Jetboil Alternatives – Cheaper, But Just as Good

In this guide, we shall review the best Jetboil alternatives. Our picks are based on user reviews, ratings, ease of use, and functionality.

 

About Jetboil Products

Traditionally, Jetboil has been the go-to stove brand for many camping enthusiasts, myself included. I love that these stoves are available in different models and have an efficient heat transfer, thus saving on fuel. The biggest attraction with Jetboil integrated stoves is their quick boil time.

While the features mentioned above are what capture most people’s attention, Jetboil stoves have a small downside side. They’re generally bigger, bulkier, and/or more expensive. The traditional Jetboil systems also more difficult to use for real cooking as they’re meant to boil water; this isn’t great if you want to cook real food (though it is worth noting that Jetboil has great other cooking options!).

Don’t get me wrong. Jetboil stoves are great, quick, all-in-one, they do what they’re designed to do, and they do it exceptionally. However, if you care about weight, pack size, cost, and cooking efficiency, you’ll find some of the Jetboil alternatives better for your specific needs.

 

Top 6 Jetboil Alternatives

 

Soto Windmaster

Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Dimension: 0.71″L x 6.5″W x 4″H
Weight: 3.1 oz (87.9 g)

The Soto Windmaster dominates our top position for the best Jetboil alternative. The Windmaster is my number one choice when I bring a stove outdoors, and in my opinion, it’s among the best backpacking stoves.

Aptly named the Windmaster, a key benefit of this stove is the wind resistance. It handles wind like a champ and works well in different wind/altitude conditions. A unique concave design brings the flame closer to the pot base for more fuel efficiency and amazing wind resistance. You don’t need a windscreen for it.

Performance-wise, this bad boy works great, and I love the built-in igniter. It burns hot quickly and provides more than adequate heat. This is great because, after a long day in the woods or setting camp, you don’t want to wait for your food to be done.

On top of that, it sports a gas pressure regulator, which maintains constant flame strength and allows convenient flame adjustment. It can go from a full blast to just enough flame to simmer or do low-temperature cooks, which is basically what most users need.

The ease of use on the Soto Windmaster is one less thing to worry about. First, it’s easier to set up, and this is great when you’re already tired and need a fire going. It’s also ultra-lightweight, a plus for backpackers. It’s compact and doesn’t gobble real estate in your backpacking bag. I also like that it’s available in 3 and 4-flex designs for holding your cooking pots. The three flex is enough unless you’re getting into the big pots.

Finally, the build quality of the Soto is impressive. Out of the box, you can tell it’s built to last and take on the abuses of the wilderness. There’re no rattling sounds, sharp edges, or raised burs. It’s an exquisitely crafted piece of Japanese engineering.

See On Amazon | See On Soto | See On REI

 

MSR Pocket Rocket 2

Fuel Type: Isobutane
Dimension: 1.7″L x 1.3″W x 3.1″H
Weight: 0.16 lbs. (72.57 g)

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is our second Jetboil alternative. The Pocket Rocket is increasingly becoming a mainstay for many campers, so you can buy it with confidence. Personally, I’ve nothing but praise for this stove.

A key selling point of the MSR pocket is the heating performance. Aptly named the pocket rocket, the MSR 2 can put out heat like a little jet engine. The heating performance is impressive, and it helps to cut down your boil times, just like Jetboil.

However, unlike Jetboil, which only excels at one and only one thing, MSR Pocket Rocket 2 has additional utility and is perfect for creating elaborate camping meals. It has a better flame adjustment, so you can go from a delicate simmer or liquid boil to a virtual flame thrower. Talk of versatility!

The best part is that all this utility comes in a smaller, lighter package. The MSR Pocket Rocker 2 weighs virtually nothing and is compact. The folding, lightweight camping stove makes a handy option for backpackers, minimalists, and trekkers. A smart carrying case is a perk for many backpackers.

Operating the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is downright a breeze. It’s easy to set up, and I love that there’s no priming, pre-heating, or pressurizing to start a fire. Plus, the heater comes with serrated supports, accommodating a wider range of pot sizes and styles.

As far as the quality of the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is concerned, the quality and construction are the cat’s ass. According to reviews, Pocket Rocket 2 lasts long and can handle large and heavy cooking without worry.

The only legitimate concern with the MSR 2 is that it lacks a piezo ignition, so you’ll need a match or lighter. But that has never been a big deal for me.

As far as I’m aware, MSR has a good reputation for quality. And so, if you consider a camping stove essential, and doing a long trip where a stove failure could be catastrophic, consider the reliable MSR Pocket.

See On Amazon | See On REI | See On MSR

 

BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T

Fuel Type: Liquified petroleum gas
Dimension: 3″L x 3″W x 2″H
Weight: 0.09 lbs. (40.8 g)

If the weight and price are your biggest issues with a Jetboil stove, the BRS 300T might be a great alternative. But I also must warn you that while the BRS is a Jetboil alternative, it’s not a substitute.

You see, the BRS 300T is inexpensive and comes at a fraction of the price of Jetboil stoves, so you get what you pay for. Remember, BRS are sourced directly from China, where they produce thousands of them with minimal production costs. For its price, however, it works great, and it’s about what you would expect quality-wise.

