User Review: Primus EtaPower MF

Primus EtaPower MF
Above: The current EtaPower MF, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 12, 2008 by Possum

Rating:
Price Paid: $190

I purchased this stove for more than the typical single user, although I do plenty of that! I also am a scout leader and thought the larger capacity pot (that works perfectly with the windscreen) would be handy for all those cook-in-the-bag kids. Also note that I am a white gas user. The fact that this stove works well with all kinds of fuel is a big plus if I get stuck in BFE without Coleman fuel!

Plus - the stove works in all weather conditions I've tried it in...wind, rain, cold, warm (haven't tried hot yet, but who has problems when its warm?). It boils quickly, although not as quickly as advertised on fuels other than LP. It's relatively light for what you get...a 2 qt pot, fry pan, windscreen, burner, base, handle and case. The windscreen does its job. Period.

Minus - I am big on white gas - everything else I have uses it, so I'm consistent. Note that 98% of my experience is with it, so judge accordingly. This stove is FILTHY! In order to light it, you discharge a little fuel into the pan, light it to preheat the line, then light the stove. This inherently puts a layer of black soot all over the fuel side of the burner, base and windscreen. Not a huge deal, but still a deal.

Simmering means cook at a low temp, as in keep warm. This stove is not the best at it. Although you can lower the heat, I'd call it a medium heat at best. I would imagine it's better on Butane, but I haven't tried it yet. Bulky - if you're a backpacker, it's big. I know most of the hard cores will snuff this, but when you're taking a 1/2 dozen Cub Scouts into the backcountry you need something large!

Overall, I like this stove. Just know what you're going to use it for and realize it is not the optimum single person unit. I hope this helps.