I am very much the same as Trevor. But we know that lots of stovies do like these times and comparisons, etc., and I have no trouble understanding that at all. However, I am resolved to light up an 00 tonight to see how much I need to pump it. I know it's more than 4 and less than 20! At least, I think I know.... One thing for sure-- it's a lot less than a Coleman stove!
Cameron, I understand your comments. You are using boil times to try and judge if your stove is burning correctly and that is a good idea. After making adjustments, etc. to your stove you should be able to see if you have improved its performance or made it worse.
@Cameron One small detail that you might consider to include in your video: Temperature of water and air. When I fill the kettle with 20C warm water a hot summer day it takes less time to boil opposed to filling it with snow when the temperature is -10C.
Good idea @janders I will include that. I will need to search for a thermometer for the water though but I have outdoor temperature, not sure if I will find a thermometer for the water though.
I have never agreed with the boil times as a gauge. For me, a real indicator of a comparison is how much fuel it takes to boil a given amount of water. True efficiency of heat transfer is the amount of fuel required for the task. Weigh the stoves before and after. Other factors include altitude, ambient temperature, water temperature, humidity, wind, pot material, pot size, pot style, pot shape, and I would imagine that the particulates in the water make a difference. I would imagine a true test would include all of those listed. That said, I have only one stove I know the amount of fuel I need to boil water. My kitten stove with a caldera cone will use 30 ml (1 oz) alcohol to boil 3 cups water (average). I don't test and compare. If you are packing for a trip you don't count the minutes to put in the bottles, you measure the amount of fuel you predict you want for the trip. But, with all of that aside, I imagine @Cameron is truly enjoying himself. And he has some really good comments coming in this thread. Ken in NC
@snwcmpr So many factors that a true comparison of stoves Is quite frankly impossible, but we can get a general idea. Although like @shagratork said when it really comes down to it as long as we have hot food or a nice cuppa boiling time isn't of huge importance. All this advice is very useful everyone glad I posted here or I would not be getting the full potential out of my stove.
Well, I went looking for the Optimus 00 and couldn't find it. Figured it was in a box of camping gear someplace, and rather than a big search I grabbed my Svea 121, my other one-pint keroburner regularly used in the backcountry. Set it up and went looking for the alky can and found the 00 by the can; but stayed with the 121; same difference for this purpose. The 121 was a bit less than half full of kerosene from its last outing. I figured that was a good test level. Primed it up (so nice and easy indoors). Pumped 10 times before I knew it. Then went to 20 quickly and got her really roaring. Then to 30 in trice which seemed about max roar. I never really realized I was pumping that much before! 'Course, I usually start dinner with a full tank and probably don't pump that much ordinarily, then the self pressurization takes over; perhaps with a pump or two now and then. Never counted before (now I'll probably always be counting....). Surprised myself! After all, I've only been using these for years.....
Ed, I know the feeling!!! My Unknown Steelie (a 2pt "silent" burner) will tolerate pumping until you blow the flame clear off the burner!!! Mind you, it has a heavy-gauge steel tank, and all the joints are brazed, not soldered. You can't "balloon" the tank, the pump leather will rupture first (had that happen.) As far as the brassies go, 20 strokes to start, and more if needed. With an un-regulated burner, it works well. With a regulated burner, it naturally proves most handy, as you can pump it up, but still control the flame with ease, as one would expect. From what I was taught, the more you pump it up (within reason,) the less you will need to tend it, you will no doubt agree? Best regards, Mike.
Boil times are only an indication of relative performance of stoves. In really severe conditions (very low temperature, wind, high elevation, melting snow for drinking water) stoves with lower boil times may be the only ones capable of getting water to boiling. In other words, boil times are of practical impact only for expedition use. ....Arch
Just to let you all know I have filmed the video but still need to edit it all together, hardly had any time this week!. The stove took 6.30 to boil half a litre, video should hopefully be finished soon.
Great stuff Cameron and experienced fellow 'stovies'. Lots of knowledge and tips being shared by 'those who know' and us 'those that don't know'. Makes great reading - thank you. Baz
In truth, there are many external factors that influence the boil time including: Temperature of the water at the start, barometric pressure, wind velocity, ambient air temperature, heat losses through the water surface, heat losses through the pot, conductivity of the pot metal, pot shape, presence of salt in the water, etc. To do a good comparison, you may have to document all of the variables and verify they are all the same for all tests. Or you can just say "Damn, I love the sound of a roarer burner but the quiet reliability of a Trangia adds to the peaceful environment of the camp" and love them both as most of us do. Thanks for your efforts!
Think i will do that from now on, too many different factors/human error to get a good boil test. I got the new video up now though, it looks like its on a huge slope but its not that bad i think it must be the camera angle, I know thats probably another factor people wont be happy with . Hopefully no mistakes this time!
Hi Cameron, I would think the Optimus spec of a 1 liter water boil in 3-5 minutes was conducted in a laboratory at room temperature. They probably even used a pressure gauge for repeatable results. What you've done here at 7C outdoors shows how efficient these 1 pinters are. Thanks for the video. Ray
Thats probably true and there are loads of different factors like other people have said. I'm happy with the time on it and like others said as long as you are enjoying the experience time doesn't really matter.
G'day Cameron, Yep, what they're all saying is true, time really is irrelevant when you're out and about. It is far more enjoyable when at your leisure. Even when I'm on the road, I don't really give a toss if it takes 20 minutes or an hour to brew up and enjoy the view. I always pick a nice spot to stop, so I'm never disappointed. On the face of it though, you could spend as much time makin' a cuppa in your own kitchen, so it's relative. More fun outdoors though, huh. Best regards, Mike.
I had a coffee at the side of a road with it the other day good fun, you get some funny looks from passers by.
