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Originally Posted by foxy mars  However, Jim. The Coleman F1 lite looks tempting for weight and power output @ 4 800w, pretty impressive. One question to you, is the MSR Titan Kettle pretty stable on the pan supports and the Peek Plastic ring which is suppose to withstand heat from -60 to +320 Degrees, to that I've heard from a certain review site about the Peek Plastic part melting due to the high heat and the simmering is not so good and supposed to cut out if it overheats.
Saying that, it does look like a good stove for the price and for a 2 week back-packing trip, guessing £20 won't break the bank. I did have a EPL stove, now replaced by Coleman. |
The Titan Kettle fits OK on the F1 Lite, but I don't suppose any better than the Rocket. The main problem I find is knocking the whole lot over - because of the narrow base of the gas canister. Having said that, I've never done it!
I've never seen any evidence of the plastic softening.
I don't know about simmering. I use a 'cosy' made out of 2 layers of radiator foam backed with foil, with a lid made from the same stuff. This is to reduce gas consumption. What I do if simmering is needed (lentils+bulgar wheat), is bring it to a boil, then turn off the gas and put the pot in the cosy to one side. I then leave it for 10-20 mins after which it's cooked. The cosy is so efficient that even after 20mins, the food is still too hot to eat. It also has the advantage that you can hold the pot in the cosy while eating, without getting your hands burnt. It's also safer, as you don't have to watch it balanced on a burning stove and can get on with camp chores. It's one of the most useful bits of kit I have.
If you want to give the F1 a try you're welcome to borrow mine. If our trips in 2010 don't clash, you could use it on your coast-to-coast. P.M. me.
I've still got an EPIgas/Coleman Alpine stove, but it's a bit heavy and I don't use it.
If I didn't already have the F1 Lite, I'd go for one of these:
Portable Strong-power Camping Stove C1 x1 on eBay (end time 21-Nov-09 07:33:20 GMT)
I've bought stuff from them before and it's pretty good. They also have other stoves and small gas lamps (I've bought 2!)
Cheers, Jim