Owner review-Etekcity windproof butane stove

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Etekcity Portable Windproof Butane Outdoor StoveName:Jaime McFallAge:39Gender:FemaleHeight:5 feet 5 inches tall ( 66” )Weight:170 lbs.(77kg)Email:Jaimemcfall-/E1597aS9LRQIC4QWM/[email protected],State,Country: Wenatchee,Washington USDate: January 24,2016
I am a new overnight backpacker with only day hiking experience.I am training with a weighted day pack and walks and hikes this winter for a hike filled summer. I love being outdoors and hiking .I am a huge advocate for knowing your gear so I do practice runs in my own back yard and during training. It's Winter here and my temperatures outside at night are somewhere between 10 to 30 degrees fahrenheit(-12.21C to 16.67C) on average and are staying around 30 (16.67C)degrees during the day this season.
Product Information:Company base is in CaliforniaProduct made in ChinaManufacturer: Etekcity Manufactured in 2015URL: http://www.etekcity.comListed weight:1.04lbs(.47kg)Weight with carry case: 1.21lbs(.55kg)Model # K-203MSRP: $21.99Box contains stove, hose adapter and carry bagMade of water resistant stainless steel. Feels very durable.
This is a portable windproof outdoor butane stove with a built in electric-spark ignition. It is very made of stainless steel and works wonderfully.
It has 4 stable retractable legs that must be opened during cooking.
Electric spark ignition system has lit the first time each time I have wanted it to start, although they say to press the switch several times for ignition. I have not needed to do this.
This windscreen is adjustable from 3 ⅞” to 7 ⅞”. It is made of aluminum flanges that are reflective and can be tightened around the pot to keep wind out and heat in. 
In the center of the stove is a pot stand. The stove can handle 10 ½ lbs of total weight and a pot as big as 8 ½”. 
The fuel source is attached near the end of the hose.The flame is adjustable with a twist knob at the end of the flexible hose. This stove has an attachment so it can take most single butane and butane-propane mixed fuels with threaded 7/16 valve or cassette type. The fuel seems to affect the amount you can adjust the flame. When I used plain butane fuel the flame was mildly able to adjust. When I used a mixed fuel the flame was highly adjustable. I also noticed the mixed fuel cooked items quicker but we're not reviewing fuels, so I will move on. The hose is removed with a small wrench not included. If you need to repair the stove you may need something.
The storage bag is 4” tall and 5 ½” across. This softsided case is made of a nice lightweight nylon. Closes with a sturdy zipper and has a loop attached to attach it to your pack.
Summary:Overall I feel this stove is an excellent value and works very well with a sturdy design and craftsmanship. I had chosen this stove because of its low cost to buy and operate. I am very happy with the stove each time I have used it. I do have quicker and more adjustable results when I use a mixed fuel. I have used this stove early in the am to boil water for coffee and it only took 2.36 minutes at 24 degrees fahrenheit(-4.43C). The highest point I have used the stove was at 2000’ elevation with consistent winds. I have never been successful starting a fire in this location because of winds so this stove has made that hike much better. I use a small pot that is about 6” around and has a stubby handle with a lid. When I tried to use a pot with a long handle it wanted to fall over until I had water in it.Now I prefer a retractable handle for less frustration.I have made top ramen many time and it takes about 3 ½ minutes regularly for soft noodles. I have used this stove to make simple dehydrated foods and been exceptionally pleased over and over.This stove is so easy to use that I often make myself a snack or cup of tea at the halfway point of my day. I have used this stove about 6 times during the 2 months I have owned it. I like knowing my equipment.The one area that seems like it could be a weak spot is the hose, although it seems very sturdy and strong it is on the outside of the stove and could potentially get caught up on something and damaged. However using the case will help protect it. I suggest adding a wrench that fits the fittings and a replacement hose to your repair kit so you're ready when you need to be on the trail.I really like everything about this stove and haven't found anything I don't yet!