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Can I use a camping stove in a tent? All questions answered.

dangers of cooking inside a tent with a camping stove

Can you use a camping stove in a tent?

Luckily the weather in Tuscany is generally great in spring, summer and autumn making it pleasant to cook outside. However, just like anywhere in the world, there are days with rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. During these kind of days, that occur very sporadically, some people ask themselves: can I use a camping stove inside my tent? The answer often is a full mouthed: NO! Let me explain why it’s often risky to cook inside with a camping stove, what you should be aware about, and what are the best camping stoves to safely cook in a tent. Let’s start out with the hazards.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the biggest dangers when it comes to cooking inside your tent, is the release of Carbon Monoxide by your camping stove. This gas is odorless and invisible to the eye, making it super dangerous. It’s a by-product that is generated when one burns carbon-based fuels such as white gas, alcohol, canister fuel, solid fuel cubes, and even wood. When cooking with a camping stove it is therefore always advised to do so in a well ventilated place, preferably outside. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

  • A headache, this usually is one of the first and most common symptoms

  • Dizziness or nausea

  • Disorientation

  • Feeling short of breath

  • Stomach pains

  • Feeling tired or weak

Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to severe brain damage and even death: it’s something that unfortunately still happens worldwide as people are not aware of the dangers. That’s why we always suggest our guests to leave the camping stove for what it is when it rains: come and eat some quality italian food in our restaurant, or go out for dinner in the region. 

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