I did some boil time/fuel efficiency tests this week on four stoves: MSR XGK II (2003), MSR Simmerlite (2004), Coleman Powermax Xtreme (2004), and Jetboil PCS (2004). I used the MSR windscreen and the 2L aluminum pot from Antigravity Gear for the liquid fuel stoves.

Conditions: 19 *F, 1-3 mph breeze, partly cloudy, nighttime (late evening), snow on ground.

Test goal: measure the time and fuel required for each stove to prepare 2L of boiled water, collecting data to help decision making for the SUL Winter Challenge.

Notes:

1. Time zero occured at the time the match was lit to the stove, and thus, the time measurements included priming time of the XGK and Simmerlite.

2. Boiling was observed when steam was pouring out of the pot, and verified visually by a wildly rolling boil.

3. All tests were started with 8 oz of 50*F water in the pot. Snow was added after the pot was placed on the primed stove.

4. For the three stove systems using the 2L pot (XGK, Simmerlite, Xtreme), the general process was as follows: light stove, start timer, let prime (not applicable to the Xtreme), put the pot on the stove, add enough snow for 1.5L of water, allow to come to a boil. Upon reaching a boil, decant 32 oz into a water bottle. Place pot back on stove, add enough snow for 1.0L of water, allow to come to a boil, stop clock.

5. For the Jetboil, the general process was as follows: light stove, start timer, add enough snow for 0.8L of water, allow to come to a boil. Upon reaching a boil, decant 24 oz into a water bottle (stove stays lit while doing so). Add enough snow for another 0.8L of water, allow to come to a boil. Upon reaching a boil, decant 24 oz into a water bottle (stove stays lit). Add enough snow for the final 16 oz. Let come to a boil, stop clock.

Results

Time to Boil 2L of Water from Snow

XGK: 20 minutes
Simmerlite: 21 minutes
Xtreme: 21 minutes
Jetboil: 54 minutes

Fuel Consumed

XGK: 2.8 oz
Simmerlite: 3.2 oz
Xtreme: 2.2 oz
Jetboil: 1.5 oz

** END **