Jetboil Review

[Howlingmad]

Thought some of you might be interested in the Jetboil. It rocks for moto camping.

Here is a duplicate of a review I did on another site:

Santa brought me a Jetboil stove this year and it seems like it would work quite well for motorcycle camping as well. I bought for solo mountaineering because of the fuel consumption, weight and size. I have a couple of white gas/multi-fuel stoves, and the MSR Pocket, the MSR is hard to beat at 3oz. The problem with all stoves in winter camping is this; they rarely pack with pans and fuel bottle efficiently, and fumbling in the cold with a pan, cover, stove, pan holder, while balancing all this on an uneven surface with popsicle like digits sucks. At least that's how I justified it to Mrs. Mad (aka Santa).

There are a few other things I have struggled with; the cost of a titanium pan is $40-70, plus I wanted a setup that I could hang inside a tent and cook if the weather is bad. (I know, I know, but I'm a rebel and tear the tags off my mattress too.) Also, I didn't want another stove that takes proprietary fuel. I've also been looking for a decent way to make coffee on the trail, they all seem to be separate units which is hard to justify when hiking.

So I asked Santa for the Jetboil.
http://www.bestofnewengland.com/images/JB-PCS.jpg

I haven't used it camping yet, but so far I like it.
It claims to boil one cup of water in one minute, so we tested it (inside ~65F) and sure enough it was boiling after 60 seconds.

Here's what I like about it:
Cost - $77 with coffee press kit from here (best price and good customer service so far)
Weight -15oz (not sure if that is with fuel or not) not the best, but not bad if that's all you need.
Compact - smart design that packs the fuel, stove, drinking cup, stabilizer for the base, and maybe the coffee press (don't have that yet) all in the pan/mug. See here:
http://jetboil.com/img/schematic.jpg
Easy - the entire unit locks together and you eat or drink from the pan. This allows me to fashion some way to hang the entire unit together to cook inside the tent. There is less fumbling with keeping the pan on the burner too.
Function - There is a neoprene sock around the pan so you can hold it while you eat without a pan holder. It also has a strap sewn into the sock to better hold the mug.
Efficient - amazing how quick it boils water, and the sock seems to keep it warm while you eat, not to mention your hands. There are lttle ridges at the bottom that seem to trap and transfer the heat better than a regular stove/pan combo.
Smart - Seems like it was designed by someone who actually uses the product. Little things like a marker inside for 2 cups, the same volume required by most freeze-dried meals or the built in starter suggest it was not made by an engineer locked in a basement somewhere. There is an interesting history on the site about the development. Also, it's made in New Hampshire, so I'm a little biased.
Coffee - Built in coffee press makes it realistic to make Joe on the trail.
Open - accepts MSR fuel bottles as well, although they cannot be stored inside the pot.


Here's what I don't like:
Weight - seems a litte heavy for hardcore camping, the stove seems to be the worst part, but still the best value out there for all the components.
Strap - there is a loop on one side of the neoprene, but not the other. If it had two loops you could easily hang it and cook in your tent.
More marks - I would prefer that it had another measurement at one cup in addition to the 2 cup. Now I'm jsut getting fussy.

Overall , this thing rocks. Seems like a great solution if you solo motorcycle camp and want to trim down on space. I will put it to the test and post any results after a real camping trip.

[nyener]

I read many reviews on the internet and looked at a bunch of stoves. I bought a JETBOIL JAVA KIT from Best of New England on EBAY for $73.45. It included the above described Personal Cooking System with a French coffee press. I haven't yet tried it but it looked like the best stove for my needs.

[Alan]

I have used a Jetboil many times on my motorcycle camping trips. I only use it for boiling water, I have never put food into the Jetboil, I have no interest in cleaning up pots. The Jetboil does do a great job of boiling water. I have had a recurring problem with the fuel though. If it gets real cold out overnight, 30's or 40's, the fuel must jell up because it is very hard to get any fuel pressure if the fuel cannister is real cold. I have learned to keep the fuel cannister inside my sleeping bag with me overnight to keep it warm for the morning.

