Comparison Review: Which gas stove should you choose for your mountaineering? I compared it

On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation and why it was evaluated in that way.

Detailed reviews of each item

Burning power

The output (kcal/h) published by each manufacturer is a useful reference for heat power, but which one actually warms the contents of the pot in the shortest time? This is not clear unless you actually compare it under the same conditions.

Therefore, in this test, we compared the actual combustion power by comparing the time it took for water at the same temperature to completely boil (the lid floats up shortly, and the PCS keeps steam coming out vigorously through the drain hole) at the same date and time.

Comparing boiling speeds in places with no wind.

Time taken for boiling (no wind)

The Eta Spider had the shortest boiling time, and by a close margin, the Jet Boil. As expected, a dedicated cup with a heat exchanger is advantageous. However, the third place Windmaster also has a low combustion power , making it difficult to say that the top three models had high combustion power. The spec numbers here do not necessarily match the actual combustion power, but of course, the possibility of slight fluctuations cannot be ruled out depending on the environment and conditions, so please note that this does not always occur.

Wind resistant

The combustion power test was tested without wind, but now we compared the combustion power in a slightly more severe environment, where a certain amount of wind blows. Since it is used outdoors, it is important to be easy to use in such harsh conditions.

Wind resistance test. When the wind hits, some models can reduce the firepower extremely low.

Time taken for boiling (with wind)

Even considering that a cooker with an integrated windshield is advantageous, the Eta Spider is still certainly effective. It's not much different from a windless state . It was also surprising that Windmaster was doing better than he had imagined , despite the lack of a windshield

On the other hand, the P-153 visibly extended the time until it boiled, and it took nearly twice as long as it was on the Regi Both models have exposed heads, so they are heavily affected by the wind . When using these models on-site, you need to take thorough wind protection . Always remember to prepare for the natural situation at the moment, such as choosing a location that takes into consideration the direction of the wind and making efforts to avoid wind using a windshield.

Combustion efficiency

Here we will compare "how much more efficient heat can be heated with less fuel." However, since strict measurements are almost impossible, we have compared combustion efficiency based on actual use by using the gas consumption per hour announced by each company the "weight of new gas - weight of gas after use" and after the actual combustion test in a windless state. The results were as follows:

Comparison of gas usage until boiling

As expected, the Jetboil 's combustion efficiency was outstanding, but Windmaster and Eta Spider were none other than the best. Overall, models with low power (heat power) but short actual boiling time tend to consume less gas (= stoves with good combustion efficiency).

weight

This time, the comparison method is a bit confusing as the models have different set contents are different, but as mentioned at the beginning, in order to ensure that the conditions are met as much as possible, we measured the actual weight and compared the PCS, assuming that the entire set was used, and the single model was a mont-bell alpine cupr 14 (0.8L, measured 180g). By the way, ignition devices and storage cases are excluded.

Weight comparison

*The weight of the main body only is shown in the inside ()

The lightest is the Windmaster , followed the P-153 , and the direct-connected model can be reduced by simplifying the cooker . The leggi is slightly heavier than the PCS, even if it's not as large as a PCS, and the remaining PCS2 models come with a set of cookers, cozzies, drain lids, measuring cups, stabilizers, etc., so there are limits to how to lighten them. However, since individual parts are not wasted, this is likely to be a trade-off between taking on weight or being smart .

Compared to the Windmaster and P-153, which have a simple structure that can be used to remove weight, it is convenient, but the fully equipped Eta Spider can also have a weight difference of just one can of juice.

Storageability

Similar to weight comparisons, PCS compared the entire set, and the single model was compared using the mont-bell alpine cupr 14 The P-153 was the most compact storage possible . The incredible compactness is obvious from the photo below. Although it's a close difference, the windmaster also fits easily into the cooker this time. On the other hand, the leggis are large in size, such as the head and gas supply pipe, so the Alpine Cooker 14 were just the right size to fit in the Alpine Cooker 16 (1.5L) as shown in the photo Furthermore, PCS is originally designed to be stacked together with gas cartridges, so it is not inconvenient to use.

It looks like the stove and 110-sized gas cartridges are stored. The photos were taken at the same angle and scale.

Stability and ease of use

The stability here refers to the stability when cooked with a pot on top. As a basic premise, all the models we compared this time are all in high-level terms of heat power adjustments and good twill, so none of the models gave the impression that none of them would be difficult to use no matter which one was chosen. Furthermore, we also evaluated the usability of the details by paying attention to three points: "ease of setting (cleaning), ease of cooking and eating," and "other functions."

ease of setting the P-153 has a simple structure and the Windmaster are generally easy to set up and clean up. In particular, the P-153 has only one part, including the ignition device, so there is no hassle. Other models have the risk of assembling parts, which involves a bit of effort and the likelihood of losing parts.

Next, the Eta Spider was outstanding in terms of ease of cooking and eating In addition to its low center of gravity stability, it also has a wide-mouthed cooker that is not easily burnt, easy to read lid, and subtle heat adjustments, making it perfect for cooking. the Jet Boil Minimo stable even for simple cooking, but its integrated neoprene cozy is extremely convenient, making it easy to carry after cooking. the Regi also highly appreciated to some extent, but it felt like there was more tricky to stabilizing it than I thought, with the fact that the two legs cannot be fixed to a free length and the gas supply pipes were stiff.

The Eta Spider-like separate stove (right) allows for stable cooking even on fields with little flat ground.

Some other points that I couldn't overlook Windmaster and Jetboil to protect against the cold, Eta Spider mechanism, which has the advantage of being able to provide stable firepower even in harsh, low-temperature conditions. the P-153 and Eta Spider make it easy to adjust delicately and quickly, while the wire knobs on other models are difficult to adjust quickly, making them difficult to handle. The Jetboil also ignited almost in one shot in any environment during testing, and was excellent compared to other models.

The circular knob makes it easier to adjust the heat power control knob, but the weight and compactness are slightly less.

summary

In this comparison review, it was within the expectations that PCS would have an advantageous result, but despite this, I was left surprised by how tough the Windmaster P-153 , which has the largest firepower and is probably the best-selling P-153 in Japan (although the product itself is not at all bad), is not growing very well, and I'm a bit shocked as someone who I personally used. I once again realized that it is not clear to see the results just by catalog specifications and popularity. However, this time we are testing with limited conditions, and if the environment is different, different results may be obtained. I think the most important thing is to choose a partner that suits your usage environment. Choose the best model for your purpose, such as a lightweight, all-around windmaster, a jetboil that is burning efficiency and easy to use, a heavy, easy-to-use Eta Spider that is safe to use, and a milder, easy-to-use leggi that is easy to use if you are focused on camping.

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