Rating of the Jetboil Personal Cooking System was determined by analyzing consumer reviews at various online retailers. This Gear Rater listing should not be considered a recommendation by Hiker’s Corner, but as a guide to help you make informed decisions.
Gear Rater - Jetboil Personal Cooking System
Jetboil Personal Cooking System. |
The Jetboil Personal Cooking System is a self-contained cooking system that is a little larger than a Nalgene bottle. A super efficient canister stove is wedded to a cylindrical pot/mug to form a single, connected system. Thanks to a patented “Flux Ring” that distributes heat evenly over the bottom of the cup, the Jetboil can boil a cup full of water in 30 seconds. The base and canister nest inside the pot/mug for transport. The pot/mug portion uses an insulating sleeve to protect your hand and hold heat inside. |
Overall Rating 
The Word
The Jetboil system received quite a number of positive reviews, with only a few negative comments noted. The average of the cumulative ratings yielded a 4.5 star ranking.
The pros included quick boil times, the elimination of the need for pots and pans, and a total unit size equal to that of a nalgene water bottle.
There were a few cons mentioned about this system. Even though the boil times were quick, most people found that it was a little slower than stated, and the weight (15oz) was a concern for some. Additional negatives included statements that this unit was not good for cooking for large groups.
Hiker’s Corner Input
The fairly high ranking of this system certainly speaks well of this piece of gear, as well as the fact the Jetboil won the 2004 Editor's Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine™.
Objective reviews would never be complete without the negatives, but most of them are pretty modest problems. The slower boil time could possibly be attributed to many factors. Outdoor temperature at the time and altitude can all affect the boil time of any stove. The colder the temp. or higher the elevation, the slower the boil time will be.
The stove not being good for group cooking is basically a no brainer. They don't call it the "Personal Cooking System" for nothing.
The weight would certainly be an issue for some, but it is important to realize there is no need for additional pots, pans, or mugs. That should make for a decent trade off.
All in all, if you're looking for a reasonbly compact unit that reduces your total cookware load, the Jetboil system would be a good choice. Die-hard ultralighters may find it a bit too heavy, but there is something to be said for its relative ease of use and low fuel consumption.
Tech Specs:
- Material: Aluminum (cup)
- Burn Time: Varies, adjustable
- Boil Time: 30 sec
- Fuel Type: Butane
- Auto Ignition: Yes
- Windscreen: Yes
- Fuel Bottle: Yes
- Weight: [cup, stove] 14 oz
- Warranty: 1 year