While the propane stove is the stove of choice for camping beginners, it is far from perfect. There are many aspects of propane stoves that are less ideal compared to gasoline stoves but they have their strengths as well.

Heating Efficiency

Pressure decreases as the cartridge of a gas stove empties making them less efficient when there is little fuel left. Temperature and altitude also has a big effect on efficiency. Colder temperatures higher altitudes make propane stoves less efficient and if it's too cold the stove may not burn at all.

Reliability

A camp stove must be able to take rough handling and still work perfectly|Conditions inside you backpack and you body movement subject the stove to constant abuse. A simple stove has less chance of being broken than a more complicated stove. Puncture fit coupling was once popular with propane stoves but they're not very easy to install and you might end up losing a lot of fuel.

Today's propane stoves, however, are much more reliable with consistency in weight and pressure. You can now use a propane stove at a lower temperature than before. The type of fuel used does not have as much effect on reliability as the design.

Weight

Propane stoves (used for backpacking) are lighter than liquid fuel camping stoves but the fuel is much more heavier. To save on weight, use bigger cartridges on a long trip. For the same amount of fuel, carrying bigger cartridges is a lighter option.

Litter

Using a lot of cannister fuels will result in a lot of garbage. Empty fuel cannisters cannot be reused and needs to be disposed. In the backcountry, that means that you have to carry your litter until you can dispose it properly. An empty cartridge should never be thrown in the wild.

Convenience

The best reason to get a propane stove is for the convenience of lighting them up. No preheating and priming is required and you can have your heat almost instantly. Cartridge stoves are also cleaner and less noisy.

Safety

The flame from a liquid fuel stove may be harder to control and can be unpredictable when you first light it up. This should however be done with caution and with good ventilation only. Without good ventilation, you may be breathing in carbon monoxide which could lead to death or dementia. It's a fire hazard as well and most of your camping are probably not fireproof. A liquid fuel stove should never be used inside a tent.

Propane stoves are known to blow up due to broken or missing parts. The simpler the design the safer the stove.

Fuel Availability

Liquid fuel stoves are great because you can use different kinds of fuel in case white gas is not available. The cannister you need for your stove may not be available where you're going.

Cost

In general, backpacking propane stoves are cheaper than liquid fuel stoves but if you use propane stoves you'll find that you spend a lot more money on fuel. But if you regularly use, you're going to be spending a lot more on fuel.