MSR Whisperlite Universal — Review

Looks like they made a few nice changes. I like the new Soto Muka, which requires no priming, but will only run on white gas or unleaded gasoline.

http://www.youtube.com/user/sotooutdoors#p/u/3/hOn2uRL3S90

I’ve done some testing on the Muka stove as well. It’s a nice stove but dang does it require a lot of pumping.

Of course if you run on gas, the Whisperlite Universal doesn’t need priming either.

The Muka doesn’t really simmer, but the Whisperlite universal simmers very well indeed on gas and not great but it does simmer on liquid fuel.

Both nice stoves. Take your choice.

HJ

I'm sticking with my MSR Simmerlite, I only use it for winter trips, which are getting fewer and far between, so I don't have any need for a stove like the Soto Muka.

As for a canister stove, my Jetboil Sol (alum) is my cook system of choice, since I only boil water and do " in the bag meals" Its so fast and convenient. It will darn near bring 16ozs to a boil in 2 mins flat.

Can't argue with either choice.

The Whisperlite Universal might be desirable for someone who wanted one do-it-all stove. For summer use, use it as an upright canister stove. For colder weather, use it as an inverted canister stove. For really cold weather, switch to liquid fuel.

It'd also be good for larger groups, 'cause it can handle some pretty big pots.

It might be desirable for travelers since there ought to be at least one (of its three classes of fuel) type of fuel available. I can see burning gas if it's available (clean, convenient, simmers easily), and then stuff like kerosene, or even av gas and unleaded if canister gas were not available.

HJ

Michael, I got to see a JB in action over a month ago on a bp trip with some friends I invited. Amazed at how fast water boils. I guess the MSR Reactor is supposed to be more windproof than the JB. Good choices, except the Reactor only comes in one size whereas JB has reacted to consumers needs and numuerous sizes and metals the stove is made of. I guess we will have to see if MSR comes out with more of a variety.
Duane

Apparently the Reactor has very high CO emission levels (per Roger Caffin). It's a very fast, wind-proof stove, but beware if you use it in a tent.

HJ

By the way, the Reactor does have a larger pot available. Just not a smaller one.

HJ

Always with budget and cooking for a small group in mind, this looks like it might be the ticket for Scouting. Does it always use the canister remote, or does it detach the hose and thread on top of a canister, too?

Erik,

The set up is remote canister (or remote liquid fuel). It won't top mount.

It is a good set up for larger groups. Check out this photo.

That kettle is about 3.75 liters (roughly a gallon) — which is a pretty darned big kettle. The Whisperlite Universal handled it with ease.

The one drawback might be the initial investment. MSRP is $140 if I recall correctly. But over time, that might not be so bad. Plus, if you use liquid fuel, operation is way cheaper than with gas.

HJ

While i like the leg/support design on the new model and ability to use canister fuel (iso/butane,propane mixes – inverted or not), the addition of the extra jets and requirement to swap the hose connector makes it less attractive to me.

If you are using a canister – might as well use MSR SuperFly which is lighter, but has very wide flame spreader (much closer to the Whisperlight vs Pocket Rocket).

One part of me wants this new stove, the other says – i already have 2 previous models which work great. In fact i can simmer with MSR white gas without any issues…

From what I can see, I like the idea and this is similar to the Brunton Vapor AF, in that it can use isobutane or white gas and one can put a windscreen around the stove head w/o concern that you'll detonate the fuel canister. I want you fellas that have them to use the daylights out of them, so we can benefit from your stress/time testing.

the addition of the extra jets and requirement to swap the hose connector makes it less attractive to me.

Dude! Set it and forget it. Configure the stove at home before you take it out into the field. Leave the small bits at home.

If you are using a canister – might as well use MSR SuperFly which is lighter.

Well, yes and no. The Whisperlite Universal is going to be able to use gas pretty easily down to 0F/-18C (in inverted mode). A Superfly can't touch that. In other words, you'd have the convenience of gas for extended season trips.

In fact i can simmer with MSR white gas without any issues…

What white gas stove have you got?

HJ

From what I can see, I like the idea and this is similar to the Brunton Vapor AF, in that it can use isobutane or white gas and one can put a windscreen around the stove head w/o concern that you'll detonate the fuel canister.

The Whisperlite Universal is definitely similar to the Brunton Vapor AF in terms of its functionality with different types of fuels. The Whisperlite Universal is also similar to the Primus Omnifuel.

I want you fellas that have them to use the daylights out of them, so we can benefit from your stress/time testing.

lol. I'll see what I can do.

Seriously though, I did some extensive testing with different kinds of fuel under varying conditions. While extensive testing is no substitute for extended experience, I think I can safely say that this is a pretty robust stove.

HJ

I just saw the Whisperlite Universal for sale (but not in stock) on MEC’s site for $131.00 CAD (about $128.00 USD). Assuming the price doesn’t change when the stoves actually hit the shelves in January, I think it’s a smart move by MSR. I think MSR was reaching a bit with their original MSRP of $140.

For those who don’t know, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is a large, outdoors-oriented Canadian retailer. They’re vaguely similar to REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated), the US retailer.

In case you missed it, here’s a link to my review of the MSR Whisperlite Universal.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

Hi, HJ,

How would you compare the Primus's Universal stove with the MSR model? I am curious if you have any updates in the field use of the MSR since your extensive review several months ago.

Thanks!

Jane

Hi, Jane,

Good question. I wrote a post about that very subject: Primus Omnifuel Vs. MSR Whisperlite. Take a look at that post and see if that helps any.

The Whisperlite Universal that was provided to me for the review I had to return, so unfortunately I don’t have an unbroken stream of use to report.

HJ
Adventures In Stoving

There's also titanium version of Omnifuel which is claimed to about 100g lighter. Also it claims more fuel efficiency and reliability vis-a-vis XGK. If those things are correct, it could be a serious competitor to Whisperlite. I posted some numbers on your review comment section Jim.

Hi, Ari,

Yes, the new Omni-lite Ti has come out. It’s a bit beyond my price range right now, but if I can get ahold of one it would be very interesting to review it. The Whisperlite has a definite weight advantage over a Primus Omnifuel, but with the Omni-lite Ti, Primus has effectively wiped out the Whisperlite’s weight advantage.

HJ
Adventures In Stoving