MSR SimmerLite Stove

Ability to simmer:	Good
Auto Ignition:	No
Average boil time:	3 min. 33 sec.
Boil Time:	3.75 min. / 1 L
Boil time (white gas), 1 liter:	3.75 minutes
Boiling time (@ sea level):	3 minutes 45 seconds
Burn Time:	122min [20 oz of fuel]
Burn time (max flame):	(100g fuel) 23.5 minutes
Burn time (white gas) per 600ml / 20 oz. of fuel:	122 minutes
Cleaning Tool:	Shaker jet technology
Cold weather use:	Good
Compact:	Fits in a 1-liter pot.
Country of Origin:	Made in Seattle, USA
Dimensions:	9 x 6.7 x 5.8 inches
Ease of operation:	Fair
Fuel:	White gas
Fuel Type:	White gas
Great Flame Adjustability:	Best simmering single valve stove.
Hard Case:	No
Heat Reflector:	No
Ignition Method:	Manual
Lightest Liquid Fuel Stove:	Minimum weight is only 8.5 oz.!
Manufacturer Warranty:	Lifetime
Material:	Stainless steel
Minimum Weight:	8.5 oz. (240 g). Packaged Weight
Minimum Wt:	8.5 oz. (240 g)
Packaged Weight:	12.2 oz. (346 g)
Packed size:	3.5 x 3 x 4.5 inches
Parts Kit:	No
Pot stability:	Fair
Priming:	Yes
Quick Cleaning:	Shaker Jet technology makes cleaning as simple as shaking the stove.
Quiet Stable Flame:	Thanks to the ported burner.
Recommended Use:	Backpacking, camping, cooking
Simmer:	Yes
Size:	[Closed] 3 x 3.5 x 4.5in (7.6 x 8.8 x 11cm)
Stove stability:	Fair
Suggested use:	Backpacking/mountaineering
Total burn time:	122 minutes per 20 ounce white gas fuel bottle
Type:	Liquid Fuel
Warranty:	Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Water boiled:	1.5 Liters per 1 ounce of fuel
Water boiled (white gas) per 1 oz. of fuel:	1.5 liters
Water boiled (white gas) per 100 ml of fuel:	5.2 liters
Water boiled per 100g fuel:	6.7 liters
Weight:	[Packaged]: 12.2 oz./346 g; [Minimum]: 8.5 oz/240 g.
Weight (no fuel):	8.5 ounces
Weight (without fuel):	8.5 ounces
Windscreen:	No
Windscreen Included:	Yes