For example, the BRS 3000T flame is a bit finicky, especially in windy conditions, and less efficient at low temperatures. It’s not the worst, but wind affects the heating abilities substantially. But it’s not a big deal if you have a stove windscreen with you. In my opinion, the BRS 300T would be a great match for those venturing into low wind conditions.

But the good thing is that once it warms up, it packs a punch. At full throttle, it boils water in less than 2 minutes. It’s also adjustable, not as thermal dynamic as a Pocket Rocket or Windmaster, but much better than the alcohol stoves.

Regarding dimensions, you can’t beat the size and weight of the BRS. This thing weighs next to nothing, and at a price, it feels like a great entry-level piece of gear. On top of that, it fits into a film canister, which is awesome. The canister also helps to protect the stove from getting bent or crushed in case of a major fall.

Quality-wise, the BRS 3000T feels more substantial than the regular cheapos. The folding arms are flimsy, though, and can bend if misused. The BRS doesn’t tolerate heavy pot weights, either. You must also be cautious with the placement; it’s most stable on a horizontal, even surface.

The biggest pet peeve, however, is that this stove is LOUD. Even at low output, it roars like a small jet engine taking off, but I assume it’s where it gets its water-boiling efficiency from.

Overall, the BRS 3000T appears to be a mixed bag. It’s a great little entry-level stove, but always remember to find a little bit of wind cover/shelter when using this stove.

See On Amazon | See On Garage Grown Gear

 

Fire Maple X2

Fuel Type: Liquified petroleum gas
Dimension: 5.3 x 5.4 x 8.6 inches
Weight: 0.50 lbs. (226.8 g_

Fire Maple X2 is the one of the closest “knockoff” Jetboils. While I’m usually extra leery of buying knockoff brands, especially of something I’ll rely on away from civilization, Fire Maple X2 hasn’t disappointed, and many reviewers agree.

The Fire Maple X2 is thoughtfully crafted and has the appearance and feel of a high-end kitchen appliance. It also comes at a lower price point than similar Jetboil stoves, making it a great option for the budget conscious buyer.

I love that it’s just so more efficient than most premium camping stoves. It boils water faster with less fuel and is handy for camping, hiking, or remote job sites if you want hot food. It’s also easy to use, and you can play with the Piezo for flame adjustments to gain more controlled output for different cooking utilities. On top of that, it has a nice handle on the side for convenient and safe pouring of liquids.

The components on the Fire Maples are sturdy and of good quality. You don’t have to worry about abusing and beating it up too much. It also feels lighter and more compact, which is a plus.

See On Amazon | See On Fire Maple

 

MSR Reactor Stove

Fuel Type: 5″L x 4.8″W x 6.3″H
Dimension: Isobutane-propane
Weight: 1.04 lbs. (471.7 g)

You’ll love the MSR Reactor stove for its fuel efficiency and quick water-boiling performance for hiking meals.

The MSR Reactor efficiency can be credited to the enclosing heater design. The heat exchanger virtually eliminates the wind effects on your flame, optimizes the heat transfer, and creates a fuel-efficient, high BTU open source. The result is that the MSR Reactor boils faster than everyone in the camp.

The only downside here is that this is actually a more expensive, and more advanced alternative than Jetboil stoves.

Another strength of the MSR Reactor stove is its lightweight design. See, there seems to be a ubiquitous desire for smaller systems with more convenient packing dimensions. The MSR Reactor fits the bill. It’s ultra-light and compact, and you’ll hardly notice its presence when packing.

It’s also easy to operate and doesn’t require any form of prepping. It would be the perfect size for a solo traveler or two who need a dehydrated meal and a cup of coffee.

The icing on the cake on an MSR Reactor Stove purchase is that the package includes a Reactor pot, a BPA-Free strainer lid, and a handle.

See On Amazon | See On Amazon | See On REI

 

Snow Peak Lite ax Titanium Stove

Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Dimension: 4.9″L x 4.9″W x 3.1″H
Weight: 0.12 lbs. (54.4 g)

The Snow Peak stove is a fabulous option when ounces in your backpack count. It’s an ultra-light, compact stove that gets the job done.

The Snow Peak is all that and a bag of chips, and it seems to be of better quality and design. For example, while most stove burners have two options in flame distribution (all in top in a small area or a bigger circle), Snow Peak has both, and this is great when you simply want to heat a cup of coffee or use a large pan.

Furthermore, the burn shape on the Litemax is less conical and is this great for your cook set, especially over a long period. The Litemax also has quick burning and will bring water to a boil much faster. Meanwhile, the Litemax isn’t noisy, which is sweet.

The build quality appears to be quite nice, and I love how the fuel knob folds up nicely for storage. The three arms also move around to form a triangle shape for a stable resting pot surface.

Overall, the Litemax is a great stove that appears to have slid far below the radar for long. I would recommend it.

See On Amazon | See On Snowpeak

 

Final Thoughts

We know that when considering Jetboil alternatives, cost, size, weight, and durability are all key considerations. These are by no means all of the alternatives that exist in the marketplace, but we hope this gives you a good idea of the types of products that exist that might be a little bit of a better fit for your needs.