Best Jetboil Stove For You
Jetboil has long been the gold standard in the world of all-in-one backpacking stove systems. The competition has been growing over the years and there are great Jetboil alternatives on the market, but Jetboil still holds up and leads the pack. It also made it’s way into the list of our best backpacking stoves.
We conducted a thorough and hands-on evaluation and many of the stoves we reviewed were already in our inventory, we also had the pleasure of borrowing a few from our adventure-loving friends. In a controlled environment, we put each stove through its paces, assessing factors like boiling speed, fuel efficiency, ease of use, and overall performance. Our team members embarked on multiple backpacking escapades over a span of a few months, with the goal to field test all Jetboil stoves.
Quick Overview Of Our Suggestions
Jetboil has developed stoves for different situations and here’s our quick overview, where we’ve highlighted the best stoves for different needs and budgets. Each stove is covered in more detail later in the article.
- Best overall & all-rounder stove: Jetboil MightyMo
- Budget-friendly stove system: Jetboil Zip
- Most lightweight stove system: Jetboil Stash
- Fastest boil time: Jetboil Flash
- Best in cold weather: Jetboil MicroMo
- Best for small group (1-2 people): Jetboil MiniMo
- Best for large group (3+ people): Jetboil SUMO
- Best for car camping: Jetboil Genesis and Jetboil HalfGen
Best overall & all-rounder
Jetboil MightyMo
What we like About it
In addition to all-in-one systems, Jetboil has also built a great lightweight canister stove. It’s the least expensive stove in Jetboil selection and among other canister stoves, it’s also very affordable. We loved that the stove is easy to use and suits well for beginners and experts alike. It comes equipped with a built-in piezo igniter for easy ignition and canister support for better stability. MightyMo can bring water to a rolling boil in 4 minutes 30 seconds, plus, it offers excellent simmer control, allowing for precise flame intensity control, a feature the competition often lacks. You can also enhance its performance with the Jetboil FluxRing pot, reducing boil times even further down to 3 minutes and 15 seconds. It’s not the lightest option available but considering the features, it’s well worth an extra ounce.
What We Don’t Like
One notable downside is its stability, particularly on uneven terrain. The MightyMo may not be the most stable unless placed on flat ground. Another factor to consider is its fuel efficiency, the MightyMo didn’t stand out as the most fuel-efficient option in comparison to some other stoves we have tested in its category. You may find yourself needing to carry extra canisters for longer trips. Finally it’s worth noting that you’ll have to purchase a pot separately, though it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Jetboil pot. Keep that in mind when budgeting for your backpacking gear.
What is it best at?
The MightyMo offers fantastic versatility with its precise flame control. You have the power to boil water in a flash or take your time to whip up some delicious, delicate meals. While it might not be the ultimate choice for ultra-lightweight hikers, it’s a fantastic addition to any backpacker’s gear who wants a lightweight stove that’s simple to use. Whether it’s your hundredth or first backpacking trip, the MightyMo’s versatility and ease of operation make it a reliable companion.
Our Final Take
It’s clear that this little powerhouse offers a lot to love. It comes with the excellent Jetboil quality and customer service. It’s a breeze to use, decent even in windy conditions, and with better flame control than most competition. Keep in mind that you’ll need a pot or a pan to go with the stove which will add to the overall cost and weight. It’s been in our arsenal for a while and we gladly recommend it if you happen to be looking for a new lightweight stove.
Budget-friendly
Jetboil Zip
What we like About it
Designed with solo adventurers in mind, the Zip steals the spotlight as Jetboil’s least expensive option. It looks very similar to the Flash, but weighs a little bit less. The Zip is very economical with the fuel. It also earns points in the size department, everything packs neatly into the cooking cup and you can also snugly stash a 100g fuel canister inside the pot, maximizing every inch of space. The magic happens with the included FluxRing cooking cup, ensuring top-notch efficiency, although the burner welcomes other pots and pans for added versatility. Probably the best-value stove in the Jetboil lineup.
What We Don’t Like
First off, there’s no built-in igniter, meaning you’ll need a match, lighter, or fire steel to spark it up. Visually resembling the Jetboil Flash, the Zip takes a slight hit with its smaller 0.8L pot and a stove that’s 50% less powerful. This power reduction translates to a longer wait for your water to reach a rolling boil. Occasionally, we faced a minor challenge when attempting to remove the cup from the heating element.
