The Jetboil MiniMo and the MSR WindBurner are two of the most popular integrated stove systems available on the market, making the “Jetboil MiniMo vs MSR Windburner” discussion a frequent one among backpackers and campers.
In this article, we will look at both of these pieces of camping equipment to see how they perform and to try and determine which of the two is better.
Before We Start
Of course, since both of them are great stove systems, it is ultimately up to you and your personal preferences to choose the one that will work best for you.
However, there are some aspects and features that might help you pick your new camping stove easier and without much of a dilemma!
So, let’s see how the Jetboil MiniMo and MSR Windburner compare!
What Are The Integrated Stove Systems?
Integrated stove systems like the Jetboil MiniMo and the MSR WindBurner are small pieces of equipment that work both as a stove and a pot.
They are perfect for solo backpackers or people who want to cook and prepare coffee for one person or a minimum of 2-3 people at a time.
These somewhat all-inclusive cooking devices usually cost more than simpler and superlight outdoor stoves.
However, keep in mind that these systems include everything, meaning that you can cook in them using almost all the functions you could need.
Furthermore, it’s difficult to beat the functionality and efficiency of integrated stoves, which makes them worth the money for most people, particularly those who know they’ll be using them for many years to come.
Moreover, the all-in-1 cooking appliances are typically more effective than the majority of stoves thanks to their close-head burners and incorporated pot shapes, which means that boiling and cooking food is faster and requires less gas.
Jetboil MiniMo Review
Weight
The Jetboil MiniMo, just like other integrated stove devices, weighs more than you need it to, especially when you endeavor to go on a superlight hiking or camping trip.
It comes at 14.2 ounces, which is quite light if you consider its features, yet this number does not include the fuel you will need to use it, which will weigh more.
However, if you are a standard backpacker or someone who is used to carrying heavier equipment with them on your trips, then it is a great system for you.
You could certainly end up saving on your load by using a superlight stove and pot combination, however, if you chose that, you would miss out on several of the key advantages of MiniMo.
Capacity
The MiniMo has a 1-liter liquid capacity, and that is ideal for brewing a cup of coffee or tea, as well as boiling some veg or simmering some soup.
Once you have prepared your drink or food you can pour it into your thermos where it’ll be kept warm until you wish to consume it.
This means that both brewing coffee and tea and making food can be a thing you need to do no more than one or two times a day!
In terms of solid food, MiniMo can be used to cook food for up to two servings, but that would always depend on the dish you are making and the portions you are used to having.
Fuel Efficiency
In non-windy conditions, the Jetboil MiniMo uses less than 0.3 oz. of gas to boil 1-liter liquids such as water, making it an outstanding stove in this aspect.
The flow rate ring inside the pot evenly distributes heat, while its insulation is effective at keeping its content warm.
With its revamped shutoff valve and diaphragm, the MiniMo model works great in cooler and cold climates and weather, so if you are camping in the snow, it is a great individual stove option.
In windy conditions, it remains fuel efficient, using up to 0.4 oz. of gas for 1-liter liquids such as water, which makes it even more remarkable.
Boiling And Simmering Efficiency
Another thing that makes the Jetboil MiniMo stand out from other stoves is its incredibly fast boiling times.
People who have used the MiniMo have reported back saying that it is one of the fastest stoves they have used as they managed to get their 500ml liquid to a boil in approximately 2 minutes!
Not only that but the MiniMo is also extremely efficient for controlling the simmering of your tea or soup and very easy for you to use.
Life Expectancy
The MiniMo, much like most Jetboil model types, receives good praise for both durability and quality. This stove system is very safe and simple to use, and the materials used to make it are very sturdy.
So, even in harsh camping conditions, the MIniMo is guaranteed to last you for years so long as you do your best to keep it in good condition too.
Price
When it comes to the Jetboil MiniMo and MSR Windburner, their prices at the time of writing are quite similar, with the Jetboil Cooking System being available for a slightly less expensive price.
