|
| Home | Guest - Not logged in | |||
|
» Register
» Login
Gear Reviews
Documents
Tools
» Contact
|
Reviews > Cook Gear > Stoves > MSR Simmerlite > Owner Review by Diana LandryOwner Review - MSR SimmerLite Stove Personal Biographical Information Name: Diana Landry
Product Information Manufacturer: Mountain Safety Research (MSR)
MSR fuel pump: 2.5 oz (71 g)Actual accessory weights: MSR fuel pump: 3 oz (85 g)MSRP: $99.95 USD for the stove and pump, and $9.95 USD for an 11 oz MSR fuel bottle Product Description The SimmerLite is basically a burner supported on a tripod. The legs are somewhat triangular in shape and double as pot supports. Two of the legs of the tripod are moveable and slide along the circumference of the burner to meet with the third leg, which allows the stove to be stored more compactly. Attached to the stationary leg is tubing that attaches to the fuel pump and bottle (necessary for operation). The stove is designed so that as the fuel runs through the tubing, it travels around the outside of the burner. The heat from the flame vaporizes the fuel and acts as a constant priming mechanism. Underneath the burner is an overflow cup, which will catch extra fuel released into the burner during priming. An MSR fuel pump and compatible aluminum bottle are necessary for the operation of the stove. The pump screws into the fuel bottle and includes a pressurizing pump and a thumb control valve. There is also a port to attach the gas line to the stove. Basic Stove Operation To initially prime to stove, the user lets a small amount of fuel wet the burner head and lights it. Ideally the priming flame will last long enough to begin to vaporize the fuel in the tubing around the burner. When the fuel begins to vaporize (indicated by a hissing sound), slowly open up the control valve to allow the vaporized gas to continue burning. If the priming flame goes out and the fuel has already begun vaporizing, MSR recommends that the stove cool down before priming again. Theoretically, the vaporized fuel could simply be lit at this point, but I have never tried it. During cooking and before priming, the fuel bottle must be pressurized. This is done with the plunger attached to the fuel pump. The fuel bottle is at maximum pressure when the plunger becomes difficult to push in. At this level of pressurization, the stove will quickly bring water to a boil. Significantly less pressure is required for simmering. Field Information While I ended up liking this stove a great deal, my first experience with it was very negative. I received the stove in the mail and immediately took it out to give it a try. I filled the (not included) MSR fuel bottle with Coleman fuel, attached it to the pump, plugged in the stove, and pressurized the tank. This was my first white gas stove, and the 6” (15.24 cm) of piping leading from the stove to the fuel tank didn’t seem to me to be a safe distance away; I had fears of somehow blowing myself up. Because I didn’t have any bare ground to test on, I set the stove on its included aluminum “base” on the grass. Following the included instructions, I turned opened the valve, let the fuel wet the burner head, closed the valve, and lit the stove with a match. After the priming fuel burned down a bit, I slowly opened the valve again. Voila! I had an operational stove. Inspired by my success, I let the stove burn out, and, after waiting about 10 minutes, tried again. I repeated all of the steps, again reading from the manual. When I lit the priming fuel this time, the stove flared up and engulfed my hand and forearm in flame. Arm-hairless and terrified, I backed a safe distance away from the vicious stove and waited for it to burn out. After it had cooled, I packed it up and left it alone for a few days. Thankfully, the above has been my only bad experience with the stove. That one experience did teach me to be cautious around white gas. I have used a long lighter or a stick to light the priming fuel ever since. I’ve been told that the flare up was probably caused by gas fumes hanging in the air and from being downwind while priming it. I don’t really know for sure, but nothing even close to that has happened since. I have had some flare-ups, but nothing major. When I purchased the stove, I bought the MSR SimmerLite Maintenance Kit ($9.95 USD) but have not used it. I’ve never had to perform any repair or maintenance at all, and regular use of the Shaker Jet kept it from clogging. I have used the stove in everything from warm, sunny, breezeless mornings to chilly, rainy, and windy nights. I’ve even used it in the snow in temperatures hovering around 20°F (-7°C). The stove has lit and cooked without incident or issue every time. The flame is stable in a breeze even without the windscreen, and the stove stays lit even in a downpour. Out in the field, the stove performed almost exactly as specified by MSR. The 2 cups of water I’d boil for noodle dishes would come to a rolling boil in or under 3 minutes (MSR specifies 3.75 minutes for 1 liter of water). The time didn’t seem to vary with temperature, but priming took a few extra seconds and needed more fuel in lower temperatures. I always used the included windscreen and reflective base, so this probably accounts for the lack of significant change in boiling times. I never actually measured fuel usage of this stove. I’d leave for a 3 day trip (2 dinners and 2 breakfasts) trip with the 11 oz (.33 L) bottle full, and when I returned home, it would never be more than halfway empty. During the course of the trip, I’d cook for about 25 minutes total, so my estimation is that the stove uses approximately .22 oz (6.51 mL) of fuel per minute. Even after much use and testing, the art of simmering still somewhat escapes me. I’ve tried turning the gas way down, which usually results in the flame going out after a short time; letting the pressure in the tank drop, which is a rather fussy maneuver and requires careful attention (it does work, however); and some combination of both. I can simmer, but usually not for long. The stove either goes out, or I over-pressurize the tank and have a small blowtorch. I also somewhat dislike the priming process in general. Other stoves have an actual priming cup, which is filled with fuel and lit. The SimmerLite primes from the burner, with an overflow cup underneath. While having the burner and priming cup integrated is supposed to be convenient, it is difficult to see exactly how much fuel you have let out for priming (especially in the dark). When the burner is overfilled and fuel is diverted into the overflow cup, the stove engulfs itself in flame and becomes sooty. After some practice, I learned how much fuel was too little or too much, but starting out, the process seemed overly exacting. For the 8 trips that I used this stove, I cooked approximately 16 meals. I also boiled numerous liters of water at home to practice. For my needs, which usually include boiling water, cooking noodles and sauce, heating soup, and making oatmeal, this stove was overkill in weight and features. I ended up switching to a homemade alcohol burner and adapting my meals to freezerbag cooking style. Things I like:
Things I dislike:
MSR SimmerLite shown in use in the Manistee National Forest Read more reviews of MSR gear Read more gear reviews by Diana Landry Reviews > Cook Gear > Stoves > MSR Simmerlite > Owner Review by Diana Landry | |||