Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

I will update this review in the future in order to be fair to Primus.Upon receiving this Omni Fuel, I immediately changed the installed jetting for the canister gas, to the jetting for the white "Coleman" fuel.The specialized tool that comes with the Omni Fuel, is called a "Multi Tool", and is a lightweight, tool of different functions.Unfortunately, this Multi Tool was defective, as the deep socket, that takes out the jets, was not sized properly during manufacture...or the jets were not sized properly.What happened, is that there is "zero clearance" between the tool's socket and the jets. I get only 1/32 of an inch of contact between the socket and the jet...and at that, the tool must be PERFECTLY centered over the jet, and FORCED DOWN. It then is difficult to remove the jet from the tool's socket.Very bad when in the field, as the jets are very small items!I contacted Primus's US representatives about this, and they sent me new jets and Multi Tool. However, one of the jets they sent me was NOT for the Omni, but entirely different stoves,The Gravity, and the ETA MF.The new tool also would not fit either my jets, or the new ones that Primus sent me....Showing me that there is a seriously defective Quality Control situation over at Primus. The new tool that Primus sent to me DID fit the incorrect jet, with PERFECTION.So far, I have spent 30 days, and sent 8 e-mails, with more to come, to Primus's U.S. representatives, and been told that new Multi Tools won't be in stock for another 45 to 60 days.Primus stated that they would pull the Multi Tools from the warehouse, but they will not tell me the result of what they found. The last request I made of them, was would the send me another Multi Tool, and before sending it, check for proper fit with the jets before sending it?I made this request in two different e-mails, but Primus will not respond to my request. This tells me that they have verified this problem from the warehouse.I made a posting about this issue, on YouTube, where someone has an instructional video on the Omni Fuel. One respondent, from a foreign land...as he spoke in kilometers, verified that he has the same problem.If you buy one of these stoves, check for proper fitting of the tool's socket to the jet. My automotive sockets will fit this, but the weight gain is not what I am after.For [$] I expected high quality perfection. So far all I have is a hassle.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

This stove is Awesome. Some of the previous posters had some problems with the multi-tool but with a little common sense, it works perfect and as intended.

The tool fit on the jet is tight. This will help to NOT STRIP the soft brass with the tool itself. Simply force the tool on as far as you can go. Loosen it up by a few turns and before you pull the jet all the way out, wiggle the tool off. Now you can spin the jet out with your fingers and be assured you did not strip anything which would make your stove a single jet unit. It's really been that easy all along. I wish Primus had told the other person how to use his tool, or at least stated how to do so in the directions.

The poster who had problems with the flame spreader is correct about it being difficult to remove and install. FORTUNATELY, PRIMUS LISTENED! There is now a notch in the side of the cup to release one tab and the rest follow. To reinstall is the reverse, BUT you MUST spin the spreader past he notch so it doesn't pop off. You will find that the cup retains it securely on, and the spreader problems are no more!

I conclude that the issues with the low ratings are either unjustified, or rectified, so this stove is probably the the best one out there. No plastic where it counts, burns everything, and has great simmer control.

You get what you pay for. Do yourself a favor and get this stove, it's as reliable as a stove gets.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

