Note -- 8 Dec 2012 -- the LONG Description for this item is now corrected to reflect that it only works on iso-butane/propane short canisters so someone is paying attention -- however the "Title" description is still wrong. So I may cut down this review if I revisit it again. Burner is decent, actually really like it, but while the take-apart feature is good for packing it's still problem to disassemble.
Original and updates:
Does this work on regular PROPANE only approx $2.50 (tall as opposed to short and squat) camping fuel canisters? I just received mine and the "needle" to the valve looks to short. If this only works on the much more expensive $7-$8/8oz (227-230g) iso-butane/propane mix cylinders it should state that clearly whereas it says Butane and Propane Canisters -- implying it will work on both. So which is true? Would really appreciate an informed answer by someone who has used this burner. I've read reviews that are mixed messages so someone who can give a clear answer will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Once I get an answer, or lacking that make the attempt, I'll write a proper review. At this time I've only opened the package, put the pieces together, and "oddly enough" had to align the spring in the middle as per another reviewers thoughtful photo. But so far so good -- except for the short "needle", and odd visible infrastructure (not a flaw just unusual), the only other comment is the rivets for the folding pot supports range from snug to very loose. I bought this for the cheaper propane canisters though, so that's a big factor for me.
UPDATE:
OK, read many MORE of the reviews and compared size of fitting -- and this ONLY works on the isobutane/propane MIX canisters -- the expensive ones. It will NOT fit the propane canisters at all. The listing is very misleading and I'm not happy about it. Next I will try it out on the expensive canisters and see how it does and update. It seems the other reviewers were okay with it, so I need to make sure mine works. It's not "small" but it's medium size is still ok and the canvas carry bag does make it a convenient size for a pack -- just not for ultralight.
UPDATE #2: Actual use testing results
OK, be warned everyone the size difference on the propane vs isobutane canisters makes this an impossible fit for both and only us novices would be fooled -- Myself being one.
On a blustery morning I tried out two new products -- one being this burner on an MSR Isobutane canister and the other being a 9.5" aluminum windscreen http://www.amazon.com/Duogreen-Reflector-Windscreen-Foldable-Carrying/dp/B005ZJUQJQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352584919&sr=8-2& (hopefully the link works ok). The burner has to be assembled and that made me a bit concerned for safety, so I hand tigntened it well (I could NOT get it apart again with my hands and had to resort to vise grips (hmm) -- I did not tighten it that much, must have been the heating expansion). I then put it on the fuel canister and assembled the windscreen around it in a semi-circle. I had my test food, pan, utensils, etc at hand. I turned on the gas and lit the burner with a long-handled butane candle lighter. It lit easily and immediately. Once lit I put the 8" pan on the burner, adjusted the windscreen around the pan with the handle facing me and the break in the windscreen, poured in the scrambled eggs. You can NOT see the flame on these burners in daylight, so I couldn't tell how high I had it turned up except by sound and how far I'd turned adjuster. Quickly I realized it was to high by the way the eggs responded, so I turned it down and the adjustment worked well. Had to do this all by sound. The eggs were done in two-three minutes. Thanks to the wide burner they cooked evenly on the 8" normal kitchen skillet. I can't speak to the durability/reliability from this one test, but since it's not defective I'm keeping the burner. I can say I'm thrilled with it not creating a horrible "hot spot" that burns your pans and the food in one spot while leaving the rest cold unless constantly stirred. The windscreen I was thrilled with because it was tall and strong enough to really be useful -- don't think tall enough for the propane stoves though. I DID have to support it with a couple bricks on the outside as it was that gusty -- I'd consider some cheap lightweight tent stakes pushed in halfway for on ground cooking -- it comes with two sort of built-in but not good enough. Don't be fooled, you need both a stove and a windscreen....make your own if you wish but you need one.
I'm sticking with a three for this burner since it's not as advertised, the put-together feature is concerning me for actual camping and longevity. It's cheap, it worked in the test, and it's relatively compact. A 3 is not a bad number, it's just not superior. And as with anything you depend on, have a backup plan.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.9 x 4.3 x 1.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.11 Kilograms |
| Item Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | JOGR |
| Part Number | G00419 |
