Primus Primus Base Stove 2243

Review Date
April 25, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: chris(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper , from manassas va

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Galyans

Summary:
A great little stove. My first one, but frankly I don't see the need for another for quite some time. Takes apart in 2 separate pieces, thats it. Stows in a small bag. Very well built, not wimpy whatsoever.

Customer Service:
I did notice the flame is in a ring on the outer perimeter of the stove. Frankly I would like to have some in the middle as well, as the heat seems to wrap around the pot. Needs a windscreen to be effective when gusty. Minor niggling problems, doesn't tarnish the good image it has by any means.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
October 7, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Rob(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Novi

Price Paid:  $30.00 at REI

Summary:
I found the stove to not work well in cold conditions. It was priced nicely and packs fairly small. The flame was a bit concentrated. I find white gas to be more efficient when you consider price of fuel and fuel efficiency. When it comes to isobutane, I would spend the extra money on a Snowpeak Giga.

Similar Products Used:
Snowpeak Giga, MSR Dragonfly

Review Date
May 10, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: tim rogers(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from colorado springs, co

Summary:
I bought this unit as an introduction to the whole portable stove scene. At $24 at REI, I couldn't pass it up. I'd read about the suggested btu's and it was what I needed. I've only used it once and had no problems. Without a windshield, though, some type of wind block is needed to maximize the heat output. Colorado's higher altitude had no affect on the performance. The disassembled parts are very compact. If you're just building your gear inventory, this is the one.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 31, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Amy(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Brooklyn, NY, USA

Summary:
This stove is great, but it depends on what your camping needs are. For backpacking trips within driving distance, it's fabulous. Compact and lightweight, and I love how the fuel cartridges can be unscrewed and thrown in a pack - no worries over spills. The "setup" is so easy, I've taken to making hot lunches, something I couldn't waste time doing with any other stove. However if you are flying anywhere, you can't take the fuel cartridges with you, and local outdoor stores often do not carry them. I also noticed decreased output in colder temps. I stick with my MSR Whisperlite in these situations.

Similar Products Used:
MSR Whisperlite

Review Date
January 28, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Chad(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Napa, CA

Summary:
I LOVE my Primus Base Stove! It's small, inexpensive (mine was ~$25), boils water quickly, light, and durable. This is the first and only stove I've bought so far. It's been with me to Death Valley, the beaches on the coast, and everywhere in-between. Even useful for heating up soup when you're just having lunch while hiking. The fuel canisters come in two sizes, and both seem to last forever. I would buy this stove again in a heartbeat!