We’ve read the reviews across the web for the MSR WindBurner Stove System and summarize the results below:

• Does great in the wind.
• Also pretty good at cooking (as opposed to just boiling water).
• Packs up easily and conveniently.
• Good flame control, whether it is simmer, low or high.
• Works better in the wind than JetBoil.
• Useful indicator at top of burner that indicates if flame is on or off.
• The skillet accessory is nice.
• Easy to pour.

Expert Reviews

• Extremely windproof.
• Doesn’t boil water as quickly as the Reactor, but is better at cooking (as opposed to just boiling).
• Falls short of the JetBoil with respect to basic features.
• Most fuel efficient integrated stove system, but only by a small amount.
• Far superior to JetBoil Flash and MiniMo in the wind.
• Control valve is big and easy to use.
• Unlike the Reactor, the Thermal Trip Mechanism (to prevent the stove from dangerously overheating) can be re-set in the field (but only once, and then it is rendered permanently inoperable.)

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

• Lack of an integrated igniter on the Windburner makes the JetBoil a superior option.
• Don’t buy the MSR piezo igniter accessory as it doesn’t work well.
• Sleeve on the pot can be finnicky.
• Lid on the pot can be finnicky.
• Can be tricky to light in the wind, but once it is lit, it stays lit.
• It can be hard to make it simmer.

Expert Reviews

• Can’t achieve a true simmer and if you turn gas down too low, flame will go out.
• Even though cook pot advertises 32 oz, you can only fill it to 20 oz to avoid boil-overs.
• System is top-heavy when loaded with water so using the base stand can be important.
• Lack of integrated igniter makes the stove only windproof once you successfully light it.
• Heavy, relative to other integrated stoves.
• Very poor simmering capabilities.
• The coupling of the pot to the burner is not very secure.

Summary:

The MSR WindBurner Stove System boils water extremely fast. Although getting the stove lit in the wind can be tricky, once burning, it is nearly impervious to wind. It is a bit heavier and doesn’t simmer very well, but when it comes to boiling water fast in the wind, it can’t be beat.

Multimedia:

Note: User rankings were reviewed across the web and expert rankings were reviewed on sectionhiker, outdoorgearlab, digitaltrends, elevationoutdoors.