MSR Reactor

Among portable camping stoves, the MSR Reactor is one of the top performers. This integrated stove includes an isobutane-propane burner and a 1.7-liter cooking pot; a fuel canister is sold separately, but the entire stove and canister can be packed into the included pot for portability. One of the main selling points of the MSR Reactor is its efficiency -- the stove uses a radiant burner and heat exchanger to boil water quickly, even in windy conditions. MSR claims the stove can boil a liter of water in less than three minutes, which is confirmed in numerous tests. Owners say the stove is easy to use, reliable and highly efficient. However, heat output is hard to control and it's difficult to simmer soups or sauces. The stove only works with the included pot, so cooking options are limited, especially for groups. Most reviewers acknowledge that this stove is best for one or two campers. Several reviewers are also frustrated that the 1.7-liter pot has a recommended maximum capacity of just 1 liter. If you need to cook for more people, we also found good reviews for the Jetboil Helios (*Est. $150), an inverted canister stove that comes with a 2- or 3-liter pot.

There's no shortage of reviews on the MSR Reactor, but most of the best tests were conducted in 2007, when the stove was first introduced. TGO (The Great Outdoors) magazine has the most comprehensive test of the MSR Reactor. Even though the test is two years old, most of the stoves are still on the market and their testing criteria are thoroughly explained. Each stove receives a rating and in-depth commentary. We also found good tests at Rock and Ice magazine, SNews and Backpacker magazine. User reviewers are helpful, especially at BackpackGearTest.org and Buzzillions.com.