Brunton Optimus Nova

Brunton Optimus Nova

Average Rating: rated 3.50 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 22 Trailspace users

Description

The Optimus Nova is a liquid fuel stove made by Brunton. It has an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5), based on 22 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From REI:
"Create culinary masterpieces on this award-winning stove wherever you travel. Optimus has been building travel stoves for over 100 years--and they're still cookin' up new ideas for the backcountry traveler! This multi-fuel, expedition stove gives world-class performance in extreme conditions. The unique, quick-priming Nova burner reduces the time it takes from initial start-up to full ignition, saving fuel and time. Includes a durable, all-aluminum fuel-pump--no flimsy plastic parts. Flip-stop fuel pump purges fuel from the fuel line, eliminating fuel spillage when uncoupling the stove from the bottle. Superb flame control, even with diesel; also operates on kerosene/paraffin, white gasoline/petrol, Coleman® fuel and similar fuel types. Built-in cleaning needle clears the burner jet from the inside out. Turbine-shaped legs fan out from the burner, forming a stable support to cook on. Comes complete with an original Optimus fuel bottle and a customized stuff bag."

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. Brunton Optimus Nova Multi-Fuel Stove (Fall 2006) The Optimus Nova Multi-Fuel Stove by Brunton, their most honored stove sets the bar in the industry for performance, durability and quality. The precision simmering control helped it garner countless awards, while the ease-of-use made it a favorite among serious backpackers and outdoor adventurers. Built of stainless steel and brass, the Nova is unrivaled in its ability to cook like a stove should. Not only does this stove burn numerous fuels, it implements some of the most innovative technology in the world. The outcome speaks for itself. Features 3.6in.x4.3in.x2.4in. stove folded 15.1 oz without fuel bottle Fuel White gas, kerosene, diesel #1, auto fuel, jet fuel, and others Rating Approximately 2850 watts / 9700 btu Burn time Up to 2.5 hours at high output (one filling 0.45 L / 15.5 fl. oz) Boil time (1 L of water) Down to 3.5 minutes (varies with fuel, climate, altitude, tank pressure, etc.) Single jet for all fuels Precision simmering control Patented quick-priming burner Magnetic cleaning needle enables you to clean while you cook Self-purging aluminum flipstop pump Includes 0.6L fuel bottle and padded stuff bag NSN #7310-01-470-3683 Patents #6,155,821; 6,238,205 Limited lifetime warranty"

From Backcountry.com:
"The Optimus NOVA represents a new step in quick-set-up multifuel expedition stoves: multi-fuel, simmer, totally field servicable (includes washers and a service tool), high BTU output, all the features you demand in a rugged expedition stove."

From EMS:
"Designed for lightweight backpacking, the Nova stove burns white gas, kerosene, diesel #1, auto fuel, and even jet fuel. Winner of an Editor's Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine. Magnetic cleaning needle allows cleaning while cooking. 0.6-liter fuel bottle (included) is hardened and then coated with epoxy for a long, corrosion-free life. Quick-priming burner; single jet for all fuels; precision simmering control. Aluminum flipstop pump eases your fears of off-trail breakdowns. Weighs 15.1 ounces (stove and pump) or 19.3 ounces (including bottle); measures 5.4 x 2.6 x 3.4 inches when folded."

User Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Bike Rider, May 10, 2008

"A great piece of kit. Compact, simple design, very easy to use, excellent burner control (simmers very well), boils 3 cups in just over three minutes; and I really like the system of turning over the fuel tank to vent all fuel from the stove before storing."

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rated 0 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Shannon, Feb 05, 2008

"I have owned the Brunton Optimus Nova Stove for nearly two years. It has proven to be an unreliable piece of equipment.

As I have read in similar reviews, the stove quits working after a couple of uses. You then have to take it apart and clean it to get working again but then there is no guarantee its going to work."

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rated 3.5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by CanoeHead, Dec 04, 2007

"I purchased this stove as a replacement for my workhorse MSR Whisperlite for the following reasons:

- My wife did not like priming the MSR stove.
- The plastic pump was a source of anxiety (try finding pieces in snow after the plastic pump comes apart)."

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rated 0 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by nbbalance, Dec 02, 2007

"I would give it one star if I didn't have to spend $35 to get a new needle for the stove. EVERY time I used this stove entailed removing the needle to clean it. Every time! I used the magnetic tool that came with it. Shook the crap out of it. Cleaned it religiously, filtered the fuel and to no avail."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Canoe Tripper, Nov 26, 2007

"I purchased 2 of these stoves when they first came out years ago, and I am looking to buy a third. I mainly use the stoves on canoe trips around the US and Canada, for up to two weeks in length, but I have used them also at 9000+ feet in winter conditions on hunting trips."

