This Little Stove is Awesome - Ultralight and Ultrafast - Soto Windmaster Stove Review

[@mikepatton9537]

I would love to see a comparison video between the Soto Windmaster and the Pocket Rocket ll stove! Thanks for posting this!

[@poplok22]

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe looks to me like it was heavily influenced by the Soto offering. It looks almost identical.

[@petermentes63]

The pocket rocket is a Soto copy. The Soto is the original design and boils faster and better quality.

[@Mart687]

@@petermentes63 I'm not sure who copied who so I can't comment on that. This test Luke did was with 300ml of cold water and he got 2:23min on the Soto. I did a speed test a couple of months ago with the pocketrocket2 with 500ml of cold water and it got a rolling boil in 2:37. Almost 2 times as much water and 14 seconds slower. I'm not so sure if you are right that the Soto windmaster boils water faster then the PR2. I can't comment on the quality because I do not own a Soto windmaster. But the quality of the PR2 and windburner 1,0L system is excellent also. I tested the msr pocketrocket 2 vs the msr windburner in a speed test and I measured fuel consumption boiling 500ml of bottled water from the supermarket in a windless situation with everything at room temp with a brand new big Msr isopro can. -Msr pocketrocket2 with 500ml bottled water in a Toaks 750ml pot with lit. 2:37min and 12grams of fuel used. -Msr windburner 1,0L with 500ml bottled water in it's 1,0L anodized aluminum pot with the lit. 2:23min and 6(!) grams of fuel used. The windburner is slightly faster and used 50% less fuel in my test which surprised me a lot. And there's video's on YT comparing the windburner to a jetboil flash model and the windburner whipes the floor with the jetboil. As in the jetboil took 2 minutes longer to get a rolling boil so it outperforms anything on the market in speed tests. And prob also in fuel consumption.

[@DL-ij7tf]

The Pocket Rocket II isn't that similar but the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is. I think the PRD came after the Windmaster and many consider it a copy. KZbinr PaleoHikerMD has a bunch of good stove comparisons including the ones mentioned. Personally I think the Windmaster and Pocket rocket Deluxe are overpriced given how good the Soto Amicus is which is smaller and way cheaper and still powerful

[@Mart687]

@@DL-ij7tf The pocketrocket deluxe is way overprized just for a piezo igniter and almost 2 times more expensive then a normal PR2. I totally agree. You can ignite a normal PR2 with an empty lighter with a spark or a firesteel etc.

[@belowavghomesteader]

My father-in- law love your channel. We always talk about you. He use to try and figure out where you’d be driving by on your trips because he has a place up there. We won’t be able to talk about your videos anymore, he passed away yesterday. I just wanted to let you know he enjoyed watching you as do I.

[@andreasweber7828]

Got this stove a year ago and every time I’m using it, that thing makes me happy

[@TAVAAR7]

Have any had issues with using them over a variety of canisters? Soto says to only use 70/30 blend fuel but all I've got locally is the 80/20 like the msr isopro cans.

[@Helleuphoria]

I own the Windmaster, it's an exceptional little stove and has never failed to suprise me with how fast it boils my water.

[@rpettit2551]

I've had mine for a couple of years and it is the best. It can be adjusted to a very low flame so if you are cooking food it won't burn and scorch your pot

[@nohmekop]

Glad to see you reviewing the soto. Been using that thing for a couple of years now, it's fantastic.

[@ImGonnaMake]

About a year ago, I went all in on the Soto system. Windmaster stove and Thermostack Combo. After several trips in all kinds of conditions, I'm a very satisfied customer. Like another commenter said: "that think makes me happy". Good gear that works reliably is worth the extra expense.

[@susantompkins8810]

Yes absolutely love to see a comparison! The Soto stove is legendary in my neck of the woods!

[@korbendallas71]

Vs episode is a great idea. The occasional vs episode on closely matched gear is very welcome

[@deroesch]

Thanks!

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thank you Doug, I hope you are well my friend. - Luke

[@grumpy-6890]

Great stove. I have it too. Just make sure you get that four-flex support on properly. There should be equal distances (90° angle) between each leg.

