Kerosene is less refined as well than Coleman fuel. Cost less to refine and therefore better. And like oldcoleman said more BTU in kero. I am a flame junkie and think you can get a bit more out of the burner. The jet might be holding the burner back. Trying to remember the optimus jet sizes. I want to say the m jet is larger than the kero jet. Cheers Jeff
Thanks gents. I'll try to pick up a kero jet. I think I'm sold on kero. I'm looking into converting my Coleman 200A lantern.
The exploded view of the Optimus 199 doesn't show any other jet but the 2509. Link I think your'e fine with the jet you have. That said if you want to order some Basecamp is the place to go. They have the key and jet tool in stock too. Its better to buy a Coleman 249 lantern instead. The last lantern you'll have to buy. Just my five cents Cheers Jeff
I've fried a lot of steaks, sausages, bacon, and eggs on white gas stoves and kerosene stoves. I've boiled a lot of water on both, for coffee, tea, side dishes, hot water for washing, etc. I've baked a lot of bread and biscuits in Coleman ovens on both. Ain't no difference 'twixt the two, heat-output-wise, in that ol', practical real world, back in the woods.
I ordered a new key and chain, and some more gaskets while I was at it. I'll stick with the jet that's in it. It seems to burn well with either kero or white gas, and that versatility is worth something, as I've always got white gas around, but this is my only kero burner (for now).
If melting snow with a kero fired stove, use a lid on the pot or you'll have water that is flavored to a taste you don't want. Or use a gas stove. Duane
I'm trying to figure out all these various Optimus models. So a 199 looks like an 8R size, with a silent burner? In a square aluminum box. I think I want one! I like the silent burners.
It's more similar to the 99 than the 8R. I wish you the best of luck in finding one. I enjoy mine immensely.
