Which one would it be? I guess it's an oversimplified question, but what I'd like to know is what characteristics, parts, functions, and use case scenarios do you find most valuable? And how do various stoves tank on your own personal their list? For example, what would be your go-to "daily driver"? For me it's my Coleman 502. I don't have the biggest collection, and being more of a fettler than a collector, these stoves have been outstanding. (I even stood on top of one to demonstrate how sturdy it is to a friend) I feel like the 502 is a great way to introduce my non-stovie friends and girlfriend to picnics in the woods. (My motorsich PT-2? Not so much haha) I value the low, yet utilitarian heat output. I like the carburetor and it's quick start. But I also value having a pump, I like pressurizing it myself. I like that it's squat and sturdy, no remote fuel tank, nothing to tip over, no loud roar) and someone who exclusively uses 87 unleaded, I love seeing the surprise on people's faces when it tell them it runs on the exact same thing that their car does! I love how I can attach my heat drum, set it under my hammock and throw a wool blanket over myself and enjoy the pond late into fall. To me the Coleman 502 is an absolute masterpiece in stove engineering. Sure it has it's drawbacks, it's heavy and the simmer needs constant attention, but oh well. It's served me so well on so many occasions. The Coleman 502 is mine, what's yours?
Thats a horrible question because of all the other great stoves i would be rejecting! But for me, the choice is between the Optimus 111 or Enders 9061D and the winner is... ...my Optimus 111, kero roarer version.
@BenniHanna , I'm on board with a 502, but mine's pumped up a bit. First I obtained a lantern safe, it fits on the bottom of the fount, so I have a place for a spare generator, pump piston leather, P38/P51 can opener. Next, found a way to mount a spark lighter to the burner bowl to allow me to start the stove in total darkness, with no fumbling around. When you need a stove, you need a STOVE, no preheat cup or bowl, no self pressurizing foolishness, light 'er up and GO. Used a flint lighter, piezo ignition just doesn't clear the bar, need the pyrophoric metal to get 'er running in near arctic conditions! Murph
When I actually did pick one stove, I picked Optimus Nova. Today the answear would be Primus 210 (or same model from other manufactours). That is the most perfect all round stove I can think of. Small and light weight for a backpack, and steady enough for using in the kitchen.
Svea 123R. Small, light enough, dependable and cheap to run with no separate fuel container or waste gas canisters.
Ahh, a classic topic for thought and discussion! I use paraffin pressure stoves for: -Most domestic cooking -Carrying in the car to refill flasks and cook meals on days out -Cycle camping -Hiking When carrying camping gear on foot, weight is important and a 1/2 pint stove would be beneficial, similarly for cycle or car use it would suit. But the number of refills required using one day in and day out, and the lower power output, rules it out for domestic use for three people. The ideal domestic stove would be 2-pint or larger, but that knocks the lightweight ourdoor life on the head! So it would have to be a 1-pinter. Collapsible and compact in its tin, still just about light enough to carry on foot, ideal Terry clipped to the frame of a bicycle, handy to tuck in the car and stable enough with reasonable capacity in the kitchen. My favourite 1-pinter is the Radius 21, as I love the shooting star logo and the colourful tin design. But I've realised I don't own one at present, I sold mine last time I was hard up, so if the question applies to stoves we own, I'd have to pick my early Burmos 21 which has done all tasks I've mentioned for years and is, to my eye, slightly better looking than the Radius. As for the fuel- paraffin is the cheapest bet in the UK, if bought in bulk it is cheaper to cook on premium paraffin (even accounting for the meths preheat) than gas or electricity. Also the least flammable of stove fuels, so the safest to use and store. White gas/Coleman fuel/Naptha and meths are not financially viable here for regular use, fine for occasional walks or short camps though.
re "If you could only pick one stove... what would be your go-to "daily driver"?" In the US, "go-to" for me today I will also +1 on the 502 (dance with the one that brung ya) . In the US, i can't pick which is the best one burner but for best overall: the 502 tops the list or top 2. For most reliable, least maintenance and ease of use, i say 502 is #1. That said, 502 (&500) on "high" fall short of some others for heat output and I do like a hot setup. Globally, best "go to" stove i can see how the 111 roarer always earns props . ------------------ A stretch: On the Classic Camp Stove collector site... best camp stove Blackdog, UK, refers to The ideal domestic stove would be 2-pint or larger ... a 3 legger brassie The 2 pint collapsible 3 legger camp stoves are used for all types of camping, backpacking aside. Of those I go with kero discus type w/4-tube roarer . On collector site I go with oldest known Swedish version, i'm thinking it's the Primus 21 link . I put discus on top but all 2 pinters share proven reliability and performance by-design that is unchanged and has remained a viable option through 120 years! I'm quite sure this is first time I've properly credited the 21, my bad, I'm still learning. BTW, similar topic: Best stove ever?
