Can anyone rate this?

[Winnie]

I've been having a look around and found this Esbit star stove and thought it looked a handy little gadget for a BOB. Has anyone any experience of using one and are they any good?
You can see what it looks like here.
http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53120301&desc=STAR+ESBIT+COOKER

[Rick]

I have never used the Star stove. The problem with it, as I understand it, there are only a limited number of times you can use the stove before it breaks, which it is designed to do.

Instead, I would suggest spending a little more and purchase the original Esbit stove:

http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53100701&desc=MAIN_DESC

They are extremely durable and long lasting. It has two settings so you can use a small or large cooking pot and the Esbit fuel does a really good job and is non-toxic.

[crashdive123]

I agree with what Rick said. In reviews of the Esbit Star Stove folks that used them were mostly light weight packpackers concerned about weight. They loved them, but the stoves were pretty much limited to that trip. I like the regular Esbit stove. There are also some "copies" that are smaller and lighter, but my preference is still the traditional Esbit.

[Winnie]

Thanks both, That's made my mind up. I'll go for the original esbit stove then.
Oh just to let you know, wychwood jnr's friend in the RAF managed to "lose" his personal survival kit when he visited at the weekend..... funny how it's in the BOB now eh?!? He thought the BOB a great idea, think a few other things may be making their way here:blushing:

[Rick]

I'm sure the Queen Mum would be glad to know her RAF has helped a citizen prepare. Good show!