There is no single, best stove for every backpacker in every situation. The best choice depends on how it will be used. Petroleum fueled stoves of both liquid gas and canister types are very common. But these can be heavy, cumbersome, complicated and unreliable and are rarely the best choice for the average backpacker. For most three season backpackers that only need to cook trail meals for themselves or one other person, the ThermoJet MicroLite is the best stove available anywhere. No other stove of any type can match its combination of light weight, compact size, performance, ease of use, dependability and over-all convenience. For a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of popular stove types, click here.
The ThermoJet MicroLite delivers performance comparable to petroleum fueled stoves. Because it's so easy to set up and requires no preheat time, the ThermoJet MicroLite can have a pot of water boiling before a gas stove is even ready to light. Other products that are currently being sold as alcohol stoves have various shortcomings. Inadequate or inconsistent performance are just some of their problems. But this is because these products are poorly designed and are not true stoves.
The ThermoJet MicroLite is the first and only
true, alcohol fueled stove available anywhere.
It has been engineered from the ground up for optimal performance and
efficiency. The unique, combustion chamber technology is a whole new
concept in stove design, working like a jet engine instead of a traditional
stove. It has all the capabilities and features you expect in a real
stove, including an external, adjustable simmer control that virtually
eliminates hot spots so you can cook real
meals in less time. Rather than compromise convenience for
weight, the ThermoJet MicroLite delivers features than many petroleum fuel
stoves can't match.
There are several products available that call themselves alcohol stoves.
Some of these cost less than the ThermoJet MicroLite, some cost more.
Don't be mislead by claims and advertising, none of these products are true
stoves. They are only alcohol burners and even in the best conditions they
cannot deliver the performance or convenience of the ThermoJet MicroLite.
Finally, look at what these other products leave out.
Their true cost must include additional parts you'll need such as special fuel
bottles, funnels, measuring cups, pot supports, windscreens, etc. The
ThermoJet MicroLite comes complete with everything you need. Add your pot
and some fuel and you're ready to cook.
Fuel consumption of a stove can be an important consideration, especially for an extended trek. The ThermoJet MicroLite has several advantages over petroleum fuel stoves. The ThermoJet MicroLite can boil two cups of water with 1/2 fluid ounce of fuel and cook an average backpacking meal with about one fluid ounce. This is comparable to the fuel consumption of liquid gas and canister stoves. Because of the wide availability of alcohol, you can replenish your fuel supply at even the most remote outposts. This means you can carry less fuel with you. Also, the actual weight of your fuel must include the container. Alcohol can be carried in lightweight plastic containers, even collapsible bladders, instead of heavy metal containers required for petroleum fuels. Finally, alcohol fuel bottles can be filled completely, with no need to provide an air space. This makes them significantly smaller than petroleum fuel bottles of the same capacity.
The ThermoJet MicroLite can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol, methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl (rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum. These products are widely available in hardware stores, variety stores, drug stores, auto parts stores, liquor stores, and even restaurants, bars and gas stations. With so many fuel options, the ThermoJet MicroLite is the perfect choice for long trail hikes. Petroleum based fuels must never be used in the ThermoJet MicroLite!!
The ThermoJet MicroLite has a lifetime guarantee against any defects in material or workmanship. Any defective parts will be promptly replaced upon return to the manufacturer. We are so confident in the quality of the ThermoJet MicroLite, that if you can wear it out we'll give you a new one for free! This guarantee does not cover damage due to misuse or accidents.