the same price !

[legojenn]

I have a two burner propane stove in my tent trailer. One side is a stove and the other side a barbecue grill for steaks, pork chops and chicken. The problem that I found is that simmering is a challenge so even cooking eggs wasn’t always successful. With the van, I don’t have as much space so I bought a single burner butane stove like you have at Canadian Tire. It was money well spent. Last night I made a chicken curry. It was perfect.

So butane is a little more expensive than propane. For the few nights that I spend camping, it’s worth it.

[kathymiller]

Edmonton. We went camping in my Kitty Kamper for a week. Just got home. I made your lasagna. SO EASY. SO GOOD! The pot sure got empty fast! I added one layer of spinach because that’s what my Mom always did. We got a campsite right beside a lake and it was so beautiful and nice to get back out in nature. Stay safe and give Kelly a hug from me.