I was first thrilled when I got this stove, but it didn't take long before extreme disappointment set in and I eventually returned it. This stove had everything I was looking for – compact, stable base, serrated pot rest, durable pump, multi-fuel and the option for canister fuel was a bonus. However, after using it I noticed too many cost saving short cuts on such an expensive stove that affected its quality. First problem was changing out the orifice nozzle for white gas. The primer cup covering the nozzle would not pop off. The tabs were wedged between the burner cup and outer shell. I had to pry it off with a screwdriver while squeezing the shell. Next problem, the tool they provided was too small to fit the orifice. Luckily, I had my own deep well metric socket that fit. When trying to fit the primer cup back on, the tabs again interfered with the outer case. After squeezing, bending and forcing, it finally rested on the burner cup but would not lock in place (more on that later). A simple slot in the outer case and curling the tab up would allow popping the primer cup without it falling off. Lighting was no big deal and unfortunately, I got a lot of practice re-lighting while trying to set the burner to simmer. It's very difficult to get the feel of where it cuts out. When you do get it reasonably set, the burner just goes out even in no-wind situations. From my experience with other stoves, I thought this was because the fuel bottle pressure was too low. As I was pumping, a blast of fuel vapors shot out from either the pump stem or side of the bottle (I didn't see for sure). Luckily, the vapor drifted away from the burner so I didn't wind up with singed knuckles. Packing up, I forgot about the primer cup fit and sure enough, it fell off requiring ten minutes of nose to ground search to find it. Too bad the manual can't be used for TP as that is all it is good for. If you've never set up or used a similar stove before, I don't see how you could set it up safely let along do maintenance on it from the instructions in the manual. There is a wind screen, but a novice would have no clue how to install it properly. I can see some poor sap installing it wrong and launching an overheated a fuel bottle. The listed factory web site is no help. Eventually found a link to a US distributor, but they do not even show this stove. I read about [...] problems and decided life is too short to pay so much money to have deal with this, so back it went.

Service and delivery comments:

Product was delivered promptly, on-time and in good condition.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

The advantage of a stove that is easy to clean as well made from metal, not plastic pumps as are its competitors. Make the stove indestructible. I have had it on my two month trip in Mongolia using the worst fuel of one can find. I live in Fairbanks Alaska, where it drops to -40F/C. It works always and never lets me down. The advantage that it can run from propane to diesel
means you can burn literally anything.
If Ernest Shackleton used a Primus when he was the first to discover the south pole, means Primus know what they are doing.
My friend always told me about the poor plastic fuel pumps that brake after long use.Omnifuel is aluminum.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

My stove is an older model with the flame adjustment at the end of the fuel hose, near the canister or fuel bottle. Appears to have moved closer to the burner. I've had my Primus since 1999, and it is bullet-proof. Lights when wet, and the adjustment is spot on. Usually my stove gets used by everyone at mealtime, its just so easy to use and very stable. The stove itself is very durable and also the steel braided hose has never kinked, even after repeatedly cramming it into my pack next to my bear canister. Spendy at [$]You only complain once about buying quality gear then, never again.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

I own the prior version of this stove and it works like a dream. I choose this over MSR products because I hear the plastic parts on MSR pumps are guaranteed to break. The pump on the primus is metal, stout without being too heavy.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

a true multi fuel, love the fact it works with LPG, when i can find them! the biggest + for me it it burns the kerosene mix that is sold when the seller want to make more money. the mis seems to be 70% kerosene 30% something that is oil bout wont burn, well this stove will burn it! need to clean every day but it works.
its been a year not all over Asia, NEVER had a problem, but finding the parts i might need to fix is , well hard to find them, seems they made 3 different models and no one know what parts fit what stove! and unlike MSR plastic parts made to brake

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

This has been a great stove for me. It has worked flawlessly for me every time. I never had any problems with the multi tool like some of the other reviewers. You have to have the the socket perfectly perpendicular to the jet as the jets are very small. This is definitely not an ultra light stove by any means. I am looking into a lighter stove set up for fast and light trips but this stove is good for mountain trips with high altitudes or when weight is not paramount.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

I've tried this stove in varying conditions with both white gas and kerosene. It can be a little tricky to start on kerosene (use a thimble of white gas to preheat).
Once started, nothing puts it down or out. Used it to replace an old Svea 123. A little more difficult to light than the 123. The base isn't all that stable but it is light and easy to handle. An excellent choice if you are worried about throwaway propane bottles.

Comments about Primus OmniFuel Backpacking Stove:

This Stove has been EPIC..I have had it for just over 4 years now and used it from Alaska to Arizona and it has never failed. Compared to MSRs and other brands my stove has always boiled incredibly faster. It does have its faults which are the simmer function or lack of. It is also much heavier but stability has a price. Overall I think these complaints are a moot point considering the positives.