Stove Review, Winter 2007

Transcription

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Overland Journal Winter 2007
Expedition Stoves
The battle heats up when the Overland Journal team
tests 11 single- and dual-burner stoves.
Story by Scott Brady
Photography by Chris Marzonie
N
apoleon Bonaparte said, “An army marches on its stomach.”
Likewise, an expedition’s success can be influenced by the quality and ease of food preparation, as well as the ability to quickly
boil water or melt snow.
When reviewing a stove for overland travel, selections are typically separated into two functional groups: those suitable for
lightweight vehicles with lower gross vehicle weight (GVW) or storage volume (which includes adventure motorcycles) and the
traditional, higher-GVW, four-wheeled vehicle. The foundation for both groups remains the same:
1. The stove must run on readily available fuels for the type of journey planned;
2. The stove must run reliably and be field serviceable;
3. The stove must pack to reasonable dimensions and weight;
4. The stove must be designed to operate at varying elevations; and
5. The stove must be stable and well-constructed to endure daily use.
Considerations for the lightweight traveler and adventure motorcyclist
When choosing a stove, motorcyclists and overlanders with smaller or lighter vehicles must make concessions to stove dimensions and weight to fit within the confines of GVW or cubic feet/inches of storage space. This will typically mean a single-burner
unit that is efficient and designed to be compact yet robust. In addition, serious consideration must be given to the type of fuel the
unit burns. Choosing a liquid-fuel burning stove with multi-fuel capabilities can save additional weight and provide an emergency
(small) reserve of fuel for a motorcycle. For an efficient bike such as the BMW F650GS, a quart of unleaded could mean 15 miles
or better of additional range. For shorter trips, or in areas with good canister availability, a canister stove will be the ultimate in
ease of use, compactness, and, frequently, heating performance. Some of the compact stoves are so good that little efficiency is
given up to their larger cousins.
Considerations for the traditional expedition traveler
Just because the vehicle you are using might have seemingly endless storage volume and a goliath GVW doesn’t mean that a
big stove is the best solution. For my Arctic Ocean winter expedition (featured in this issue), we used only a Jetboil system for
cooking, mostly due to the extreme cold, which made preparing elaborate meals almost impossible to do outside of the roof tents.
However, if a trip calls for a week on the beach in Baja, and you have the space, nothing beats a nice two-burner camp stove for
stability and elaborate meal preparation. In the evenings, making tequila tomatoes and carne asada tacos on the stove will make
it all worthwhile.
Fuel considerations are also less of a concern, and most units favor propane, which can be stored in bulk and refilled in most
of the developing world. Larger tanks make it possible to skip entire countries if availability is scarce. With the larger stoves, design considerations to look for include burner performance, durability of the case, wind protection, and ease of cleaning.
For this test, we separated the stoves into two groups—single-burner and multi-burner— and our selection process restricted
units to those with robust construction designed to endure the rigors of expedition travel. It is quite possible that a favorite stove
of yours is not present in the review, since the selection possibilities are nearly endless (we surveyed over 112 high-quality stoves).
We chose companies with a good reputation for quality, and that had both small and large stoves available, or a unique offering.
Our testing focused on the key attributes of a good stove, and we made things even more difficult on them by testing the units at
7,000 feet on a cool morning in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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Single-burner Stoves
Optimus Hiker+
(Sweden)
optimus.se, $169.95
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The Hiker+ is the first stove in the review because, well, it
is the first stove: Optimus is one of the oldest camping stove companies
still in operation, having begun in 1899, producing legendary stoves such
as the Svea and Hunter. The Hiker+ reviewed here is an updated version
of the Hunter, also commonly known as the “Himalaya Stove,” which
for over 70 years has been used on major expeditions, including trips to
both poles and major mountaineering base camps.
But don’t think that its classic design means it lacks technology. The
Hiker+’s major redesign incorporates the quick-priming, single-jet Nova
burner. With a single jet, the Hiker+ will run on white gas, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, and unleaded gasoline (automotive fuels will contaminate the
burner faster.) There are few moving parts, and the entire unit folds into
the attached metal case with a single, simple motion. The control knob
detaches and can be stored inside the case while still tethered by a metal
chain—smart. Another thoughtful feature is the magnetically controlled
jet-clearing needle, which is activated each time you open or close the
case.
In use, the Hiker+ is rock-solid, significantly more stable than any
other stove in the compact category; this is because of the 7x7-inch
base and low fuel-storage height. The stove primes and lights easily, and
quickly comes to a thundering burn. Simmer control is good. The stove’s
lid works as a wind break, but confined to only one side. Moderate wind
during the test had little negative effect.
The Hiker+’s classic appearance, strong metal case, and machined
brass fittings resonated well with our test team. The perfect application
for the Hiker+ would be vehicles with limited storage space, like a Toyota
FJ40. In fact, we quickly nicknamed the stove the “Land Cruiser,” as it
has timeless design and will likely last a lifetime, and both are ideal for a
trip around the world.
Pros:
• Beautifully constructed
• All-in-one package
• Best stability of the compact units
• Easy to prime
• All metal components
• Nova burner provides quick boil times
• No jets to change
• Good wind performance
1.
