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Have you ever been troubled by going camping or something like that morning, night, or in the daytime depending on the weather? At times like that, you might think, "I wish there was a small stove!" We tried out the long-established Iwatani small cassette gas stove "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER," which meets such requests.
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What is Iwatani's "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER"?
A side view of "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER." It has a very simple design that is practically suitable.
Iwatani's outdoor brand FORE WINDS' first outdoor-only small cassette gas stove
"FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is Iwatani's outdoor brand FORE WINDS first heater for outdoor use. The official online shop, Iwatania ICollect, costs 12,800 yen including tax. It is a gas heater that burns with Iwatani's specialty cassette gas (CB can).
The biggest feature is that its dimensions when used, with a width of 181 x depth of 261 x height of 244 mm, and when stored, it is extremely compact, with a width of 181 x depth of 208 x height of 169 mm, and a gas stove for outdoor use weighing only about 820 g, making it a light outdoor gas stove that weighs less than 1 kg.
The maximum heat generation amount is said to be approximately 1.28kW, which is equivalent to approximately 1,100kcal/h. Furthermore, the continuous burn time for one cassette gas is approximately 160 minutes.
The outdoor heater equipped with a valve with a valve with an adjuster does not burn even if it is carried or shaken while it is ignited, and the design is said to be able to warm a wide area by combining a spherical burner and reflector.
What I noticed was that it can be used with cassette gas (CB can), its lightweight and compact design that is easy to carry around, and its simple and beautiful design is full of functional beauty. We thought that "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" would solve the "slightly cold" feeling that is outdoors in the mornings and evenings without compromising the desire to enjoy the outdoors. I've actually tried it out, so I'll share my thoughts with you all.
Recommended points
- Lightweight and compact design, with approximately 820g
- Easy-to-obtain cassette gas (CB can) can be used
- Simple and beautiful design that won't spoil your outdoor mood
- One CB can heat for about 160 minutes
- Piezoelectric ignition method makes it easy to extinguish the fire and eliminates the hassle of cleaning up
Points that interest me
- The usable temperature is +5 to 25°C, so the conditions are strict
- It is not suitable for outdoor use, so it cannot be used indoors
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Iwatani FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER |
|---|---|
| Maximum heat generation | Approximately 1.28kW (equivalent to approximately 1,100kcal/h) |
| Body weight | Approximately 0.82kg |
| Continuous burning time | Approximately 160 minutes |
| Dimensions when in use | (Width) 181 x (Depth) 261 x (H) 244mm |
| Dimensions when stored | (Width) 181 x (Depth) 208 x (H) 169mm |
| Gas used | FORE WINDS Normal/FORE WINDS ISO/Iwatani Cassette Gas/Iwatani Cassette Gas Power Gold/Iwatani Cassette Gas Junior |
| Country of origin | |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| design | ★★★★☆ |
| Weight size | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Warmth | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cost Performance | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed review
It's very easy to use! Removing and igning CB cans is super easy
View of "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" from the front. Most of the unit is a reflector and gas combustion area.
Hokkaido is probably the main outdoor field, but it's generally cold in the mornings and evenings. The other day I was on the summit of Mt. Hakodate to take a photo, and even though it was mid-April, the puddles were frozen. The temperature is below zero.
The snow melts on the flat ground, and although it's not subzero, it's colder than I expected. After a little research, even Sapporo, which is not particularly cold in Hokkaido, only in July and August have an average daily minimum temperature exceeding 15°C. In general, when it's the coldest time of the year before sunrise, it's common for winter clothes to be below 10°C.
Therefore, whether you wake up a little on the morning of camping or drink outdoors watching the stars late at night, it's a little cold. I thought "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" was the best solution to this slightly cold weather, so I actually tried it out.
It's probably a difference between a little bit of design know-how and ingenuity, but the removal and removal of the cassette gas is extremely smooth. You can use it comfortably without worrying about gas leaks.
The fuel is made from cassette gas (CB cans), which can be easily obtained at home improvement stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, so procuring fuel is possible even near camping locations, and the high availability of fuel is a major advantage of CB cans. What's more, unlike firewood, it's easy to clean up afterwards. First, I tried installing, igniting, and extinguishing the CB can on the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER."
I'm happy that there is almost no gas leak when installing cassette gas. Although it is a small amount when installing a gas can with a device that uses gas cans, such as many CB cans, many people are concerned about the occurrence of gas leaks. I'm also curious about this. However, if you install cassette gas on the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER", you will notice that there is almost no gas leakage.
The simple structure is that you simply place the cassette gas incisors into the protruding guide position of the cylinder holder of the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" and insert it in, then press it against it to turn the cassette gas about 30 degrees to lock it, but with a little care, there is almost no sound or smell of gas leakage. You can attach the cassette gas very comfortably.
It uses a piezoelectric ignition system, so ignition is easy with just one touch. It is recommended to use a match or lighter as it is difficult to light at high altitudes due to air pressure.
Once you have installed the cassette gas, install the power booster, start the fixture knob, turn it about 3/4 counterclockwise, then use a piezoelectric ignition switch to ignite the gas. This device knob adjusts the amount of gas, but it is easy to handle and does not suddenly blow out large amounts of gas, so you can ignite it with confidence. Another easy and helpful point is that it doesn't require writers or matches.
In addition, the device knob
has a structure that increases the firepower when turned counterclockwise, and decreases the firepower when turned clockwise. Turn this clockwise until it stops and it will be extinguished. It's a very simple mechanism, but I'm amazed at how everything works very smoothly when used. He's truly an Iwatani. Very easy to use.