[@jefftuttle7890]

Everything I have ever purchased from Soto has been top notch. Thanks for sharing and God Bless.

[@soletrail]

I absolutely love this stove. I bought this along with the Soto pot set. Well worth the money. As you say, you get what you pay for. Very good quality. 👏

[@theamericanhiker9655]

I still love my brs ultralight stove. 15 bucks has lasted me 5 years never has failed me yet! Love the channel Luke!

[@andrewinaustintx]

I've been using a SOTO MicroRegulator stove of an older design for six years. It's reliable, with a nice blue flame at max output and it has good simmer control.

[@evoste]

I got the Soto Amicus which cost me £25 very happy with it; got it without the piezo as I find them hit and miss. very good build not as flexible as the windmaster but I dont cook with big pots so no loss to me. Very good brand well designed and made. Great review Luke as usual.

[@linedwell]

I've been looking at the Amicus that comes with the River Pot. Looks a great stove. 👍

[@evoste]

@@linedwell Go for it. Its my favorite stove. Yes there cheaper Chinese options however when doing my extensive research some of these were unreliable. To me its not worth saving £5 or £10 to have something causing a potential fire or leaking gas. The build quality on the soto is excellent with quality materials its also cheaper and slightly superior than the pocket rocket by MSR which I also have.

[@mylennyuym]

Nice vid as usual Luke, always enjoy your efforts. Whenever I get a loose pot support I put it on a small anvil and take a real small hammer and gently tap the rivet till it tightens.

[@alicel3992]

Thank you SOTO, I will be buying this stove along with an additional tri or quad holder. I will be checking into types of fuel containers. I'm very impressed with what I've seen and heard😁👏👏👏

[@MightyMidgey]

I got a Windmaster for Christmas a few years ago and looooved it. Performs well in cold temps and mild wind, but find I need some way to block the higher winds, but it has still never gone out during a wind storm. Also, picked up an Amicus stove for cheap from REI used, which had a faulty piezo ignitor. Reached out to Soto and they shipped out a new piezo ignitor for me for free the same day. I absolutely love both stoves, but I really like that the Amicus has the pot supports attached so you don't lose them.

[@trakyboy5128]

Luke, I've had my windmaster for several years now and I can add that the longevity is there !!!! As you would expect from a company with the quality that Soto puts in 😀. The money was nothing when quality and reliability are needed when out on the trail for months at a time !! I bought and carry the three leg version along with the four leg version of the holders and just because I have different sized pots all of which are not necessarily so I have some MSRP pots that I use also all the way up to a 1.5 liter pot. No issues as long as you, like any stove, have a level ground for the canister to sit on to. Hopefully everybody understands that when you're stirring something you can't expect the pot holder to hold it for you you've got to have a handle of some sort whether it's a couple twigs notch to hold the pot or the original pot handle to hold it while stirring !! LoL...,. The MSR version of this yes it's a copy is a good piece of equipment but the real difference is something about the windmaster just tends to stretch gas out I've seen several reviews, probably five or six years old ,,, where the canisters just seemed to last longer. Also the Soto allows pot/pan to be lower to the burner. Quieter too from what I've been told. I've never owned a MSR canister stove.. Rocket. Btw, The name rocket was attached to MSR stove for a reason because it sounds like a rocket taken off ☺️ I agree about the pot legs when you fold them in fold them out those are pinned rivets could have been a little tighter !! I took a punch put mine on the anvil... couple of taps problem solved. Thanks for sharing. You must have some loyal fans if willing to give you such a awesome piece of equipment !!!!

[@TAVAAR7]

Have any had issues with using them over a variety of canisters? Soto says to only use 70/30 blend fuel but all I've got locally is the 80/20 like the msr isopro cans.

[@timfoster6892]

My constant companion! Love it!

[@Wolf-viking]

I got the soto windmater, used it for bunch of ultralight long distance and i have nothing but good to say. If you want s stove but this and forget every other brand or name out there. Trust me, you wont regret it. Best of luck to all of you

[@CommanderXED]

I've used mine for 2 years and love it. It handles the wind and is considerably quieter than my old $19 China special.

