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by Eric Vann and Ryan Jordan

Introduction

The MSR WindBurner is a 1-liter (33.8 oz) capacity, radiant-burner, integrated canister stove system. MSR claims that the WindBurner’s “100% primary air combustion, enclosed design, and internal pressure regulator work together to make [the] stove virtually impervious to outside conditions” (which we presume means “stormy” i.e., windy). So is this true? This MSR WindBurner Review features testing to see how it performs head-to-head against the Jetboil Sol in response to artificially-generated wind.

Boiling Water, Hidden Lakes, Vann MSR WindBurner Stove System Review
Using the MSR WindBurner Stove System for boiling water for dinner at Hidden Lakes, Montana.

Features

  • Lid with drinking and straining ports
  • Insulated cozy with handle
  • Pot with heat exchanger
  • Secure connection between pot and stove
  • Radiant burner technology (similar to MSR Reactor Stove System, but the latter uses a high-CO producing Venturi-style burner as opposed to the WindBurner’s more conventional ported-style burner)
  • Fuel pressure regulator for controlled fuel delivery
  • Folding canister stand included
  • Integrated plastic cup/bowl included: 16 oz. (0.47 L) capacity

Specifications

Three of the most popular integrated canister stove systems with a volume of 1 L (33.8 oz) or less include the MSR WindBurner Stove, the Jetboil Flash Lite Stove, and the MSR Reactor Stove:

SpecificationsMSR WindBurnerJetboil Flash LiteMSR Reactor
msr-windburner-stove-systemjetboil-flash-light-cooking-system-stovemsr-reactor-stove-system-1L
Claimed Weight15.25 oz (432 g)10.5 oz (298 g)14.7 oz (417 g)
Pot Size1.0 L 0.8 L1 L
Dimensions8.3 x 4.5 inches6.5 x 4.1 inches6.4 x 4.4 inches
Boil Time (1L)4.5 min5 min3.5 min
Piezo IgnitionNoYesNo
MSRP ($US)$129.95$99.95$199.95
The MSR WindBurner and the MSR Reactor use radiant burner stove technologies and a highly wind-resistant (enclosed burner) design. The primary difference between the two is in their heat output and flame regulation: the MSR Reactor, at 9,000 BTU/hr, is primarily a snow-melting stove for the mountaineer. The MSR WindBurner burns at 7,000 BTU/hr and offers finer simmering control with a different pressure regulator valve than the Reactor. In addition, the WindBurner is more compact, and has an integrated pot cozy and handle. This makes it more similar in usability to the immensely popular Jetboil Flash Lite, the successor to the now-discontinued Jetboil Sol.

MSR WindBurner Review: Stove Performance

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