MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo Compared [Selection Guide 2023]

This time we will be comparing the MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo side by side and share the key differences between them. Both the WindBurner and the MiniMo are highly popular amongst the campers, hikers and climbers. Yet, one does a better job than the other. To begin with, the key the key differences between the MSR WindBurner and the Jetboil MiniMo are the fuel efficiency, boiling time, wind resistance, the versatility (boiling & cooking), and the price point.

In overall, the Jetboil MiniMo does better than the MSR WindBurner. But your personal preferences could be different than our decision. We explained each item one by one to help you understand which one is better for you: MSR WindBurner or Jetboil MiniMo?

MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo: Key Differences

If you need a quick summary for MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo, you can check out the table below for the highlights and side-by-side comparison:

Comparison of#MSR WindBurnerJetboil MiniMo
Out Selection forBoils Water Only / Solo Hiker or CamperBoth Boil Water and Cook Foods
Price TagCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon
Volume1-liter1-liter
Ignition TypeLighter, MatchPush-Button, Lighter, Match
Boil Time145 seconds per 1-liter (1-liter pot size)135 seconds per .5 liter (average over life of JetPower can)
Water Boiled8.8-liters per 100 grams fuel12 liters per 100 grams JetPower Can
Group Size1-2 People1-2 People
Weight14.7 ounces or 420 grams14.6 ounces (415 grams)
Dimension (W X L X H)4.5 x 7.1 inches5.0 x 5.5 inches

Key Differences Between the MSR WindBurner and the Jetboil MiniMo

We have evaluated the key differences between the MSR WindBurner and the Jetboil MiniMo from the aspect of fuel efficiency, boiling time, wind-performance, size & weight (packability) and price point. Long story short the main differences between MSR WindBurner and Jetboil MiniMo are:

  • The WindBurner is designed for boiling water, but the MiniMo can be used for both boiling water and cooking due to its effective flame control unit.
  • The fuel efficiency of the Jetboil MiniMo is way better than the MSR WindBurner.
  • Considering the boiling time, the Jetboil MiniMo is slightly faster than the MSR WindBurner.
  • Both MSR WindBurner and Jetboil MiniMo are designed for solo hikers and campers. Yet, they are fine for 1-2 people as well.
  • The capacity (pot size) of MSR WindBurner and the Jetboil MiniMo are the same and is 1-liter.
  • The Jetboil MiniMo has a push-button ignitor which is very easy to use. However, the MSR WindBurner does not have any push-button ignitor, you need to bring a lighter or match with you.
  • MSR WindBurner offers a radiant burner Reactor technology which works great on windy days, whereas Jetboil MiniMo has Flux Ring technology, but this feature isn’t working properly in windy conditions.
  • From the price point, MSR WindBurner costs $169.95, whereas Jetboil MiniMo costs $154.95.

Fuel Efficiency

It is so clear that the Jetboil MiniMo is more fuel efficient than the MSR WindBurner. When we make a side-by-side fuel efficiency comparison for the same amount of fuel;

  • The WindBurner can boil 8.8-liters per 100 grams fuel.
  • The MiniMo can boil 12 liters per 100 grams JetPower canister.

Fuel efficiency could be a big deal, if you are planning long distance hikes where packing and carrying any extra fuel could be overwhelming. Therefore, it would be better choosing the Jetboil MiniMo over the WindBurner.

It is important to note that the integrated stove systems such as MSR WindBurner and Jetboil MiniMo do not come with the fuel canister. You need to purchase them separately.

You can check out the following links to take a look at MSR ISOPRO fuel that is compatible with the MSR WindBurner:

Which MSR Fuel Compatible with the WindBurner: MSR ISOPRO Fuel

Check Amazon for the MSR ISOPRO Fuel compatible with MSR WindBurner.

The Jetboil Minimo uses isobutane-propane gas mixture canister. Also, Jetboil has100 gr, 230 gr or 450 gr options of JetPower, but you need to get them separately. You can either purchase them on Amazon through the following links or take a look at the standards “AS2278” and “EN417” to understand which type of canister would be safe to use:

100 and 230 gr JetPower Canisters:

450 gr JetPower Canister:

Boiling Time for the WindBurner vs the MiniMo

When we compared the boiling time of the MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo, the MiniMo is faster than the WindBurner.

The WindBurner can boil 0.5-liters water in 145 seconds whereas the MiniMo can boil the same amount of water in 135 seconds. So that the MiniMo is better than the WindBurner.

If you need even faster boiling time, the Jetboil Zip or Flash would be better options which can boil 1-liter of water around 120 seconds. You can check out our in-depth comparison of Jetboil Zip vs Flash.

Wind-Performance for MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo Comparison

When we come to wind performance, both these integrated stove systems are working very well in windy conditions than standard stove systems. However, the MSR WindBurner provides more powerful heat than the Jetboil MiniMo. So that the flame resistance against the wind is way better in the MSR WindBurner.

The Radiant Burner System of the WindBurner works great in comparison to the Flux Ring Technology of the MiniMo.

