Someone Copied My Favorite Stove! - Soto ST-320 - I Can't Believe It!

[@toddperkins2232]

I really like how you were so fair on that judgment of both stoves and as an average camper the $12 one would be perfect for me thank you

[@mazdamaniac4643]

I've been left very wary of using Chinese knock-offs, they've let me down so many times and in some cases created a dangerous condition, they've almost all ended up in the bin. After adding up the cost of binning so much busted, cheap gear...I'd have saved a lot of money by saving up and buying the proper gear in the first place, which I'd advise to anyone. SOTO is one of those brands where you'll pay the extra cash, but you're paying for extreme reliability and dependable performance, which is absolutely worth it in the long run. If you're starting out and aren't sure about spending a fortune on camping gear when you may not like it in the end, by all means, but replace asap if it becomes a hobby. My case in point, I bought a FireMaple multi-fuel stove for a camping trip around Wales. Testing it out in the garden, it exploded from a part defect and could have killed me. If I'd spent that little bit more and bought the SOTO multi-fuel instead (which I did in the end anyway) I would have saved myself the near-death experience. Not only does the SOTO version have far better build quality, it also has some simple safety features that the Fire Maple knock-off totally lacked, but absolutely needed. On the flip-side, the Fire Maple knock-off of MSR's Pocket Rocket gas stove just keeps soldiering on without any mishaps at all, so go figure...🤷

[@brianlux6728]

Welcome to Chinese patent infringement unchecked.

[@ssmolder]

love it, F patents

[@briandalrymple9986]

Probably TOFU stove, and will fail after a short period.

[@ferruccio4531]

you might also call it parasite world.

[@ssmolder]

@@briandalrymple9986 then buy another one, u can buy 6 for until u go even with the scam-320

[@ssmolder]

its so funny to see people defend getting scammed@@ferruccio4531

[@philippek81]

I like this comparaisons between well known brands vs no name products very much. Good job Luke 👍

[@bigstick5278]

Sort of like a YETI Insulated Tumbler compared to a Walmart Ozark Trail model.. Same dam tumbler around $30.00 price difference.

[@David-mu5rv]

Yep, after shipping it was about 24$. The other difference I experienced was the black paint on the prongs where the pot rests upon. It began to burn off and it smelled. I will be sanding it off.

[@christopherdawes4414]

Time and usage is the real determining factor between original and knock off's.

[@2jeven]

My thoughts exactly. You should continue to use the knockoff to see how many uses you get before that plastic melts and to determine if it renders the stove useless

[@christopherdawes4414]

I agree unfortunately, it is really hard to deny that approach.@@rlwings

[@paulcheng5752]

This means that Soto has to be 6 time longer ( based on the price) than the knockoff. Otherwise, Soto is just not worthy….

[@SilvaDreams]

That and quality control... Chinese knock offs are notorious for looking the same but lower quality materials and shotty quality in general.

[@valeria262]

​@@SilvaDreamsthe original isn't exactly high end materials

[@alexanderweaver7066]

The Soto ST320 stove is amazing! I love its ease of use and portability. I bought it to replace my Eureka two-burner stove, hardly ever used the second burner; and it took up too much space in my van. I don't know if you watch the Japanese You Tuber, Tomo, but you can get a preview of many Japanese innovations. He van camps in a beautiful Toyota Hiace and his gear is unreal. His channel is "Little Camper."

[@0808anwar]

lol little camper is one of my fave channel too.

[@azclaimjumper]

Comments/replies like yours is THE reason I read 'em & enjoy 'em as much as watching the video.

[@pitcheung5354]

His name is winpyjiji That means "naughty(winpy) grandfather(jiji)"😊

[@ebikecnx7239]

My GSI Outdoors 4 cup espresso was $12 compared to $50 but was made in the same Chinese factory as the GSI as the materials are 100% identical, only difference is no GSI logo which I prefer.

[@dougt8215]

I suspect sometimes these knock-offs are made in the same factory on a night shift. The factory is making them under a contract with the original company that off-shored production, but then the factory pretends the knock-offs must be coming from "some other factory". For reference, please see the book, "Poorly Made in China" of first hand experiences dealing with this type of situation and other shenanigans.

[@jarred267]

@@dougt8215 its probably not even that complex. Most likely the units that dont pass a given brands Quality control spec tests become the Ali-Express inventory. Hence these two being identical minus fit / finish

[@EverydayBronco-dh8hs]

I ordered one 2 weeks ago and it just shipped. Total with shipping was $25. For that amount it's entertainment. The original cost more than I'd spend on a stove this size and weight, but I do own two soto windmaster stoves for backpacking and they are the best, and worth every penny!