Cons:
• All-metal construction makes it heavy for a
compact stove
• Bulk will likely limit its usefulness for all but the
largest dual-sports
• Liquid fuel only
2.
1. Knurled brass priming
valve
2. Open with heat shield
deployed
Brunton Vapor AF – All-Fuel Expedition Stove
(Japan)
All-Fuel, and they mean it. The list of fuels that this stove
will burn is so long it includes a final entry of “and others.” Automotive
fuels—no problem; diesel—no problem; and if you want to avoid liquid
fuels and run convenient canisters—no problem. With a single jet, this
stove will reach up to 12,000 BTUs on butane or 10,000 BTUs on premium liquid fuels. To adjust the jetting between the two extremes only requires an eighth-turn of the burner cup from one position to the next.
Construction is also impressive, built for the rigors of mountaineering expeditions with aluminum, steel, and brass components. The fuel
line is stainless braided interfacing to machined brass fittings. The pump
assembly is constructed of hard plastic.
Priming the stove with white gas was a simple process aided by a
built-in priming pad; the burner began vaporizing the gas in about 30
seconds at 7,000 feet. The stove yielded slower-than-most boil times with
the canisters, but beat the pack of liquid-fuel stoves (if even by a few
seconds over the Coleman). Additional fuel containers can be purchased
from Brunton and used to store sufficient liquid fuel for cooking, plus
an emergeny fuel reserve for adventure riders (if using unleaded gas).
Brunton also includes a full field-service kit, including tools and parts,
with the stove—another consideration that bumped this stove to the top
of the pack.
With heavy-duty construction, all-fuel burn capability, and compact
dimensions, the Vapor AF is a true round-the-world expedition solution
for the adventure motorcyclist and lightweight vehicle camper.
brunton.com, $149
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Pros:
1.
• Quality construction
• All-fuel capabilities, including canister
• Comprehensive package with all service items
and cleaning tools
• Compact dimensions
• Ease of adjustment between canister fuel and
liquid fuel
• Good simmer control
• Easy to purge
• Lifetime warranty
Cons:
1. Stainless line & fitting
2. Gas canister fitted
2.
• Burn times with canisters are slow compared
to others
• Base can be difficult to return to stored
position
• No liquid-fuel bottle cap included in kit (must
store bottle with primer pump fitted)
• Wind-performance reduced with liquid fuel use
Jetboil
(USA)
Convenient and compact, the entire Jetboil system nests in
its own one-liter personal-cooker pot (a 1.5-liter unit is available). Lift
off the rubber lid to reveal a folding canister support, then the burner
assembly, followed by the (optional) pot-support ring, and finally the fuel
canister. To assemble the system takes less than a minute, and to bring 12
ounces of water to boil takes less than three—super-quick, thanks to the
personal cooker’s integrated heat sinks (the practical capacity of the pot
is less than one liter, and Jetboil recommends low-heat settings for more
than .5L of liquid).
If your meals typically involve heating water for “boil-in-a-bag”
meals, and tea or coffee, it would be hard to justify any other solution.
My trip to the Arctic Ocean consisted of just that: quick meals of oatmeal or Tasty Bites, and plenty of cups of coffee. The Jetboil performed
flawlessly, never failing to ignite or boil, even at well below zero.
For the adventure rider, the Jetboil is also an excellent choice, with its
compact size and integrated neoprene sleeve that keeps rattles down and
reduces the chance of scratching neighboring gear. For trips outside of
the developed world, the system’s usefulness becomes challenged, as the
Jetfuel canisters will be difficult, if not impossible, to source. Fortunately,
most other readily available fuel canisters will work with the Jetboil, but
you lose the ability to store the fuel in the pot.
Recently, Jetboil introduced a line of accessories for the cooking system, including a Teflon-coated fry pan, 1.5L pot, utensils, and a coffee
press. This integrated system, combined with the efficient use of fuel and
compact stowage, makes the Jetboil an ideal stove for developed-world
travel on an adventure motorcycle or in a smaller vehicle.
jetboil.com, $89.95
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1.
Pros:
• Complete and compact system
• Wide array of functional accessories
• Extremely efficient
• Available French press
• Almost no effect from moderate wind
2.
Cons:
• Instability
• Heavy for the cooker size
• Significant amount of plastic used in the
system
• Must use proprietary canisters to retain
nesting capability
• Using non-proprietary cookware is possible,
but not ideal
• One-year warranty (short compared to
others)
3.
1. Nesting components
2. Insulated mug mounted
on stove
3. Pan with burner attachment
Snow Peak Micro Max Titanium
(Japan)
A brilliant cookstove package, starting with brilliant packaging. I have to give Snow Peak a sincere thank you for the use of minimalist packaging with this stove. All of the retail packaging, including
instructions, can be wadded up in a single hand and tossed in the recycle
bin, a nice statement from a company that prides itself on beautifully
constructed, simple, and durable gear.