How warm is an outdoor stove with a maximum heat generation of approximately 1.28kW?
It's like sitting in a camping chair and using "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER." It is about 60cm away from the stove. If you leave it up to 1m, the excitement will appear weak.
The maximum heat generation amount of "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is said to be approximately 1.28kW (equivalent to approximately 1,100kcal/h). Even though it's said, how warm is this to me? It doesn't really hit you.
So, when we looked into the maximum heat generation amount of cassette gas heaters sold under the Iwatani brand, the standard "My Warm" with the lowest maximum heat generation amount is 1.0kW (900kcal/h). On the other hand, Marudan, which has the largest maximum heat generation amount, is approximately 2.09kW (equivalent to approximately 1,800kcal/h), so "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" can be said to be a heat generation amount that is in between.
Normal usage angle where the cassette gas is level. If you are using it while sitting in a chair, this angle is easy to use.
Even though it is used outdoors, the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is not a gas stove that sells its powerful firepower. In fact, when you light the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" and hit it outside, the best distance is about 60cm from the stove, and you won't feel much warmth if it's up to 1m. The main uses are to place it next to a camping chair you sit on, or to stand a little distance to warm your buttocks.
By the way, the angle of the heater can be adjusted in two steps up and down with the "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER", but if you are using it while sitting in a chair, we recommend a normal angle with the cassette gas leveling, and an upward angle if you want to stand nearby to warm your buttocks, etc. For me, where each angle is about 50cm apart, the heat hits the right position.
When using "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER", it seems like the heat is enough to warm your whole body even outdoors in winter, but it's not that great, but the place where the heat is exposed to heat is quite warm. However, I remember the saying that just having a fire makes a completely different story. It's strange how "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" makes me feel warm.
If you are using "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" while standing, we recommend facing upwards out of two angles. It will be an angle that will warm your butt.
The design has a simple, lean, beautiful look that seems to have been pursued for functional beauty, so it is also recommended to enjoy the shaking of the flames while enjoying the sound of the gas burning "cow" sound.
However, with cassette gas (CB cans), normal cassette gas can only be used up to a temperature of around 5°C, and low-temperature cylinders with a higher ratio of isobutane, such as FORE WINDS Iso/Iwatani Cassette Gas Power Gold, can only be used up to a temperature of around 5°C. Therefore, it is a concern that the usable temperature is +5 to 25°C. It can be said that it is hard to believe in outdoor heating in winter in Hokkaido, where it is generally below zero.
It's safe to have one to distribute the energy sources you can use.
The "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is extremely compact when folded. It is a great feature not only for outdoor use, but also for heating in the event of a disaster.
If you live in a cold region like me, you have no choice but to imagine the worst case scenario of a disaster in the winter season. In such cases, it is no joke to assume how to temporarily heat the system.
In fact, I experienced the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake on September 6th, 2018, and although it was September, there were no heating issues, I experienced a long-term life of power outages. At this time, it was difficult to obtain gasoline at gas stations, but I experienced that diesel oil was relatively easy to obtain, and that even in the event of a power outage, cassette gas (CB can) was sold together with dry batteries at supermarkets and convenience stores, starting immediately after the earthquake.
It is also important to consider the advantages of using easy-to-obtain cassette gas (CB cans) and the disadvantages of the narrow temperature range that can be used due to cassette gas.
When a disaster occurs, the available energy sources suddenly change depending on the situation. Therefore, my house is in a system that does not rely solely on specific energy for emergency heating. We also have oil stoves that are powered by kerosene without electricity, electric stoves, and FF heaters that run using light oil from camper vans, but gas stoves that can be used with cassette gas (CB cans) that are relatively easy to obtain even in the event of a disaster, making them extremely important for heating for disasters.
The "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is cheaper than other Iwatani brand cassette gas heaters and is extremely compact, making it convenient to store and very excellent for use in disasters. This is another point that is worth noting, but it is important to note that unlike other Iwatani heaters, it is only available outdoors. However, in some situations, this outdoor-only thing may be beneficial.
Summary: Outdoor gas stove recommended for many people who enjoy the outdoors solo
A device that wants a little bit of fire, and will snuggle up to you at that moment
Stored in the included drawstring bag. The body weighs approximately 820g, making it quite lightweight for a stove that can use cassette gas, so it can be used in a variety of styles.
My impression after actually using "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is that it was "very good."
The "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is not that warm as an outdoor stove. The fundamental performance of a stove is quite good, but when you're enjoying the outdoors alone, it's probably not just that you want to warm up.
At least that's how I feel. When you're drinking coffee at breakfast at a solo camping trip, you'll want to be a little excited when you go out with your family in a camper van, and after everyone is asleep, you'll be able to tilt your glass by yourself.
Of course, I feel hesitant to have a bonfire every time, not only ignite it, but also clean up afterwards. However, with "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER", you can just put on a cassette gas and set it on, which warms your body, and hearing the swaying flames and the sound of the gas calms down. And it's very easy to clean up afterwards.
The range of warming with "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER" is not very wide, so it is a cassette gas stove that we recommend to many people who want to spend time with the outdoors easily, rather than multiple people. The design is good and cost-effective, so I recommend it for outdoor activities in the slightly chilly seasons, from early spring or early winter.
Details and purchase of "FORE WINDS OUTDOOR HEATER"
For more information about the product, please visit the official FORE WINDS website
Photography cooperation
Right next to New Chitose Airport! " Forever Camping Paradise "
Saito Titoce