[@chairmanhsu4997]

If I remember correctly earlier version of ST-320 had stronger fire output, but if used in full power for long duration the fire output head would literally melt, so in later version of ST-320 SOTO decreased the maximum fire output.

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Been looking for a cheap stove for my hikes that seem to be more occasional than regular lately. Ordered the knock off on Amazon for about $20 cdn. For the amount of use it’ll get it should be fine for me. Time will tell. Thanks for your always unbiased reviews.

[@PewPewPark]

It might be speedier, but is it more efficient with the fuel spent? From the sounds of it there could be a leaking issue which means wasted fuel. Lesser build quality could mean lasting far less time. Could be a smaller investment up front, but with inefficiencies, leaks and shorter use life span could make it not worth it. It'll be interesting to see if it lasts for a good long time. I know I've gone the cheaper route only the item to crap out on me way too quickly. Case in point I had to go through 2-3 poorly made arc lighters before I spent a tiny bit extra on one where the wiring wouldn't crap out and fail to light after 5 uses.

[@quentinhope942]

Great video. Thanks for making these videos for everyone who watches. Soto is a japanese brand so it's is pronounced so (as in song) and to (as in top). Soto means outside.

[@benaplokcampandgo]

that's exactly the stove i bought just recently. it's very cheap. but it does the same job. so far i'm so happy bout the product. i love it

[@crazymactech]

I bought the knock off after you mentioned it in a previous video. It takes awhile to figure out how to attach the stove to the cassette. Anxiously awaiting spring here in the north to test it out in real life camping situations.

[@melatomic]

Hi @crazymactech I'm still struggling to correctly attach my stove. Would be grateful if you could post info about how you solved this.

[@bannister-lifeoutdoors8004]

I had the knock off from Ali a few months ago , was about to do a video on it as I couldn’t find one before I ordered it . I 100% agree with your finding as it’s exactly like mine only issue was the gas connection being a little leaky on connection , but awsome trunk stove for quick brews on the go ! 👌 and £10 Uk delivery can get a McDonald’s for that these days

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

over the years I have had a few collapsible twig gasifier stoves. I find them extremely efficient, lite weight, and you dont have to pack in fuel. I prefer ones with a side feeding port, but oddly, the no name ones found in small hardware stores, or on Amazon for $20-30 are actually easier to set up, use, and pack than the expensive ones. I did a video a couple years back on one from EIALA, but it did not have a good feeding port, I have since found a couple really good stoves in the no-name "gasifier" category that I use a lot.

[@azclaimjumper]

Soto makes quality products, my go-to stove is the Soto Windmaster w/4Plex pot holder. I congratulate you on giving us a fair & honest review of the "knockoff" in a side by side comparison. I, sincerely, hope Soto is able to do something. This isn't the first time a Soto product which they designed, created & manufactured has been copied. I'm, of course, referring to the fuel regulator on the Soto Windmaster, copied by MSR & put on their MSR Pocket Rocket stove. Huge THANK YOU to Pete, who told you about the knockoff. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.

[@pitcheung5354]

Same go-to stove as yours Never fail me off👍

[@Addy-ft4ps]

Very interesting results. In Canada, this Soto stove is over $100 on Amazon. Prices are so much better in the USA $

[@fboodysan]

Bought and received the chinese version a week back, its been really good so far. boiled water faster than some of my MSR products.

[@BigMoneyPop]

So you are saying Ali Express! I thought you saying Ollie Express. Once I realized this I downloaded the app and spent some time shopping. As always enjoyed watching

[@EricTheSwede]

I could swear you had a short video on this somewher earlier, but I can't find it now! I ordered it then and have gotten it and tried it out some since. Seems very good enough for the ~$25 I spent!

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Wow! That could win the knockoff of the year award!! Believe it or not, Walmart's Ozark Trail has a real nice 4 piece camp stove. It comes with the stove, stand, pouch and an adaptor. I've been using mine for about 3 years now. On mine, the flame adjuster is a little funny. It flares up a little when you first light, but you turn it down and its good.

[@colinsynstar]

I have had the copied stove for some time and I got it before I ever see Soto ST-320 Stove

[@fredericka.mackinnon1768]

Nice review of the two products. The sporadic leaking of fuel with the knock-off version concerns me. I wonder if other folks have similar issues with the knock-off version.

[@eggmammal]

It's insane and should in no way be recommended. This video has really cheesed me off and the product shouldn't be recommended. I don't have either the SOTO or knock-off version mentioned here but do have many other stoves including SOTO, MSR, Trangia, Primus, Firemaple brands. There's just no way any stove with a leak should be used.