Once out of the (small) box, the Micro Max is displayed and stored
in a clear Lexan case. With the case open, the Micro Max can be removed
with two fingers (stowage is just as easy, as Snow Peak molded in the outline of the stove in the correct orientation for quick packaging—smart),
and set up in a matter of moments by unfurling the three titanium potsupports in a clockwise sweep, each support stopping at an indent in the
body. For larger pots, an additional hinged support unfolds, providing
surprising stability given the unit’s weight and size. The three pot supports are also designed to fit tightly against the burner to limit leeward
wind ingress. The small auto-igniter provides reliable ignition, adding
little to the unit’s weight and nothing to its dimensions.
In use, the boil performance is impressive, and the burner provides
good simmer control. However, the small burner diameter is best suited
to a smaller pot or pan, as the highly localized flame contact would result
in hot/burn and cool spots with larger cookware. Usefulness as a roundthe-world cooking solution is limited by the canister-only fuel. However,
for the hiker, adventure rider, and compact vehicle user, the stove is a
smart choice. The Micro Max would also make a good backup stove in
a larger vehicle, or in a team of vehicles where water is boiled for each
meal. Beautiful design, thoughtful packaging, great performance—an excellent combination.
snowpeak.com, $69.95
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1.
Pros:
2.
1. Compact storage case
2. Burner detail showing
folding supports
3. Auto-igniter and fuel
adjustment
• Ultra-compact
• Beautiful construction
• Ultra-lightweight titanium
• Double canister seal
• Auto-igniter
• Good stability for the size
• Minimalist packaging
• Excellent value
Cons:
3.
• Flame performance easily affected by wind
• Small-to-medium pot size restriction
• Canister-fuel only
Coleman Feather 442 Dual-Fuel
(USA)
coleman.com, $64.95
The Coleman dual-fuel stoves are classic expedition
tools. Inexpensive to purchase and able to run on either unleaded or
white gas, the Feather is an ideal, entry-level expedition stove. Contributing editor Chris Scott, author of Sahara Overland, and editorial director Chris Marzonie have each been using variants of this stove design
for decades. From crossing the Sahara by dual-sport to four months in
Baja (respectively), this stove has been proven to work, with little fuss or
maintenance and essentially no set-up.
Unlike most other liquid-fuel stoves, the Feather lights easily, producing a brilliant flame around the diameter of the wide burner. The unit is
also exceptionally stable, thanks to the integrated flip-out legs and wide
pot support. Set-up involves simply unfolding the support legs and priming the fuel pressure with 25 strokes of the integrated pump.
The stove is bulky and heavy for a compact, and the burner guard
and pot support both have very sharp edges (because of this, I would
recommend storing the unit in a stuff sack, which is available from Coleman as an option). Boil times were excellent, within a few seconds of the
considerably more expensive Brunton AF Vapor. I was also impressed
by the effective simmer control, which can be a challenge on a liquid-fuel
stove.Wind performance was also excellent in a moderate breeze.
The Feather is a classic design, with several enhancements to reduce
weight and improve stability. It also proves to be an exceptional value.
For a long expedition, I would recommend bringing a Coleman maintenance kit (PN 442-5711) and the stuff sack.
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Pros:
• Stable
• Fast boil time for liquid fuel
• Fast preheat
• Good wind performance
• Robust and reliable
1.
Cons:
• Sharp, unfinished edges
• Preheating paste may be required at very cold
temperatures
• Limited fuel options
• Bulky and heavy
• Pot support rattles
2.
1. Generator and burner
2. Fuel adjuster and fill cap
Optimus Crux
(Sweden)
Four minutes, 14 seconds—that was the time it took this 87gram fire-breather to boil a liter of water at 7,000 feet. The Optimus
Crux is, without question, the fastest stove in the test, beating the nearest
competitor (the much larger Brunton Wind River Range) by 36 seconds.
For the size of the stove, the burner is huge—2 inches—and air is ported
in by four large holes in the main stove body. The burner also has four
tiny, integrated pot supports that hinge outward and in an arc to provide
the best surface contact.
Stowage is brilliant, with a hinge that allows the burner to fold flat
against the body and then tuck into a small, padded case that secures to
the bottom of a standard gas canister. The whole thing can then slide
into the (optional) titanium Optimus cook set, along with their new folding utensils—a highly functional and compact system.
Unfortunately, the compact, hinged design also compromises stability. The hinge mechanism is not completely secure, allowing the burner
head (and whatever is being cooked on top of it) to wobble. It is unsettling to the cook to see the pot shift back and forth on the hinge, the
contents sloshing from side to side. While the unit did pass our stability
test, it was certainly the one closest to failing it.
For short adventure rides and backpacking adventures, the Crux
is ideal. When used with smaller cookware, the stability issues become
much less of a concern. To have a titanium pot set, stove, and full fuel
canister weigh in at less than three pounds is impressive. With fuel limited
to canisters only, long trips would be restricted to developed countries.
optimus.se, $69.95
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Pros:
1.
• Fast!
• Ultra-compact
• Ultra-light at 87 grams
• Two-inch-wide burner gives wide flame
coverage
• Ingenious storage “boot”
• Excellent simmer control
Cons:
1. Burner and fuel
adjustment detail
2. Compact with hinged
burner
2.
