Camp Chef SB-30 Stove Review
By Steve Mann

On a recent field test crew trip to Lake Powell, the team power boated from the Bullfrog Marina down the lake and up side canyons, camping on sandbars at the canyon mouths, then day hiking the canyons. (See Contributing Editor Jeff Porcaro's description of one such hike in Llewellyn Gulch.)

Use of the power boat meant we didn't have to carry all our gear in packs, but space was still limited. The two burner DB-60D Camp Chef stove we previously reviewed for family camping seemed too large for this type of trip--in the middle ground between car camping and backpacking--so our contact at Camp Chef suggested we try the single burner model

The SB-30 single burner cooker outputs a fiery 30,000 BTUs, enough heat to earn it our nickname, the flame thrower. This compact burner generates all the heat of its larger Camp Chef cousins, it just does so without all the extra weight and space consumption of long folding legs and a large frame. Stout legs raise the 13'X13" burner about 7.5 inches off the ground, plenty for camp cooking. Although I'm not going to represent this cast-iron cooker as lightweight, considering its 18 pounds, it is far better than the 49-pound mammoth double-burner model. For those who want to raise the burner a little higher, say to a height for cooking while seated in a chair, the Deluxe model includes leg extensions to raise the burner to 24 inches, at a cost of about 3 additional pounds and 13 extra dollars.

To conserve space, the SB-30's "spider" legs detach from the burner as a unit. Reverse the legs so they point up, and reattach them to the burner to create a compact package. Slide that into the CB-30 canvas bag (an accessory not included with the cooker package), and you've got a compact, manageable, durable, reliable, high-output cooker. In fact, I liked the single burner model so well that I prefer it for groups of four or less over the Deluxe Double Burner model. Of course, larger groups, and more luxury-accustomed campers, will still prefer the double burner model. You'll probably also want to add a griddle to your purchase if you plan to do much more than heat water. I usually place aluminum foil over the griddle for easier clean-up, especially in more primitive camping situations, like that on Lake Powell.

The SB-30 burns propane fuel, in the standard bottles used by outdoor grills. I purchased a 2 gallon tank, less than half the size and weight of the typical 5 gallon propane tank. Depending on the number in your camping party, the smaller tank will usually last for a few days. All necessary hoses and connectors come with the cooker.

The heat controls operate easily, allowing adjustment from keep-the-hot-chocolate-warm to blast-off. I was able to bring a gallon of 50 F degree water to a raging boil in just a few minutes.

The SB-30 has a suggested retail of $85.99; the Deluxe model for $98.99.

Summary
A great burner, powerful and simple to use. Recommended for car campers, especially those who use their car camp as a base camp for day hiking, or who value a more portable cast-iron stove (is that an oxymoron?). An excellent value for the price.

Steve Mann is contributing editor for GearReview.com, and admitted gear fanatic. He specializes in tents, backpacks, and trips to Southern Utah's slickrock, slot canyons, and remote backcountry.

For more information, contact:
Camp Chef
1-800-783-8347