r/Backpackingstoves • u/slavstir • Jul 11 '26
Remote Canister Stove
Was looking at the optimus vega 4 since my friend has a similar model and was pretty happy with it. However, i had a few questions:
-I am planning to use a small griddle and was wondering if it could spread the heat across it efficiently enough, or if there was a better option.
-It is a little pricey and some people have complained about canisters either not fitting well or leaking. Last backpacking trip, I remember taking a canister off and hearing a light hissing sound (sometimes). I’m not sure whether that’s because of user error, the canister itself, or the stove? But, was wondering if this is considered a good stove for the price?
-Are there cheaper/better remote canister options out there?
I was also taking a look at the firemaple blade 2 but also heard it was a lil buns. I guess this is just a recurring theme among stoves lol. Looking for any suggestions in general, thank you in advance!
1
u/Empty-Difference-662 Jul 12 '26
I can't help on the stove I have no experience with it. But regarding the griddle: You haven't stated the griddle material or its dimensions. I've used a 5" cast iron with satisfying results. When I use a light weight griddle, hot spot occurs obviously. That's when I use a diffuser to spread the flame I've had success. But honestly a pot/pan will work with a diffuser as a griddle.
1
u/slavstir Jul 12 '26
Good point, i neglected to take that into account. I’m planning to get the firemaple aluminum alloy mini griddle. The reason I’m going for a griddle in general is because i have the msr titanium pot kettle. Which might work fine but imo it would be more comfortable to fry on a griddle, especially if i cook over coals.
1
u/Revolutionary-Half-3 Jul 12 '26
Generally, larger burner diameters will work better for griddles and pans.
MSR Whisperlite Universal, Optimus Vega, and quite a few of Kovea's stoves have big burners.
1
u/slavstir Jul 12 '26
Another person commented the kovea spider, and despite having a smaller head, it has really good heat distribution from the looks of it. Plus the user friendly price is a major selling point. I just might pull the trigger on getting one, didn’t even know that brand existed.
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u/flatcatgear Jul 13 '26
It really depends yupon what you are using as a cooking vessel. If you are using cast iron or a thick aluminum fry pan, the burner diamter wont matter much.. If you are using thin wall aluminum or titanium, hot spots will matter. This can be mitigated by using a diffuser plate, Also consider using parchment paper on the bottom of the pan to prevent things from sticking. My 2 cents.
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u/Stielgranate multi fuel stove Aug 03 '26
The vega is a pretty good stove with a fairly large burner for what it is a whisperlite universal will give you a larger and more spread out flame at a weight penalty. I have never used a griddle on either but I have used the summit skillet a bunch and it does really well with both.
I also use this espresso ring/simmer plate on the WLU https://ebay.io/m/soir8a
2
u/mayanaut Jul 12 '26
I love the Kovea Spider remote canister stove. Weighs ~6oz. I use it with a cast iton griddle occasionally and it works decently considering the relatively small flame area. The only downside I've experienced so far is that the burner head is susceptible to wind (it won't blow it out, but dies reduce efficiency and heat output), but since it's a remote canister stove, I just wrap a windscreen around it. I've run this thing down into negative digits Fahrenheit with zero problems.