• Lacks stability due to loose hinge design
• Properly supports only small-to-medium
cookware
• Canister-fuel only
• Limited wind protection
Dual-burner Stoves
Camp Chef All-Terrain Sport Stove
(China)
campchef.com, $152.99
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1.
Pros:
• Quality construction
• Great value
• Wide selection of useful accessories
• Durable, black finish
• Simple, effective windscreen
Camp Chef is well-known for building durable, reasonably
priced cooking equipment and accessories. With this foundation in
heavy-duty camping and hunting units, they have launched a new line
of “Sport Utility” bulk-fuel stoves, tailored to the car camper but with
commercial build standards (of the dual-burner stoves tested, all but the
Camp Chef can be used with an adaptor to convert from a bulk-fuel tank
to a canister).
The All-Terrain box is constructed from powder-coated steel; the
lid and windscreen are formed from bent-and-welded aluminum sheet.
Two nickel-plated latches secure the lid, yielding a nearly rattleless design.
Open the lid and two side windscreens fold out and secure with the latches. The windscreen is a simple and very effective design—the easiest to
use of the group. The grill is spaced just right for a variety of cookware,
and covers the entire working surface. The control knobs are recessed
into the front panel, protecting them from damage. Unfortunately, this
is also where the gas line is connected, making it somewhat obtrusive.
The gas line also does not have a rubber seal, only the two mating brass
surfaces, which requires a wrench to tighten (not supplied). The recessed
design makes it difficult to tighten the line.
The burners are easily the largest of the test, and boast a 20,000 BTU
output. In testing, the heat generated (and subsequently, the amount of
fuel used) was intense, but the burner diameter and distance from the
grill meant that much of the heat was lost around the sides of the pot,
and the boil tests reflect that. A griddle would likely work very well. The
unit also does a notable job of performing in windy conditions, both because of the solid windscreen design and the robust burner output. The
unit is more difficult than others in the test to disassemble for cleaning.
The All-Terrain represents an excellent value. With sturdy construction, high-output burners, and a quality windscreen, it would be perfect
in a larger vehicle with a bulk propane fuel source.
2.
Cons:
• Poor fuel-consumption-to-boil ratio
• Heavy
• Disassembly required for proper cleaning
• Front-mounted gas connection
• One-year warranty
3.
1. Latch holds windscreen in
place. (Shown with optional
bolt-on legs.)
2. Gas fitting is at front of stove
3. Grate surface is high above
burner
Dual-burner Stoves
Brunton Wind River Range
(Japan)
With the propane-fueled Wind River Range and its associated
accessories, Brunton has made the move into the vehicle-based luxury
camping segment. The construction is impressive, with a case assembled
from a series of aluminum and stainless steel plates and aluminum extrusions. All eight corners are protected by durable plastic bumpers, and
the two halves are connected via a full-length hinge and two heavy-duty
latches. It is a very rugged-looking and attractive stove.
Setting up the Wind River Range is quick, taking only a minute from
undoing the first hinge to lighting the first burner. Two spring-loaded
latches secure the halves in place, and once unlatched allow the top half
to swing over to the side of the burner assembly where it becomes a
cutting board and storage box. The hinge is designed to allow the two
halves to easily separate, which means that they easily separate—even if
you don’t want them to.
Once everything is open, the grill and burner assembly is removed
to provide access to the gas line and adapters. The gas line connects
through a small access door on the side and then hooks to either a bulk
propane tank, or with an adapter to compact propane canisters. Unfortunately, the supplied adapter would not thread onto the supplied gas
line. It appeared to be a stack-up tolerance issue (i.e., the adapter was
machined at the low end of the thread tolerance and the gas line was
machined on the high end of the tolerance specification). The adapter
worked on the Cook Partner line, and another adapter we had worked on
the Brunton gas line.
In use, the stove is a joy, with a good grill design and the convenience
of a cutting board and utensil storage. A bent stainless steel rod can be
installed on the storage side to mount a paper towel roll or hang the
Wind River cook tools. The windscreen provides good coverage and can
also be removed completely. Boil times are fast: The Wind River scored
the fastest boil time of all the dual-burners (4:50 min./sec.). As a unit,
it is heavy, and the construction is complex, combining dozens of parts
and fasteners. Our experience with Brunton has always revealed components of high quality, so we do not expect the construction complexities to be an issue, but it is of note. The Wind River Range is a smartly
designed unit, with excellent function and great burner performance. It
would make a great addition to the kit of a larger-GVW vehicle.
brunton.com, $429
1.
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2.
Pros:
• Rugged design
• Fastest dual-burner of the test (15,000 BTU)
• High-quality construction
• Nearly rattle-free
• Integrated storage and cutting board
4.
3.
1. Hinge
2. Burner detail
3. Latch detail
4. Cutting board
Cons:
• Weight (23 lbs.)
• Construction complexity (number of parts)
• Hinge design
• Canister adapter incorrectly machined
Dual-burner Stoves
Snow Peak GS-220 Two-Burner Stove
(Japan)
snowpeak.com, $400
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Pros:
The Snow Peak GS-220 dual-burner stove is elegant and highly
functional, and received the most lustful reactions from the testing team.
