After 18 years I am very happy with this stove.
Absolutely super reliable as a trade-off for a little more difficult to start.
In 1996, I purchased the pump and am even more happy. The pot holder must be removed anyway to check fuel level, I now pump (3-4 strokes) before replacing the pot holder and use the control to start. Without the pump, my priming method was to use a 2 inch by 1/4 strip of cloth dipped in fuel and placed in the ‘moat’ as a wick to light. This worked much better (than just fuel) in wind and ensured no flare-ups from spilt fuel. The pump is also a safety device which ensures the stove has been re-assembled correctly after removing the needle valve, ....if it is airtight there are no fuel leaks. No problem with weight and stability, and I love the compactness. The only improvement would be to hold the ‘L’ shaped pot holder legs in the housing more securely as they can fall out.
This stove functioned perfectly on 1997, 5 day trip to the White Mountains (NH) where a MSR Whisperlight pump broke, and a Peak 1 Apex II pump failed (needed oiling). I use a Sigg 0.6 litre bottle (also 16 years old) and Fuel Faucet to carry enough fuel for a week+ trip for 2 people.

Winter note: The fuel cap with valve which goes with the pump can leak in temperatures below 15F. It is better to use the wick method described above with the standard fuel cap. Small homosote pad for snow insulation and stability.

Similar Products Used:

MSR Whisperlight - also v/good but cannot simmer.
Apex II -also v/good, has simmer but more awkward to pack than either MSR or SVEA.

Bought my Svea in 1974, used it extensively for about 10 years and put it away. Pulled it out in late 1999 filled it up and it burned like new. It is not the fastest or easiest stove to use, but it is just about indestructible and it appeals to my purist heart much better than the "new, hi-tech" stuff out there. You folks can have your MSR, Primus and other multi-fuel/cannister stoves, I'll stick with the one that has never let me down and couldn't be more simple in design...a real plus in the backcountry. Want reliability and have time to appreciate it, the little Svea is for you.

Similar Products Used:

MSR XGK, Whisperlite, Bleuet Turbo 270

Mixed reviews for this stove. It is definitely cool (the brass, the look, the simplicity). This was my first backpacker's stove. When I bought it there was no pump or anything included. You had to rub the stove body to build up heat and pressure to light the stove. In the cold this could take a lot of time and energy. Once lit the stove worked very nicely, simmered well, etc. Two problems other than the lighting thing (and later on I did get a little aluminum pump fitting that solved the problem) was the stability (a lack of) and the small fuel capacity. On the plus side the thing is bulletproof. I was in an accident where the stove was dented and bent up pretty bad. I got it looking as good as I could by rebending things back to shape and it worked for years after. For its day a fine product but newer designs beat it out easily.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is a great little stove. I'm 16 years old, and found the svea in my basement-my parents have had it for at least 20 years. I've been using it for maybe 5, and nothing has gone wrong with it. Priming with the white gas works fine for me, even in moderate wind 6,000 feet up mount ranier at -10. hope it lasts another 20 years.

Customer Service

never had anything go wrong

Similar Products Used:

coleman peak 1
msr whisperlite

Firstly, I bought/sold/used many stoves - including the "hi-tech" stoves. For what it is, the Svea 123 has earned my loyalty.

I first used a Svea 123 stove back in 1983 and would have owned it to date, however, I got the bright idea to "fix" the irradic flame jet. Not a good idea - the stove never worked the same again. DON'T TRY TO FIX THESE STOVES YOURSELF! After a brief frustration epidsode (and hammering the stove flat as roadkill) - I replaced it with the 123R. I paid $35 for my first one and $48 for the replacement. They now run around $60.

Aside from its tempermental nature, its characteristic cessna plane engine noise (which invariably wakes other campers without fail), and the occassional need to stuff into my sleeping bag to ensure operation in cold weather, the hazardous nature of its optimal fuel (white gas), and its lack of flame adjustability (it simply burns full blast or barely at all) - I wouldn't be without it. In learning to operate the stove, you will come to know its ritual.