[@TAVAAR7]

Have any had issues with using them over a variety of canisters? Soto says to only use 70/30 blend fuel but all I've got locally is the 80/20 like the msr isopro cans.

[@BooLee01]

This is a great little stove. I love that you say "soh toh" and not "sodo, soro" (with a rolled d or r) the way most Americans would.

[@bigstick5278]

Seriously!! 🤣“Tomato Tomato”?

[@Will-Parr]

I love efficient equipment and excellent reviews. Thanks Luke.

[@chrisgeorge510]

Little known fact: the Four Flex is designed to straddle the shaft of the stove. Best blended fuel stove on the market! I have hundreds of hours of use on mine and it's bombproof. Great at altitude, cold weather (with winter blend), and simmers better than any others. (Always carry a lighter in case igniter gets wet).

[@mat-ventures]

What is a winter blend? (I want to buy it to use in cold weather in Québec, Canada)

[@chrisgeorge510]

@@mat-ventures I prefer the PRIMUS Winter Gas because I feel it performs the best with its Vapor Mesh tech, but MSR makes an "all-season" IsoPro blend that works decent in cold temps too.

[@marcrobyn4844]

Been watching a bunch of videos on stoves. Based on a couple of your vids, I am going to go with the Windmaster. Really informative vids, thx.

[@Rekmeyata]

Great review. I had a cheap stove with a ignitor, but the darn thing had a very hot pin point flame instead of a wide dispersed one like the Sota, and it would always burn the food in the center of the pot no matter how low I turned the flame down. Then about a 3 months of using it the ignitor stopped working, had to resort to a lighter. I decided to try the Soto, and it works a lot better, I can still burn stuff if I'm not careful, but not near as often as I was with the cheap one. Wind resistance is actually pretty good, I've been able to use it in moderate winds with no issues, I doubt it would work in high winds. As far as I can remember over the last 3 years since I got it, the ignitor on the Soto works I would say 75% of the time, not sure why sometimes it doesn't, could be I'm not pushing the button in hard or far enough? I have a friend who has a more expensive Jet Boil, he used mine just to test it out because I asked him to, he decided after using mine he like mine better, he ended up buying a Soto. I never used his Jet Boil so I can't say one way or the other. Mine came with a cloth storage bag instead of the vinyl one in the video, not sure why that was.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Used it earlier today. The spring-stand-legs are designed to grip around the stem of the stove (not around the cup, sideways around the stem) for transport, making for compact-carry. If one is just boiling water, take the BRS. If cooking or simmering, take the Windmaster.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Luke, glad you got around to this one mate. Had one for a couple of years, yep, outstanding product !!!!. Around 10 AUD more than a pocket rocket 2 from memory. Mine came with the 3 and 4 prong supports. Did have to find a little container for it, unlike the pocket rocket jobs. Yeah can put in a lidded cup but then it upsets the nesting of a bottle. Cheers Duke.

[@Crombie531]

I just got this stove about a month ago. I haven’t really run it through paces just yet. But I’m impressed with what I’ve done with it so far. I completely agree with Luke’s pro’s and cons. I wish the pot supports where a little more rigid. So I second Luke’s review.

[@olhiker9951]

My number one for backpacking. Love the option to do more than boil.

[@markmayersky6128]

I bought this on your review and it is awesome works very well

[@danielkutcher5704]

The burner design makes perfect sense vs. something like those which direct the flame pattern outwards instead of directly upwards to the bottom of the pot, leaving just enough room for complete carburetion and burning of the fuel, hence the excellent fuel economy. Great review, as usual! 👍

[@TimGonzalez]

Yup! Love this stove been using it for over a year.

[@jonNH123]

Very cool looking stove. I might have to dive into it. Thanks for the review!

[@JMGeranimo]

I ,like most have a collection of stoves. This has been on my list for awhile. Thank you for the video. Great as always. I've been watching since the swedish poncho in a backyard at least. Lol , heavy duty poncho still. Take care.