[@johnl2093]

Quality is important, especially if you are talking about the possibility of gas leak.

[@eggmammal]

I can't believe this bloke is commenting favourably on a stove that he himself hears leaking during testing. It's grossly irresponsible and dangerous.

[@davidnorman7715]

Buy cheap,buy twice.

[@jakeells66]

I don't think that's how the saying goes. Sometimes buying twice is still cheaper than buying once...

[@azclaimjumper]

I, sincerely, hope that adage holds true in this case.

[@tonysicily2687]

$75 vs $12 umm. Happy to buy it twice at that price, 3x or even 4x still saving some serious $$$$$

[@Andylismore76]

And save £50...no brainer

[@caniaccharlie]

I wonder if it's really a knockoff or it wasn't "in specs" enough to get branded Soto? We've seen plenty of other stoves and burners that look and perform virtually identical but under different brands or unbranded.

[@vigneshb5347]

I would go with Soto, for one, its designed with safety in mind whine the knockoff version is designed to 'just Burn' (whatever it can be) mindset. Achieving higher temperature means they may Not have accounted for long term usage and eventual catastrophic failure.

[@myself248]

I suspect the second power number might be accounting for the reflectors. I.e. equivalent performance to a larger stove without the reflectors. Antennas are rated this way (compared to an isotropic radiator), but I've never seen it before with a heating device.

[@LeopoldElwes]

They are definitely not the same, they're just remarkably similar. Right guys?😅

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great review Luke, thank you for sharing it. 😊

[@MrJC1]

Intensive purposes? Haha. Good video dude.

[@floyd2386]

Did he say that? I must've missed it, I'm used to hearing that as my Dad says it all the time haha.

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Thanks Luke...

[@johnwillis4706]

Check TEMU in their camping section, you'll find this same stove listed for $3.21. So now you know where Ollie express got it and marked it up. Chances are Soto had them made in China and thus gave them the design for free. Foreign patents do not apply in China and neither does infringement suits.

[@davc6879]

The " snugness" i think is thanks to the ignition switch/nob. The difference is the sotos is longer. Creating a nice wedge, which does not allow for movement

[@DiningTableOfficeWorker]

Interesting did you cool off the pot first, before going for the second test?

[@dustyrhoads6042]

Nice price but the gas leak would be a problem.One tigris recently came out with the One Tigris obsidian sleeping pad seems nice and claims to have a R 5.2 rating and less then half the price of some of the ones with similar R rating.

[@bigstick5278]

Your Welcome Luke,, Cheers Brother..

[@cue881-yo7kz]

Very interesting. Since I am not a professional camper, I would go with the knockoff. Heck, you could buy 5 of them and have money for fuel! Just the cheap in me coming out! Thanks for bringing this to us! Keep up the good work! God Bless!

[@lovespurpleflowers]

Yes, let’s burn down the forest while we are at it‼️

[@PokeNachos]

There's no honor in ip theft.

[@philippek81]

There's no honor for a company in ripping-off their valable customers when charging 75 bucks for this item

[@lovespurpleflowers]

@@philippek81do you know how much the fiat dollar is really worth these days?

[@1990westfalia]

Luke, interesting that you have the Sota stove grill on the knockoff stove for almost the entire video proving how similar they truly are. Thanks for the demo. Skillet

[@Sardit]

8k number is the heat dispersed from the hob, 11k number is the heating power considering the heat shield and side's reflection of heat back into the stove.

[@MOSHTUBE1]

As always. Great video. Thank you.

[@redsorgum]

They should have called the knockoff the "MOFO"😂

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

this mofo has all the firepower you need! 😂

[@k.whiking4372]

Now that is one well used kettle

[@taiga-prohor4795]

Thank you very much 😊

[@g4ry]

I bought the knock-off to have a look at it a while back. Where it clips into the stand didn't quite line up correctly on mine, and the little cast-aluminum tab broke off on one side. Definitely not the quality of a real Soto (I have most of their other butane stoves, but not the ST-320).

[@foamige]

Kettle was already warm. Need to use 2 cold kettles.

[@Spushed]

The knockoff was first so it had the hardest task and still did it faster.

[@foamige]

@@Spushed Oh I missed that. Thanks for the detail.

[@namelesuser]

I think the real question is did he use the same can of fuel back to back or was there a break in between to let the can warm back up?

[@ironboy3245]

​@@namelesuseryou can see that he used 2 different cans

[@namelesuser]

@@ironboy3245 oh. derp lol.

[@BenAllen1776]

Supporting and profiting with your Amazon Affiliate links from intellectual property theft is not a good look.

