User Review: MSR SimmerLite

MSR SimmerLite
Above: The current SimmerLite, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 18, 2004 by Bird Legs

Rating:
Price Paid: $69 (REI Fall Sale)

This is the first white gas stove I have owned since I had a Svea 123 many years ago, so keep in mind I am not real familiar with recent white gas stoves as a comparison. I read a review somewhere saying a person could simmer delicate sauces with this stove--this is not true. The flame is adjustible only to a minor extent, certainly not enough to simmer anything. For example, when I boil water with this stove I cannot prevent a roiling boil no matter how low I turn it down.

Also priming the stove with the burner as in the MSR instuctions is problematic, it creates a fairly large fireball before the stove settles down. I have been priming it with alcohol from the overflow cup, which works better for me. Other than that, I like it. It burns hot and steady and fits in my .9 liter Evernew Titanium pot.