Packability, Size and Weight

MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo Compared from the packability, size and weight perspective

The WindBurner has a tall and slender structure and pot in comparison to the Jetboil MiniMo wider and short pot. Both of them can easily fit in a backpack.

When it comes to the packed dimensions, the MiniMo could be packed as 5.0×5.5 inches, whereas the WindBurner is 4.5×7.1 inches. You need some vertical space for the WindBurner, but the MiniMo will require wider space considering the width of its boiling pot.

When we compared them from the aspects of weight, both comes with almost the same weight. The MSR WindBurner is 14.7 oz whereas the MiniMo weighs 14.6 oz.

From the packability, size and weight, both the WindBurner and the MiniMo perform almost the same.

MSR WindBurner Review

MSR WindBurner Review, Pros and Cons

One of the highly recommended products of MSR company is the MSR WindBurner. The MSR company (Mountain Safety Research) firstly focused on climbing equipment but they are also developing other outdoor gear.

So, we want to do some short reviews to decide which stoves are better for you. The WindBurner is being sold with a measurement cup, fuel canister stabilizer and two pots options.

The WindBurner’s pot has a plastic and nylon strap handle on it. It isn’t much handy and durable, but still works fine. The WindBurner attaches the cooking pot into the canister’s pan support easily and snaps on so that, you can transport it everywhere easily and securely. 

If you are looking for a backpacking-stove which can be used for both boiling water and cooking for a large group of people, the MSR Reactor may fit your needs the best in comparison to the WindBurner. You can check out our in-depth comparison for MSR Reactor vs WindBurner and find out which one is better for you.

Here is a useful video about the MSR Windburner:

Pros for MSR WindBurner

  • The WindBurner has a tall and narrow structure, also has a nesting configuration to fit in the backpack easily.
  • It is considerably fuel-efficient; it can boil 18-liter water per full canister (227 grams).
  • It comes with a 16.9oz(500ml) measurement cup to make portioning out water.
  • Radiant Burner System works great on windy days.
  • It has a wrap-around cooking pot for not to burn the user’s hand.

Cons for MSR WindBurner

  • The WindBurner is ideal for solo hikers. But for a large group of people you may need to go with the MSR Reactor.
  • It has a plastic and nylon handle on the cooking cup.
  • While using the WindBurner, you need to use a long fork or spoon because of its tall and slender cooking pot.
  • It is more expensive than the Jetboil MiniMo.

Jetboil MiniMo Review

Jetboil MiniMo Review, Pros and Cons

Jetboil was founded in 2001 and the company focuses on high-efficiency, easy to use camp stoves. The company has gained a great reputation because its products have a fast and compact design and the MiniMo is no exception.

The Jetboil MiniMo comes with a 12- oz (350-ml) measuring cup to make portioning out water, a fuel canister stabilizer and 1-liter cooking pot version. However, there are downsides which are Jetboil Fuel and Pot Support are sold separately but still, the Jetboil also offers a wide range of accessories to use with the Jetboil MiniMo, including a Coffee Press and a Hanging Kit. Also, it comes with four different (Adventure, Camo, Carbon, Sunset) color versions.

The Jetboil MiniMo’s cooking pot has a foldable metal handle. It is easy to handle and durable, we think that you can use it for a long time with no worries. Also, the Jetboil MiniMo attaches the cooking pot into the canister’s pan support easily.

If you are looking for a lightweight integrated backpacking stove, you may want to see the Jetboil MicroMo. You can check out our Jetboil MiniMo vs MicroMo and see how they are performing against each other.

You can check out following video about the Jetboil MiniMo which is very useful:

Pros for Jetboil MiniMo

  • The Jetboil MiniMo can be used by one or two people.
  • It has a short and wider cooking structure which is easy to eat from in it with a normal type of spoon or fork.
  • It has a canister stabilizer support.
  • It comes with a 12oz(350ml) measurement cup.
  • It has a push-button igniter.
  • It has a foldable metal handle
  • It can use a wide range of accessories like Coffee Press, Hanging Kit etc.
  • It has a wrap-around cooking pot for not to burn the users’ hands.
  • It has a nesting configuration which is a must feature for campers.

Cons for Jetboil MiniMo

  • Flux Ring technology is not working properly on windy days.

Which is the right stove for you: The WindBurner or the Jetboil MiniMo?

If you are a solo camper or hiker, you can choose the WindBurner even if eating from its cooking pot with a spoon or fork is a little bit hard and, it is doing a great job. However, if you are a duo camper or hiker, choosing the Jetboil MiniMo is more suitable for you because it can be used by two people.

We can say that if you want a more fuel-efficient product, you should choose the Jetboil MiniMo but if you are going to be in a windy climate it would be better to go with the MSR WindBurner.

Bottom-line for MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo Comparison

Our verdict for MSR WindBurner vs Jetboil MiniMo comparison: Considering the overall performance and price, we would recommend the Jetboil MiniMo over the MSR WindBurner. The MiniMo is more suitable for both boiling water and cooking in comparison to the WindBurner. On the other hand, for windy condition, the WindBurner works way better than the MiniMo.

You may also want to take a quick look at the following articles, if you are looking for an integrated backpacking-stove system:

References: