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Stove Cooking Systems
Cristina Franco's Custom Antarctic Stove
XGK stove, Reactor pot, platform and modifications
If your end goal is to actually cook on the trail, campsite or even your bomb shelter, you will want more than just a stove; you'll want an integrated cooking system which is suitable for your particular needs.
Cooking Systems
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straightchuter.com my-cook-kit |
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An integrated cooking system is generally made up of a stove, cooking utensil (pot, pan, empty can, etc.) and accessories which expand your cook system's utility and performance. And in many ways, choosing a proper cooking system is like choosing the proper vehicle for a particular use. If you are racing across the Baja at high speeds, you need a high octane powered light weight dune buggy or something similar; if you are taking 30 children to school each day, you need a diesel burning bus; if you are solo commuting to work each day and want to save on expenses and find easy parking, you need a scooter or fuel efficient auto which runs on the most economical fuel available; if you are a pimp, you need a pimpmobile which "bumps" (whatever that is). It is true that a stock SUV can perform many of these tasks, but an SUV won't work as well as something designed for the task at hand. Likewise, your selected cook system should match its intended use.
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Multifuel (Petrol) Stove Setup Can use almost any fuel Operates in any environment Maintenance heavy Heavy but durable Powerful |
Gas Canister Cook System Requires premium expensive fuel Poor snow performance Dream to operate Very Responsive Fast
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Alcohol Burner System Economical fuel Surprising cold weather performance Starts and runs Light Slow
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The focus of cook systems often centers around a particular stove, which is understandable as the stove is the heart of any cooking system. This is very similar to race vehicles and their engines. Its sexy to have a high performance high output engine in your auto or truck, whether you are racing or not. So it's the engine that generally gets most of the upgrades and attention. But whether you are going to race your vehicle or even just commute with it, you will need to to address many other issues, like the braking strength, brake cooling, brake balancing, weight distribution, suspension travel, suspension tuning, transmission gearing, transmission strength, final drive gearing, traction control options, wheel type, wheel size, tires, frame, aerodynamics at different speeds, steering geometry, steering gearing, how the overall vehicle performs at low and high speeds, handling over rough terrain, handling in turns with or without ice/snow/water/dirt, fuel economy, fuel tank size, fuel type/octane, engine cooling, creature comforts, overall styling, marketing, target use designing, safety, color, etc. If any of these items are unbalanced, your vehicle will not perform or sell as desired...sometime with devastating consequences.
Basically, like a vehicle, your cooking system is more than just a stove or engine. And like a vehicle purpose made for racing on the track or negotiating rough terrain at high speeds or taking the kids to soccer practice or fitting into small parking spaces or maximum fuel economy, your cooking system of choice should match up with your particular event or lifestyle. So no matter what you have planned, you need a well balanced purpose made system that meets your specific needs with each component working together and supporting those needs.
This might mean:
a high output petrol stove kit with a durable steel pot for lots of cooking in a cold climate
a hanging gas stove with partial windscreen for a titanium pot used for melting lots of snow while producing minimal carbon monoxide
a low output alcohol stove with tight windscreen/potstand, lightweight CanPot and freezer bag meals designed for minimal weight and maximum fuel efficiency
Here are several categories of portable cooking systems:
Hi-Tech Prepared Hiker Systems
Occasional Conventional Hiker
High Efficiency Hiker
Lightweight Hiker
Ultralightweight Hiker
KISS Hiker
Woodland Wanderer
Hunter/Expedition Setups
High Altitude Systems
Car Camper
Musher Cooker
Airplane Hopping Backpacker
International Traveler/Hotel Hopper
Developing World Cooker
ParaMilitary Type
Post Apocalypse Zombie
Bush Master
Restaurant/Catering Cooking
Mariner Cooking
Flameless Hot Food
Cookless Food Consumer
Free Spirited Freeloader
For more on just the stove types themselves, see How to Choose a Backpacking Stove.
HiTech Prepared Hiker
A high tech hiker has done his/her required research regarding four season backcountry traveling and understands the dangers associated with outdoor sports. It is important that you are prepared for any event, as not being prepared in the outback and away from civilization can prove deadly. And with today's technology, there is no reason to risk it by skimping on gear. And since you have a membership to the local outdoors specialty store, you have access to the best gear and gear advice in the world. As a result, your pack is a little heavier than the economy hikers who pass you on the trail, but you worry not as if there should be a surprise blizzard that night - you will not only survive but will have a hot high calorie meal with cocoa with marshmallows to boost.
Adjustable Output Multifuel Backpacking Stove
Optimus Nova
Nothing performs in the coldest of environments like a multifuel stove. These more or less provide a jet powered flame which will quickly heat up any meal or melt snow in no time at all. They do require a bit of stove operation knowhow and regular maintenance, but that's a small price to pay for a roaring hot stove when hunkered down in your winter campsite. These stove systems will generally burn white gas, kerosene, jet fuel and unleaded automobile fuel, making it very versatile anywhere in the world. Heat output can be easily adjusted from simmer to blow torch with the stove mounted (as opposed to a valve mounted) valve which allows you to do much more than just melt snow or boil water.
MSR Dragonfly
Multifuel stoves with an adjustable simmer include the:
MSR Dragonfly
Optimus Nova
Primus Omnifuel
Related Links:
Zen Petrol Stoves
Cascade Designs - MSR
Optimus
Primus
System Parts:
Adjustable output backpacking stove
Fuel pump
Petrol fuel in appropriate fuel bottle
Aluminum Windscreen
Titanium pot
Titanium pot lid which doubles as pan
Comprehensive repair kit with spare parts
Primer paste or small bottle of white or auto gas - if using kerosene
User knowledge on how to prime, run, maintain and repair stove
Lighter and matches
WisperLite Universal Multi Fuel Stove
Isobutane canister fuel is a delight to use on the trail as it lights up easily while requiring minimal stove maintenance. Unfortunately this gas fuel does poorly below freezing temperatures, which is when you need your stove the most. There are ways of extending the usability of this fuel at subfreezing temperatures, such as inverting the canister which delivers liquid fuel to your stove instead of fuel vapors. This allows the more volatile gasses in your fuel mix to last longer while limiting heat loss through vaporization of fuel which together significantly extends the usefulness of your canisters in cold weather, especially when canisters with good fuel mixes are used. The Whisperlite Universal stove system has been engineered so that it can support a gas canister inverted, has a more than adequate generator tube to vaporize the liquid fuel and has proper jetting for butane/propane mixed fuel. It has also been tested by a reputable company from a country regulated by liability lawyers, so most feel that this system and approach is "safe" for the average consumer. Other methods of extending the operating range of gas fuels in subfreezing temperatures (such as using a bicycle tire pump to pressurize your canister) are likely beyond what the "average consumer" would consider safe or reasonable. That said, knowledge of these techniques is also part of being a prepared hiker.
Vapor Pressure vs Temperature of Propane/IsoButane/Butane Mixes
The boiling point of each of these gases is around the 1 ATM level at sea level
Below their respective boiling points, your stove will fail to start or run
Note that as fuel is released from a canister, its temperature will drop
Graph Link
But as a backup in cold weather or when gas fuel isn't available, you can use white gas or kerosene with the Whisperlite Universal cooking system to heat up your food in the dead of winter and even melt snow for drinking water if needed. The Whisperlite family of stoves is so well designed to run petrol fuels in the cold weather that the WisperLite International is the lightest standard issue stove for the US Antarctic Program and is used as the emergency stove in all of its Survival Bags.
The remote gas and petrol fuel storage also allows you to safely use a windscreen around your stove to maximize use of your fuel use without the concern of overheating your fuel tank and creating an undesirable explosion. A windscreen will also hasten cooking and snow melting.
Primus Fuel Pump
Of note, when using petrol fuel in with this stove system, the MSR plastic pump is considered the weak point of this stove system. And since this stove is set up to run on "universal" Lindal threaded gas canisters, you can easily hook up the Whisperlite gas canister adapter to a Primus Omnifuel ErgoPump. The Primus metal pumps are more durable than the MSR plastic fuel pumps and better engineered. The only disadvantage of the Primus pump is a small weight penalty and the possibility of limited replacement parts, depending on where you are in the world.
Note: MSR has 3 different WhisperLite stoves:
WhisperLite - smaller generator tube. Meant to burn white gas only
WhisperLite International - larger generator tube. Designed for white gas, unleaded gas and kerosene
WhisperLite Universal - Redesigned generator tube with canister adapter. Designed for white gas, unleaded gas, kerosene and liquefied butane fuel mixes
Related Links:
Zen Canister Stoves - information on fuels and use at high elevations and subfreezing temperatures
Cascade Designs - MSR Company site
forums.equipped.org 231941 MSR WLU running with an Omnifuel pump
adventuresinstoving.blogspot msr-whisperlite-universal Whisperlite Universal connected to Primus Omnifuel pump
System Parts:
MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove
Fuel canisters
Petrol fuel in fuel bottle with pump if subfreezing temperatures possible
MSR aluminum Windscreen
Titanium pot
Titanium pot lid which doubles as pan
Comprehensive repair kit with spare parts
Primer paste or small bottle of white or auto gas - if using kerosene or JP8
User knowledge on how to prime, run, maintain and repair stove
Lighter and matches
Optimus Svea
Optimus Svea
The Optimus Svea isn't a new high-technology stove. It has actually been around for quite some time and is really simple in design. But this design has withstood the test of time and is a great stove for those looking for a dependable petrol stove with minimal moving parts. Instead of a pump to pressurize the fuel tank, the generator tube uses a wick to draw fuel into it. After fuel is vaporized, thermal feedback from the stove keeps the stove pressurized. Having less moving parts means less things can fail.
For those who want a pump, Optimus offers a separate external pump which can be used with a special filler cap. A tire valve can also be added to your filler cap if you wish to use a mini bicycle pump to pressurize this stove.
System Parts:
Optimus Svea stove
Pot which doubles as lid
Fuel
Knowledge on how to use and maintain this type of stove
Lighter and matches
MSR XGK Expedition Stove
MSR XGK Expedition Stove
This is the standard of Expedition Stoves and is overkill for most outdoorsmen. Designed by Larry Penberthy, it utilizes a large generator tube and a target burner to maximize burning of petrol fuels. Different jet sizes allow you to run different fuels and allow for more ideal air/fuel mixtures depending on which fuel you plan on running. It reliably runs at full blast with most petrol fuels (white gas, automotive gas, kerosene, JP8) and overdesigned to continue operating in the worse of environments. The XGK and its predecessors have been used on both poles and on the highest mountains of the world in various configurations.
As a backpacking stove, it is heavy but still packable. It also lacks the controllability of fuel flow which means that simmering and fancy cooking is limited. That said, this stove system is ideal for melting snow under extreme conditions as this system can be used in insanely cold environments without the concern of your fuel failing due to the cold.
12" Expedition Base and Pot Support System
For extreme environments, you will need a stove platform or a hanger system. A platform will allow for a flat and level surface where there otherwise may not be one and keeps the stove from sinking into the snow. A hanging system does something similar while also saving floor real-estate. It is important to note that care must be taken when using a XGK in a tent as the initial flare ups are dangerous. You should preheat/prime the XGK outside of a tent or enclosed area.
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Problem/Weak Spot |
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The Achilles heal of the XGK is the the light weight fiberglass-reinforced polymer pump. It lacks the robustness of metal pumps and has more O-rings to fail. If your life depends on your stove, then you should pack a second pump. You may also wish to reinforce its weak spot as shown above. On the upside, the MSR pumps are lighter than metal pumps and are said to melt and vent when over heated as opposed to containing pressures and exploding after pressure overwhelms the fuel bottle. Plastic pumps are also more economical to manufacture than metal ones which may not be foremost on your mind in Antarctica but helps since you may wish to have an extra one tucked away.
If you are embarking on a true expedition and are concerned about the longevity and robustness of the MSR pump, you can make custom changes to allow for use of a different pump with an inline flow valve. You can even add an tire valve to your fuel bottle and use a bicycle pump to pressurize your system.
MSR XGK-EX (Newer design)
There is a shaker jet version of the XGK which "self cleans" the jet. It sounds like a good idea, but many feel that this design hinders performance as well as in-use maintenance. For this reason, many explorers will remove the the shaker jet and weighted shaker and replaced it with an old shakerless jet.
Related Links:
Cascade Designs - MSR
US Patent 3,900,281 - model 9 stove
US Patent 5,513,624 - Shaker Jet
summitpost.org 483666 Hanging XGK
spiritburner.com 17072 Pump Comparison
spiritburner.com 22757 discussion on Bulin pump
Bulin BL100-T3 - Chinese clone
spiritburner.com 20893 Pressure release screw
flickr.com christinafranco web.archive red-hot-dreams spiritburner.com 11956 explorersweb 18115 Franken-XGK with reactor pot and bottle mods
hannahmckeand.com photo_101 adventurehannah.com spiritburner.com 20893
straightchuter.com expeditions-stove-set-up
usap.gov FieldManual-Chapt14Stoves.pdf US Antarctic Program
spiritburner.com 26577 Pump talk
spiritburner.com 25492 History
spiritburner.com 24405 Shaker Jet Talk
Hanging XGK
System Parts:
MSR XGK Expedition Stove
Fuel
Fuel Pump
Fuel bottle
Extra fuel container(s)
Aluminum pot of appropriate size - for optimal heat transfer
MSR heat exchanger for long or very cold adventure
Pot Parka if really cold
Stove platform or hanger system
Double walled mug with cozy and lid
Comprehensive repair kit with extra parts
Primer paste or small bottle of white or auto gas - if using kerosene or JP8
User knowledge on how to prime, run, maintain and repair stove
Storm lighter and matches and fire starter
Occasional/Conventional Hiker or Camper
You like the outdoors and go on hikes, backpacking trips and car camp on occasion. It's loads of fun, but your life doesn't revolve around the outdoors and you have no desire of roughing it too much if unnecessary. Quality gear is also nice to have. You have many wonderful stove system options.
Jetboil/Primus ETA Gas Systems
Primus ETA Solo
The Jetboil and Primus Eta Solo Cooking Systems are simple all in one systems and are great if all you are looking for is a system which boils water. Their pots mount to their respective stoves, which mount atop a fuel canister creating a single solid unit which is more stable than it looks. Both stove and canister will separated and fit in pot for easy storage.
A ringed corrugated heat exchanger is attached to the bottom of the pot to maximize heat transfer to the pot. This "Fluxring" both hastens cook times and increases fuel efficiency.
The stove has a built in windscreen to protect it from the wind. This protect the delicate gas flame from blowout and insulates heat from the stove around the bottom of the pot and heat exchanger.
These are well designed systems for those needing a stove to mostly boil water.
Related Links:
JetBoil
Primus - Swedish Site; Primus - US Site
System Parts:
Jetboil or Primus ETA Gas stove
Purpose built Jetboil or Primus ETA pot
Fuel canisters with good fuel blend if needed (see Canister Fuels)
Piezo igniter (built in) and lighter or matches as backup
Trangia UL Alcohol Stove System
Trangia System
The Swedish Trangia cook system are one of the most intelligent systems available. They work in most habitable environments and make maximum use of fuel heat by containing it around the bottom and sides of the pots that come with the system. The system breaks down and can be packaged in a nice compact unit.
This system uses alcohol for fuel which has many benefits. It is generally non-explosive and when spilled, will quickly evaporate without damage to most gear and without the residual odor associated with petrol fuels. The upper half of the pot support system traps hot air from the stove around the sides of the pot to maximize efficiency. The lower half the the pot support system keeps the alcohol burner off any potentially frozen ground, snow or ice which makes this system usable even in Sweden.
