msr whisperlite or simmerlite stove

[fredlonas]

I tried to do a search but no results. REI has the Whisperlite stove on sale 49.00, after that rebate $ , and I'm not sure which to get that or the Simmerlite. Can the Whisperlite do any simmering at all by playing with the adjustments. I also hear that the Simmerlite is not much better at simmering. Getting ready for my Northern Tier ride next May and trying to keep cost of needed items down. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[JayH]

As far as I've tried, the only good way to get the whisperlite to simmer is to play with the pressure of the fuel bottle. Like when the fuel bottle is almost empty, you'll notice the whisperlite wont burn as high, so if you don't pump up the pump as much. If you just boil water for freeze dried stuff, then it wont matter for simmering.  

Jay

[bogiesan]

A stove is not an item on which to scrimp if you are depending on it.
Otherwise, don't take one. Or go ultralight with an alcohol burner.

You can research stoves on most of the backpacking sites. Those folks
know from stoves.

Backpacking with other nuts, I've used several generations of the
Whisperlite but never owned one myself. It was designed to do one and
only one job: boil water. if you need to gently cook pancakes or
omelets, you must have an adjustable stove with a very wide burner
that will heat the entire base of a frying pan.

david boise ID

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[ChrisHunt]

If you really just want to boil water and have few mechanical issues, you
might try one of these.

http://www.rei.com/product/653343

Forget simmering, as it burns at 1400 F

[bogiesan]

Ah, the Esbit tablets! Thanks for the memories. I've used these rascals
while trying to go ultralight with my backpacking gear. Very interesting
product, does the job and the ultimate in low tech. I wonder if REI still
sells the little brass Euro alcohol stove? No. But REI has a more modern
and more expensive unit: http://www.rei.com/product/752671

Define your need for stove performance and then do not buy one! Try
to borrow one from your backpacking friends. Most backpackers have
two or three stoves.

bogiesan

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[Peaks]

The simmerlite is an updated version of the whisperlite that has been on the market for over a decade.  Whisperlite has stood the test of time.  Generally, it's either on or it's off.  Hard to adjust the burner to anything in between.  

Plenty of backpackers and bike tourers have used them.  If if fits you budget, then go for it.

[driftlessregion]

The simmerlite is great but don't buy it if you want a quiet stove, because it is very noisy.

[Peaks]

If you think the whisperlite (or simmerlite) is noisy, you should have listened to it's predecissor, the Svea.  That sounded like a blowtorch.