Optimus Nova Stove

Here is a look at my liquid-fuel stove, the Optimus Nova. I give an overview of the stove and its operation along with a boil test.

This multi-fuel expedition stove can burn white gas (naphtha), unleaded gasoline, kerosene and diesel without making any modifications or part changes. It is an example of a plate burner stove, such as the MSR Dragonfly, MSR XGK, or Optimus SVEA 123R. These plate burners burn hot but also very loud with many users likening the sound to a jet engine. The folding pot supports/legs look like a turbine to me, so I guess that's fitting. It cranks out some serious heat at full blast but is also capable of a nice simmer. I've used it to cook everything from old fashioned oatmeal to pesto pasta without ever scorching my food. Most of the stove is constructed of metal, making it heavy but in my opinion the extra weight is worth the added reliability. As with all liquid-fuel stoves, it involves a complex procedure to set it up, prime it, cook with it, and pack it down, and also requires some occasional field maintenance. For these reasons many people stick to canister stoves or alcohol stoves. But those alternatives aren't practical for cold weather, high altitude, and feeding a group, so I occasionally need a stove that can perform under those demanding conditions and the Nova fits the bill. I also enjoy being a little different than the crowd with their cliché Whisperlite (though it is a fine stove, don't get me wrong). All in all, I'm happy with the Optimus Nova.

Optimus also makes the Nova+, which is the same as the Nova except the throttle valve is smaller and more compact.

The top competitors with this stove in my opinion would be the MSR Whisperlite Intl., the MSR Dragonfly, the Primus Omni Fuel, or the Brunton Vapor AF.

Here is another video overview of this stove from the manufacturer:
http://www.optimusstoves.com/seen/technischer-support/produktvideos/optimus-n...

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ColoradoCamper
• Optimus
• Nova
• Stove
• Boil
• Test
• Review
• Gear
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Outdoors
• White
• Gas
• Naphtha
• Fuel
• Multi-fuel
• Expedition
• Plate
• Burner
• Nova+

[jeep4jeep]

Hi, Please explain 2 cups in pints or litres .5??

I've just for my first multi-fuel stove which is the MSR Whisperlite Int.

It will boil HALF litre (about a pint) in around 3:30 minutes in strong wind with no lid on the pot.

Really nice review, we don't have this model stove in my part of the world.

[ColoradoCamper]

@jeep4jeep 2 cups = 1 pint = 0.47 liters. Hopefully some day we Americans will get smart and switch to the metric system.

I think you'll enjoy your Whisperlite Int. It is a great stove. Cheers.

[BigRooster747]

one with the black burner made in china and has faulty rubber seals, can explode, get the chrome burner one.

[ColoradoCamper]

@BigRooster747 Yes, the black burner model is facing a recall. I was able to get mine fixed, so I won't be buying a new Nova. But anyone out there considering this stove should heed your advice.

[larrylynn123]

Nice review on this stove....i love mine.

[ColoradoCamper]

@larrylynn123 Thanks

[Snirrealm]

nice video

[ColoradoCamper]

@CatFops It's about $150, but you can find it on sale for around $120 or so. I wouldn't pay full price for one.

[CatFops]

How much does this stove cost?