The MSR WindBurner Stove System is among the highest quality and best performing integrated canister stove systems on the market. We love its exceptional performance in windy weather, its speedy boil times, and great fuel efficiency. The convenience and durability of the WindBurner are tough to beat and give it a spot among our list of the Best Backpacking Stoves.
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MSR WindBurner Stove Review
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Quick Specs
MSR WindBurner
Highly wind-resistant integrated stove system
Price: $190
Weight: 15.5 oz. (stove + pot)
Listed Boil Time: 4 min, 30 sec.
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane canisters
Pros
- Very fast boil time
- Convenient
- Very fuel efficient
- Excellent wind performance
- High quality materials & durability
Cons
- No push button ignitor
- Handle not as sturdy as we would prefer
- Relatively expensive
- Heavier than some ultralight stove options
- Pot lid can be difficult to remove after boiling & leaky when pouring
MSR Windburner Specs and Features
INTEGRATED STOVE SYSTEM
We refer to the WindBurner as an integrated stove system throughout this review. What that means is that the WindBurner comes with a stove and a pot that attaches securely to the stove. Other stove systems (ex: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 & Titan Kettle) sell a stove and pot separately. Though usually more expensive and slightly heavier, integrated stove systems are more convenient, fuel efficient, have better wind performance, and offer faster cooking times.
PRICE
Integrated stove systems, like the WindBurner, will almost always be more expensive than a simple stove because they include a pot as well. As far as integrated stoves go, the WindBurner is among the more expensive options, but it’s also among the highest quality options. For a quality stove system that can withstand years of backcountry use, we think the WindBurner is fairly priced. For current pricing, check out these direct links to our favorite retailers: REI, Amazon, Backcountry, Moosejaw.
QUALITY & DURABILITY
True to many MSR products we’ve tested over the years, the WindBurner scores very high marks in the quality and durability department. This stove system feels very secure and the materials are strong and long-lasting. We expect this stove to last for many years of tough backcountry use. MSR also has a great warranty and provides repair services for their products.
EFFICIENCY
The burner, secure connection, and wind performance of this stove lead to an incredibly efficient cooking system. Boiling a pot of water uses a minimum amount of fuel and the integrated pot system ensures that even strong winds won’t affect your cooking time. This is a big plus for the WindBurner and integrated stove systems in general.
WIND PERFORMANCE
This is an area where the WindBurner really shines. Its performance in high winds is exceptional and we consider it among the best stoves we’ve ever used in windy conditions. In fact, we used this stove for a month in Patagonia, an area famous for its intense winds, and we never had a single problem.
BOIL TIME
The WindBurner has some of the fastest boiling times of any stove system we’ve tested. Integrated stove systems, like the WindBurner, usually provide the best boil times and fuel efficiency. In our testing, it took, on average, 3 minutes and 30 seconds to boil one liter of water, which is faster than the listed 4 min, 30 seconds. Fast and convenient boil times are always appreciated, especially after a long day of hiking.
PACKABILITY
All the WindBurner components, including a separately purchased small fuel canister (100 gram isobutane), nest together nicely in the pot to make it easy to pack away.
STABILITY
Integrated stove systems, like the WindBurner, tend to be much more stable than a non-integrated systems, because the pot connects directly to the stove. The WindBurner also comes with a three-pronged plastic stand for increased stability, but we rarely bring ours along on backpacking trips.
MEASUREMENT
The WindBurner comes with measurement notches on the inside of the pot, though we found these to be less accurate than the included measurement cup, which also serves as a bowl and bottom lid. The WindBurner holds around one liter of water. We mostly use the WindBurner for two people and find its capacity to be sufficient.
POT LID
The pot lid on the WindBurner fits securely and holds strong. We do wish the pot lid was easier to remove after boiling water, because there’s only a small tab on the side to grab. Also, the WindBurner’s lid has two spouts for pouring/draining liquid, but in our experience the lid tends to leak, making pouring through the lid unideal.
IGNITOR
Unfortunately, the WindBurner does not have a push button ignitor, which is a convenience we generally like in stoves. We always carry a small Bic lighter with the WindBurner and it’s an easy stove to light, so this isn’t a huge deal, but we would prefer a push button ignitor, similar to what’s found in the Jetboil systems. Push button igniters do tent do wear out over time, but we still like their initial convenience.
HANDLE
The handle on the WindBurner is a little flimsier than we would prefer, though it does get the job done. It’s made with a hard plastic piece and a nylon strap. It functions okay, but we generally prefer stoves with sturdy metal handles.
FRENCH PRESS ATTACHMENT
The WindBurner comes with a handy WindBurner Coffee Press Kit for making delicious backcountry coffee. Just remember, true Leave No Trace ethics require packing out all your garbage, including spent coffee grounds.