[@opensourcedev22]

$70 difference on Amazon canada. 107 vs 35, so the price difference is real. I wonder how long the knock-off lasts and remains safe to use though. With gas devices, I would want something with a bit of longevity to say the least

[@daintytech]

$119.15 on Amazon AU. Made in Japan.

[@outman6207]

Ummmm every single one of plastic lighter is made in China. 99.99% of portable stove is made in China.

[@richardrogers8254]

I'm guessing if it has a small leak, if it has an o-ring it might need replaced with a little larger one. I bought a big two burner Ozark camp stove that runs on the big propane green containers and the o-ring and it was virtually gone. Got it for like five bucks so I can't complain so a 20-cent o-ring fixed it.

[@peterasacker5948]

how much fuel does the knock off use vs Soto

[@rickwolf2891]

The ratings on the knock off are probably the difference between burner power rating from that factory and delivered power rating. from the assembly line. It would be very interesting to identify a suitable 0 flame spread index insulation that would narrow the gap between the two ratings.

[@kwhatten]

How well can you adjust the flame on the knockoff? Can you get a simmer? Now I need a copy of the ST330!

[@WayneTheSeine]

It looks as if the cause of looseness when in the case is a result of the knock-offs valve handle being shorter. The Soto handle seems to lock into the stove better. No biggy.

[@kvl777]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but have you ever thought of using this stove frame as a twig stove (like when you run out of gas)?

[@Gmar69]

When in doubt, by quality!!!

[@yurijanssen2148]

Love Soto's products, my Helix coffee maker & Soto windmaster stove have been the Most valuable thing in the bag on many of my gikes haha. It costs but its quality for sure.

[@TRabbit1970]

Did you weight the butane canisters before and after?

[@MichaelLyles-wv2ky]

🤣

[@Motocampster]

Not sure if you reviewed it already, but you should do a review on the Featherstone UL granite two person tent. Seems like a really nice tent for around the hundred dollar mark very well made.

[@browsman2328]

Maybe the knockoff version calls it firepower because the stove blows up from the fuel leak. Seriously though I have the Soto version and find it adequate for day hikes where weight is not an issue. I find it fiddly to assemble though and Luke must have the dexterity of a magician to put it together so fast.

[@EricTheSwede]

The trick is to learn how those two little moving metal bracket-thingies work. As soon as I figured that out I could assemble the stove in 5 seconds! :)

[@davidwilson-zs5xd]

Luke,,, have a look at the vvx 223 stove ,,here in the UK costs £20 ,,, incredible performance,,and built very well,,,,

[@palbal]

"Use the lid, Luke".🤣

[@ytwatcher6020]

Great job promoting a knock-off version! You've convinced me to buy one! Why buy the original?

[@tvpredicta8756]

There are some items that I would happily substitute for a Chinese knock off. A stove definitely isn't one of them. Thanks Luke for doing a great comparison video, I'm curious to see how many others would risk of having uncooked food or cold water when they're away from home.

[@3dagedesign]

Have you tested the Bushcraft Essentials , Bushbox range of folding wood stoves. ? I have the (LF Large Folding) titanium, and the small bushbox (stainless steel) (clip together)

[@davepadmore2982]

Did you cool down the pot between the 2 trials? The kettle had already been used on the knockoff and then you went straight to the Soto with cool water and a hot kettle, so the Soto would have performed even worse…

[@killrade4434]

The knockoff loose fitting could be their selling points. It could be allowing more air to get aroind the head and this allows a hotter burn. This is ment to be a joke btw.

[@edwined82]

Love watching your streams

[@petemainacc]

I got a knock off recently. It is uaable but the quality is low. The pot holder doesn't sit stable on top of the stove. The flame pattern is imperfect and the materials and overall feeling of the atove is cheap. You get what you pay for. I bought it beacuase I wanted a atove compativlea wirh cheap butane canisters.

[@SIGI_PNW]

Camping stove is something you use every time you go camping, I rather have quality products. I don’t want to feel cheap. Also SOTO stove is tested at field and will last very long time.

[@netinterested8634]

If you go into super firepower mode, inevitably a little gas is going to escape here and there 😆

[@Mohdock]

Great video, but what about simmering? For me, the most important thing about a gas stove is its ability to allow a controlled low flame. This presumably is why some stoves are so much more expensive and are said to have micro regulators.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

Taking into account that your kettle was pre warmed by the time the second test was done!

[@CDL_Gaming]

Should have done a test of how long it takes to burn through a new gas canister. See if there's a regulator on one or both of them and if one is more efficient. Time to boil is important but fuel usage is also important. If I can make my fuel last for a couple extra cook sessions, I'll gladly wait that extra minute or so to boil water.