Of course when you first slip into that sleeping bag with the cold cannister, yipes! :p If your wife ever warmed her cold feet on you on a cold winter night, you know what I'm talking about.

[Big Bandit]

I have used a Jetboil many times on my motorcycle camping trips. I only use it for boiling water, I have never put food into the Jetboil, I have no interest in cleaning up pots. The Jetboil does do a great job of boiling water. I have had a recurring problem with the fuel though. If it gets real cold out overnight, 30's or 40's, the fuel must jell up because it is very hard to get any fuel pressure if the fuel cannister is real cold. I have learned to keep the fuel cannister inside my sleeping bag with me overnight to keep it warm for the morning.

Of course when you first slip into that sleeping bag with the cold cannister, yipes! :p If your wife ever warmed her cold feet on you on a cold winter night, you know what I'm talking about.

This is why I have a stove that runs on gasoline. Propane/Butane can freeze. Plus those little canisters can be kind of expensive and hard to find in remote or rural areas. I can fill my stove while I am refueling my bike, relatively inexpensive and very convenient.

[Mellow]

I just got an REI flyer in the mail today that was an Anniversary Sale for May 5-14 and the Jet Boil Personal Cooking System was on sale for $59.99 (reg $79.99).

I couldn't find anything on the website and couldn't find anything on the flyer that indicated it was just for a particular region.. but, the catalog code is GSAS.

[Mellow]

Is that just the basic set-up? I have seen the basic plus the coffee press for $79.99, so that would be a bettr deal since the coffee set-up is $19.99 on their web-site.

Sorry, didn't see this 'til I got to work and I left the catalog at home. I'll check when I get home to see what's included, it looked like just the basic system to me.

[Mellow]

It looks like the special price is for the burner and the pot, no coffee press.

[sandman]

I rated durability low because I've only had the cooker about 1 month and have had limited use so far.

It boils water in about 2 mins at 3500ft altitude on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is cool to the touch within 3 mins after use.

Gordon

[Mellow]

I saw one of these in person a couple weeks back and it was a nice, compact setup and most of the time all I need is to boil water.. If you keep your food in other containers or pouches or just need water for coffee the clean up is pretty much nil.

[Alan]

I've used a JetBoil for several years and am generally satisified with it. Only problem I've had is with very cold temps, the fuel jells up and the stove doesn't work very good then. I've learned to keep the fuel canister inside my sleeping bag with me if the morning temps are going to be in the 40's or lower.

[Mellow]

We had a previous review in a non-review forum on this item so I merged the two threads... it also put everything in chronological order and wiped out Gordon's review (sorry guy) so please add your ratings again if you don't mind.... :(

[Chief]

I've been wanting one of these for a while. I already have an extra cup and some fuel cannisters from a backpacking trip with a guy that had one. I found a deal on the PCS, coffee press, 1 fuel cannister and a pouch of coffee today for $68.50 w/free shipping so I went ahead and got myself a small Christmas present.

[sandman]

This is my 3 year evaluation of this product.

I really like the convenience of having all the parts store in the cup. This stove has proven really convenient and easy to use.

I've had a failure of the piezo electric starter and I believe this is because of weak design. The ceramic insulator cracked and this allowed the spark to fire before reaching the heating element. If the ceramic insulator was a 64th of an inch thicker it probably would last a lot longer. I wasn't able to perform a field repair on the unit because of the tightness of the nut and the lack of accessibility.

The good thing about the failure is it proved just a minor inconvenience since the stove can still be ignited by a match or a lighter.

Since the repair kit is $10.00 I don't think I'll do a repair again until one of the O-ring seals fails. I'll just use a match.

The other issues you might find to be a hassle are the propane/butane gas not wanting to ignite in cold weather. And the last inconvenience with this type of stove is the lack of wind resistance. This problem can easily be remedied with a wind screen.

Overall I would still buy this product.

