Optimus Explorer 11 Stove Review

"A Multi-fuel stove with separate bottle that simmers great? This stove
is one of the best kept secrets in camping gear. Quality throughout, built
with brass and steel, no plastic. This is the stove that
the MSR Int'l wants to be. It is more expensive (around $100) but is in
all probability the last stove you'll ever need to buy.

So Why Isn't it a Big Seller?

1. Cost (approx. 33% more than a MSR Int'l)

2. Availability - try REI special order desk or
A&H at 714-258-2525

3. Average Product Reviews - gee, how much does Optimus spend on Magazine
advertising compared to MSR? Backpacker did a stove special and
their only complaint was difficulty in adjusting the air intake
slide with White Gas. But the instruction manual clearly states
this slide is only to be used while burning Alcohol!

P.S. Because of it's simmering ability and separate fuel tank the Optimus
Explorer No. 11 is also the ideal stove to use with the Outback Oven."

"A great stove - solid and well-made, with quality materials. Good heat control from an output blaster to a gentle simmer. Quiet too. I have run mine on kerosene and white gas. No problems priming or running on either, even in the cold of a Manitoba winter. Optimus does a poor job marketing their excellent stoves in North America, but if you can get your hands on one, (try A & H - see Optimus home page for toll-free phone number), you'll have a quality stove that will last you for years. (My little Optimus 8R is still going strong after 20 years!)
Only drawbacks of the Explorer No.11 - expensive (you get what you pay for!), and no windscreen other than the little burner screen."