Our Final Take
While it may not boast the pinnacle of power or the feather-light status within the Jetboil family, the Zip makes up for it in practicality and cost-effectiveness. As a budget-conscious adventurer, I appreciated the impressive bang for my buck that the Zip delivered. Sure, it lacks the built-in piezo igniter, but a backup fire starter easily resolves that. The Zip doesn’t cut corners on the quality we’ve come to expect from Jetboil, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious backpackers who demand performance without the hefty price tag.
Lightweight
Jetboil Stash
What we like About it
The Jetboil Stash has a unique packable design is nearly rattle-free, ensuring a peaceful journey without the clatter of cookware. It’s very easy to pack, the stove, stand, and a 100g oz gas canister fit inside the cookpot. The Stash is the lightest stove system in Jetboil’s lineup and by a large margin – 7 vs 12 oz. Compact and lightweight are key strengths for the Stash. It’s also fuel efficient, especially when it’s used with a flux-ring pot that’s included with the purchase. You can also use it as a standalone stove, with other pots and pans. We made our Sunday pancakes on the Flash, using titanium frying pan. Moreover, the pot support arms interlock with the pot’s flux-ring so you won’t accidentally knock it off the stove.
What We Don’t Like
The Stash is relatively high cost for a minimalist stove system, not the most budget-friendly option. Its power output, with 4,500 BTU, is half that of some other models, resulting in longer boil times. Moreover, the Stash struggles when faced with a near-freezing temperatures or wind, which will impact its performance so you might want to throw a windscreen into your backpack. For larger groups, the 0.8 L pot might be a bit too small, requiring multiple rounds of cooking.
Our Final Take
The Jetboil Stash stand-alone stove with titanium burner and 0.8L FluxRing cook pot is the lightest Jetboil system. Nesting design makes it compact and everything fits snuggly into the pot and doesn’t even rattle in there. It’s less powerful but more fuel efficient than many other Jetboil stoves. The Stash takes longer to get water to a boil but uses less fuel to get there, a tradeoff you’ll have to keep in mind. It’s great for 3 seasons but struggles in wind and cold temperatures. We’ve used it for casual one to two night backpacking trips in warm periods and it’s been great for that. Simple to setup and simple to pack up.
Fastest boil time
Jetboil Flash
What we like About it
No more waiting around thanks to its lightning-fast boil time, and you don’t need to purchase a separate pot – it’s all bundled into one compact system. The Flash is great for making coffee and rehydrating freeze-dried backpacking meals. It excels even in windy conditions, thanks to its efficient flux-ring design that acts as a built-in windscreen. Everything packs neatly into the cooking cup, including a small 100g fuel canister. The cooking cup is insulated so you can grab it without burning yourself and eat directly out of it if you’re soloing. The cup is surrounded by a heat indicator that lets you know when the water is hot. Easy to set up, fire up with a piezo igniter, and pack it into the cup again. Fastest stove in Jetboil’s lineup.
What We Don’t Like
One of the notable cons is the limited flame control, it’s a one-trick pony, primarily boiling water, which could be a drawback if you want to prepare more elaborate meals on the trail. It’s not the lightest or most compact option, which could be a problem when heading for an extended backpacking trip where weight and space are critical factors. Cold weather and high altitude will reduce the performance drastically. We managed to avoid this, but it’s worth noting that the stove can get exceptionally hot, potentially causing the cover to melt if not monitored closely. We’ve had the Flash for a couple of seasons and the piezo igniter stopped working recently, beware that it could happen to your stove as well.
Our Final Take
On the bright side, it’s super convenient with its all-in-one design and lightning-fast boiling. It performs remarkably well, even when the wind is howling. The drawbacks, especially in terms of weight and versatility, might not make it the best fit for every backpacking adventure. If all you need is boiling water for dehydrated meals or ramen noodles, then it gets the job done. But if you wish to cook something more elaborate, your best bet would be to get a stove with better heat control. We have used it on many single-day short hikes where we don’t need to cook but only need to boil water for beverages. We’ve accidentally dropped and bumped it around, luckily, this cooking system is built like a tank.
Best in cold weather
Jetboil MicroMo
What we like About it
Meet the Jetboil MicroMo, the smallest and lightest among the Mo siblings. True to Jetboil’s signature style, the MicroMo keeps it tidy, everything snugly fits into its cooking cup, including the 100g fuel canister. What sets the MicroMo apart is its winter and high-altitude performance, thanks to the built-in pressure regulator. This little powerhouse goes beyond the basics, offering excellent heat control and a pot support for added versatility, allowing you to whip up more elaborate dishes on the trail. It’s user-friendly and intuitive to use and swiftly kicks into action with its piezo igniter. Despite sharing the same pot size and weight as the Jetboil Zip, the MicroMo comes with more power, providing a quicker boil.
