MSR Whisperlite Review

Likes
The Whisperlite’s design: simple and pure, yet unworthy of inclusion in the Times' Fashion section, provides a stable three-legged base for a large central burner. MSR’s Shaker Jet allows you to clean the jet with a simple vertical shaking motion. The stove is controlled by a valve on the fuel pump, which sits 6-8” from the burner unit. Weighing in at 11.5 ounces, and taking up a very reasonable 96 cubic inches(1.5L), the Whisperlite is small and light enough to accompany you just about anywhere. This is the smallest and lightest liquid fuel stove we tested.

The Whisperlite is completely field maintainable. You can disassemble, repair, and reassemble the stove anywhere in the world.

Simple, reliable, and affordable, you can’t go wrong with the Whisperlite.

Dislikes
The Whisperlite does not light as fast as other stoves. The priming process involves releasing a small amount of fuel into the fuel cup, lighting it, and letting it burn down. This heats the fuel line enough to vaporize the fuel. The entire process takes roughly two minutes. While this isn’t instantaneous, we don’t think you’ll be late to your next appointment. Regardless of the make and model, this process is roughly the same for all liquid fuel stoves.

Some complain that the Whisperlite is incapable of simmering. Fortunately this is not the case. The Whisperlite must be depressurized in order to achieve a constant simmer. Here’s how: prime, light, turn off, release fuel pressure, pump three times, and light again. We’ve made dozens of slowly simmered culinary delights with the Whisperlite. These include bread, pizza, calzones, and brownies.

Best Application
The Whisperlite can conquer it all.

Value
For $80 you cannot buy a better camp stove.

Other Versions
The Whisperlite Internationale ($10 more) is capable of operating on alternative fuels such as diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and jet fuel. The two stoves are mechanically identical with the exception of a wicking cup for lighting less flammable fuels and several interchangeable jets for different fuel types. This added versatility may seem appealing, but because white gas is widely available throughout the world we believe it’s necessary only for a small percentage of users.

MSR also sells an Expedition Maintenance Kit, which includes all necessary parts and instructions to disassemble and repair a damaged Whisperlite. With this, your stove is likely to last for decades.

Bombproof MSR fuel bottles come in 11, 22, and 33 ounce sizes.