Kelly Kettle vs. JetBoil vs. Other Small Stoves: OJ->Real World

[Fergie]

Well, in all honesty, the baby formula idea is a justification to the wife, kind like "Hey, look! This stove has more uses, especially for baby!"

I use the MSR coffee filter for the most part, French Presses are oaky, but I've never cared for the tast, just personal preference.

I should be reading the OJ article soon, so coupled with the info here, I should be able to make a decently informe decision.

in trying to adrs the particular need you mention:
quick stop and heat water for coffee or formula and then pack away and go...
I would put a vote in for the Hiker...mainly because you can just close the top and go even if it is still a bit warm. Also the box shape makes it stable for a kettle or pot which is what will sit on it for heating water or formula.
If you matched it with a small stainless cup and a combo french press/tumbler you would have a very compact kit...the stainless cup would also be about the right size to heat the baby bottle without alot of waste.
http://www.mountainhighoutfitters.c...page=product_info&products_id=88&currency=USD
or a sierra cup, not quite as good for the baby bottle

just my thoughts

 

[rusty_tlc]

I have used THIS STOVE for many, many years, they are fool proof and use the same fuel as a Coleman stove. A bit scary to light if you aren't use to them, but safe as any stove you will ever use. They work at any elevation, can be repaired with the tool key that is supplied and little else, they work on almost any kind of gasoline. With a wind shield you can adjust them to a simmer, regular foil works fine for a shield.
Mine is more than 30 years old and still works fine, so I'd say they are a good investment.

 

[Scott Brady]

I have used THIS STOVE for many, many years

Awesome stove...

 

[tdesanto]

MSR for compact stove

If you don't mind priming (you said you didn't want canister fuel), then the MSR Whisperlite International is a great stove for boiling water. It's quiet, very hot, boils water very fast, and works in a wide range of temps.

The MSR Dragonfly does a great job too, almost as fast to boil water, and it simmers great too (it's best feature); however, bring ear plugs 'cause this one's really loud.

The Coleman exponent multi-fuel stove (this one made the OJ article) is also a good performer. Very quiet, easy to light (probably the easiest of any white gas stove I've tried), and boils water rapidly. It also simmers nicely too. Just don't try to put a large pot on it. It's not that stable compared to the shorter MSR stoves.

Look into other articles on the MSR stoves as none of these made the OJ article.

 

[Scott Brady]

The Coleman exponent multi-fuel stove (this one made the OJ article) is also a good performer. Very quite, easy to light (probably the easiest of any white gas stove I've tried), and boils water rapidly. It also simmers nicely too.

I found the same to be true, especially the "easy to light" part. Great stove overall.

 

[Fergie]

Well, I read the comparison article in Overland Journal, and must say that once again, Mr. Brady and his contributors deliver a top notch piece.

I'm not against canister fuel, I just don't want to be stuck some place, not have access to some fancy canister, and not be able to make me some food, that is why I prefer a multi fuel stove.

I like the Svea, and the Coleman from the review.

The smaller Crux is nice, but I don't need something that compact.

So far, my choices are narrowed to a Kelly Kettle, Svea, Coleman 442 and the Brunton.

 

[paulj]

There are other small wood burning stoves. Homemade ones go by names like 'hobo stoves'. Zip stove uses a small battery powered fan to create a draft. I've seen web pages for other small-scale manufacturers, though I don't have links offhand. They may not be as efficient as the Kelty chimney water heater, but are less expensive, and more general purpose.
paulj

 

[frgtwn]

As much as I like the cool factor of the Kelly, and other wood/refuse burning alternatives, they do not fit in the many "no fire" restrictions we have here in Southern California. This is also true of charcoal, and as much as I may want to cook on a dutch oven, it is not permitted during the fire restrictions.

So, we seem to be left to choose from "real stoves" that burn commercially available fuel.

Dale

 

[Fergie]

Okay, spent some time over at the local REI tonight, and got to try out LOTS of different stoves.

Here is where I am at:

Coleman 442: This will be the fall back one if I can't find the other two at a decent price. It was easy to light and I tested the stability out with a GSI Bugaboo pan, not bad at all.

MSR Dragonfly: I LOVED this one. Breaks down nice and small, and best of all, it'll burn anything.

Lastly, I'm looking at the Primus MultiFuel as a less expensive alternative to the Dragonfly.

So, the decision comes down to the Primus MFS or the Dragonfly.

 

[7wt]

I would pick the Dragonfly for the simple reason that replacement parts are everywhere. You can pick up extra tanks and pumps at all sorts of sporting good store. Plus the performance can't be bet. I know some people say they are loud but it gives a Pavlov's dog kind of response. You can train your body to get real hungry when you hear that jet roar! I will probably pick on up just for kicks, actually I like the idea of having a white gas stove that simmers. I already have a butane stove that simmers and a white gas one that doesn't (despite the name)!

Good luck and let us know what you go with. Camping stoves are just too cool if you ask me.

 

[Fergie]

I would pick the Dragonfly for the simple reason that replacement parts are everywhere. You can pick up extra tanks and pumps at all sorts of sporting good store. Plus the performance can't be bet. I know some people say they are loud but it gives a Pavlov's dog kind of response. You can train your body to get real hungry when you hear that jet roar! I will probably pick on up just for kicks, actually I like the idea of having a white gas stove that simmers. I already have a butane stove that simmers and a white gas one that doesn't (despite the name)!

Good luck and let us know what you go with. Camping stoves are just too cool if you ask me.

Well, after MORE research, it doesnt appear that the Primus MFS has any way to adjust the flame to a 'simmer' setting.

Does anyone own one of these stove with some personal experience here?

Thanks

 

[cruisertoy]

I'm ordering a Kelly Kettle or a Thermette later this week. Is there any preference between the two, copper or aluminum. Maybe it's just the cook factor, but I think throwing one of these in the box in the back of the cruiser makes sense. I use my Jetboil all the time and have tested it on two 10 day river trips in western Alaska. We used two of them for every meal for 6 people. I have had to replace the striker on one already. I like the Jetboil, but travel by plane restricts taking fuel. I had a few removed from my luggage the first time I flew with them and haven't taken them since.

 

[Fergie]

I'm going with the Dragonfly, and will carry an extra pump.

I went with this because of the multiple fuel option it has, and as demonstrated by a friend, even 151 will burn in it, and bring water to a boil.

I pick it up Thursday, so it should be fun to test it on the DV trip.

 

[tdesanto]

You'll be happy with the stove. Reliable, fast, compact, burns all kinds of fuel.

Just bring some earplugs as I noted earlier.

Also, you might be happy to know that you can make some great dishes with one of these, since you have a separate fuel container and a windscreen. This oven won't work with any of the stoves that sit on top of the fuel container.

 

[Fergie]

You'll be happy with the stove. Reliable, fast, compact, burns all kinds of fuel.

Just bring some earplugs as I noted earlier.

Also, you might be happy to know that you can make some great dishes with one of these, since you have a separate fuel container and a windscreen. This oven won't work with any of the stoves that sit on top of the fuel container.

As an aside, I also found a Svea 123 stove, used, but in working order. It is near my place, so if anyone is interested, I can pick it up for them and ship if need be.