Size	Color
None	N/A
Silver		99.90
N/A	99.95

2nd impression was a step up
Rating:
Picked up this stove to update my cookset and shave weight. Wasn't all that impressed at first and almost returned it. Didn't really seem to have any clear advantages over the SVEA 123 I've been carrying for the past 17 years....other than weight. Boil times seemed to be very close(except in cold windy conditions, with the windscreen it definitely came out on top), set up/take down nothing exciting there. It really didn't seem to simmer all that well in comparison to my SVEA which has a similar style burner to the Dragonfly and gives you complete flame control from roaring jet engine to candle power. If you really need a stove capable of reducing fine gourmet sauces then the Dragonfly might be a better choice but will just about double in weight. I found with a little practice and a light hand on the pump you can definitely fine tune the output to a nice simmer. This was all based on practice runs at home. Well, I happened to take it on a rafting trip last week for a field test and I am now sold. We ended up taking a break to warm up with some tea and I found that it really sets up fast, in cold windy conditions (temp in the low 40s) primed and was ready to go in short order, was efficient at boiling enough water to serve tea for 5 in a flash, and cooled for repacking in no time flat. Definitely use the included windscreen to maximize the stoves efficiency. I also found that if you give the pump a few extra strokes you can really improve the output and get it roaring. I also really liked how well it nests inside my 1 liter pot with room for a few other items. The only cons I can find at this point are that it doesn't really simmer as well as you might expect and you can get a bit of fuel blow by if you're not careful when you bleed the pressure off the fuel bottle. The other thing I am bit apprehensive about is the plastic pump assembly, I'm trying to find a cup or something I can slide over the bottle to protect it in the pack. Other than that I'm really warming up to it and expect it to perform well in the future. Regetably, the trusty SVEA will now be demoted to backup mantle piece.
smokeater at REI on 01/03/2009
This thing is a rocket!
Rating:
This stove works really well for heating up water or cooking your dinner in the water (like noodles, etc.). I've used it on backpacking/climbing trips for the last 5 years without any problems and no complaints of consequence. It doesn't really simmer all that well (I'll need to try using less pressure in the fuel canister that some of the other users mentioned), but I've always just planned on cooking something that doesn't need simmering. I find that when I'm camping in the cold or at high elevation, I just want to get water boiling as quickly and easily as possible. This stove performs that task really efficiently. Once it's primed and burning, it sounds like a rocket ship and kicks out quite a stong flame. Which brings up a quick tip. I haven't had too much trouble with priming it. I think maybe the first one or two times, I let out a little too much fuel, which overflowed the resevoir and landed on the ground, resulting in a dangerous situation. Since that time, I've learned that you need to watch the fuel saturate the resevoir. Once the resevoir (at the top of the stove, not the one below) is wet, then shut off the fuel, light the resevoir and back up. The gas will ignite and result in a big flame at first, but as the fuel burns off and it begins to warm up the fuel line, the fire will die down and you can then open up the gas and you should promptly have a strong, blue flame. Anyway, it works like a charm for me and I have yet to do any maintenance on it (in the field or otherwise).
NCB at REI on 12/29/2008
Very reliable
Rating:
I switched to this stove 4 years ago after using a canister stove for 5-6 years prior. I always liked the simplicity of canister stoves, but they don't fit the billfir cold weather camping. My experience with the simmerlite has sold me on the merits of the white gas stoves. The priming procedure is really simple, and the only problem that i've had was with the pump on the fuel bottle - the plastic pins that hold the pump piston in place broke after extended storage in the fuel bottle with gas. Probably won't do that again.... This stove packs down incredibly small and seems to put out a respectable amount of heat. I like using the stove with MSRs Trillium base for a little additional stability, although I'm sure that others would say that it isn't necessary. My only pseudo-complaint is that I haven't had much luck with actually simmering things. When I try to turn the flame down to where simmering might actually occur, the flame keeps cutting out on me. I'm nothing close to a gourmet backcountry chef so this doesn't really bother me but I could see where it could be a problem for someone else.
jat120 at Backcountry.com on 09/24/2009
Lightweight Backcountry Performer
Rating:
I have used this stove for several years on everything from extended bicycle tours to backpacking and mountaineering trips and it is a lightweight, good performer. As with all white gas stoves, lighting and simmering take a bit of practice, but can be accomplished relatively easily once you get to know the stove. I've had half a dozen MSR stoves over the years and found them all to be reliable performers. I like this stove because it is light weight and quiet, but still performs well at altitude. I prefer a white gas stove over propane/butane stoves for (1) winter performance and (2) no throw-away gas containers. I've used the same fuel bottles for 25 years. With a little practice and proper maintenance, I've found the MSR line of stoves to work well and very reliably. However, if you don't like fussing with your stove, don't use it in cold weather, and don't mind throwing away empty gas containers, stick with one of the non-liquid fuel stoves.
Hike-n-Bike at REI on 11/14/2008
Great Little Backpacking Stove
Rating:
When I am backpacking, I am looking for a stove that is dependable, simple, and light. Boil water fast on high and let me bring the heat down to at least a medium level for longer cooking. This stove does both. I use this stove with my Primus pot and I can boil 16oz. of water in just over 2 minutes. If I need my dinner to cook for a while, I only use 5-6 pumps for lower heat levels. I normally backpack for 3-5 days (cooking twice a day) and because it is so efficient, I never worry about using all of the 11oz of white fuel I bring. I never bring more unless I am doing longer than 5 days. This is the stove I carry 90% of the time the past couple years. I look at other packs, bags, boots, and other items, but I can't remember the last time I even though about a new stove. This one is it.
MtnBikerGuy at REI on 05/22/2009
Great Stove!
Rating:
This stove replaced my venerable Whisperlite and more than holds its own. It melts snow It fries fish it works with backpack ovens It cooks eggs and pancakes without burning It is hot and melts snow well. Boils fast too. It simmers and allows for creative meals (or in my case...frying fish without burning them!). Make sure to get the stove platform! It works! This is the most versatile, dependable stove I have used, ever. One thing...it takes a pliers, or the cleaning tool, to grip the fuel line cable when you clean it. Make sure you don't have to do this without a small pliers, or the cleaning tool provided. Twist the cable to get it to slide back in the fuel tube all the way. Twist with the cable's twist, not against it. You do not want to "untwist" the cable, it will ruin it.
Schenk at Mountain Gear on 11/18/2008
Great little stove, but.........
Rating:
As with all MSR products, you cant really go wrong with any of thier stoves. This stove packs very small, burns very hot and clean with Superfuel (thats all it will burn), fairly adjustable burner, and really quick to boil, especially with the MSR Titan Kettle. The only reason I couldnt give it a 5 star rating is the lighting procedure. The instructions say to prime the stove unitl you see the fuel around the burner, light, and a "soccer ball" size flame will burn. Um, if you prime just a smidge too much fuel, youll end up with a medicine ball size flame. Do not ever light this in your tent, or youll be sleeping outside. If you can master the lighting procedure, this stove will be perfect.
Tim Holt at Backcountry.com on 05/28/2008
"Great stove, would recommend to anyone."
Rating:
I have used several other coleman white gas stoves as well as the Whisperlite by MSR. The Simmerlite boils water just as quickly as the Whisperlite, is just as quiet but is much more versatile. Not only can it boil a liter of water in about 4 or 5 minutes you can also easily keep the heat low to do things such as cook fish or not burn the crap out of pasta (something the Whisperlite seems to lack). As for the use of other fuels this only burns white gas but how many times do you really think you would need to burn diesel, gasoline or high proof vodka? If you are in this big of a pinch a fire would be just as useful.
Colin at Moosejaw on 03/07/2009
Simmerlite priming tip...
Rating:
I have had this stove for about a year, and have found a pretty reliable way to light it. In my earlier review I shorted the rating because of the priming procedure. Tip-dont over pump. The directions from MSR suggest way too many pumps. Ive found that whatever size fuel canister Im using, pump half as many times to prime. Example, if your canister is 11oz. (11 oz. to fill line), pump only 5 times. Quarter turn on the valve until only a few drips come onto the priming cup. Close valve. Light, and when you hear the "hiss" from the pressurized fuel, open valve to desired level. This has worked for me consistently, and hopefully will for you as well.
Tim Holt at Backcountry.com on 05/25/2009
"It won't burn yak dung, but buy it anyway. It's great!"
Rating:
I've used MSR stoves for about 20 years now. I love my Simmerlite and am glad I bought it. I still have an early Whisperlite, a Whisperlite Int'l, and a Pocket Rocket, and have used several others from MSR, Coleman, Primus, and Optimus. The MSR always wins hands down for heat output, ease of maintenance, and parts availability. I don't know why they called this one simmer because it really doesn't do that much better than the Whisperlite, but hey...chalk that up to Cascade Designs since they purchased the MSR company. Marketing. Still a fantastic stove, and like any white gas stove, once you practice a little, priming it will come quick and easy. This one is light, simple, durable,
Chris at Moosejaw on 03/19/2008

