Taking my first steps into the world of camp stoves

Backpacking? Trangia 25 for 2-3 people. Speedster stove for one person… which also has a frypan option if you like that sort of thing…

Never get sick of the silence…

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the excellent discussion. My heart says 502... The 123 is an awesome value proposition, but the 502 speaks to me. That grate is just perfect, the fount provides a stable base, and to be honest, I've got a bum leg so I don't do too much hiking. (And anyway, my favorite spot, Table Rock, just went up in flames...) If I'm in the woods, I'm usually camping or helping a friend clear his land. Portability isn't the #1 consideration, thus.

If I could find a 111T for a reasonable price ($100 or less), that would be the no-brainer, but the 502 I think wins. I'll be sure to come back with glamor shots once I find a good one on the 'bay.

 

I have 2, 502s one of them has been with me since the late 1960s . One probably has had 50 gallons of fuel thru it with minimal generator work to keep it running , As a bullets caster I would bet it has melted 5000 lbs of lead , barely any paint left on the font . The 502 makes a great single burner for camping , particularly due to the very low simmer when using a percolator coffee pot . I do wish it had the output of the 400 though . Car camping a 413 and the 502 is a good set up . I have several others and for hiking solo SVEA 123 , more than 1person MSR in any variation where you need lots of hot water fast particularly in cold weather . My 123 has also been around since I was in boy scouts and is my all time favorite . Welcome to the rabbit hole dilemma . WR

 

I've given away every 502 I ever had.

 

I voted 'something else' because I have been using my 99 for more than a decade with one of the 1st BernieDawg silent caps and a mini pump. Runs reliable and packs away a little better than a 123, but, due to beeing aluminium, doesn't rust as as the 8's do.
The 111 series of stoves are great stoves as is the 5xx series from Coleman. But, for brewing a perfect cuppa coffee, it's the 99 for me.

 

@thecelloronin sorry i'm late to comment. you chose the 502, it WILL be a match and nice compliment to your Coleman lanterns.
credit @Joseph McGuire to include the 508 (not 508A) in this thread. he was critical of the *smaller grate (3 1/2" vs 4" 502). The 508 has, the common, arguably the best 2 lever burner, the 508 has larger wider base than any other model with that (best) burner. IMO its worthwhile to review 502 vs 508 for cooking. I would opt for the 508 aware that it has smaller grate than 502. 508 waaay hotter on hi and same low manageable simmer. *have to mention, the gen for that awesome burner has been a weakness (hard to clean, obsolete gen) BUT progress being made on that front (my fingers crossed).

i like 550B, it's also worth a mention but would opt for 508 (508 v 550B).
123 w/Sigg and or Trangia setups

just above ajvuik swears by 99 (is 8R form made of aluminum w/pan/lid). For that form, I join hi-praise for the 8R stove. Vs the 123R it is same burner, the form is more stable & durable.
However, the 123 with Sigg is tough to beat

 

I might have gone for the 508 if not for the fact that generators are scarce, I think.

The 123 with Sigg is mighty tempting but for the extra cost. Though, the sheer number of passionate responses for the 123 in general really has me thinking about the future... of owning one! Is there a consensus over whether the 123R is a step up or down from the original 123?

99 vs 8r... interesting! I like the no rust aluminum, but I think I'd miss the cool blue color scheme I do think, however, the 111T makes the most sense if I can snag a good price someday.

snwcmpr, why have you given all those 502s away?

Generally: A kind CCS member sold me a rebuilt 502 at a very reasonable price (it might actually loop back to unreasonable... for him!). I'm set to receive it today, and I can't wait to use it.

 

The “self-cleaning” feature obviates the need to carry a separate pricker wire. It isn’t ever needed very often but …. if you do, you need it bad as the stove will not operate with an obstructed jet orifice.

 

The thing is I find that's it's easy to find inexpensive 502s because so many were made. And they are so easy to repair. I'm glad you went with the 502. In this discussion people have talked about boiling as important part of a stove. I believe when your cooking simmering is more important. At 4500 BTUs it cooks very well. And despite the need for speed I think it boils fast enough. If I want a fast boil I fire up my 533.

 

Thanks to @Remus1956 for this little peach. Fired right up!

 

@thecelloronin

 

We've used both frequently over the years. Lately we've gravitated to the 123R for the quick off-on aspect. Both are great.

 

@thecelloronin I'm glad you liked it! It shouldn't give you any trouble haha