The Jetboil stove is celebrating its 10th birthday this year,
like most good inventions, it was designed because someone saw a
need for a better way to do something. There are now 5 or 6
different models of the jetboil stove in varying sizes and
configurations. From a fuel efficiency standpoint, Jetboil is the
uncontested heavyweight champion, using just 10 grams
(approximately) of fuel per liter of water boiled. They do this by
utilizing their patented "Flux-ring" technology, which transfers
much more of the heat energy into the cookware. This translates into
one cup per minute boil times. The only other stove in that class is
the MSR Reactor system which we will review in the near future.
I've used this
stove on several occasions and I have
to say there is no quicker, easier, or faster way to get
some warm soup, noodles, or rice with whatever other ingredients you want to throw
in there, than this stove. It takes the chore out of cooking.
So its fast and efficient, but what else ? I think the
next selling point for the jetboil stove is the really well
designed integration of burner, stand, stove, fuel, pot, bowl,
and utensil... all in one unit. Its light, compact and has
everything you need right there, very neat. There are two
distinct product lines in the jetboil lineup, the PCS
(Personal Cooking System) and the GCS (Group Cooking System),
so if you decide a jetboil is for you, your first decision
will be based on the number of people you will likely be
cooking for. The weight in the PCS line varies slightly by
model, with the SOL Ti being the lightest at only 8.5 ounces,
up to the FLASH, shown here, which weighs 14 ounces, but also
has a slightly larger capacity. Weights do not include the
fuel cannister. Reported weights on the jetboil website also
do not include the stabilizer or the locking pot stand... I
think because they were not always included, now I believe
they are included with all models. All jetboil stoves come
with a 1 year limited warranty.
The entry level PCS model is the "Zip", I've seen it for
sale online as low as $45 bucks, a real bargain. The
zip does everything the more expensive models do, it just
comes with a few less bells and whistles. There is no piezo
igniter, so it must be lit with a lighter, match, or firestarter
spark. There is no color changing temperature stripes on the outside
of the neoprene cup cover, which is probably a little redundant, I can
tell whats in the cup is hot because it has steam coming off
it!, but its a pretty cool little bonus I guess. The zip model and
the Flash shown here both use an older regulator which is not quite as
adjustable as the newer "Thermo Regulate" being used on the new SOL
model. I do have to say that the older regulator
on my Flash is pretty difficult to get to a simmer, apparently
the new regulator is an improvement. The capacity of the zip
is .8 liters, the same as the other personal systems, with
the exception of the flash which is one liter.
The new SOL Ti model is the latest jetboil stove, and is twice
the price of the zip. For that extra cash you get a titanium cup,
which is nice, a piezo ignitor, the new "Jetboil Thermo Regulate"
regulator, and a color changing stripe on the outside to let you
know your soup is hot in case you cant figure that out on your own.
Whether or not that is worth double the money is a personal choice.
I personally like the piezo ignition so I landed in the middle with
the Flash model. If money is no concern of yours, then by all means
the SOL Ti is a really nice kit. That titanium cup is more or less
indestructible, and the new regulator was a needed improvement.
There are a few minor drawbacks to these stoves, the
first one being performance in windy conditions, or even breezy
conditions. Wind adversely affects the performance of these
units, like most stoves, and they do not come with any sort of
wind barrier, like the Helios system in the GCS line. If you do not
bring a wind barrier with you and you encounter windy condtions you
may have to dig a hole or improvise a screen of some type. I carry
the wind screen that came with my MSR whisperlite with me no matter
what stove I have in the pack. The second possible drawback is that
its difficult to actually "Cook Food" unless you bring an additional
piece of cookware and use the potstand accessory. Your menu will be
somewhat limited to things you can "boil" or cook as a stew or soup.
This is just due to the very small flat cooking surface at the
bottom of the cup, just a couple of inches. Not a big deal,
like I said, bring a cooking pan or pot with you and problem
solved, or even better, plan your meals well so that you dont need
to.
The PCS models are a great choice for a personal stove, but if
you are in a group, the small capacity of these units is not really
enough, so jetboil has you covered with the GCS and Helios systems.
The Base GCS model comes with a 1.5 liter pot, which should give you
enough capacity to satisfy 1 to 3 people with a good hot meal. Like
the other jetboil stoves, the GCS all fits within itself to save as
much space as possible. The GCS comes with a stabilizer and is
essentially the same setup as the PCS models except it comes with a
bigger pot. The Helios and Helios guide models come with a
integrated stand / burner that uses a braided line to connect the
the fuel cannister, which has its own stand to hold the fuel in an
inverted position. With the more expensive Guide system, you get an
additonal 3L pot. Both the Helios and Helios guide come with a clear
protective wind barrier.
One other option available for a small group, is the 1.8L flux
ring Sumo cup. This big cup can hold an entire SOL or ZIP system
inside it, and gives you double the cooking capacity, just another
option to consider. Some accessories available for the jetboil stove
include a frying pan, a utensil kit, and a hanging kit which will
allow you to cook with the unit suspended in the air (snow)
