We compared Jetboil Zip vs Flash side by side and would like to share the key differences between them. First thing you need to know about Jetboil Zip and Flash, these two are the backpacking stoves which has been designed to boil water but not for cooking. The main difference between the Jetboil Zip and Flash is the capacity, power output, ignition system and fuel efficiency. So that Jetboil Flash has 0.2-liters more volume to boil water, therefore it may be more suitable with travelling with a group of people. On the other hand, the Jetboil Flash is minimalist, it is our go to choose for solo backpackers.
Here is the table we have put together to help you better understand Jetboil Zip vs Flash comparison:
| Comparison of# | Jetboil Zip | Jetboil Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Out Selection for | Solo Hiking, Camping and Backpacking | Lightning-fast water boiling for 1-2 People |
| Price Tag | Latest Rates on Amazon | Latest Rates on Amazon |
| Volume | 0.8-liter | 1.0-liter |
| Ignition Type | Match | Push Button |
| Boil Time | 2 minutes 30 seconds per .5 liter (average over life of JetPower can) | 100 seconds per .5 liter (average over life of JetPower can) |
| Water Boiled | 12 liters per 100 grams JetPower can | 10 liters per 100 grams JetPower Can |
| Fuel Regulator | No | No |
| Thermochromatic Color Change Indicator | No | Yes |
| Group Size | Great for Solo | 1-2 People |
| Weight | 12 ounces (340 grams) | 13.9 ounces (393 grams) |
| Accessories Included | No | No |
Jetboil Zip vs Flash: Pros & Cons Compared
Here is our list for Jetboil Zip vs Flash Pros and cons:
Jetboil Flash Likes/Dislikes
- It is best for fast cooking/boiling and very useful for group of people.
- It has a Push Button Ignitor
- Its heat indicator shows when the water boils
- It has an easy set up
- Jetboil Flash boils water fast (100 sec)
- The push button may not be reliable in strong wind
- It takes more space due to higher volume
Jetboil Zip Likes/Dislikes
- The best stove for solo hiking, camping and backpacking
- It packs so small, and is easy to carry for long hikes.
- Budged-friendly
- It is easy to set up
- Jetboil Zip offers great fuel efficiency.
- It has no push-button ignitor; you need a match or separate lighter.
- There is no heat indicator, you need to check manually to see if water is boiled or not.
- The fill capacity is for solo hikers, it may be sufficient for up to 2 people
Jetboil Zip vs Flash: Key Differences Listed
We grouped the key differences between Jetboil Zip and Flash backpacking stoves as size, weight, ignition system, boil time and fuel efficiency. Let’s take a quick look at them and understand which one is better.
Size & Weight
Both Jetboil Zip and Flash are approximately at the same size. But, Jetboil Flash is slightly bigger and therefore the Jetboil Zip is more packable.
Based on the company spec, the Jetboil Zip is 340-grams without fuel stabilizer. It has a capacity of 0.8-liters of water in cooking cup. Considering its fuel efficiency, Jetboil Zip can boil 12-liters of liquid water via 100-gram JetPower canister. On the other hand, the Jetboil Flash is 393-gram (again without fuel stabilizer) and has a boiling capacity of 1-liters. It can boil 10-liters of water per 100-gram JetPower can. By the way, the fuel stabilizer of both weighs around 25-grams.
The Jetboil Flash is slightly heavier than the Jetboil Zip. Yet, it can boil more water at once. Therefore, if you are planning to serve a large number of people, then the Flash will be a better option. However, if you are a solo backpacker or camper or planning a long hike than we would recommend Jetboil Zip since it is less in space and weight.
Ignition Systems Comparison for Jetboil Zip and Flash
When it comes the ignition system, the Jetboil Flash has push-button ignitor on it. On the other hand, you will need a lighter to ignite the Jetboil Zip. This is one of the main differences between Jetboil Zip and Flash.
Especially in strong wind, the push-button igniter of Jetboil Flash is unreliable, therefore, it would be better to pack a separate match to ignite Flash on such a circumstance. Some say you don’t need wind-sheltered environment with the Jetboil Flash. But we definitely recommend you to place it sheltered from the wind before ignition.
We strongly recommend carrying a match or lighter, if you go with the Jetboil Flash. Because after a prolonged use, there is a possibility of push-button ignition failure on it. The Jetboil company says it is “Reliable”, but it’s better to be cautious and bring a match/lighter with you anytime.
When it comes to Jetboil Zip, you have no choice but to bring matches or lighters with you. It is good to note that Jetboil Zip is a minimalist backpacking stove which has been designed for people who travels alone or who needs more available space for packing in their back.
Heat Indicator
Did you know that Jetboil Flash has a heat indicator on it? This is a feature that tells you that water has reached boiling temperature by changing its color from gray to yellow. On the other hand, this feature is not available in Jetboil Zip as it has a smaller size.
Boiling Time
Considering the boiling time, the Jetboil Flash is faster than the Jetboil Zip for the same amount of water. The power you will get from the Jetboil Flash is 9000 BTU/h whereas Jetboil Zip can provide 4500 BTU/h for average over-life of JetPower can. So, the Jetboil Flash is more powerful and transfers more heat energy to the boiling cup.
Based on boiling tests for 0.5-liters of water, the calculated average boiling time for Jetboil Flash is 1 minute and 40 seconds whereas for the Jetboil Zip, it is 2 minutes and 30 seconds. You may have less or more than these numbers since the boiling time of water is depending on the initial temperature of water and the elevation.
Fuel Efficiency
To begin with, the Jetboil Zip is more fuel efficient than the Jetboil Flash. For 100-gram JetPower fuel, Jetboil Zip can boil 12-liters of water while Jetboil Flash boils 10-liters of water.
There are two main reasons why Jetboil Zip is more fuel efficient than the Jetboil Flash. The first thing is the amount of heat per hour that Jetboil Flash can provide doubles the Jetboil Zip canister. This is why Jetboil Flash boils water faster than Jetboil Zip. But also, it consumes its fuel faster. The second reason is that the Jetboil Flash has a larger water bowl, which means there is more surface for the heat to dissipate further into the air.
Bottom-line for Jetboil Zip vs Flash Comparison
So, which one is better, Jetboil Zip or Flash? The Jetboil Zip is a minimalist backpacking stove. It is easy to pack, it takes small space, and fuel efficient. But, Jetboil Flash gives more than the Zip.
If you are asking what I prefer in my trips, I usually take with me my Jetboil Zip, if I am alone. However, if I have my friends with me, then I go with the Jetboil Flash.
To me, Jetboil Flash is great and outperforms the Jetboil Zip by far. It costs $20 more in comparison to Jetboil Zip, which is definitely not a deal breaker. Because, the Jetboil Flash boils water faster, it has push-button ignitor (very useful and easy to use) and heat indicator that lets you know when the water is boiling. This indicator is both time and fuel saver.
Also, when there is a large group of people you are travelling with, fast boiling capability is a life saver! There is almost 1 minute lag in between of boiling time of these two canisters. If you include the prep time of stuff for each person, this will double.
Anyway, please remember that neither Jetboil Zip nor Jetboil Flash comes with JetPower fuel. Therefore, you need to get them separately.
If you are looking for a backpacking stove to both boil water and cook, Jetboil Minimo may meet your needs the best. You can check out our detailed comparison for Jetboil Minimo vs Flash to get to know more about Jetboil Minimo.
Here is a video which is a great review for Jetboil Zip:
Also, you may want to check out the following review of Jetboil Flash:
By the way, Jetboil has an interesting story. If you are interested in, you can check it out via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jetboil.