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.