portable butane stoves?

[cruisindub]

Gasmate, jackeroo, campmaster, and a lot of other different brands, all look the same (or similar)  on the butane portable stoves, is there a difference?
Do all canisters regardless of make (or brand name) fit all the same?

Thinking of getting one for the car for the little day trips to boil kettle, heat a pan etc.

Anything in particular I need to look out for,or just get the cheapest/easiest warranty etc?

Cheers cruisindub

[Bill]

We have had heaps of different ones.
All canisters fit all stoves.
Never noticed any difference in them.
Now when we need a new one we just buy whichever one is cheapest.
Bill

[Bird]

they are good, but the cans freeze up in cold weather, even when 3/4 full... I have 6-10 1/2 full tins in teh shed.

[xcvator]

They're very good. Used to take 1 to work with me in the truck in winter and cook jaffles, warmed up the truck and I had hot food.

[Metters]

I bought one with the Companion name on it six years ago.  It has been used extensively since then both at home and in the bush without a problem.

I bought a second one a year ago.  It was one of two being sold by K Mart at that time.  I think it was a Gasmaster or something like that.  The other was a Jackeroo.  I had no end of trouble with it.  It was always difficult to start but the main problem was the canister locking slide.  My Companion had a flat sliding cradle under the canister with two tabs sticking up at the end.  It pushed it evenly from the rear enabling it to slide straight into position.   The new one had a single tiny catch at the rear that pushed the canister from one side only.  This tilted it slightly sideways as it slid in resulting in frequent jaming.

I eventually got sick of it and took it back under warranty.  I replaced it with the Jackaroo this time.  It was slightly different in both appearance and internally but worked much the same way.  It was no better and I threw it in the rubbish bin a couple of weeks later.

I was left with the impression that the originals were good but there are a few cheaper versions around now.

Rays Outdoors have one for about ten dollars more than K Mart.  I have not had a close look at it yet but it may be much better quality.

[@fnq4now]

Great for heating up lugs to solder Anderson plugs.

[Swannie]

I use a couple of the camp masters from bcc. I think they currently have a deal of one stove and six canisters for $25.00. I also bought a pack of 13 canisters from big W for $10.00

Cheers
Greg

[Owie]

Same as Metters, my original one 8yo is great. I also had a newer one, no end of trouble.

I have recently upgraded to a MSR XGK stove, since there is just no way of overcoming physics with the butane and cold weather.  Shellite is the way to go, plus it will burn on diesel, kero etc..
Granted the MSR is not in the same price range, but I need to be able to cook in all weather conditions, in the Vic high country.
Whilst there is still a place for my butane stove, it won't get replaced when it dies.

[cruisindub]

Was thinking of getting the cheaper ones I've seen at Kmart/hardware street around the $14/$15 mark for the burner plus extra canisters.
general feedback is that these might give me some issues with quality and give me some issues.

The cold wont be an issue,I'm not that hardcore. If its that cold,I'm staying home with my tile fire.

I have seen some of these price up to near $30,but they look same or similar to the ones half the price so at $15, I'll give it a go. If its that crap it'll end up in the bin or back for warranty.

Seems new ones 'they don't make em like they used to....'

[HEM19X]

they are good, but the cans freeze up in cold weather, even when 3/4 full... I have 6-10 1/2 full tins in teh shed.

Don't throw out the 1/2  used ones, get one of these - all kinds of uses including lighting hard to start fires.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Camping-BBQ-Butane-Auto-Ignition-Gas-Soldering-Welding-Torch-Burner-Lighter-/271042765329?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f1b686211

[gibbo301]

Don't throw out the 1/2  used ones, get one of these - all kinds of uses including lighting hard to start fires.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Camping-BBQ-Butane-Auto-Ignition-Gas-Soldering-Welding-Torch-Burner-Lighter-/271042765329?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f1b686211

They looked that good that i bought one  thanks HEM19X 

[Marschy]

Don't throw out the 1/2  used ones, get one of these - all kinds of uses including lighting hard to start fires.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Camping-BBQ-Butane-Auto-Ignition-Gas-Soldering-Welding-Torch-Burner-Lighter-/271042765329?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f1b686211

That looks the goods, and more convenient than a gas bottle, hose and torch. Just bought one as well.

[Swannie]

Don't throw out the 1/2  used ones, get one of these - all kinds of uses including lighting hard to start fires.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Camping-BBQ-Butane-Auto-Ignition-Gas-Soldering-Welding-Torch-Burner-Lighter-/271042765329?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f1b686211

I just bought one as well   

[WannaBe]

I just bought one as well   

X2 ... but it's taking forever from China!

[Marschy]

Got the butane torch today, looks like its good quality. What I didn't realise was that it has an inbuilt piezo igniter, sweet.

The o-ring that seals the torch to the butane can could be easily lost though, I just found mine sitting on the kitchen bench after I removed the torch from the can.

Cheers, Marschy.

[Mandrake]

Just remember if you are going to the colder areas take a few cans of the ISO-BUTANE - same price different colour can usually but it has a lower freezing point so they work better when the temps are low ..
I carry a cooker and the little gun in the car and another in the camper .. Usually about 10 cans of fuel around the place too LOL .. Very handy cookers for a quick cuppa ...
Cheers
Steve

[Herks]

Sweet, yep I got one 2, also sent the URL to several mates. Should charge commission.

Ta

John

[Swannie]

Got mine as well today

Greg

[pepiman]

I bought A Golden Bell butane stove from a Asian supermarket about 12-14 years ago. Never a problem. Great stove
for the wok.