:tent6:

[Chief]

Well, now I don't have one on order.:( Got an email from the place I ordered it saying, sorry, we are out, good luck in your shopping. As soon as they refund my Paypal account I guess I'll go looking again.:mad:

[Mellow]

Well, now I don't have one on order.:( Got an email from the place I ordered it saying, sorry, we are out, good luck in your shopping. As soon as they refund my Paypal account I guess I'll go looking again.:mad:

What price were you getting it for? I'll keep an eye out if I see a deal.

[Chief]

$68.95 shipped. I just ordered $180 worth of luggage for the 650 instead! I'll get the Jetboil later.;)

[Mellow]

Well... sounds like it worked out.. got you so mad you spend 3 times as much .. LOL

[Trailace]

$68.95 shipped. I just ordered $180 worth of luggage for the 650 instead! I'll get the Jetboil later.;)
What did you get?

Hey we need to plan a ride.

[Chief]

I ordered some Wolfman stuff. Front fender bag to hold spare tubes and tire irons. Enduro tank bag, small and it fits the big slope on the tank. Tank panniers that I can cram with a bunch of junk and try to take some load off the rear shock which seems a little overwhelmed.:confused: I'll also use the tank panniers on the GS.

I'm gonna go to Big Bend Feb 21-24 for the get together TWTEX is having. It sounds kinda like what we've been doing every Feb anyway, except more dirt riding. The guy that's organizing it, RamblingRog, I met last year at Study Butte store while I was waiting on Gold Rush after we rode the River Road. He lives out there part time in a travel trailer in Terlingua.
Ya'll need to come out to that. I can still bring the XT and Meller can go dirting.

[coopdway]

The other issues you might find to be a hassle are the propane/butane gas not wanting to ignite in cold weather. And the last inconvenience with this type of stove is the lack of wind resistance. This problem can easily be remedied with a wind screen.

Overall I would still buy this product.

:tent6:

Just curious Gordon.....what would your definition of cold be for ignition difficulty (not trying to be a MN wiseguy here)? What temps did you find gave you trouble?

And if you could take any stove along, would it still be the Jetboil, all things considered? Thanks, Doug

[sandman]

Just curious Gordon.....what would your definition of cold be for ignition difficulty (not trying to be a MN wiseguy here)? What temps did you find gave you trouble?

And if you could take any stove along, would it still be the Jetboil, all things considered? Thanks, Doug


I've had trouble getting it to light in 28-30 degree temps but I didn't put the gas in the sleeping bag with me. Maybe that will be the cure for cold weather cooking with this butane/propane mix.

I might consider a multi-fuel stove for my next purchase since this thread discussion has made me think about having fuel in the bike's tank that is usable for cooking when I run out of the regular stove fuel. That could mean the difference between cold food and a hot meal in a primitive campground a good distance away from civilization.

I do carry MRE's on the bike that have their own heater for emergencies.

[Mellow]

Coleman has a nice little summary of the different types of fuel and what works best in different weather too.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/choose_fuel.asp

[DAD]

Coffee Press is awesome! just remember that you need coarse ground coffee for it, I have a burr grinder at home for my espresso mach so before I head out I coarse grind my favorite joe. You can go to your local supermarket and use there grinder, just remember, Coarse grind!

[Chief]

Finally got my Jetboil ordered yesterday. I had a 20% off discount at Backcountry.com so I ordered and it's on its way. $71.95 shipped:)

[Tx White Knight]

Finally got my Jetboil ordered yesterday. I had a 20% off discount at Backcountry.com so I ordered and it's on its way. $71.95 shipped:)

Dont forget to let us know your thoughts on it after you use it :) :couch1:

[Chief]

Received my Jetboil this morning from UPS, 3 days from order to receipt from Backcountry.com. This is the 3rd time I have ordered from them and each shipment has been very fast.

When I opened the package I was surprised to find that it had an extra companion cup with it. I wasn't expecting this but it is great to have since they cost $29-39 if purchased seperately.

I put a can of fuel on it, pushed the button, added 2 cups of water to the cup and in less than 2 minutes I had boiling water!

