Had the Optimus 123 since 1985 and has never failed me. Just keeps on burning.
The stove simmers well and has a sound of it's own. You know who is using one if you here it.

I have see many hikers with there 3-4 minute boiling time stoves have problems and some even cought on fire.

The Optimus 123 is a real "Die Hard" and I would never consider ever using anything else.

I bought a Svea 123 in 1970 and have used it (at least once) every season since; in trip canoeing, car camping, and backpacking modes. It is aggravating to prime and star in very windy or very cold weather, but it does start, and burns with a cheery ferocity that brings joy to the tired soul. I have burned Coleman fuel and unleaded gasoline with equal ease. My only major problem with the stove was once at high altitude, the fuel bled out of the tank (internal relative pressure) and I had a cold, hungry night and morning. In summary, if a better piece of gear exists , I have not used it.

Similar Products Used:

Coleman and MSR stoves.

Received my SVEA 123 in 1963 from previous owner who over-filled and over-heated it. I rebuilt it and bought a second repair kit that I carried but never used. Added the Optimus pump in 1978 that makes starting in very cold wx much easier. This stove has a very rich history: Royce Lake area west of Bishop, CA; Kennedy Meadows, CA; 10-Lakes north rim Yosemite; Cherry Lake area, CA; most of the Pacific Crest Trail; Circle Hot Springs, AK; Chitna, AK; Horsetail Falls, AK; Gazos Creek, CA; Little Belts, MT; Glacier, MT... the list goes on and fun to remember. Never a problem. As indispensable as my Snow Lion sleeping bag (who remembers them?).

Customer Service

Never needed it after first rebuild...

Similar Products Used:

Haven't needed another... I could cook when others couldn't

This is the second one I have had and it is an old one in a sheet metal box that is labled Optimus that doubles as a cook surface. It fits my Sigg cookware and has never failed to work in any weather condition. I usually prime it by body heat in my hands, unless it is below freezing. The other was a Svea with a cap that served as a cooking pot. I would highly recommend them. I used mine mainly on weekend whitewater kayaking trips in east Tennessee and also on weekend camping trips on my sailboat, as well as a few backpacking trips. The light weight of the stove and the fuel has been perfect. One pint will last 2 days for coffee and 3 meals for two people. It will happily burn gasoline from the car, but cleaning might become an issue.

Customer Service

Never had a problem, so cant comment.

Similar Products Used:

propane grasshopper stove. Dont like throw-away propane cyclinders.

if you are looking to buy a stove...keep in mind that this model has been around longer than any other model on the market. it is VERY reliable and very compact. I've heard some people blast this stove for a lack of fuel capacity. It burns for well over an hour at full power... and I've never actually cooked for over an hour so i've never been bothered by it. If you insist on multi fuel capability though this stove only burns white gas. I've never been impressed by the optional pump. some people say they use it for priming the stove and some people use it to boost output. As far as priming the stove...an eyedropper is lighter. As far as output is concerned... I've never had trouble with the standard output. True, it is less than many other white gas stoves on the market, but it sure beats the hell out of any alcohol stove on the market. Also i had the pressure valve blow one time on my 111 and it was not pretty. i wouldn't want to take the chance with this stove. I would definitely recomend this stove for general purpose backpacking. It's priced around the same as the whisperlite... it has lower heat output than the whisperlite... BUT it is much simpler in construction than the whisperlite. AND it does have a flame adjustment so your pasta doesn't boil over. AND I believe its prettier than the whisperlite.

Customer Service

not needed yet.(notice the pattern with optimus products)

Similar Products Used:

optimus nova,optimus 111,msr whisperlite,trangia alcohol stoves.

This is the best all around gas stove I've ever used. It ranks #1 in my book for reliability and usebility. On a scale of 1-5 I rate the Svea 123 a 5.

This is the best all around gas stove I've ever used. It ranks #1 in my book for reliability and usebility. On a scale of 1-5 I rate the Svea 123 a 5.

I've had the SVEA for a couple of years, in fact I got a second when I bought a SIGG Tourist Cookset off Ebay. I also have a Snow Peak Gigapower cannister stove, an Optimus Nova, and a couple of alcohol stoves. For all round convenience, simplicity, dependability, and usability, nothing beats the SVEA. When you pair it with the SIGG Tourist Cookset add unsurpassed stability. From a "purist" point of view I had always frowned on the optional pump for the SVEA. But after getting one with my second SVEA I have to admit it improves the usability of the stove substantially from a priming perspective. I used to use firestarter to prime but now just a few pumps, open the valve to let some fuel into the priming pan, light it, and a minute or two later the SVEA is chugging away. For me half the fun of backpacking is trying out new gear. But when it really counts, I keep coming back to the SVEA. I just recently purchased the Nova from the makers of the SVEA (Optimus) and it looks like another winner.

Customer Service

SVEA and Brunton have excellent customer service. I have made several inquiries over the years (manuals, etc.) and I always get a quick courteous reply. On an early trip I stupidly used a foil windscreen with my SVEA (a no-no) which caused the fuel cap to release. Brunton send me a new one in a couple of days at no charge, despite the fact that it was my fault.

Similar Products Used:

Snowpeak GigaPower cannister, Optimus Nova, MSR Whisperlite, Trangia alcohol

I've owned my SVEA 123R for many years (over 25)it has never failed regardless of the weather and altitude. The weight is no problem compared to it's reliability. I wouldn't own any other stove if that were possible.

I bought this stove in 1972 after a frustrating week of trying to cook in the rain on a sterno sove in the Boundary Waters. I used it without any problems for 10 years, and then put it into semi-retirement after buy an MSR Whisperlight. I liked the pump on the Whisperlight, and the way it brokew down into components. But it was relatively fragile, and had to be cleaned rather often. I still have both, and I have returned to mostly using the 123 on backpack and canoe trips. Besidesits being more simple and trouble-free, I like the sound it makes. A great piece of gear. the only problem I ever had was with the wire pot supports loosening up..fixed in 30 seconds with a pair of pliers.

Customer Service

Never necessary

Similar Products Used:

MSR Whisperlite