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rated 4.5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by mlpomer, Sep 14, 2007

"Have used this stove for about three years now. It has never failed to lite and preform flawlessly. Backpacking trips have taken me into the Rockies, Tetons, and Alaska. No problem at elevation (several nights at 10,000 ft plus), I always burn white gas."

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rated 1 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Elkhunter, Sep 04, 2007

"While this stove may be highly acclaimed, it did not perform well for me at all. Like most of the other multifuel stoves out there, I found it way too finicky especially at high altitudes. I spent too much frustrating time getting it light and maintaining fire."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by lizzieB, Jun 02, 2007

"I love this stove, though maybe I just haven't pushed it to extremes. It's by far the easiest, fastest, simplest priming liquid fuel stove I've ever used (we run it on paraffin (kerosene) since it's a tenth the price of Coleman fuel here in the UK) and it's an absolute doddle although that said I am careful to use the cleaning needle frequently."

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rated 2 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Nathanreits, Apr 05, 2007

"During a three-week backpacking trip that was 90% of the time over 9000' this stove seemed like it had to be cleaned before every use. Above 10000' it sputtered and was almost impossible to boil water. It never seemed to be up to par with MSR."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by debmonster, Feb 14, 2007

"I have owned this stove since 2002 and have never had a problem with it, even getting water to boil at 9,500 ft. in Grand Teton Nat'l Park. I mainly use it for winter backpacking now, since I also own a lighter canister stove. I've used both white gas and kerosene without difficulty."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Fred, Feb 04, 2007

"Love the stove, great fuel economy, bombproof (someone stole it and dumped in my backyard, found it 6 months later under dirt...still worked perfectly. Very easy to work with."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Adam Wiegand, Oct 10, 2006

"Have owned this stove for over two years and have used it extensively on treks around the world. I have never owned any other multi-fuel stove so I have a problem rating this one. I own a Coleman white gas stove which has been very easy to use and reliable, but I needed a multi-fuel."

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rated 2 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Ed, Sep 23, 2006

"Owned it for one month. Great pot stablity and appears solid in design. However, after 5-10 uses the stove began clogging (on fresh white gas). Unfortunately this was during a two-week backcountry trip. Needle valve jet and jet cleaning valve had to be cleaned with each use."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by spicytuna, May 03, 2006

"I've had this stove for around three years now and although I also have an MSR DragonFly, I prefer the Nova. . . although they're very close.

The things I like about the Nova (over the DragonFly) is the aluminum pump which is pretty indestructible and its lack of noise."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Apr 01, 2006

"Good stove. We use it each year snow camping, down to 5 degrees. I had to make a snow plate to support the stove on snow, would have had to with any stove in these conditions. Only flaw is the stainless atomizer which fuel is projected against, want to fall off."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by JJG, Dec 29, 2005

"I've had this stove for over five years and have had no problems with the stove itself. It's been used on numerous trip up to two weeks in length and with pot sizes up to 10 quarts.

The base is extemely stable and sturdy as evidenced by holding a 10 quart pot full of water."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by HumpingDude, Jul 30, 2005

"So far so good. I've used the NOVA on several desert treks and it has performed as its reputation boasts. Planning a 10-day Yellowstone jaunt...will share the verdict with you when I return."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Mark, Mar 12, 2005

"I have owned this stove for over two years and never had a problem with it. Outstanding performance at any altitude and temperature. I always carry the repair kit with me, it is still unopened."

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rated 2 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Ed B., Mar 05, 2005

"I read all the reviews and thought I was getting the next best stove since sliced bread. However, three days into a 10-day trail the piece of sh*@ crapped out on me. Tried everything, stripped it clean and replaced practically everything you could and it just wouldn't go."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Andrew, Sep 21, 2004

"Don't know what the other guys did wrong, but I have never had a problem with this stove. Primes quickly, blows out the heat, and is super stable. I have had it at 9000 ft. and had no problems whatsoever. The flip on/off switch is great at preventing fuel spurts when disassembling the stove."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Chris, Sep 09, 2004

"This stove performed poorly producing very little heat the first few times that I used it. However, it turned out that this was due to a clogged fuel filter.

The stove comes equiped with a tiny fuel filter installed where the fuel line attaches to the stove."

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rated 2 of 5 stars Optimus Nova
Reviewed by Matt, Aug 06, 2004

"I had serious problems with two of these stoves. I like the design but couldn't get to boiling water at 10,000 ft. I ended up exchanging it for an MSR. Prior to this I used a Svea 123 for nearly 20 years."

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Have you owned or used a Brunton Optimus Nova? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

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