System Parts:
Trangia stove
Extra fuel in bottle if needed
Trangia windscreens
The Trangia pots or pans you wish to take with you
Lighter and matches as backup
Knowledge that alcohol flames are almost invisible in daylight and that you need the stove to cool before refueling or installing lid to prevent damage to O-ring
Lightweight Gas Canister System
The Monatauk Gnat Titanium Stove and GoSystem Fly/Ti weigh in at around 50 grams, which is pretty light for a really usable stove.
Use the Gnat or Fly with a 100 gm canister of gas (~216gm total), and you have a very useful stove with adjustable heat output at less than 270gm (9.4oz) including enough fuel for a week's worth of breakfast and dinner.
Related Links:
Monatauk
Monatauk-europe
System Parts:
Gnat or Fly/Ti stove
100gm mini gas canister
Mug or small pot
Lighter and matches
Canister Stove System - User assembled
Optimus Crux
A Canister Stove mounted over a canister is popular stove setup. These are easy to use and heat output is very adjustable and generally more than adequate. They tend to be a little prone to blowouts in the wind so some knowhow is necessary to use them properly. A windscreen can also prove both very useful and dangerous, depending on how you use one. See our Canister Stoves Page for more these stoves, fuel and advance use.
MSR Pocket Rocket
Realistically, there is little difference between the various gas canister stoves for the average hiker. But if you do your homework, you will note differences in how stoves can be packed, various weight differences and carbon monoxide output, which is more of a concern for climbers but still nice to know.
Snow Peak GigaPower
Note that your stove should always be removed from the canister during storage and transport. Stoves which use piercable non-resealable canisters should be avoided as the stove can not be removed safely until the canister is completely empty. These stoves have been know to leak gas while stored in backpacks and ignite. This causes injury to many each year.
Piezo igniters are available on many stoves and allow you to light the stove with a push of a button. These are really nice but tend to fail. You should always have an alternate means of lighting any stove and should always carry a fire starter when away from civilization.
Related Links:
Cascade Designs - MSR
Optimus
Primus
Snow Peak US Version
System Parts:
Gas stove
Fuel canisters with good fuel blend if needed (see Canister Fuels)
Purpose built pot
Piezo igniter (built in) and lighter/matches as backup
Solid Fuel Cooking System
The Pocket Stove (56gm)
Commercial solid fuel stoves that burn hexamine (ESBIT) or META are simple enough to use and pack. Some can be very light weight, while others are heavier and durable enough to survive use by junior scouts. Solid fuel tends to burn slow so this isn't a good choice for the inpatient outdoorsman. Hexamine also give off a fishy odor when it burns and ages.
ESBIT Stove Examples
What's great about solid fuel is that it is simple. It doesn't require any special priming or maintenance like with white gas stoves. And when packing fuel, you just count out the number of tablets you need which is easier than measuring out the exact amount of liquid fuel and better than guessing if a gas canister has enough fuel left in it for a trip.
Related Links:
Zen Solid Fuel Stoves
ESBIT
System Parts:
Solid Fuel stove
Fuel tablets
Pot or mug
Matches and lighter
High Efficiency Hiker
Conserving fuel means that you don't have to pack as much. This means that adding the weight of certain items, such as a taller windscreen or heat transfer devices will more than make up for their added weight, bulk and complexity for longer hikes by conserving fuel.
Weights and efficiency numbers based on manufacture's specs (likely "optimized and idealized")
A 4 oz pot was used for calculation of final weight of systems other than the Reactor and Cooksack
Spreadsheet
Truth be told, depending on the the length of your trip, the lightest weight system may be a less efficient one. In the graphs above, you can see that the plotted weights of the highly efficient MSR Reactor is still high compared to the plotted weights of the Simmerlite. This is in part due to the high base weight of the Reactor system and in part due to the weight of the canisters the fuel is stored in.
What the graph above doesn't show is how each system works under less than lab conditions, such as at high altitude, or subfreezing temperatures or with wind. These will all negatively impact the performance of any stove, but "high efficiency" cook systems are generally impacted to a lesser degree.
MSR Reactor