Attention to detail, fit, and finish are superb. Every component has a
function and a perfect symmetry—the essence of classic Japanese design.
The unit is lightweight and has compact dimensions, making it easy to
stow and easy on the GVW. The lid, which is removed by two spring-buttons, can be completely disconnected from the stove body. This reveals
the stainless steel stove legs and burner grates. The legs are made from
bent stainless steel rod, and they stow next to the burners. To assemble,
the legs are inserted into holes in the sides of the stove body. This provides a (mostly) stable structure for the stove, and raises the stove bottom
off the work surface. The next step is to fit two Lindal-valve-type gas
canisters below the burners (see Testing Notes for information on Lindal
valves). The lid becomes the windscreen, attaching to the burner grate,
the rear lip, and the windscreen sides. The process is simple, but the most
time-consuming of the test group.
In use, the stove is impressive, with a tightly spaced grate to accommodate even the smallest pot or espresso maker, and the concave burners provide even heat and the best simmer control of the larger stoves.
For use as an expedition stove, it is somewhat challenged by the canisteronly fuel supply. While small, the control knobs are not protected from
damage. We also found the unit to have the most rattles and squeaks
during transport.
The Snow Peak stove really shines when used with the modular Iron
Grill Table (IGT) system. The IGT is a cooktop with spaces for drop-in
components such as the Two-Burner stove, the BBQ Box, and various
cutting boards and spice racks. Set into the IGT, the stove sits at the perfect working height and is transformed into a cooktop as good as some
home units. With the BBQ Box, you can grill up that carne asada while
the stove cranks out your Tequila Tomatoes.
Elegance of design, excellent cooking function, and system integration are what define this dual-burner. The only thing preventing this stove
from snagging the Editor’s Choice award are the small compromises in
design needed to ensure it works in the IGT system.
• Beautiful design, fit, and finish
• Lightweight
• Excellent simmer control
• Second-fastest boil time of the dual-burner
test
• Integration with the IGT and BBQ Box
• The best grill design in the test
• Case bottom is coated in Flourine to ease
clean-up
Cons:
• Squeaks and rattles
• Knobs not protected from impacts
• Complicated cleaning
• Canister gas only, which can be difficult to
source in developing countries
• Will not stand upright for stowage (must be
stored flat)
1.
2.
1. Knob detail (note auto-igniter button)
2. Grate and burner detail
Dual-burner Stoves
Partner Steel Cook Partner
(USA)
Perfection is often gauged not by how much can be added to
something, but when nothing else can be taken away. In the case of the
Cook Partner by Partner Steel in Idaho, its simplicity is, in fact, perfect.
The all-aluminum case makes the stove extremely light, while the simple
box construction also ensures excellent strength and durability. Designed
as an outfitter stove, the construction reflects its intended use, with every
detail favoring durability and reliability. A wide handle, made from bent
aluminum rod, makes the stove easy to transport, and the twist-lock latch
pulls the lid down tight. The two burner knobs are recessed within the
case for protection, as is the all-brass gas fitting.
Opening the lid reveals nearly perfect welds, several of which are
stitched along two mating aluminum flats, which is no easy task. Two
15,000-BTU burners are welded to the stainless steel cooking surface.
The stove construction results in two mating components: the case assembly and the grill/burner assembly. There is little set-up required; just
open the lid, connect the gas line, and if the conditions warrant, deploy
the windscreen.
While the Cook Partner might just be the perfect expedition stove, it
is not without a few minor grumbles—such as the design of the windscreen hinge and support rods. The hinges could be located another centimeter farther out, to allow for better wind protection and larger pots.
And while the support rods do work, they are a snag hazard for hands
and clothing. I can see the advantage of the concept, which allows the
windscreen to come out on an angle for larger cooking ware, but they
rattle slightly and don’t quite secure the sides in the same robust manner
as does the rest of the construction. The grate spacing is also a little off,
and not quite the right frequency, which would make using some of the
smaller espresso makers a challenge without modification.
Overall, the Cook Partner is an extremely impressive piece of kit,
with fast cook times, almost no rattles, and construction to last a lifetime. This is the stove I will use, and it is an easy selection as the Editor’s
Choice for the dual-burners.
2.
partnersteel.com, $255
61
1.
Pros:
• Constructed to last a lifetime
• Perfect welds
• Light weight
• 15,000 BTU burners for fast boil times
• Compact dimensions
• Easiest to clean
1. Handle and latch mechanism
2. Burner detail
3. Beautiful welds and recessed
knobs
Cons:
3.
• Grill spacing too wide for small coffee units
• Windscreen supports not quite up to the rest
of the design
Dual-burner Stoves
Coleman Exponent Rendezvous
(China)
coleman.com, $349.99
62
Several years ago, Coleman introduced their Exponent
equipment line, built to a higher quality standard and designed to meet
the needs of the more discriminating explorer. In an effort to provide
a cooking system for the vehicle-based traveler, Coleman designed the
Rendezvous two-burner propane stove.
