Brunton Optimus Crux Canister Stove REVIEW

In over a year of extensive field use I've found the Crux a reliable performer, even in difficult conditions. It is the only stove in its weight class that has a wide burner head. Other canister stoves with a similar size burner head are almost double the weight. The wide, even flame distribution (with no hot spot) and excellent flame control make the Crux a top pick when cooking with large pots or for difficult cooking tasks like simmering food or grilling backcountry pancakes. The Crux has a unique folding ball-joint design and stows to an incredibly compact size - compact enough to nestle into the bottom cavity of an 8-ounce fuel canister. The Crux is the fastest and easiest to set up stove I've used. I can completely deploy the stove (less screwing to the canister) in 3 seconds while wearing gloves. At 12,000 BTU/hr the Crux did quite well in our boil time and fuel efficiency tests under optimal (calm) conditions, but was only average in our laboratory wind tests. I've found that a well-designed, full circumference windscreen, significantly improves the Crux's performance in windy field conditions and narrows the performance gap.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• OVERVIEW
• SPECIFICATIONS
  • Stove ID
  • Accessories Included
  • Dimensions
  • Weight
  • MSRP
• USABLE FEATURES
• EASE OF USE
• COOKING PERFORMANCE
• HEATING EFFICIENCY
  • TABLE: Summary of Boil Time and Fuel Consumption Data
• DURABILITY
• VALUE
• TIPS AND TRICKS
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

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