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	MSR Expedition Service Kit Hiking & Camping > Stove Accessories	$24.95 - $29.95
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"Simmer"Lite a misnomer: NO simmer
Rating:
I bought this stove for a two month backpacking trip, but it won't simmer. I ended up returning it to trade it in for a Dragonfly. "SimmerLite" is a misnomer. (Visualize a burger charred on the outside and raw most of the way through.) It's lightweight for a liquid fuel camping stove, yes, but it doesn't work at all below what I'd call medium-high on another stove. If I try to turn it down more it sputters, flickers, reeks of unburnt white gas, goes out a lot even with a windscreen and no wind. It's worse at higher altitude or in cold weather or with the slightest breath of wind. (White gas fuel only, and that's what I used.) I was told by a repair technician that with MSR's old pump design it would simmer, "but with the new pump design, it's embarrassing". All that said, if all you want is to heat water fast it works fine for that, but you might as well save $30 and get a Whisperlite. If you want a liquid fuel stove that simmers you need to get a DragonFly or Brunton Optimus Nova. I have one of each of those and they seem pretty comparable to me. Both are sturdy, simmer well, boil water fast, are easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, etc. The DragonFly is more stable with really big pots I'd never take backpacking; the Brunton packs a bit smaller and lighter. These roar a bit loud at full blast are but not too noisy when turned down.
SMC at REI on 12/17/2008
Mix bag of joys and disappointment
Rating:
I love gas stoves in that I can put the unused portion of the gas back into the tank. This stove produces a nice spread out flame, rather then one thats concentrates in one small area. However, this is not a stove for someone that definately requires reliability. It will break and require repairs. MSR gas stoves require a lot of maintanence and it show by the large number of specialized field repair kits they sell. Furthermore, be tolerant of hands they will smell of fuel. The system design is such that the gas will spray when ever there is presure inside the fuel canister and the cap or punp is removed. There is no way of cleanly exhausting the unwanted presure. The overall design and quality is questionable. I still use it however, on day hikes and overnights because I don't like having canisters with partial fuels.
TheObserver at REI on 01/07/2009