What We Don’t Like
Finding flaws in the Jetboil MicroMo is definitely a challenge. This compact marvel leans towards the pricier end, considering its petite cup and stove combo. For a few extra bucks, you could upgrade to the MiniMo or SUMO, the big brother of the MicroMo, offering nearly double the cooking space. The MicroMo adores its Jetboil pot, but stray away, and you’ll witness a performance nosedive. Be ready for a longer wait and a fuel-guzzling affair if you dare to swap out the proprietary pot.
Our Final Take
The MicroMo has the classic Jetboil quality and clever design. It packs up neatly and doesn’t take much room in the backpack. It really shines in the cold temperatures and provides much flexibility due to good simmer control. Guys at Brilliant Camping brought the MicroMo and it’s larger siblings to many backpacking trips, including during winter (-10°F) and they has been quite impressive. This one might be too small if you have three or more people but for two people, it can boil water quickly and you can do some proper cooking on it as well. If your budget allows, definitely check out the MicroMo, MiniMo or SUMO.
Best for small group
Jetboil MiniMo
What we like About it
The Jetboil MiniMo, a beefed-up sibling to the MicroMo, offers a larger 1L pot compared to the 0.8L version. Sure, it carries an extra 2.6 ounces, but in return, you get a pot that’s not just bigger but also shorter and wider, offering a more stable and versatile cooking experience. It lets you boil a liter of water without spillovers. The pot doubles as a cooking pot and a hot drink cup, complete with a clever perforated lid for easy draining. The pot comes with a removable cozy, allowing you to switch things up with extras in different colors or designs to suit your hiking vibes. Perfect for a group of 2-3 people. Apart from the size, the MiniMo shares the same pros as the MicroMo. So, while it carries a tad more weight, it’s the go-to system for us, offering a perfect blend of size, stability, and cooking prowess.
What We Don’t Like
One notable drawback is packability, you can’t pack the canister and stove in the pot as we’re used with other Jetboil stoves. The lid is a bit stubborn to remove when fully seated. Unlocking the pot from the burner after cooking can be tricky, risking burns or spills. As far as the price goes, the MiniMo comes at a premium price even though there are smaller stoves with similar features available for a fraction of the price.
Our Final Take
In the MiniMo vs. MicroMo vs. SUMO showdown, the MiniMo steals the spotlight as our top pick. It strikes a sweet balance between weight, size, versatility, and weather resilience, often making it our go-to stove for our casual weekend backpacking. While it might not be the go-to for epic, long-haul adventures due to its weight and backpack real estate consumption, it’s a weekend warrior’s dream. Swift as lightning with its piezo ignition, the MiniMo transforms any scenic spot into a makeshift kitchen. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the Jetboil quality and top-notch customer service justify the price tag.
Best for large group
Jetboil SUMO
What we like About it
Stepping up from the MiniMo, the Jetboil SUMO is the heavyweight of the family, trading the 1L pot for a spacious 1.8L upgrade. This means more room to whip up coffee or cater to a larger group, we found that maximum is 4-5 hungry adventurers. Like the MicroMo , the SUMO excels in the art of snug packing, everything neatly slots into the pot, even a larger 230g fuel canister. Considering the significant boost in capacity, the price tag isn’t a huge leap from the MiniMo, making it a worthwhile investment for over double the volume—0.8L versus the generous 1.8L. Beyond its spacious upgrade, the SUMO boasts all the other perks we love in the MicroMo and MiniMo, making it the top choice when there’re more mouths to feed.
What We Don’t Like
While the Jetboil SUMO claims to be aimed for couples and small groups, it falls short when the party gets larger. Its 6000 BTU power, the same as its MiniMo and MicroMo siblings, might leave you longing for a bit more oomph when catering to a crowd. A culinary mishap revealed a design flaw, the burner’s plastic parts are prone to accidental melting, when we ventured beyond the included pot to fry up some fish. As for serious thru-hiking, the SUMO adds a weighty concern to the mix. Every ounce counts on the trail, and the SUMO, with its bulkier build, tips the scales in the wrong direction.