Very true the 111 always gets votes, and I'm going to head out on thin ice here and ask but why? I've never kept any of those I have owned for long, not personally being able to find any practical purpose for them. -Tank not big enough for everyday cooking of meals at home -Too heavy and bulky for camping on foot, by cycle, motorcycle or kayak in my view. -Car camping or a stove to keep in the car- ok yes, here I can see where the neat unfolding action saves a few seconds over assembling a collapsible brassie of the same capacity or larger. But I'd rather have something of similar size and weight but greater capacity, trying to get paraffin off your hands after a refill in a roadside layby just isn't fun. I've also never found any real world advantage to regulating and self cleaning burners and prefer the simplicity and lighter weight of the standard roarer or silent. But given the prices they're going for now I wouldn't leave one in the car at all times in case it, or the car, got pinched. I understand the 111 is handy in extreme cold when faffing to assembly a collapsible isn't an option, but I bet this isn't the reason why most favour the 111! I get the stove-in-folding-tin concept when applied to the 8r- compact, lightweight and above all stable compared to the 70/71 and even the 123. But I stick by the point, the 111 is too heavy and bulky for its capacity. This is either going to be met with outrage or stony silence.... I'm certainly not tucking one into my bicycle saddlebag either But I also find this type of stove best for car camping, having done most of this in a Triumph Spitfire or an MGB GT the space saved by a collapsible stove is genuinely useful. Size wise, about the same as one of your 111 things, but with the capacity to do shorter trips without spare fuel cans or refilling. Preference would be my Radius 17 as the shooting star logo calls to me. But doesn't this just go to show that we all need at least several stoves, as none is perfect for all purposes- at least that's one of the many justifications I use! The question of course here being if you had to pick just one, what would it be and why in terms of practical use, not 'what is your favourite stove'. That's an entirely different answer!
Most everyone on this forum have more stoves and more knowledge of stoves than I, but I do have a couple of favorite stoves… 3 sizes of Trangia with their standard alcohol burners live in a pack in my Jeep; planned and/or impromptu stops for tea or a meal are a given when Herself and I are out for a drive of more than a few hours… If I’m canoe tripping, and sure to be a day or two from the nearest road, the Svea 123(r) will be the most likely found stove in my kit… Alcohol has fewer BTU’s than gasoline, and that translates to more weight to carry for the same amount of stove use if I’m out long; with auto travel, the weight of fuel for the stove becomes unimportant… Along the portages between lakes on canoe trips, weight is the all important factor, so it’s a gas stove,,, an absolutely dependable gas stove… Infatuations with stoves happen frequently with me, and just as frequently wear off when the stove has the slightest bobble in behavior… So Trangia, (I like the cook-sets) when it’s automobile travel, and Svea 123(r) if by foot and canoe… Then, if I must choose between these two, it would be the Trangia,,, and that simply because I use it far more…
Greetings, All, Personally, I do not believe that ONE stove can cover all the bases! When we cook at home, we use multiple burners for most meals. When we backpack, we want a lighter stove, for the most part, but not always. When cooking for a large group, we want a large stove, with a big fuel capacity. So, the original question as to which stove if you could only have one, doesn't make sense, for us, anyway. So, IF forced to choose only one stove, which would be used for home cooking, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and everything else, I would have to choose a multifuel stove, and one that is reliable, efficient, and stable. Whilst the venerable MSR X-GK would be attractive in many ways, it's just not stable enough for home cooking, IMHO. So, again, if FORCED to choose just ONE stove, I would definitely choose the Optimus 111T, with spare parts and proper tools for maintenance! I had to laugh when someone said that the 111 series of stoves is too big, or too heavy for backpacking! I've done tons of times! I've used them in deep snow, and at high altitudes, with no problems. They are very sturdy, and very reliable, and with the 111T, you can choose whatever fuel you have at hand. Powerful, with a very nice simmer, means you can cook up some delicious fare, where ever you happen to find yourself, and in whatever situation. I'd say, a much better question would be, "What stoves would you choose, if you could only have 12"! Or, make it a "Baker's Dozen", and go for 13....., and since 14 is a favorite number of mine, I'd be happy with just 14 stoves!! But, ONE?!?! Nope, not really interested, as my stoves are a family, and as such, need a few others stoves around to keep them company! So, there you have it! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
That's easy to answer, for me. Phoebus 625 Why: It's robust, strong silent, runs on car fuel, is easy to maintain and widely available in Austria. Mine is working for me since more than 30 years and is a reliable compainion on my travels with the citroen 2CV. I tried some others but always returned to the Phoebus. Coleman Feather 442 Multifuel peak 1 is not bad but is not so robust when running it on car fuel. Hannes
