Re: Camp stoves: Coleman vs. Brunton

"John Decker" <John_member@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
In my opinion, the Fyrestorm . . . using Coleman fuel is no better than
some alcohol stoves under similar outdoor conditions.
Backpacker Magazine gives perspective stoves an objective real world
evaluation.
http://tinyurl.com/om7qv

David ny@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm a Primus OmniFuel stove user who is interested in how it compares to the
Coleman Fyrestorm and the (Brunton) Optimus Nova. Here are my thoughts:

BOILING TIMES

First, I want to clarify that the "real world evaluation" at John's tinyurl
link above is at http://BackpackGearTest.Org and not at Backpacker Magazine.
The person evaluating the stove, Rick Dreher, wrote that the Fyrestorm took
5 minutes and 5 seconds to boil a liter (33.81 ounces, or 1.05 quarts) of
water using a butane/propane canister as a fuel source and 5 minutes and 5
minutes and 33 seconds to boil a liter of water using white gas (i.e.,
Coleman fuel, a form of unleaded gasoline).

He prefaced these results by saying that "With white gas or automotive gas,
Coleman rates the Fyrestorm at a maximum output of 10k BTU and 75 minutes
burn time using the supplied bottle (I'm presuming these times are based on
maximum output with a full bottle). With canister fuel, Coleman rates output
at 14k BTU and a 45-minute burn time, presumably with a Coleman 220 g (7.8
oz) canister, running at full blowtorch."

However, his test results for the Fyrestorm's boiling times have to be
discounted in view of Dreher's conclusion that "It's clear that canister
mode uses significantly less fuel and can heat water moderately faster
(probably a lot faster if I'd let it run wild)." In other words, he was not
using the Fyrestorm at maximum power.

By comparison, Coleman's Fyrestorm Webpage http://tinyurl.com/b8uu8 claims
these boiling times:

10,000 BTU's using white gas: Boiling time: 3.5 minutes (1 liter?)
14,000 BTU's using butane/propane canister: Boiling time: 3.2 minutes (1
liter?)

In a comparison of boiling times of various white gas and butane/propane
canister stoves on page 282 of Chris Townsend's "The Backpacker's Handbook"
(McGraw-Hill, 3rd edition, 2005) http://www.auchnarrow.demon.co.uk, the
Primus OmniFuel boiled a pint (0.47 liters, 0.5 quarts) of water in 2
minutes using a butane/propane canister, and in 8 minutes, 10 seconds using
Coleman fuel (white gas). By comparison, the Optimus Nova took only 4
minutes, 4 seconds using Coleman fuel.

The pewter color plastic tag which was attached to my Primus OmniFuel states
that the stove works with white gas and kerosene and a "propane/butane mix"
at "180g/h" " /8000/BTU/hr." with "Valve #: 51907." Based upon this
information, one could reasonably conclude that the Coleman Fryestorm with a
significantly higher BTU output should boil water faster than the Primus
OmniFuel. However, there might be other factors, which might affect boiling
times, such as the diameter of the flame.

STOVE WEIGHT

I weighed the Primus OmniFuel on a supermarket digital scale. Here are the
results:

The stove by itself: 408 grams, 14.4 ounces
The all metal liquid pump (not the current plastic & metal Primus ErgoPump):
131. 5 grams, 4.64 ounces

By comparison, the Coleman Fyrestorm only weighs 215 grams, 7.6 ounces.
And its pump only weighs 74 grams, 2.8 ounces.
(Source: http://tinyurl.com/om7qv)
However, in order to use the Coleman Fyrestorm with a butane/propane
canister, you must add 85 grams (3 ounces) for the canister stand, a
component which is not used with the Primus OmniFuel.

The advantage of using the canister stand with the Fyrestorm is that
supports an inverted canister, so that the butane/propane gas is drawn out
in liquid form, so that all of the contents can be used in subfreezing
weather. There is no need to substitute an isobutane fuel mix or use
external chemical warmer packs to ensure fuel flow.

The canister connected to the Primus OmniFuel could also "probably" be
slowly tilted after the stove is lit to obtain a similar performance
benefit. Be aware, however, that if you try this with other canister stoves
which do not have a pre-heat tube in the burner (or equivalent), that you
could risk turning your stove into a liquid fuel flame thrower and killing
or injuring yourself and burning down the forest.

