I just returned from Iraq where i used the stove every day. I filled it up with the fuel for our Humvees and it ran like a dream. I would recomend this stove to anyone traveling to less developed parts of the world. I would buy one for every team if i had the funds. The bright silver fuel can did have to be painted a more subdued color, but that was too easy.

Customer Service

I am in need of spare parts due to the fact that I used it daily. I didn't have much contact with anyone at Optimus while there so I really couldn't say

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My father gave me his Primus white gas stove that was built in the fifties. Still works like a charm.

I have bought this one last year after many readings and thoughts. I can say I am very pleased. It is well constructed (bomb proof), packs compactly, primes easily and simmer very well. I would recommand it.

Customer Service

can't say

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MSR Whisperlite 600 : ON or OFF, no simmer PRIMUS Multifuel: it's true it makes noise like a jet

Ibought this Mexico along with some other gear off of a German couple who had contracted Dengue Fever and had to cut their trip short to recover back home. Although this is the first stove I personally own, Ive used several others, but this by far is my favorite. To use all you have to do is snap together hose from stove to fuel bottle valve(Male-Female coupling) and you prime. Ive only used kerosene as of yet but am completely satisfied with this fuel. It takes maybe 30-40 seconds(max) prime to a flame you can cook with. Note that the time I listed is even for colder days(40 degrees and a bit of wind). It is very stable, bomber construction and flame control is really unbelievable. If you are really a gourmet I recommend aluminum w/coating cookware to go along with this. I still use stainless, but I also keep my meals simple-think ramen and backpackers pantry. I do have two complaints though: 1. The bottle leaks a bit, dont know if its true of others or just mine. If you keep this in same part of pack as clothing definetly wrap it in ziploc bag first.(its not a lot of fluid, just a trickle, but it still is a problem) 2.The carry case that come s with it useless, buy a padded cinch bag for $5, or better yet a OR padded case big enough for bottle as well, to help protect against leaking. Note that when buying new it comes with fuel bottle(around 20oz) and parts kit/tool). I use larger MSR bottles for fuel storage though. I sincerely hope that you too are fortunate enough to run into sickly Europeans(especially germans, because of Hitler and all) to help them out in times of trouble when they need to jettison gear. IF NOT, and you want SUPREME stove go with this one, you really get what you pay for. Oh yaeh- Ive gone through around three gallons of fuel so far, and previos owners only used about 80 or 90oz or so. I have yet to have a problem with it or parts. it just needs a good rubbing with some spirits after every few days of use or so. -Chris

Customer Service

Cant say...

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Whisperlite, several Colemans

Well, I just got my REI dividend and decided to spend it on this little cooker, and I'm glad I did. I've used most white gas models and can say this is the best one out there right now. It packs down small, and only weighs an ounce more than the whisperlites. To me, the priming isn't too much faster than a whisperlite, but what is a lot faster is the time to set it up and get cooking. Just a one quick connection and your ready to prime.
The NOVA simmers like a champ, and isn't as loud as the D-fly. What makes this stove so great for me is the rubber cap that goes over the fuel pump. This way you don't have to unscrew the whole fuel pump assembly when its time pack up. I know some people don't do this with their whisperlites either, but they run the risk of getting white gas spilled all over the inside of their pack. I don't have to worry about this with the NOVA. Construction is rock solid and there is no loose parts wobbling around like on the MSR's.
One final note on the price. REI sells them for $130, and I've seen them on the net for as low as $113. This INCLUDES the fuel bottle and some maintenence parts. The Dragonfly (to compare white gas simmering stoves) costs $99, and then you have to pay another $11-12 to get the fuel bottle. And another $9-10 if you want the maintenence kit. By the time you add this up, you're at or over the prices for the NOVA, which i think is a better stove.

Customer Service

I e-mailed Optimus about getting a spare part. The guy replied the next day and shipped the part for free the day after that.

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MSR Whisperlite, Snowpeak GigaPower