Optimus Crux Lite Stove Test | Photo Mike Hardaker Mountain Weekly News
Weighing 72 grams (2.5 ounces) the Optimus Crux Lite Stove is no brainier to carry with you in the backcountry. The days of lugging a heavy bulky stove with you camping are long gone thanks to the Optimus Crux Lite.
Optimus Crux Lite Heat Time
The Optimus Crux Lite is a small stove that packs a powerful punch. I was able to boil snow in minutes for water thanks to a wide burner head on the Optimus Crux Lite that allowed a pot to sit securely atop the stove. Even when temperatures got below freezing the Optimus Crux Stove fired up time and time again.
One tip for melting snow: Always have some water available to add to your pot of snow, otherwise everything will evaporate when you try and melt snow leaving you thirsty and with that much less fuel.
Optimus Boil Time
According to Optimus the average boil time for 1 L of water is approximately 3 min/1 L, depending on climate, altitude, etc. Keep in mind wind and weather will affect these numbers. Find a sheltered place to cook and boil water and this stove like any others will perform that much better.
The stove is easy to use by simply unfolding and attaching to any standard butane canister. To light simply turn the knob to allow fuel to reach the stove and flick with a lighter. What I really liked about this design was the ability to adjust the burner for different types of cooking. The picture above shows a simmer mode, whereas the main photo for this article shows a more powerful flame.
When done using the stove it folds up to about the size of an old GoPro or Cliff Bar allowing for easy storage in just about any nook and cranny you can find in your backpack, or in my case simply inside my cookware.
Optimus Crux Lite Stove Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Weighs only 72 grams (2.5 ounces)
- Efficient boiling time for water
- Compact size for easy storage
Cons:
- Weighs 72 grams (2.5 ounces)
- Wind and weather affect boil time
- Adjusting the burner may require careful handling
Overall Impression
Along with the Crux Lite Stove, Optimus manufactures their own butane canisters as well as the Optimus Crux Lite Cooking System ($89.95), a heat pouch and much more. Thanks to a 3000 w burner you’re pot or pan will always have a nice even burn when using the Crux Lite Stove.
With 100 years of experience, Optimus a Swedish company knows a thing or two about making high-quality stoves.
I can’t think of a more powerful compact tool on the market for camping, backpacking and ultralight hiking than the Optimus Crux Lite Stove ($39.95)
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