I've been using my Svea 123 with a Sigg Tourist, and while I like the compact self-contained nature, I'm not a fan of the old non-anodized aluminum pots; I think I'm gonna try a more modern pot set. What's the conventional wisdom on heat-exchanger pots on a Svea -- substantial advantage or no? Any concerns over heat build-up or suchlike? I have a JetBoil GCS 1.5 liter pot I plan to try, but a few other heat exchanger pots seem to be available (eg the Primus EtaPower, Terra HE)... anyone used these and/or have mini reviews?
Hi Beaker I have used a Primus EtaPower 1.2 litre pot with a Svea and found it to be more efficient than other pots but I did notice some yellow flames which suggests incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide issues. I guess the highly efficient pot is drawing heat away too quickly for the relatively low power 1400W stove. I wouldn't recommend using this combination in anything but the wide open! I have reviewed the pot more thoroughly and you can see this on my website: EtaPower Pot review
I've been looking at this type of setup, theoretically, but as it seems to cool down at the roughly same rate it heats up, according to the reports I've read. It would seem to fit reheating very well but actual cooking not so much, comparability speaking.
I found that on an 8R, heating times were very noticeably faster with a pot similar to the one in the picture above. I did not do the same testing with the 123 but would certainly expect similar results. That said, I am not all that sure I would choose the HE pot over something else that I might like for other reasons. As to cooling. Sure, once you remove the pot from the flame the heat exchanger continues to exchange heat, so it will cool faster. Just plan accordingly.
Match made in heaven, big savings on boil times. Lets be honest you ain't going to be doing gourmet cooking with this setup but for a brew, oats, boil in the bag stuff etc they are spot on.
Got a 10% discount from the big "O" for "F'ing" up my NOVA and o-rings not once but twice. Figured that before the year grace period ran out that I'd run it for what it was worth and got heat exchanger pots(big and little). The numbers may be there(concerning boil time) but lets say that the SVEA 123 is back in the Coleman anodized set and the 8R in the USMC 3pc Mountain cook set.... Both of these are smaller pack size than the exchanger models. Both nest 1-extra pot as a bonus as well. My NOVA travels in the bigger exchanger pot still so I guess I gained something?? AR
Concerning heat exchanger cooling, once the water boils dump it into the food bag(freezer bag) and put it into your knit hat to simmer. Problem solved. Who needs a pot coozie? Most rice/noodle meals can "simmer" like this. Save the fuel for later. I honestly try to "cook" as little as possible when out. I tend to think reconstitute or rehydrate. Nothing expensive and most from my local grocer. Think ease, it may save money and clean up. AR
so, Mr. AR, are you saying that you don't like the HE set for your 123? (have to agree that the Coleman set is quite nice for the price - used the outer set w/my 123 for a long time, and the smaller inner set host a rather complete meths cookset for day hikes) willie