[@eduardozunigas]

I love knock-off versions

[@glweeks]

Just my opinion, but I'd rather pay for quality than get a cheap knockoff...

[@HuYeah-vg5dy]

Yup just yours

[@smmj45]

​@@HuYeah-vg5dy😂 yup

[@harveypost1841]

One step ahead of my train of thought

[@felurfalas4427]

That means the knockoff is better because it's lighter. UL campers gonna love it. lol

[@leebrown3263]

the only way i could figure out the BTU's is there basing it off of the gas being at its coldest point before liquid then on the hot side if used in a hot weather environment???

[@ssmolder]

12$, its amazing

[@brpang]

These days, I take trouble finding and paying more for quality original products, avoiding knockouts. In the end, it is more economical than throwing away a cheaper knockouts after a while.

[@theamericandream69]

Is it built with the same Meterials and workmanship.?

[@WholesaleTurbos]

In Australia a lot of portable gas stoves were recalled. It must meet au stds. Leaking gas is a major no no.

[@FRUGALWITHJOHN]

Chances are they're both made by the same chinese manufacturer on the same line, one run of Soto and one run of the knockoff. The Soto run needs to meet manufacturer specifications, but the knockoff can be made a little cheaper (one or two cents per unit). Essentially the same stove, but somebody's making a lot of money per unit sold. Edit, You always run across this risk, when you choose to manufacture your product cheaper in other countries.

[@eggmammal]

Hi. No. The Chinese rip-off is made in China. The SOTO is made in Japan. SOTO gear is very high quality. Cheers.

[@sockymcblackface7698]

I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to buying knock offs, money is hard to come by. That being said, I'm trying to stay brand loyal, I just bought the soto amicus, there is a knock off for half the price, but as I upgrade, I'm going to try to avoid knock offs. They are great to get started though.

[@jonacheson]

How good is the knockoff at doing a low temperature simmer?

[@jerk_store]

Right? Also no mention if the knockoff has an actual regulator for equal fuel canister pressure. Plus the gas leak should be quite concerning. I love this channel but this was a half assed review/demo.

[@melatomic]

Hi friends. Can someone post some instruction on how to attach the stove to the cassette, safely.

[@TheGchiu]

Did you cool the second stove down after the first tests?

[@MegaTapdog]

Spitballing here, but how do we know that the Soto is original version? Do they hold the first patents? Maybe they are both copies of older original from someone else?

[@ironboy3245]

Can you do a follow up review on how long the chinese stove lasts?

[@wishmaster2107]

Can you run the Soto ST 320 on Isobutane or you need just Butane? I`m a little bit afraid. I want to buy one but I found in Germany mostly Isobutane. Getting normale Butane is hard to find. So I just want to be sure, if I dont make a misstake in buying one. The stove looks so cool and is very unique. Thanks for your help !

[@micheleaday3902]

Thank You Luke Great Demo And No On Chinese Rep...Your Amazing

[@choom-]

Ever see the winnerwell ironstove?

[@Sn0w_Lynx]

The knockoff may be burning more fuel as well. You should test burn times.

[@DarthFetid]

i wouldn'r be surprised to see if the "knock offs" are the factory seconds, that didn't meet sotos QC

[@drunkchicken8636]

So what i can remember is that its likely the Soto stove company's licensing ran out with the builders in China. Then the builder's can build basically the same thing, like you say, cosmetics are different. Then sell it for the cheaper pricing, still making a profit. The reason Soto costs more is they need to advertise their product, to make profit and get their money back. Think of it with REAL prescription drugs vs generic branding.

[@alicedyment4219]

Generic drugs are real drugs. Perhaps you meant big pharma drugs?

[@floyd2386]

It's not just advertising that makes the cost higher, there's R&D, paying employees fair wages, and other stuff a lot of Chinese companies don't bother with.

[@jonacheson]

@@alicedyment4219 No, generic drugs use cheaper packing materials and coatings. Sometimes that doesn't matter, like with knockoff Benadryl capsules, other times it does. After having a generic aspirin tablet melt on my tongue once, I only buy genuine Bayer aspirin now. That happened 10 years ago, and I still remember how bad it tasted.

[@robertmaxwell3220]

Always up to a good deal,but...with any gas leaks,the money isn't worth a hospital trip.

[@richardrogers8254]

Probably just an o-ring needs replaced.

[@elnifflarsen]

Another difference is the R&D that went into the development.

[@littlesmokey57]

Aliexpress has pretty high shipping & handling for the products I've looked. How much is the s&h and what was the overall price?