Primus Alpine Power Cook

Review Date
April 12, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: RichardG ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Sierra Trading Post

Summary:
Primus stoves typify the KISS principle -keep it simple, stupid. These are simple, lightweight, extremely reliable propane canister stoves, with a long and illustrious history. (Shackleton used them in the Antarctic.) The Power Cook is the best of the bunch, boiling water in very short order in wind, snow, or rain. I'm not a backcountry gourmet and I use my stove for coffee, tea, and the occasional freeze-dried meal. The stove's only drawbacks are those that apply to any LP stove: not intended for high altitude, won't work in extreme cold (though I've had mine do well at 0 degrees F), and you can't fly with the canisters, even in checked baggage (which means you'll donate many partially-used canisters to the Forest Service). Within these limitations the best product on the market until the Jetboil came along (and the Primus has one advantage over Jetboil, in that you can boil for more than one person). A great addition to your daypack on a hike - takes minimal room and gives you tea for lunch.

Customer Service:
Not used.

Similar Products Used:
Jetboil (see above)
Peak1 Xpedition

Review Date
November 11, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Anon(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $65.00 at Great Outdoor Provis

Summary:
I recently purchased this stove for general backpacking below 6000 feet and was frustrated by the review slamming this unit as poor. Apparently, the aforementioned buyer did not research enough to know that LP Gas Canisters ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR ALTITUDE OR COLD. This is the principle reason the stove failed. White Gas is an inexpensive alternative although not as convenient to the need to pump and prime them. Primus makes other stoves such as the Omnifuel that is adaptable to White Gas, Auto Gas, Jet Fuel, Kerosene, and LP Gas Canisters. Before that backpacker went to 11000 ft he should have talked to an experienced outdoorsman who would have told him that all canister stoves do not work at high altitude or when it is cold.

Similar Products Used:
Optimus Nova, Primus Easy Fuel, Primus Omnifuel, Brunton Crux

Review Date
September 29, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: John (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bloomington

Price Paid:  $65.00 at REI

Summary:
Overall, I am very satisfied with the stove. It can very quickly boil water and the flame can be easily adjusted from a simmer to a rapid boil. My only complaint is the plastic canister support, which is not as stable as one might anticipate. I would advise anyone to leave the canister support at home. In addition, if you are cooking at high altitudes and / or low temperatures you should purchase a liquid fuel stove that burn white gas, etc. Cansiter stoves are designed for lower altitudes and temperatures above freezing. Overall, it is a well-made product, but the price is a bit high.

REI is a great place to purchase gear:
1) There return policy is very forgiving
2) Once you are a member you get a dividend check at the end of the year (usually 10% of the cost of goods purchased).

Customer Service:
Not used

Similar Products Used:
Primus alpine micro stove

Review Date
August 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Torsten Svenonius(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Sweden

Price Paid:  $55.00 at KGJonson

Summary:
Excellent stove, very powerlight, resonably lightweight. Recommended.

Similar Products Used:
Primus BaseOne, Primus MFS

Review Date
March 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: David Parker(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Va. Beach, VA

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Wild River Outfitters

Summary:
I wanted a canister stove, and after looking at all the variables out there, for the needs I had, I went with the Power Cook. I've used it on river trips at low altitudes, and I've been very happy. Piezo has been great, weight/space is fine, and cost was reasonable. Recommend.

Similar Products Used:
None