- Material: [burner] stainless steel, [handles] metal, [cup] anodized aluminum, [cup cozy] neoprene
- Fuel Type: canister (butane)
- Boil Time: [16oz] 2 minutes 15 seconds
- Burn Time: [100oz, max flame] 60min
- Heat Output: 6000 BTU
Pros
- Quick boiling
- Fuel efficient
- Equipped with high-quality metal handles
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- A little heavy, especially in comparison to superlight stove alternatives
MSR WindBurner Review
The WindBurner stands somewhere in the middle in an array of great integrated canister stove systems.
But let’s see what the MSR WindBurner has to offer in more detail.
Weight
Slightly heavier than the Jetboil MiniMo, the MSR WindBurner comes at a total of 15.3 oz, which means you won’t notice much of a difference in your backpack load.
However, as you know, every gram and ounce counts, so if you want to choose one of the two and weight is your determining factor, this model is not for you.
Capacity
The same as the MiniMo, the MSR WindBurner has a 1-liter liquid capacity, making it another great stove system for brewing a cup of coffee or tea, as well as boiling your soup of the day or cooking your food.
The amount of food you can cook is exactly the same, with two standard servings being cooked at once.
You can also make 2-3 servings of any hot drink you want, but again, the total amount you will end up with depends on how big or small your servings are.
Fuel Efficiency
The MSR WindBurner’s stove top, its secure connection, and its windproof efficiency result in an extremely powerful cooking system.
The incorporated pot system means that even heavy winds do not hinder your cooking process or your tea brewing preparation.
So, in terms of cooking in windy conditions, the WindBurner lives up to its name. Even so, the fact that it’s windproof does not make it just as fuel-efficient as the Jetboil MiniMo.
The MSR WindBurner uses up to 1oz of gas for every 2.3 liters of liquid. This alone makes it fuel-efficient but when compared to the MIniMo, it seems like it could do better.
Boiling And Simmering Efficiency
The MSR WindBurner’s insulated pot, together with its radiant burner-pot functionality allows it to boil water quickly and efficiently.
It can boil a 500ml liquid in 2 minutes and 15 seconds, which makes it a runner-up to the Jetboil MiniMo.
Nevertheless, the discrepancy is not that significant and those 20-30 extra seconds you will need to wait for your water to boil will not be wasted.
Even so, when it comes to simmering your food, the MSR WindBurner is reportedly not as effective as the Jetboil MiniMo.
Indeed, it is not an ideal system for running at a gentle simmer and will probably go out once you start reducing the flame.
Life Expectancy
The MSR WindBurner is made of high-quality materials and is built to be windproof. These two aspects result in it being extremely durable.
While there is always the variant of personal use and treatment of the camping gear, any casual backpacker who takes care of their equipment should not worry about the WindBurner letting them down all of a sudden.
Price
Depending on where you buy it from or which country you live in, you can get the MSR WindBurner for a lower or the same price as the Jetboil MiniMo.
However, even if you find it at a cheaper price, you really need to consider your needs and requirements for a stove system like this to determine whether you actually need to spend less and, ultimately, get less from your camping stove.
- Ultra-efficient windproof radiant burner and pressure regulator maintain stove performance in windy and cold conditions, providing faster boil times & more fuel efficiency than conventional stoves
- System perfectly nests components inside the 1.0 liter pot including a (sold separately) 4 ounce IsoPro fuel canister, with an extra full-sized bowl snapping onto the outside
- Compatible with 1.0 liter Personal pot, optional 1.8 liter Duo pot, and other WindBurner cookware. Not for use with the Windburner Stock Pot or Sauce Pot
- 1.0 liter pot with handheld design locks onto stove and canister to help reduce tipping
- Includes WindBurner Stove, 1.0 liter hard-anodized aluminum pot with drinking/straining lid and 0.5 liter integrated bowl
Pros
- Windproof
- Easy to use
- Comes with a canister support
Cons
- Not as fuel-efficient as the MiniMo
- Heavier than the MIniMo
The Bottom Line
When you are certain you will be left with no other choice but to cook in bad weather, the WindBurner is a good buy.
However, with the exception of strong wind conditions, the Jetboil MiniMo is by far a better option. Not only does it perform better but it is also lighter in weight, easier to use, and more fuel-efficient.