There is also a titanium version of the Primus OmniFuel. However, the
weight savings are very modest and the cost is more than twice the standard
aluminum and stainless steel version of the OmniFuel.

For more information, see:
New Primus TITANIUM OmniFuel stove
rec.backcountry circa May 8, 2005
http://tinyurl.com/zgsyv

FUEL BOTTLE

The Primus OmniFuel can be attached to most, but not all, other metal liquid
fuel bottles. In contrast, the Coleman Fyrestorm only comes with one size
fuel bottle. Coleman warns not to use any other fuel bottle. Be aware that
there can be subtle, but critical differences in the bevel of the lip and
threads at the openings in fuel bottles which may affect safety. Fuel
bottles can be pressurized up to hundreds of pounds of pressure per square
inch.

Here's a comparison between the Coleman fuel bottle which works with the
Fyrestorm and the new Primus 1.5 liter fuel bottle:

Fyrestorm fuel bottle 0.65 liters, 22 ounces
Net capacity 0.473 liters, 16 ounces
Empty weight: 108 grams, 3.8 ounces
http://tinyurl.com/k93wu

Primus no. 732530 "1.5 [liter] Fuel Bottle" (lacquered inside to provide the
bottle with better protection)
Net capacity (?) 1.335 liters, 45.14 ounces
212 grams, 7.5 ounces
http://tinyurl.com/opdck

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Here's some other sources of information which should be of interest to you:

New Coleman Backpacking Stove--Fyrestorm
rec.backcountry
http://tinyurl.com/ruqml circa February 10, 2006

Primus OmniFuel 328984 canister compatibility - also applies to Fyrestorm
rec.backcountry
http://tinyurl.com/kpvnr circa July 26, 2002
http://tinyurl.com/f6phv circa April 29, 2005

Fyrestorm Manual
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/pdf/9770_5-A25.pdf

For Norwegian readers - comparison of Primus OmniFuel & Karrimor Fleixifuel
stoves (and Optimus Nova) - Primus wins!
rec.backcountry circa April 28, 2005
http://tinyurl.com/jd2ry

CONCLUSION

The Coleman Fyrestorm offers significant weight savings over the Primus
OmniFuel. It also does away with conventional priming, but requires the
liquid fuels user to follow the ignition procedure with exactitude. On the
down side, it cannot burn Jet-A, kerosene and diesel, as the Primus can.
But using these fuels is problematic, as they burn dirty ands sooty and
require the user to do frequent cleaning and maintenance of the burner and
or fuel line.

If the boil times at maximum power are as good, or better than the Primus, I
would say for most users theFyrestorm stove would appear to be a better
choice.

In comparison to the Optimus Nova, which can only use liquid fuels, I would
strongly recommend getting a stove which allows the user to chose between
using a butane/propane canister or liquid fuel. Generally speaking,
canisters are simpler, safer and more user friendly.

To find Snowpeak dealers in Japan who probably can sell you fuel, click on
http://tinyurl.com/k9noz


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Camp stoves: Coleman vs. Brunton
    ... I'm a Primus OmniFuel stove user who is interested in how it compares to the ... Coleman Fyrestorm and the Optimus Nova. ... Coleman fuel, ...
    (rec.backcountry)
  • Re: Coleman Fuel alternate
    ... I never had a problem with Coleman fuel but just looking for an ... Ed didn't mention what stove he has but the one I've ... Just remember to use the "k" jet ... I collect Coleman. ...
    (rec.outdoors.camping)
  • Re: Camp stoves: Coleman vs. Brunton
    ... The manganese will over a period of time gum-up the stove. ... Liquid fuel may have to be used sometime. ... for the public to know that the Fyrestorm has problems with this unleaded ... Since LP and Coleman gas is readily available in Canada, ...
    (rec.backcountry)
  • Re: Chainsaw
    ... none of them had showers. ... formed and stove and chimneys had to be cleaned out frequently. ... They were designed for #1 fuel oil and that is what tankers carried. ... We had those little 2-piece tent heaters and the soot had to be removed ...
    (rec.outdoors.rv-travel)
  • Re: Pictures of welding on the jerry can -- converted to fuel tank
    ... The stove I have in the shop to heat chemicals for plating or ... I'll have to find some Coleman fuel to have in the shop. ... I normally burn propane in it with my optional addition. ... I have the 'white' gas or Coleman fuel tank as well. ...
    (rec.crafts.metalworking)
Loading