Performance
Science!
These graphs and charts are the result of extensive testing we did on each system type.
We’ve done our best to keep all comparisons as “apples-to-apples” as possible.
Weight
How much weight am I putting in my pack at the start of my trip?
This chart compares the total weight of the stove system, including enough fuel (and fuel container capacity) to be confident you can boil ten litres of water, in real-world conditions.
The spread of each bar covers a selection of similar products of each type.
SimmerShield is 4 to 5 ounces (~25%) lighter than the nearest competitors.
Packed Size
How much space does it take up in my pack?
This chart compares the total external packed size of the stove system (available internal storage space is ignored in this chart)
The spread of each bar covers a selection of similar products of each type.
SimmerShield is about equal in size to the most compact systems, and is ~0.6 to 1.1 litres (~45 to 65%) smaller than competing integrated canister stoves.
Efficiency
How efficient is SimmerShield in lab testing?
This chart compares how much water can be boiled with four ounces of fuel. Identical conditions were used for each system test.
The spread of each bar covers the range of performance depending on the wind conditions (top of bar = dead calm, bottom of bar = very windy.)
SimmerShield is slightly more efficient than competing integrated canister stoves.
Time
How long does it take to boil?
This chart compares the time required to boil a half litre of water. Identical conditions were used for each system test.
The spread of each bar covers a selection of similar products of each type, as well as a range of throttle settings and wind conditions.
SimmerShield’s boil time is more similar to an alcohol stove than a typical integrated canister stove.
What’s the rush? Sit tight, enjoy the view, it’s not a race.
Insulation
How long does your food or drink stay hot, after the cup is removed from heat?
Most systems come either with no insulation at all, or with a thin cozy that leaves the top and bottom of the cup exposed.
Integrated canister stoves typically have more complete insulation. However, their powerful heat-exchange fins work just as well in reverse (sucking heat out of your meal) if you aren’t careful to keep them covered.
SimmerShield includes a full coverage, two-part cozy system. This means you can take your time to enjoy your coffee. Or, you can leave your meal to hot-soak for a while instead of simmering it on the burner. Even more fuel efficiency!
Noise Level
How loud is the system at it’s most efficient throttle setting?
This is a qualitative assessment, we don’t own a decibel meter. We used our ears.
When running at peak efficiency, SimmerShield is almost as quiet as an alcohol stove. It is much, much less noisy than a typical canister stove.
No need to scare off the wildlife or to annoy your friends and neighbors. (Some people don’t care about this at all, but some care a lot.)
Regulations
Is the system legal to use everywhere?
Alcohol stoves are sometimes banned in certain outdoor recreation areas due to fire risk, because they do not have an ON/OFF valve.
Sure, these bans are difficult to enforce, but they exist for a reason! Please try your hardest to not start a forest fire.
Cold Soaking?
What if I’m cold soak curious?
Compared to cold-soaking, SimmerShield can heat more than ten litres of water for an extra ~12.5 ounces of packed weight.
Whether that’s worth it or not is a very personal choice, and it’s obviously up to you.
Unfortunately, Simmershield is unable to include a pint of ice cream with your purchase. That’s one more point for cold soaking…
