READERS COMMENTS

Phil Maher,
That is why you use a mixed fuel, not straight n-butane. N-butane will not boil below 31F, it is typically blended in because it is inexpensive, burns very well, and keeps canister pressure low enough for lightweight canisters. Look for isobutane with a boiling point of 12F blended with a gas like propane with a boiling point of -44F for cold weather performance.
Now, I'm not saying you'll get a stove that works down to -44F. The way the science works out, I'd guess you'll get enough pressure to comfortably use a canister down to about 0F with a stove designed for this.
Regarding piezo igniters in cold: I'm not familiar with the idea that they don't work in these temps. I packed my jetboil this winter for an overnight where a warm front was supposed to pass the afternoon I headed out. It didn't, and the overnight low was around -30F instead of the 10F predicted. Tossed the canister in my parka for the last mile snowshoe in and left it there while we set up camp. Jetboil started right up with the piezo ignitor and fuel canister stayed working through boiling enough water for tea and dinner.
Posted: Feb 12, 2012 DV

The thing about this stove is the price difference between the states and the UK. At todays rates it costs £42 to buy in the States compared to £70/75 in the UK. How can this differential be justified?
Posted: Aug 26, 2011 Crabbit

So far, used it above 8000ft and temps around freezing and it worked flawlessly with the exception that the Piezo ignitor took 2-3 presses to ignite the gas. When tested at home (about 7000ft and room temperature), the Piezo ignitor worked on the first attempt. Other then that, it worked as advertised. I though flame adjustability was more then sufficent. Will probably have to wait until later this year to try it in temps colder then freezing.
Posted: May 26, 2010 R. OLear

Ive been trying to find some info on exactly how this micro regulator works. Canisters contain basically 2-3 types of fuel, each one with a set boiling point, below which the fuel will fail to vaporize, making anything but inverting the canister and creating a liquid feed, somewhat moot in terms of stove performance (I can't burn that which can't be delivered efficiently). Is it really a matter of regulation, and not fuel temperature limitations? Is Soto telling me that their stove can burn n-butane at 15F? It also strikes me that the inclusion of a Piezo ignition system is somewhat of a non-starter (literally). The very claim-to-fame of the OD-1R is it's ability to operate in cold/sub-freezing temperatures, whereas Piezos don't work much below freezing, nor reliably above 8000 ft. Great idea, if it works, but I need to see some test data before I'm convinced. Somebody?
Posted: Mar 09, 2010 phil maher

I agree with all statements regarding the Soto Micro Regulator with the exception of how adjustable the stove is. I have found it to be the most adjustable stove I've ever used; great for baking or simmering when super low flame is needed.
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 Pat Kennedy

ADD A COMMENT