I simply LOVE my MSR whisperlite Internationale.
Not super expensive, but bullet-proof.
In about 1,5 years of use, I've cleaned it 3 times (using fuel from the bikes only) and lately I've done a preventive overhaul 'just in case'.
Love the simple design, there simply is not a lot that can break down on the thing.

I've been using a Primus Omnifuel for the last year, bought to replace a MSR Whisperlite, simply because the MSR could not simmer..

The Primus has turned out to be a cracker... it comes with three easily changed jets to allow the use of most flammable liquids it seems!

Though to date I've only used unleaded and gas...

It's a bit expensive, but highly recommended.. (by me that is).. :thumbup1:

simmering is a bit of a trick with the Whisperlite, I agree.... but doable, if you stay close to it and nurse it ;-)

I just got a primus omni fuel stove. They say it will burn almost anything from gas canisters to diesel. I haven't used it much but it seems to work very well using white gasoline. I cooked about 40 hamburgers with it a couple of weeks ago and it worked fine. It simmers really well and is easy to use. It is a bit noisy especially at full blast. It appears to be very well made although the part that goes on top with 3 prongs/arms which keep it attached to the burner comes of fairly easily when it is being transported in my top box. They sell a service kit which, among other things, includes this part.
I bought it now as we are planning a serious trip in about 2 years and want to be sure it works well before we leave. I could say the same thing about my 5 year old V-Strom but the truth is I don't have the money to buy something newer!

Colemans Sportster here. The flame is a bit orange and it leaves a bit of soot on the bottom of pans when using low-octane leaded Bolivian petrol but no problems otherwise. Absolutely fine on unleaded.

Dunc.

thanks everyone for your thoughts and experience, much appreciated as ever. I'll be using my stove far off the beaten track (London to Capetown, the 'stans, Mongolia etc) and may need it on occasion to put together a meal, but mostly I suspect it'll just be for my morning coffee and evening tea. Some really good pointers on here so I'll go and investigate some of those mentioned like the Optimus Nova+, the Dragonfly etc. Thanks v much for this!

The down side of rare use of a stove is that they take up a fair bit of room. The dragonfly is difficult to pack and gets pretty dirty. It's for sale now. :oops2:

I had a look at the nova but it has a similar issue with the stem which also makes is difficult to fit inside a pot, although it does fit apparently with a bit of fiddling.

The big upside of the muka stove is that it has a completely flexible hose which raps around the stove. It also stays clean so it doesn't stain anything. So when you put it in a small pot it's all tucked away.

http://img-1.gearbuyer.com/soto_muka...pump_p1_-0.jpg

OD 1NP - YouTube

on dealextreme.com you can find some MSR-copy for 52 USD... a bloody bargain.

But even though you might not use it a lot, I think you should buy something which burns everything, and is reliable. Any brand will do.
For me, my MSR is also a backup for water, to boil it whenever I would really get stuck somewhere. Fuel from the tank, reliable stove and nasty stinking water to boil will keep you going!

Trangia all the way!

Ive had the same trangia kit for 20yrs!! Yes you need meths for the burner but when ive had no meths i use a small camp fire or carry a small pack of charcoal. I dont know of any other camp cooking kit that is so versatile and cheap. you really can cook some amazing things and considering the fact that you have 2 pans a frying pan (useful as a plate) and a kettle it packs down really small. all for less than 60 quid. you can now even get a gas burner for them.

no complex burner system, versatile cooking, indestructable, cheap, can be used on a camp fire. unless it gets knicked you wont need another cooker in 2 life times.

have to post one more story about my whisperlite of MSR... love the thing!

The stove doesn't like to sleep in the rain, and after using last week it I put it under my bike to be out of the drizzle and to cool down safely.
Few hours (and wine...) later I needed my bike to put the tarp up and tie it to the mirror, and drove it around on the campsite.... driving over my MSR!

The rear wheel of my Africa Twin went straight over the stove, which was completely bent as you can imagine.
Next morning, after 15 minutes work with my Leatherman, the kettle was on to make coffee!
(have to admit, two days later I took it all apart to reall bend everything into shape, now it is really back to normal!)

There are not a lot of stoves which will survive this... the thing is monkey-proof!

A Svea 123. Super simpel , can burn what ever.

Or a trangia. If you run out of fuel just light a fire under it.

I have just bought one of these. It might be a bit heavier and bulkier than my omnifuel but at least it will simmer and fuel is available everywhere. I expect to get a lot more use from it as i have discontinued trying to use the omnifuel.


http://www.broseley-stove-specialist...suprema_cm.jpg

Hi,

I have the old optimus nova and rate it highly.

I don't really understand the point of putting the pump in a pot to save space. You presumably taking the fuel canister along doesn't the pump just live in their permanently? This is how i've always packed mine and never had an issue. The stove itself fits very well in a pot/mass tin with a few spices for padding.

Sam