Jetboil Helios

rated 4.5 of 5 stars average rating
Reviewed by 1 Trailspace user

Going on a long trip with at least one other person…

Rating: rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Price Paid: N/A

Going on a long trip with at least one other person then this stove is for you. Going camping for the weekend with the whole family then this stove is for you too. Going for the weekend by yourself, get the JetBoil Flash!

The Helios is one amazing water boiler. Two cups of water from icy cold to boiling in less than 90 seconds. Incredible! Been using my Helios for about six months now and I still love it as much as I did when I first got it. Actually, that's a lie. I like it MORE.

Ever since I found out that one of the 450 gram canisters lasts for more than a month with almost twice daily daily use I've been in awe of the the thing. It can even cook!... If you are dexterous enough to turn the fuel knob to almost just-about-off without shutting it off completely. The stove is so dang efficient that a tiny little flame about the size of a butane "jet" lighter flame is enough to fry fish or chicken breasts. Wickedness!

Things that I've learned:

If you're planning on eating out of the pot, put the plastic protector on the bottom. The heat absorption fins don't just channel all the heat from the flame into the water you're boiling or the food you're cooking, it also channels all of the heat out of your food back into the air once you turn off the stove. Not a prob, just put the plastic bottom on when done cooking.

While using the fuel tank upside-down because it's below freezing the stove has one and one setting only: Full blast!

The 8" BakePacker backpacker oven fits inside the Helios pot with only a little persuasion.

The Helios makes the most amazing cupcakes, muffins, cake-cakes, and corn breads. On the trail!

All in all, the most efficient, versatile stove I've ever used in 25 years of camping.

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Specs

2011
Weight 28 oz / 793 g
Volume 2 L
Boil Time 3 min for 1L at 68°F
Average Efficiency 72% (24 1L boils per 230g / 8 oz canister)
Boil Time Consistency 23 sequential 3-min 1L boils
Useable Temperature Range -10°F to 100°F (measured range)
Height 4.5 in / 115 mm (packed)
Width 8.25 in d/ 210 mm (packed)

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