After I was done I dried the cup, dropped the fuel canister and burner inside the cup for storage, put the lid on and packed it away.

I am really pleased with it and anxious to use it in the field.:tent2:

[Trailace]

Received my Jetboil this morning from UPS, 3 days from order to receipt from Backcountry.com. This is the 3rd time I have ordered from them and each shipment has been very fast.

When I opened the package I was surprised to find that it had an extra companion cup with it. I wasn't expecting this but it is great to have since they cost $29-39 if purchased seperately.

I put a can of fuel on it, pushed the button, added 2 cups of water to the cup and in less than 2 minutes I had boiling water!

After I was done I dried the cup, dropped the fuel canister and burner inside the cup for storage, put the lid on and packed it away.

I am really pleased with it and anxious to use it in the field.:tent2:
Cool now you can make me hot chocolate.

[SCoffman1]

I have one as well and I also have the skillet and the pot. I am pleased with the design. I've used the jetboil for making coffee, which works well, and I have used it for heating up some soup. I have used the skillet for cooking some sausage for dinner and for making some sausage and eggs in the morning. I am pleased with how small it all packs down. Space seems to be more of a concern than weight. I pack the pot on top of the skillet and the jet boil in a toiletry bag I got from REI. I also use the same fuel on a Brunton lantern. I am pleased with the way everything works together. I have used it successfully down in the 40's but don't have any experience with it down in the 30's (Don't plan on it either!)

Steve

[Alan]

After I was done I dried the cup, dropped the fuel canister and burner inside the cup for storage, put the lid on and packed it away.



I have found in five years of using my JetBoil, that the bottom edge of the fuel canister will start to rust and stain the bottom of the JetBoil. I have solved this problem by putting a paper towel into the JetBoil before dropping in the fuel canister. The paper towel also helps to stop any rattling noise the fuel canister may make.

[Chief]

I have found in five years of using my JetBoil, that the bottom edge of the fuel canister will start to rust and stain the bottom of the JetBoil. I have solved this problem by putting a paper towel into the JetBoil before dropping in the fuel canister. The paper towel also helps to stop any rattling noise the fuel canister may make.

Thanks for the tip! Sounds like a great idea, I'm gonna pull mine out and put a paper towel in.

[Trekker]

After seeing so many of these Jetboil units in use for the last couple of years... and having my 25 year old Coleman 400A single burner start to give me trouble (I need to replace the generator- piece of junk only lasted 25 years!)... I decided to order a Jetboil PCS. It will be here soon, and I think it will be perfect for motocamping. I don't see any need to get the special pots and other accessories since I already have a large variety of cook sets to choose from.

Reason for converting from white gas to canisters- ease of use: no more filling tanks and pumping up the pressure, instant on, nesting of all the bits into the cup.

The only real cons I foresee are: cost of fuel canisters (a gallon of coleman fuel lasts me a long time), and coldish weather restricting the fuel flow.

So many times during a motocamping trip all I really need to do is boil water or perk coffee. I don't cook any major meals very often, and that makes clean up a snap.

I tend to research gear purchases to death, and after using one of these in the field and reading all the various reviews and testimonies I feel confident this stove will meet my needs for years to come.

[Dalton]

If you need the igniter adjusted, give me a holler!

I got my 1100 back on the road today Trekk... man she's smooth!

Dalton

After seeing so many of these Jetboil units in use for the last couple of years... and having my 25 year old Coleman 400A single burner start to give me trouble (I need to replace the generator- piece of junk only lasted 25 years!)... I decided to order a Jetboil PCS. It will be here soon, and I think it will be perfect for motocamping. I don't see any need to get the special pots and other accessories since I already have a large variety of cook sets to choose from.

Reason for converting from white gas to canisters- ease of use: no more filling tanks and pumping up the pressure, instant on, nesting of all the bits into the cup.

The only real cons I foresee are: cost of fuel canisters (a gallon of coleman fuel lasts me a long time), and coldish weather restricting the fuel flow.