The unit’s mass was immediately apparent when the testing team tried
to remove the Rendezvous from the shipping box. At over 27 inches long
and 9 inches tall, and weighing in at 35 pounds, this unit represents a
considerable commitment of space and addition to GVW. Fortunately,
the unit includes several extra features: a wash basin, cutting board, cast
aluminum griddle, storage dividers, and tool rack.
Setting up the Rendezvous is fairly simple, starting with unclipping
two plastic latches and folding the top box over to the side. Care must
be given to prevent the top from sliding off the hinge pins and coming
to a crash on the work surface (ask us how we found that out). Next, the
folding windscreen is hinged up and the wings set on the case rim. A
standard Coleman propane connector is located at the rear of the stove
section. The griddle and cutting board are retained in the storage side
by a recess running around the inside diameter of the case. The two accessories are removed by flexing the case sides outward to release either
unit. Under the griddle and cutting board is a wash basin and storage
area, with dividers.
In use, the Rendezvous did not prove to be an efficient stove, with a
boil time of over 10 minutes, nearly double the time of the next-slowest
unit. The weight, bulk, and construction materials are also of concern for
use as an expedition stove. When compared to the simplicity and effectiveness of the Cook Partner, it is difficult to see where the Rendezvous
could outperform, and at nearly $100 more in price, the big Coleman
slides to the back of the pack. Unfortunately, adding too many components and too much plastic makes for a tough sell to this editor.
Pros:
• Excellent AAA-battery-powered igniter
• Wash basin and cutting board included
• Wide burner coverage with CloverleafTM
design
Cons:
• Heavy (35 lbs.)
• Plastic abounds
• Accessory hangers are not removable and
they rattle
• Plastic hinges and latches
• Thin metal, decorative cover pops in and out
• Large when closed, difficult to manage
when open (50 x 16 x 4 inches)
1.
2.
1. Open with griddle, wash basin
and cutting board
2. Plastic corner-guard
Testing Procedure
Stove evaluation is a nearly even balance between subjective review and
empirical testing, with the critical design elements such as set-up ease, grill design, simmer
control, and ease of cleaning stacking up against boil times, stability measurements, and
wind performance.
For this test, we assembled an impressive team of adventurers, each with a different set
of requirements for a stove. Jeremy Edgar is an active backpacker who also uses a Toyota
Tacoma for extended vehicle expeditions and basecamping. Windy Edgar is an ultra-light
backpacker, interested in equipment with ecological considerations and good efficiency to
support her entomological research. Windy is also a master at organization and logistics,
so ease of packing and post-expedition cleanup are critical design requirements. Andrew
Moore is a long-time Baja traveler. Conducting vehicle-dependent expeditions in his FJ45
Troop Carrier and on his BMW GS1150 Adventure, he travels on both ends of the GVW
range. For me, equipment needs to be tough and functional, and I give extra points to a
clean design and round-the-world flexibility.
Wind Performance
Wind performance was tested by placing a 5 mph (measured by a Brunton anemometer)
wind source 8 inches from a three-liter pot. If a windscreen was present, we aimed the
wind source at one side of the windscreen. Scoring was measured by three testers as one
of the following:
No effect - no noticeable change in flame intensity or coverage
1 - a slight change in flame coverage with no change in intensity
2 - a measurable change in flame coverage with a slight change in intensity
3 - over one-third of the burner surface had no flame, and a significant change in flame
coverage and intensity
Flame out- wind source extinguished the flame (note: no stoves had a flame out during this test)
Cleaning Ease
Cleaning ease was ranked on a one-to-three scale, with a score of one being the easiest to clean. Testing factors included ease
of disassembly, surface type, complexity of the cooking area for cleaning, and if liquids could easily drip to lower assemblies or
hard-to-reach corners.
Boil Time
We tested the stoves at high elevation because that is where stoves often do not work as expected, including difficulty lighting, toorich fuel mixture, and sputtering. Elevation also affects boil performance. On our testing day, we evaluated the units at 6,956 feet,
with a barometric pressure reading from NOAA at 30.36 inches, and an average air temperature of 72°F. This put our boil target
at 200°F. We boiled a liter of water in a cool three-liter aluminum pot (Brunton Wind River), with a starting water temperature
of 65 - 68°F. Each stove was lit, and the timer started once the pot was set on the grill. Water temperatures were measured with
an analog liquid temperature probe.
Stability
Each stove was set in the same position on a small table, with the three-liter pot filled with water placed on the burner. Then, one
corner of the table was lifted one inch and dropped. All of the stoves passed this test without spilling the pot of water, although
some faired better than others. Each tester provided a ranking from one to three, with a score of one being best.
Set-up Time
Jeremy was our set-up tester, and we timed him setting up each unit after a quick familiarization. The timer started once he
touched the unit, and ended once he was able to open the burner control and see/hear fuel flow. For the liquid-fuel units, the time
included the manufacturer’s recommended number of priming strokes to the fuel canister.
Squeaks and Rattles
Each unit was tested for squeaks and rattles, both while carrying and during transport in the test vehicle.
