HistoricalExplorer wrote:Thanks for the tip Hikin Jim. The MSR MicroRocket is clearly a great option for absolute minimum weight.
Well, it's pretty good for a canister stove. A lighter weight option is an alcohol. Lighter still is ESBIT.
HistoricalExplorer wrote:Reviewers say the flame can be adjusted so you can simmer food, but the heat is concentrated at the center so things can still burn easily.
Kinda sorta true. Depends on what cookware you're using. With Titanium cookware, you might just, but then why would anyone use titanium cookware if they're cooking real food? Yes, real cooking can be done with titanium cookware, but it's a pain. Far better to use aluminum for real cooking. My results with aluminum and the MicroRocket have been pretty good.
HistoricalExplorer wrote:It uses pressurized liquid gas and doesn't have the fuel options of the Dragonfly.
True, but gas canisters are pretty available in the US. Multi-fuel might matter more if one were an international traveller. I'm not knocking the concept of multi-fuel, but realistically, it's not usually needed in the US except maybe in very remote areas.
HistoricalExplorer wrote:If the fuel canister gets too cold the fuel won't vaporize properly - not a problem for warm weather use.
True, but canister stoves can be used at least down to freezing if one chooses the right fuel and with a bit of experience, far colder than that.
HistoricalExplorer wrote:I'm thinking the MicroRocket would be the "best" in most conditions, but an inexperienced backpacker, a gourmet foodie, or someone wanting to get out in cold weather, might be better off with the Dragonfly - especially if cooking for more than a couple people. Always pros and cons.
I'll grant you that the Dragonfly has definite advantages in cold weather, but for an inexperienced backpacker? Uh, not really. Have you worked with white gas type stoves much? They require a bit more skill to use than a gas stove. With a gas stove, you screw on the tank, open the valve, light, and go. With a white gas type stove, you have more connections to make, connections which can get screwed up, you have to pump to pressurize which can get screwed up, and you have to prime the stove which can REALLY get screwed up if you don't know what you're doing.
HJ