So many times during a motocamping trip all I really need to do is boil water or perk coffee. I don't cook any major meals very often, and that makes clean up a snap.

I tend to research gear purchases to death, and after using one of these in the field and reading all the various reviews and testimonies I feel confident this stove will meet my needs for years to come.

[MidLife]

This is my 3 year evaluation of this product.

I really like the convenience of having all the parts store in the cup. This stove has proven really convenient and easy to use.

I've had a failure of the piezo electric starter and I believe this is because of weak design. The ceramic insulator cracked and this allowed the spark to fire before reaching the heating element. If the ceramic insulator was a 64th of an inch thicker it probably would last a lot longer. I wasn't able to perform a field repair on the unit because of the tightness of the nut and the lack of accessibility.

The good thing about the failure is it proved just a minor inconvenience since the stove can still be ignited by a match or a lighter.

Since the repair kit is $10.00 I don't think I'll do a repair again until one of the O-ring seals fails. I'll just use a match.


Overall I would still buy this product.

:tent6:

Was going to post about igniter design problems with the JetBoil, but saw Sandman posted the above already. The design is definitly not optimum. As Sandman pointed out, the insulator is flimsy and the rubber lid loads up against it when you pack the burner on top of the gas can.

The igniter on my two year old stove just broke and I am wondering if anybody has a better way to pack it and protect it?

I went by REI to inquire about a repair kit for the igniter and cannot really complain because they exchanged my two year old stove against a brand new one, which I never even suggested I wanted. But I unpacked the new one and found the igniter was already loose, so it will probably last even less than the old one! As a mater of fact, it is already missing every five strokes or so. I'll make sure to have matches with me. But it is nice to have the piezo igniter working when it rains!

Any suggestions for better packing of the burner?

Where did you find the igniter repair kit? I will probably carry one with the stove.

[HarpoF6]

Put a canister in one of those small fleece bags from Aerostitch... no more "Yikes!" in the sleeping bag!

[bvail]

I brought one along on my trip to Alaska in June. Only used it to brew coffee, but it was great. I can see this will be going on all trips in the future. Main function is obviously to boil water and brew coffee. I think it would be very good for preparing freeze dried meals, etc., but I would use a separate container to mix the hot water with the food.

I was gone for 3 weeks and used frequently. Even brewed coffee in a motel room. Still had gas left over in original bottle. Although I brought a spare can, didn't need it.

I lost part of the French press at the KOA in Greybull WY and replaced in Whitefish MT. I did brew coffee w/o the press and it tasted fine, but was a bit messy to drink.

I'd give this little unit 5 stars. No issues with the igniter, but I always have at least a Bic lighter with me.

[bluepoof]

Speaking of the JetBoil...

I just got one of the 8" frying pans and the corresponding pot stabilizer so that I can start cooking "real" food on my JetBoil.

I can fit everything inside of the JetBoil for packing (well, not the pan, but you know what I mean), except for the metal part of the pot stabilizer below:

http://media.rei.com/media/rr/516894b9-2d97-4613-b20b-2444a1b816c3.jpg

Has anyone found a place to store that piece? :confused:

[Trekker]

Speaking of the JetBoil...

I just got one of the 8" frying pans and the corresponding pot stabilizer so that I can start cooking "real" food on my JetBoil.

I can fit everything inside of the JetBoil for packing (well, not the pan, but you know what I mean), except for the metal part of the pot stabilizer below:


Has anyone found a place to store that piece? :confused:

Hmmmm... I can get mine to pack inside the the Jetboil. Try different combos. Good luck.

[roger123]

Was going to post about igniter design problems with the JetBoil, but saw Sandman posted the above already. The design is definitly not optimum. As Sandman pointed out, the insulator is flimsy and the rubber lid loads up against it when you pack the burner on top of the gas can.

Mine broke that way as well, I believe the cover did it in as well.

I've used mine for two years to boil water for coffee every couple of months and am still on the original small fuel canister.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Speaking of the JetBoil...

