Hello everybody! Long time listener, first time caller! I have a rather complicated question. I'm in the Canadian Military and I'm looking for a liquid fuel stove. I've managed to settle for two actually. The Primus Omnifuel or the MSR Dragonfly. In regards to my job, the preferred stove should be able to run on White Gas, Kerosene and JP8(Our common Diesel fuel as almost every land vehicle runs on it. Logistics reasons). Simmering is a requirement. If I can cook me some food, I can avoid MREs. Now I'm calling to everyone experienced out there. Which stove would be the best? Weight is not a problem. I've read that the Military issue XGK-EX(Canada doesn't have it) had a "special jet" designed for JP8. If that jet existed, would it fit the DF? I've also read elsewhere that the Omnifuel would burn anything that's flammable. Is it over-evaluated? I'd like your opinions as I don't know which one to buy! Thank you kindly.
Hi Pe - sorry can't help you on your question as I haven't used either of those stoves on your short list, but I'm curious - what field/company/squad stove(s) are you currently outfitted with by the Cdn military? Obviously it can't be very good (in comparison) if you're seeking for an alternative. I know a decade or so back they used to use Coleman Peak 1's, multifuel 550 (A or B depending on year) 725's. I believe some NATO forces were likewise outfitted with it. Are you allowed to bring/use a different (personal choice) stove for field use within the military?
JP8 is A1 jet fuel with a few more additives? A1 jet fuel is kinda sorta kerosene? I am I correct so far? These stoves simmer well with kero, white gas and petrol, none work safely with alcohol. - msr dragonfly - primus omnifuel - optimus nova Diesel will clog them up pretty fast, especially the omnifuel as it has no internal cleaning needle The best stove for you is the optimus nova, however you should stay away from diesel unless you need to. Here is the xgk with the jet you are referring to, does it fit the DF, I don't know, but it hardly matters. The xgk is quite a different stove to the DF and is better suited to burning goo. https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/20257
"JP-8 is formulated with icing inhibitor, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, and anti-static agents," These are the things you don't want in your stove (unless you have to).
If you'll have full access to JP-8, I'd recommend a US Military MSR XGK EX JP-8. It might not get you the simmering capabilities that are perfect, but is packed with a simmer plate in the kit. I believe these were made in around 2010 for the US troops in Afghanistan but there isn't alot of info out there on them. It comes with at least two jets, one to burn JP-8 and one to burn diesel fuel as well as a Service Kit, reflector, simmer plate, two military bottles and that cool dry pouch to hold everything. Dan
I'd say go with the MSR Dragonfly....well both actually work well. Its a matter of taste and aesthetics. Ron
SMolson: I'm with the 5ASG currently in Borden, Ontario for a rather boring course. Unless we are on a full training deployment with kitchen trailers we usually have Coleman 425s for squad duty. We have a million of 'em and they are very very used but they still work! Just can't kill it. Even recruits can't destroy them ! All of the Peak 1's are gone,when to Reserve units or other "specialized" units. Yes we are allowed to bring our own stove as long as we don't burn the tent down bajabum: We have IMP but I figured that most people on this forum would know them by MRE. They taste like sh*t.
They still have the salmon entree? I thought that was excellent! BTW, most, if not all the IMP entrees are made by the same 2 companies as MRE's, so basically the same... If anybody wonders what an IMP is, they're Canada's version of a Rat Pac, In a Sack...Jack...
Thanks peobey, appreciate the information. The 425's are certainly workhorses and have an excellent reputation. Glad they are being used and performing well! Good luck with your personal stove selection.
I have an Omnifuel and I love it, I would'nt use anything else. It has a nice sturdy pump also. just my 2 cents. Dean
I have the Omnifuel and the Dragonfly. Functionally, they are very similar. Seems like a tie for first place. They both can burn many types of fuel. They take up about the same amount of space. Weigh about the same. They both have great reliability. Parts and maintenance kits are readily available for both. The are two remaining differences, one is cost and that depends on what part of the world you reside and accessibility to a distributor. The other is fuel diversity. Auctions sites have plenty of both stoves. I've bought new and used of each for less than $100 USD. I got lucky on a few BINs on a famous auction site. I've never paid full price for a modern stove. One very good thing about the DragonFly is the company that stands behind them, MSR. They have incredible service and are very quick with queries on their products. I replaced several pumps and jets through their service department and have never been disappointed. MSR pumps are also cheaper and serviceable and kits are readily available more than Primus' pumps, of which I have several, which were about $10 to $15USD more than the DF pump on average. The Omnifuel pump is probably more durable, being made mostly of metal rather than all plastic like the DF's pump is, but then the DF pump is lighter weight. I have the all red MSR pumps and after many camps have not had any issues. The latest all red pump is their best yet. You _do_ have to buy the specific pump for the DF and NOT the standard pump. Amazon.com has them for $34.95USD. I favor the DF over the OF mostly because the DF is larger when unfolded and it is easier to set pots on since the pot supports cover a wider area. Basically more wire grate to make contact with your cookware. It folds up compactly as well. They are both powerful stoves and can burn a host of fuels. Both burn kerosene really well. One thing the Omnifuel can do is use butane gas canisters, while the DragonFly cannot. This could be a huge advantage over the long term for the Omnifuel. If you want multi-fuel capability and fuel diversity, this is it right here. It is hard to argue with this. I'm not sure about the use of diesel, but I have used Diesel #1, which produces a slight sooting on cooking pots, but not much. I think if you use a summer blend or Diesel #2, you'll have more troubles in cold climates since it could gel, like it does around here in cold Idaho in sub-zero(F) temperatures, and may be a problem in your stove. Since Ontario is farther north that may be an issue. I know it's a problem in diesel vehicles, which is why Diesel #1 is used in the winter since it has fewer sulphers in it and some anti-gel compounds, which may or may not be good for cooking but does work. Your results may vary. The thing about using heavy fuels is that in most any stove, you'll just have to clean it more often than lighter fuels, such as white gas or Coleman fuel. Well, that's all folks, sam
I'd use the dragonfly.. although not sure if it'll hold up to prolonged use of jp-8. you may need to clean it at least every 2 days to make sure it doesnt clog up.
