User Review: Snow Peak GigaPower Auto

Summary

Rock solid reliable stove, lights every time, good flame control and very stable pot supports. Not the lightest and subject to the wind, but it is hard to go wrong with the Gigapower for an upright canister stove.

The Snow Peak Gigapower Auto is a tried and true design with lot of recommendations for good reason.  Not the newest, flashiest or lightest but it does just about everything a canister stove should do very well. 

I've used it now a handful of times on Scout camping trips.  Temperatures have not dipped below the mid 40s.  I've used it in conjunction with a Primus ETA Powerpot 1L with very good results, mostly boiling water but I did simmer chili for one meal and it handled it about as well as a small setup like this can in my opinion. I carry a lighter and firestarter but have not needed to resort to those yet — the igniter has fired every time the first time.  Setup is straightforward, repacking takes a bit of practice but once you get the technique it compacts into a small rectangular box that fits easily into the Primus pot along with a 220g canister. 

One thing I particularly like is the 4 pots supports are very stable. I've used several other three leg stoves and without question the 4 legs are confidence inspiring.  I also have a Coleman F1 Exponent Ultralight stove that is not as stable.  The Coleman puts out more BTU's and in my unscientific tests (I have not timed them explicitly) boils water faster - but I like the stability of the Snow Peak. 

I also like that replacement igniters are easily sourced — and that there is a stock wind screen available (although I have not tried it).  The shape of the head on the Gigapower produces more of a "ball" of flame rather than a blow torch — consequently it disperses and simmers better than my other stoves.  I was able to simmer the aforementioned chili with no scorching due to the flame profile and the better than average flame control.  Like most stoves of this type it is not going to be your best choice for a bechamel sauce but most aren't working through the Escoffier canon out in the field either.  There are no flimsy parts and it is built to last.

If you are a gram counter you may prefer some other options - the Snow Peak is heavier than other options (listed at 3.75 oz compared to 2.7 for the F1 for example — or the 1.6 ounce Monatauk Gnat) — but for stability, reliability and durability the Gigapower is an excellent choice.