In short, yes you can use a propane stove indoors to cook food and boil water. Although, it can be dangerous if not done right and can create gas buildup inside your home, cabin, or camper. You'll need to take a few safety precautions beforehand to avoid any health hazards or problems.
Here are a few steps to ensure safe use of your propane stove indoors:
The key here is to create additional airflow in the space you plan on cooking. That will allow the toxic fumes to exit the area. In general, you do not want to cook for long periods of time. This is especially true if using a camp stove that's not designed for indoor use. Instead, cook meals that don't require long cook times.
When burning propane for fuel, it puts off fumes such as carbon monoxide. You'll want to avoid any prolonged inhalation as it is a chemical harmful to the body that can cause nausea or death as stated by the CDC. It does not take much for it render you unconscious, or knocked out.
To be extra safe and for best precautions, you should also pick up a carbon monoxide detector.
In the event of a gas leak, or poor air circulation this can save a life.
You'll also want to check or change the battery on the alarm a few times a year.
When Should You Cook With A Propane Stove?
Most often it's only recommended to use a small propane stove indoors if it's an emergency situation. Otherwise, you're much safer using it outdoors where there is a lot more open ventilation.
Recommended Propane Stoves
The following are a few recommended propane stoves you can use to cook food or boil water. Many are designed for camping or the beach, and can also be used for emergency prepping since propane has a very long shelf life.
IMAGE
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
OUR #1 RATED
Coleman
Classic Propane Stove
A dual-burner propane stove cook top with wind blocking panels and 20,000 BTUs of cooking power.
Coleman
Bottle Top Propane Stove
An easy to carry, propane stove top to fit up to an 8 inch pan, with 10,000 BTUs of cooking power.
Coleman
Propane Fuel Cylinders
With any propane stove, you'll also need some fuel cylinders. This pack will last, and they're small/portable.
No this post is not sponsored by Coleman, they just happen to make the best propane stove products on the market. They're the ones my family and I have always trusted.
To Conclude
The main use of a small propane stove should always be for outdoors, with indoor cooking only in certain situations. As for any propane stove cooking scenario, be sure to create plenty of air circulation. This way, you'll prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window, or use a ventilation fan for proper safety precautions.