63
Conclusions
64
Nearly every stove in this review had a strong suite
of qualities, so our decision for Editor’s Choice in the two categories required some deliberation. In the end, the units that were the
most robust, and designed with an around-the-world expedition in
mind, are the ones that took the compass rose. If your needs vary,
the strengths of the individual units are clear, and you can make a
purchase decision accordingly.
For me, and the other editors, the decision for the top dualburner unit came quickly. The Snow Peak GS-220 Two Burner was
loved by all for its elegant design, best-in-test grill, and high-quality
construction. If used as a system with the IGT and BBQ box, it
could satisfy any Iron Chef. However, the Cook Partner was easily
the most durable and well-built of all units tested, and also proved
to be the lightest. With only two parts and fully (and beautifully)
welded construction, I have little doubt that this aluminum outfitter
stove will last a lifetime. We will make a few suggestions to Partner
Steel about modifying the grill spacing and windscreen attachment.
Durability, weight, compact dimensions, and exceptional value win
the day.
It was the compact stoves that generated the most discussion. It
is impressive how each unit showed a particular strength: the Crux
had the fastest boil, the Jetboil was the best system, the Snow Peak was ultra-light and stable, the Vapor would burn (nearly) anything, and the Feather was the easiest to set-up. However, when all of the performance criteria and durability were evaluated, the
Brunton Vapor was the clear winner. The most compelling feature is its ability to burn just about any fuel, including gas canisters.
The unit is also built to expedition standards, with high-quality fittings, braided stainless line, and a wide, stable base and pot
support. For an expedition in any remote area or developing country, the ability to burn nearly any available fuel is critical, and
for the adventure motorcyclist, to be able to pour nearly a liter of unleaded gasoline into an empty tank and complete the last 10
miles to the nearest town could be a trip-saver if not a life-saver. Many companies try to make expedition-quality equipment. In
the case of the Vapor, Brunton more than succeeded. For the best ultra-light unit, the Snow Peak Micro Max was the favorite
among our backpacking testers.
At the end of it all, I still look at the Hiker+ with a grin, and more than a modicum of respect. Seventy years of exploration
legacy goes a long way with me, and while the Hiker+ ended up falling between the two stove disciplines, and didn’t win any
category (expect perhaps "cool" factor), it was the first one I grabbed for my trip to Anza Borrego. There is just something about
a classic piece of kit.
Cherry Tomatoes Sautéed with Tequila
from Southwest: The Beautiful Cookbook, by Barbara Pool Fenzl (recipe adapted by Scott Brady)
2C cherry tomatoes
2T tequila
2T cilantro
2T olive oil
¼C pine nuts
salt and pepper
minced garlic, 1 clove
In a large sauté pan, toast the pine nuts in a little olive oil until browned. Add tomatoes and
begin to warm. Add tequila and cilantro. When hot (you want them to be semi-firm), add salt
and pepper to taste. Serve with carne asada tacos on a beach in Baja.
Overland Team Favorites
Andrew Moore: Adventure motorcyclist
Top pick: Jetboil
“From a multi-day, dual-sport motorcycle perspective, I’d have to choose the Jetboil, if I were only able to have one stove in
the arsenal. Most of my rations on the bike are freeze-dried backpacking meals, and its insanely fast boil times for 12 ounces of
water suits the bill perfectly, along with its 'all-in-one' stowage capacity, as it negates having to carry a separate mug. While only
being able to use gas canisters is a downside, I’ve had good luck making one small unit last 3-5 days, boiling about 32 ounces of
water per day. An extra fuel canister could be easily stuffed somewhere in the panniers, and wouldn’t pose a leak hazard, as liquid
fuel inevitably does.”
Windy Edgar: Ultra-light explorer and conservationist
Top pick: Snow Peak Micro Max Titanium
“Among the stoves in our comparison testing, there were some serious contenders. Though I was initially appreciative of the
Micro Max design, I didn’t think it would be the final pick for me. However, when the testing and comparison were completed,
it had been elevated to near deity status. The packaging and compact design make this stove a no-brainer for backpacking. The
Micro Max comes in a durable plastic container that gets lost in my small hand and weighs next to nothing. The stove then unfolds
into a stable, efficient cooking unit. When deployed, the arms are long enough to provide stability for a pot sized for 2-3 servings.
Made of titanium, it is not only lightweight but durable. No worries that these arms might eventually break off or bend. With no
detachable parts and no assembly required, when your fingers are cold and stiff, you won’t be fumbling with difficult and small
pieces. The efficiency leaves no doubt that you will not wait long for that first cup of coffee on a cold morning. And if the morning happens to be windy, worry not. This stove doesn’t flutter a flame at the wind. When you’re ready to pack it up and go, a neat
feature is the diagram on the case that displays how the stove should be packed inside. Pack the Micro Max into a lightweight pot
along with the fuel canister, and your cooking system is ready to go.”
Jeremy Edgar: Backpacker and vehicle base-camper
Top pick: Partner Steel Cook Partner
“Taking the entire group of stoves into consideration, the Cook Partner stood out as the overall champion in my opinion. Its
rugged construction, complimented by its simplicity, set it apart from the rest. It was one of the easiest to assemble and use, and
surprisingly lightweight for its size. I cannot imagine many scenarios where this stove would break in any way, or fail to function
as it does brand new. If all you need is a stove, this is the only stove you will ever need.”