I just got one of the 8" frying pans and the corresponding pot stabilizer so that I can start cooking "real" food on my JetBoil.

I can fit everything inside of the JetBoil for packing (well, not the pan, but you know what I mean), except for the metal part of the pot stabilizer below:

http://media.rei.com/media/rr/516894b9-2d97-4613-b20b-2444a1b816c3.jpg

Has anyone found a place to store that piece? :confused:

It
fits upsidedown over the fuel canister.

The stabilizer helps protest the insulator.
I have been pretty happy with mine... the wife got me the gormet kit (can't spell gourmet, gormaet, great cok :D) and I like it. Have used it for plenty of dishes... like to make toast in the dry skilit before cooking my spam and eggs... mmm mmm mmm.

A tip for those with the coffee press that hate to clean it... put the press in and plunge without sealing the lid... pour the coffee on top of the plunger in the cup, boil and swirl, then pul the grounds up and remove the grounds and toss them into the trash or campfire... rinse, done. Enjoy nice hot coffee and no mess.

[Trailace]

Mr. Fisherman, Welcome to the site and thanks for the tip.

[Trekker]

Just gave my new Jetboil stove a workout over the Labor Day weekend while on a canoe camping trip in the Adirondacks.

Awesome! It works as advertised, and seems to be stingy on fuel. I boiled water for coffee and freeze-dried meals, and also cooked bacon & eggs on a small 5" square non-stick skillet.

I recommend NOT getting the larger Jetboil pots with the flux ring because they will transfer TOO much heat into the pot. A friend has one with the larger pot and it can burn food fairly easily with anything more than a small flame. With the pot stabilizer it works just like any other stove with my existing (and extensive) set of cook sets & various pans. The flux ring is great for getting water to boil NOW.

[Tx White Knight]

Welcome Mr. Fisherman Looks like a great addon

[Fastfwd]

I luv my little Jetboil. I may just pack it and take it with me to save a few $$$ on my trip next week. I keep a few of the dehydrated meals around the house just in case.

[RCLafnjack]

I've been using a jetboil for a couple of years and IMHO its one of the best cooking utility that I've used. I have the cup/w press, a nice pot for beans/etc, a fry pan. When you want a hot cup of coffee you don't have to wait around for it boil. I haven't timed it but I'd say less than 2 minutes to get a full boil..
Its compact and easy to pack away.

on a scale of 1-5, 5 being best, I give it a 5..

[hogasm]

I would like some input on cooking with the pot ans skillet.

How do you cook when the thing heats up so quick?
Have to make up my mind tonight....one for sale for $86

[Ironheadziggy76]

I would like some input on cooking with the pot ans skillet.

How do you cook when the thing heats up so quick?
Have to make up my mind tonight....one for sale for $86

They do heat up quick if you want, but they also turn way down to simmer. If you've ever sauteed onions you know how easy they are to burn if your heat is too high. Cuz can sautee onions in his Jetboil with no problems.

[hogasm]

They do heat up quick if you want, but they also turn way down to simmer. If you've ever sauteed onions you know how easy they are to burn if your heat is too high. Cuz can sautee onions in his Jetboil with no problems.

That is good to know. Ordering oneP^

[LarryinSeattle]

I was moto-camping with some Goldwing folks at Crater Lake in August and watched a fellow camper make coffee with ease using one. I got home and bought one.

On a real cold night..... for prevention of having a coffee withdrawl freak out due to the canister being too cold, I will throw the gas container into the very bottom of my sleeping bag. It will naturally warm up in there without any worries..... as that is what I do with all of my clothes, they go to the bottom of my sleeping bag to be kept warm for the morning ritual.

:tent6:

[jim454]

I have a jetboil, had to return the first because of a problem with an obstructed gas valve. I heard so many positive reviews that I had to give it another chance. I love it! boils water faster than anything I've ever seen. Conserving fuel was a real selling point too. I love the compact design, I'm a back packer from way back and it's amazing to see how camping gear has improved.