Our Final Take
Our stint with the Jetboil SUMO, generously loaned by friends for a season that even included winter adventures, painted a vivid picture. We opted for the SUMO on weekends when backpacking with the family or larger crew. It excels in quick water heating and whipping up water based crowd-pleasers like chili-con-carne. However, when the journey demanded a more extended trek with the need to lighten the load, the SUMO’s weighty presence was a slight drawback.
Best for car camping
Jetboil Genesis
What we like About it
Stepping into the realm of camping stoves, the Jetboil Genesis brings a new dimension to campsite cooking. Ideal for car campers looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing space or adding too much bulk. It’s a lightweight powerhouse with a low-profile setup that simmers your campsite meals to perfection. The Genesis stands out as the lightest and most compact dual-burner stove we’ve encountered, making it a breeze to transport in the included carrying bag. It’s a breeze to use, fire it up with the piezo igniter, and fold it neatly into a highly compact form for easy transport.
What We Don’t Like
The price tag stands as the main hiccup, making it a hefty investment for those on a budget. Additionally, the included windscreen, while serviceable, falls short of being a standout feature, affordable metal alternatives are readily available if you decide to replace the included one. If the price is a sticking point, fear not, as the camping stove market offers a variety of compelling alternatives. Be sure to explore our recommendations for the best camping stoves to find a budget-friendly option.
Our Final Take
Let’s reiterate, that Jetboil Genesis is not a backpacking stove. It’s a camping powerhouse designed to bring your camping adventures to the next level. Sporting two burners fueled by a single source, this powerhouse packs a punch with impressive power and a smart design. Surprisingly light and compact when packed, it defies expectations. Operating it is a breeze, aligning with the seamless usability found in other Jetboil stoves. Admittedly, the price tag might give you pause, but from our firsthand experience, the investment is worthwhile. The Genesis Basecamp delivers effectiveness that translates into long-term savings on fuel costs, making it a savvy addition to your camping arsenal that pays off over time.
Genesis Basecamp System
Jetboil’s Genesis Basecamp System goes the extra mile, an upgrade that throws in a 5L pot and a 10-inch frying pan for an additional cost. The beauty of this system lies in its ability to neatly pack away within the carrying case, although you can opt for less pricey pots and pans. Now, the price tag of $400 is undeniably steep. The real value emerges in its simmering prowess and efficiency. Sure, it’s a splurge, but consider that you would burn through more cash on propane with a budget stove than you would be investing in this powerhouse. We did buy the full system back in 2019 and it’s been our go-to for car camping trips.
Best for car camping
Jetboil HalfGen
What we like About it
Meet the Jetboil HalfGen, the compact sibling of the Genesis. Trading two burners for one, it doesn’t skimp on power and throws in a quality frying pan. The HalfGen packs a punch with impressive power and stellar simmer control, ensuring your culinary creations range from hearty meals to delicate dishes. Its modular design offers versatility, functioning both as a standalone stove and seamlessly coupling with other JetLink-compatible stoves to craft a comprehensive outdoor cooking range. While it’s very light among camping stoves, it’s a tad too heavy for backpacking ventures. But we have brought it along for some bikebacking adventures.
What We Don’t Like
Achieving the advertised boil time requires the use of the FluxRing pot, a separate purchase not included with the stove. Opting for the included pan might extend your wait time a tad. Windscreen is also included so make sure you use it, a brisk breeze can blow the flame out.
Our Final Take
While we already had the Genesis in our arsenal, our pals graciously lent us the Jetboil HalfGen, and it didn’t disappoint. True to Jetboil’s reputation, the quality shines through, everything operates seamlessly, and the stove proves both user-friendly and intuitive. If a single burner suits your needs for the trip, this stove is a solid pick. Admittedly, the price tag leans towards the steep side, but in return, you secure a top-notch stove bundled with a high quality pan. Our test runs included a couple of camping ventures, showcasing its prowess, and it’s also proven ideal for shorter bikepacking jaunts where the focus isn’t solely on shaving off equipment weight.
We didn’t buy this since we already have the Genesis, but we lent this stove from our pals. The Jetboil quality is there as always, everything works well and is easy and intuitive to use. If one burner is enough for your trip, then this is a great choice. Price is steep, but you get a high quality stove and a pan. We used it on couple of camping trips but it’s also well suited for shorter bikepacking trips where equipment weight is not that essential. In the end, the HalfGen proves itself as a reliable choice for outdoor cooking, delivering the performance you’d expect from a Jetboil product.