Testing Notes:
Overland Journal would like to thank to Manzanita Outdoor (manzanitaoutdoor.
com) of Prescott, Arizona, for their assistance with this test.
One of the ironies of this test was that we ended up using MSR fuel canisters,
but did not test an MSR stove. The reason was that some of the proprietary fuel
canisters—such as Snow Peak—were nowhere to be found within 100 miles of
our location, and others, such as Optimus, could only be found in Phoenix. Because
today’s manufacturers have gone to a nearly universal valve called a Lindal, which is
self-sealing (early canisters, once punctured, had to stay on the stove until empty), we
were able to use the widely available MSR fuel canisters on most of the test stoves.
While MSR has some great stoves—such as the classic XGK EX (msrcorp.com)—
we settled on the test lineup due to factors other than quality from MSR.
65
Stove
Brunton:
AF All Fuel Expedition Stove
Coleman:
Feather 442 Dual Fuel Stove
Optimus:
Crux
Optimus:
Hiker+
SnowPeak: Micro Max
Titanium (GST-110A)
JetBoil
Price
$149
$64.99
$70
$169.95
$69.95
$89.95
Country of origin
Japan
USA
Sweden
Sweden
Japan
USA
Warranty
Lifetime
Lifetime
5-year
5-year
Lifetime-limited
1-year
Weight (oz./g), no fuel
14/396
24/680
3.07/87
42/1,190
3.3/93
15/425
Height (in./cm)
4.1/10.41
6.1/15.49
1.2/3.05
4.0/10.16
7.0/17.78
7.1/18.03
Width (in./cm)
5.2/13.21
5.5/13.97
2.2/5.59
7.0/17.78
4.0/10.16
4.1/10.41
Length (in./cm)
2.3/5.84
5.5/13.97
3.3/8.38
7.0/17.78
8.5/21.59
4.1/10.41
Fuel type(s)
Lindal gas canisters & any
fuel
Unleaded and white gas
Lindal valve gas blend
canisters
Most liquid fuels
Lindal valve gas blend
canisters
Lindal valve gas
blend canisters
BTU (per burner)
12,000
7,500
10,000
9,700
11,200
4,500
Lighting method
Matches / lighter
Matches / lighter
Matches / lighter
Matches / lighter
Igniter
Matches / lighter
Windscreen type
Aluminum sheet
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Wind test (0 being best)
3
1
2
1
3
0
Boil time (1L), min.
7:03
8:06
4:14
11:44
5:23
5:58
Setup time (includes
priming if required), min.
0:44
0:28
0:31
0:30
0:31
0:49
Stability test
(0 being best)
0
0
3
1
2
2
Cleanability test
(1 being best)
2
2
1
2
1
1
Manufacturer's site
brunton.com
coleman.com
optimus.se
optimus.se
snowpeak.com
jetboil.com
Available from
expeditionexchange.com
coleman.com
moosejaw.com
moosejaw.com
moosejaw.com
Dual-burner Stoves
66
Stove
Brunton:
Wind River Range
Camp Chef:
All-Terrain Sport Stove
Coleman:
Exponent Rendezvous
SnowPeak:
GS-220 Two-Burner
Partner Steel:
Cook Partner
Price
$429
$158
$349
$400
$255
Country of origin
Japan
China
China
Japan
USA
Warranty
Lifetime
1-year
5-year
Lifetime-limited
Lifetime-limited
Weight (lbs./kg), no fuel
23/10.43
16/7.26
35/15.88
15.5/7.03
11/4.99
Height (in./cm)
7.0/17.78
5.75/14.60
9.0/22.86
4.0/10.16
3.75/9.52
Width (in./cm)
21.5/54.61
25.0/63.50
27.5/69.85
19.5/49.53
18.5/46.99
Length (in./cm)
13.5/34.29
13.5/34.29
17.5/44.45
14.0/35.56
12.5/31.75
Fuel type(s)
Propane canisters / tanks
Bulk propane recommended
Lindal valve gas canisters
BTU (per burner)
15,000
20,000
15,000
11,200
15,000
Lighting method
Matches / lighter
Igniter
Igniter (AAA battery)
Igniter
Igniter
Windscreen type
Sheet metal; short
Lid & angled sides
Sheet metal; short
Lid & angled sides
Lid & angled sides
Wind test (0 being best)
0
0
0
0
0
Boil time (1L), min.
4:50
5:51
10:33
5:46
6:09
Setup time (includes
priming if required), min.
1:30
0:56
1:08
2:26
0:47
Stability test
(0 being best)
0
0
0
1
0
Cleanability test
(1 being best)
2
3*
3
2
1
Manufacturer's site
brunton.com
campchef.com
coleman.com
snowpeak.com
partnersteel.com
Available from
campchef.com
coleman.com
adventuretrailers.com
*Camp Chef burner area requires Phillips screwdriver to clean beneath. Large holes & wide side gaps leave room for food to spill beneath burner area

Stove Review, Winter 2007

Transcription

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