Despite these "characteristic flaws" the Svea has earned my loyalty through it durability, it familiar operating rituals, and cooking performance. I've taken the stove out West to Galcier, the Bitteroots, and Idaho's/Nevada's high deserts, and into northern Canada. I've hiked all Michigan trails. I've used it backpacking, rock climbing, during utility outages at home. The stove, inspite of being tempermental, has never failed me.

A few final comments. The best way to travel with this stove is in a coffee can. Don't bother with the fuel paste (which they say is required to heat the element for efficient operation). If and when I do follow this recommendation, I use a few drops of gas from the tank and place it in the spirit bowl. I'm told that the stove is no longer manufacturered by the original company - but I am uncertain of this information. An optimus mini-pump (used to increase pressure of the gas tank) is merely a luxury when once considers it operation - however - I wouldn't be without it.

The Svea has become an old friend and will remain so on all my hiking adventures!

Customer Service

I have had no experience with the manufactuerer. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX THE SVEA 123 YOURSELF!

Similar Products Used:

I have used the MSR whisper lite and found it to be a light-weight, compact, decent stove. What I did not like about it was how messy the operation of connecting the gas valve and tanks to the stove was, the carbon mess associated with setting up and breaking down. Gas invariably leaks from the valve during connection and discconection. I also thought the gas control knob (aluminum) was not ergonomically correct and difficult to operate. I did appreciate the built-in pressure pump.

I have also used the a Coleman "lunar lander" type - I think it was the tri-fuel stove. A great stove all-around, but heavy. Excellent for simmering foods - good flame control.

I've used this great little stove for a couple years now. Cooked family meals, dropped in pack for daytrips, take to picnics and family gatherings to make tea. Like the Energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going and going. I've used it in very stong winds and it works fine, just takes a minute or two longer for tea. Fires up like a charm every time. It's my stove of choice for everything. My new Optimus 111C has given me nothing but problems, but this little guy never fails.

Similar Products Used:

Optimus 111C
Optimus Hunter 8R
Coleman camp stove

This is the most kick butt, lightweight, rebuildable, adjustable, modifiable' stove ever made. I would recommend this stove to anyone who is a bit mechanically inclined. Easy Modifications!!!! Easy Repair!!!! Super Easy Cleaning!!! Just don't blow yourself up! I can never remember the parts kit that work, but I think it is the Hunter (Optimist) with a fuel regulater that turns this water boiler into a Pizza cooker. If you have questions I would be happy to answer any!

Customer Service

Crappy in house repair!!! Had 15 hunters returned to me, only one in working condition (O.E.C) Do it yourself!!! Or get the big lunch box one. It is indestructable and can stand up to anything (except it is a pig)

Similar Products Used:

None

I've used this stove since 1973. Bought a pump for the tank about fifteen years ago so I don't need to rub it like Alladin and make a wish to prime it. The bottom line is, the bad boy works like a charm in all conditions and at least to 11,000 feet (I haven't camped higher). Yeah, the new stuff could be better.

Similar Products Used:

None

I own a 123 the old non self cleaning type it is an excellent stove and like othether 123 lovers have no problems with priming ,I marry my 123 with my Trangia 25 an enjoy a wind proof stable cooking set up.It aint hi tec but it sure as hell works when I need It .The 123 is my second choice Stove the number one is the Optimus Explorer 11(also married to the Triangia 25)
which in my opinion is the ultimate multifuel.
See my review.

Similar Products Used:

None

Read the other stoves reviews: "It's been reliable for 5 years." Read the SVEA reviews: "It's been reliable for 25 years." Do the math.

Except for extreme winter camping (and it can be coaxed to manage that) SVEA is the perfect stove.
1. Reliable, as stated above.
2. Long lived = good value. I bought mine in 1969.
3. Compact.
4. Reasonably hot burning.
5. Simmers, with a bit of attention.
6. A work of art.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

None