Review Date
June 19, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris Ward(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $50.00 at Ambercrombe and Fitc

Summary:
The Svea 123 can easily be brought to life by trickling some fuel from your fuel bottle, onto the burner and down into the recess. Light the gas with the fuel vavle closed and the key off the stem. Let the pressure build until the flame is almost out and then insert key and open fuel valve. You can light the stove with one match. If on an ultralight trip without additional fuel, hold a match or lighter under the stove with the fuel valve cracked. When some fuel has come out and trickled down into recess, close valve and let burn till pressure builds. Light as flame dwindles. Great stove, had it since 1970. Glad they still make it as you can still get Coleman fuel most anywhere.

Review Date
December 19, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: William ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $65.00 at REI

Summary:
Is this stove amazing or what? It's design is over 100 years old and it still holds it's own today. I got my first one in the mid 70's and finally retired that one with honors and purchased a new one in 2005. This stove has served me well from sea level to the Bolivian Andes. It took a few years but i finall got the optional Midi pump that allows you to pressurize the stove and makes priming easier. I strongly recommend this pump and you can buy it from Brunton in the USA. This is just such a simple and easy stove to use and you never have to worry about crimping fuel lines. It is a little touchy but I have always been able to coax a decent simmer out of the SVEA, but it does work best as a water boiler. I think that this stoves days might be numbered though, so if you want to pick up a great stove that has 100 years of reliability behind it, get it now before you can only find it used on Ebay.

Customer Service:
Never had issues but the folks at Brunton are very helpful and prompt.

Similar Products Used:
MSR Dragonfly and Optimus Nova

Review Date
August 10, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Greggr ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I bought this stove in 1972 and it is still going strong with no repairs. I think I have run more than a few gallons of fuel through it by now. Dribble a little gas into the primer cup, touch a match and away you go. No pumping, no moving parts to wear out. Only drawback is that you have essentially one flame setting that being "blowtorch". It roars loud enough to wake the dead on an early morning but that is character where the 123 is concerned. This thing is worth it's weight in reliability and simplicity.

I love this stove. Tell the wife she can have the car but never the 123.

Customer Service:
Wouldn't have a clue. I've never had to use customer service

Similar Products Used:
Primus multi-fuel pack stove

Review Date
October 31, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5, 4 votes

Reviewed by: cooler(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $22.00 at EBay

Summary:
After having read all these reviews, I had to have one. So I registered myself with EBay, and got one. It was a "well" used one, with dings and a flat side on the tank, missing the cup. It fired right up, though I had to learn to prime it correctly and efficiently.

The problem was the previous owner did not know how to set the spindle that controls the flame, or the built-in cleaning needle. The fuel will not shut off completely. The fuel shutoff works the same way as 8R.

First, loosen the spindle locking nut and screw the spindle all the way in, as far as it will go. Tighten the lock nut (it takes 10mm wrench). Then place the cleaning needle rod in the hole, with the gear side facing the tank. Turn the spindle counter-clock wise, raising the needle, all the while maintaining a light pressure on the needle, so that you can feel the clicks. Count 4 clicks. Now turn the spindle clockwise, sinking the needle into the hole. Install the jet. If done correctly, fuel will shut off when the spindle is turned all the way to the right. The middle position is full flame, and all the way to the left cleans the jet. It is quite possible to control the flame to simmer. You just need to be sensitive to turning the key, and once you tuned the spindle as described above, there is not problem.

You do not need a pump with this stove. It will heat up and maintain pressure, producing impressive heat that would bring a smile. You will need gloves to handle it, or piece of cloth to hold on to it. It gets hot. A tankful of white gas burns for about 45 minutes max. Boils a liter of water in 7-9 minutes, depending on the shape of pots and weather. I have not tried at high altitudes, but I like its simple function and aesthetic design. I suspect this stove would be absolutely reliable, just about anywhere.

So I had to have a few more of a good thing, when I spotted one. Three still seems not enough number to have. Every one of them were bought used and looked like dogs when arrived, but cleaned up nicely with Brasso, and works as good as new. No self-respecting hiker should be without one.

Love that roaring blue flames!

Customer Service:
I doubt I would need any services, given the simple design and ruggedness. A&H guys sell parts and services (714)258-2525.

Similar Products Used:
Optimus 99, 8R, Primus Omni, Coleman 400 Peak 1.

Review Date
October 8, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Hoodles_1(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New Zealand

Price Paid:  $15.00 at Mountain Shop , Chri

Summary:
My Svea was the next piece of gear I bought after pack, sleeping bag and boots around 1969. I worked for a couple of years before 'varsity, so was the wealthy one among my mates. Until I got my little gem we'd cooked on open fires in huts or in creek beds, or beside a bivvy. My Svea earned the name "Merlin" after one hunting trip in which it rained and then snowed and then rained and blew, and we shivered in wet sleeping bags under a rock overhang. Who else but the wizard Merlin could conjour up a hot meal in those conditions and keep four guys supplied with hot drinks throughout the night? The name stuck and over the years Merlin has produced everything from porridge to loaves of camp bread, and been a constant companion. He has NEVER refused to light and NEVER given a problem of any sort. A little methylated spirit in the cup and away he goes, every time. Noisy? Some people say so, but not me; I love that roar which tells me warmth and comfort are heading my way. This stove is still in frequent use and is always in the back of my 4X4, ready for action. No titanium and plastic wonder stoves for me,thanks, I'll stick with Merlin, he's a true friend indeed.

Customer Service:
Replaced the filler cap about fifteen years ago when the valve began to leak. No problem getting the part at that time.

Similar Products Used:
None