Passable
Rating:
I took this stove on a cross country bike trip, and it performed well. It takes a bit of touch to get good at priming it, but after a while you get the feel of it, and it's no longer a problem. For the first few times, I got some fuel spillage onto the rock that I had it put on, but once I got the feel for it, that never happened again. The temperature is a little finicky as well, but you get used to it. It performed well overall, even though I didn't filter my fuel the whole time. I was able to make very good pancakes with it, as well as boil water for dishes, cook soup and stir fry, etc. Not for baking a chocolate cake by any means, but if you're for real you won't be making anything too gourmet anyway. Needless to say, this is not a stove for your RV with heated seats and a shower. I liked how light it was as well. Pretty easy to fit into a small space in the pack or pannier, and comes with a handy bag. I nested mine in my 1 liter pot, and it fit just fine there. My biggest complaint about the stove was that it got fairly sooty on the bottom of the burner. So when you're putting it back in the bag, be careful to avoid touching the bottom of the burner if you don't want black line across your hands. Very nice stove and WICKED light.
Veloboy at REI on 10/30/2008
Misnamed!
Rating:
The name is misleading. While it is very light, it is NOT designed to simmer. It has one sustainable heating level, and that is blast furnace. Any attempt to lower the flame to simmer a pot of goodies results in the stove going out. If you want to simply boil water in record time, this is a good stove, but if you delight in outdoor culinary prowess, you will be very frustrated.
Tim at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 11/24/2008

Rocky Mountain Trail

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O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009)

Moosejaw

Option Availability:

Legend

Notes:

MSR SimmerLite Stove Reviews Summary:

Positive Reviews:

2nd impression was a step up

This thing is a rocket!

Very reliable

Lightweight Backcountry Performer

Great Little Backpacking Stove

Great Stove!

Great little stove, but.........

"Great stove, would recommend to anyone."

Simmerlite priming tip...

"It won't burn yak dung, but buy it anyway. It's great!"

Negative Reviews:

&quot;Simmer&quot;Lite a misnomer: NO simmer

Mix bag of joys and disappointment

Neutral Reviews:

Passable

Misnamed!

"Simmer"Lite a misnomer: NO simmer