MSR Windburner Stove Review

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This is a review of the MSR Windburner Stove system for 2024.

The MSR Windburner personal stove system is the latest upgrade to their canister stove range. I tested the 1L size which is one of the most wind-resistant backpacking stoves on the market and also one of the most energy efficient. The heat produced from the stove is channeled into the integrated pot in the most energy-efficient way possible. It also comes in a 1.8L duo version.

The MSR Windburner is best suited for use on any exposed campsite. Whether you are in the cold windy mountains or the open desert, the MSR Windburner Stove System is the all-in-one stove and pot system for 2024.

How We Tested

The MSR Windburner Stove has been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store and is regarded as an expert in this field. The MSR Windburner Stove System was supplied by the manufacturer. It has been rigorously tested by the author on several backpacking trips. Read the Review Policy for further details

MSR Windburner Personal Stove System Review 2024

MSR Windburner 1.0 Stove System

Weight: 15.3 oz / 433 grams (1L pot)
Pros:
> Best in class performance in the wind
> Very fast boil time
> Uses less gas per boil than many other stove systems
> Compact size which will fit a small size gas canister inside
> Windburner stove can be used with either a 1L or 1.8L pot
Cons:
> Not really ultralight
> Expensive

I just found my favorite all-in-one stove and pot system, the MSR Windburner Stove System. After testing this unit there is a lot to like. Not only is this the most efficient stove in cold windy environments but it uses less fuel to boil or cook food than many other stoves. And has some of the fastest boil times of any stove unit on the market. This is my go-to stove for backpacking trips.

The MSR Windburner stove system has the highest build quality of any of the stoves in this review. Add to that the fact that you can add the MSR coffee press and even another pot or skillet and this is the all-in-one system that I prefer to use when heading into the backcountry.

But there are some things that could be better. It is expensive and it could be lighter. Also, there is no integrated piezo ignitor like that found in some of the competitors. Even though I have found that you always need to carry a lighter anyway as the piezo ignitors tend to fail at the worst possible moment.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for the MSR Windburner and it is more efficient than the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe and higher quality than the Jetboils.

Ease of Use

After adding the fuel canister and support legs to the burner unit you need to light the stove system. There is no built-in piezo ignitor with this system so you will need to carry either matches, a lighter, or a fire starter to get this unit going. Then just screw on the pot and your cooking system is done.

Weight

The Windburner is not the lightest stove and pot set on the market. It is quite heavy and I’m not sure they could do too much to make it any lighter. I suspect the reason it is so heavy would have something to do with the very high build quality. The Windburner is solidly built and will certainly take a bit more abuse than some of the competition.

Performance

The MSR Windburner has a very fast boil time thanks to the radiant burner. It is the same radiant burner technology used on the MSR Reactor. Both of which have good fuel efficiency for boiling water. And in windy conditions, the Windburner canister stove system excels as the best in class. Better than the Jetboil Flash or similar integrated canister stove.

Wind

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. The Windburner Stove System is the best stove to use when it is windy. Period. There is no other stove on the market that can compete for performance in the wind and for fuel efficiency.

To assist with stability in the wind and when backpacking it comes with a canister stand. These small and lightweight units clip onto the canister and assist with overall stability, however, as the system is quite high you will still need to take care when using in an uneven environment.

Simmer

The Windburner integrated canister stove system will simmer but that is not the primary use of this system. It is to boil water and boil it as fast and efficiently as possible. If you do need to simmer then it is possible but it will also be very hot and not like simmering when cooking at home.

Accessories / Integration

The MSR Windburner Stoves can be used with a 1L pot, 1.8L, a pan, and an MSR coffee press for those who need caffeine. The coffee press is one of the best backpacker coffee makers on the market.

MSR Windburner 1L Pot

The 1L pot without the stove weighs 8.7 oz / 250 grams. The MSR Windburner 1.0 personal pot is only suitable for solo hikers. Not many couples could survive with this size stove and might find it better to use the 1.8L.

MSR Windburner 1.8L pot

The 1.8L pot without the stove weighs 13.2 oz / 370 grams. The Windburner group stove system which is also known as the MSR Windburner Duo stove system is a great option for groups of between 2-4 people.

Skillet

The skillet weighs 7.6 oz / 220 grams. Like all the other Windburner pots it works great in the wind.

Coffee Press

There is a coffee press that can be used with the Windburner. I used the one that fits the 1L pot. I loved the coffee and its simplicity. I use the MSR Coffee Press when out hiking and backpacking.

It weighs only 1.3 oz / 37 grams and makes good coffee. I’m a coffee lover and find it impossible to live without coffee. As expected the coffee quality is better than any Backpacking Instant Coffee on the market.

Pot and Lid

The Windburner pot is made of hard anodized aluminum. It is wrapped in an insulated cozy with an integrated handle. It is both ergonomic and efficient at keeping in the heat.

The pot lid for the Windburner is made from plastic and is BPA-free. It has a drinking and straining hole. There is also a plastic bowl but it is not the most useful item. It does a good job of protecting the stove when it is packed. When testing the pot and lid I found it worked well under all situations. It has a strong lock on the pot and does not leak.

The small-sized gas canisters will fit inside the unit when it is fully packed up but the medium and large-size gas canisters do not.

Value

The MSR Windburner is not one of the cheapest stove and pot combos. Although well made and very solid the higher price might turn some people off buying this unit. Add to that the best-in-class warranty from MSR should anything happen.

MSR Windburner vs The Rest

The MSR Windburner is the most fuel-efficient and best-performing stove in bad weather. When it is windy this is the stove to have with you. That efficiency and performance in the wind come at the cost of weight with the MSR Windmaster being a little heavier than the competition.

MSR Windburner Vs Jetboil

The MSR Windburner is better made and higher quality but heavier and more expensive. The Jetboil is lighter and cheaper but not as high quality.

Conclusion

Overall, I’m a big fan of this all-in-one stove and pot combo. Just add a gas canister and a lighter and off you go. If you are spending time in windy areas and exposed areas then consider this as one of the best stoves on the market in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

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