[@michaelharris4503]

I added this Soto windmaster stove to my JetBoil stash kit. The JetBoil “cup” lowers the boiling time as it blocks the wind better than just the stove . I can also use a larger pot to cook real meals. If you use the smaller butane cans, you WILL run out of fuel sooner than the Stove the stash come with. An 1100 btu stove has heavy fuel requirements. I have the 4 flex and all of my pots are stable and balanced

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Enjoying your channel . I now have 2 channels on outdoor stuff ( yours and Corporals Corner ) . I've noticed you have more fun when it's raining or snowing , and as Corporals Corner would say " if it ain't raining we ain't training " . I like the different items you test ( some a bit outside my price range but great stuff anyway ) while the other shows how to build shelters . Thanks and new subscriber .

[@ukwenyang]

thx for your review going to buy this and enjoy our camping holiday

[@OlliesSpace]

I've used one of these for two years down here in Australia. I think they've changed slightly what's included as I received both pot supports. It's one of my Goto pieces of kit especially for fast and light, just works.

[@ComandanteCheRaoul]

My favourite canister stove. The four flex pot support allows the use of very small pots like my tiny one cup only Bialetti (actually more like a ristretto than an espresso) or my tiny pot for preparing one (small) cup of Lebanese coffee. These are my comfort luxuries.

[@CrakkerJaks]

Hey hey from Tucson AZ! Long time watcher! Love your videos!

[@emmafriesen9073]

I took this stove out for it's maiden voyage on the weekend (with a Real Turmat meal). It's an excellent stove!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THIS is an excellent review for its comprehensive treatment of all the important points I could imagine! Time for ME to JOIN THE WOLFPACK! I'd like to see an 'unlike' comparison: say, a Coleman Peak (whatever) or a Primus with their type of windscreen but with their larger flame spreaders.

[@SpecJack15]

I like the modularity of Soto's pot supports, very well-designed and good value! Looking forward to seeing more backpacking stove comparisons; MSR, JetBoil etc.

[@RootMaker]

Electric ignition probably needs to be bent closer to the plate that helps create the spark. I found that be the case with one of mine.

[@simonweeks9063]

A comparison test would always be good Luke. I too own the Soto wind master. Abs as has already been commented it really is an exceptional stove. I compare it to other stoves I own (jetboil flash, pocket rocket, BRS) and it knocks them all out of the park. The jetboil is very convenient. The BRS very light. The pocket rocket quick. But this Soto is faster, quite light, relatively economical for me it’s my go to overnight stove. Great work keep it up.

[@nicholasleonardo4788]

I did purchase the pot set from Soto. Very happy with it. Live my MSR Pocket Rocket. Sticking with that.

[@dudebig5404]

Luke is the REAL DEAL... Peace

[@terrym1065]

Have had this stove for years, mine came with both pot supports. Best canister stove I own and I own a bunch. SOTO makes an exact replacement piezo igniter for this stove, I keep an extra handy. Not a con but I find this stove slightly taller than most, but the use of the regulator makes the A/F tube longer so efficiency is much better than non regulated stoves. SOTO is a top shelf company, wish more of their products were sold here, but I get the JDP thing. Nice review, thanks.

[@TAVAAR7]

Have any had issues with using them over a variety of canisters? Soto says to only use 70/30 blend fuel but all I've got locally is the 80/20 like the msr isopro cans.

[@m39fan]

Well done as always. Please do a vs for those of us in the market!

[@welditmick]

There was a time when the three legged support was included as well. Excellent stove and very well made.

[@phantomevil3025]

A stove Video nice. That was the first video I watch on this channel 2 years ago.

[@dankjay6902]

Hope you and the family are doing well! Stay safe.

[@free2chasehappy]

I always have a soft spot for Japanese designed and produced products, they are amazing. Even for a cheapskate like myself, there are times when I'm willing to spend a little extra for the quality of their products.

[@HostileTakeover2]

I haven't tried it myself (ironically purchased it two days prior to this video) but I've heard it's actually a little more efficient on fuel usage than the vast majority of pocket stoves. Not enough for the average backpacker but maybe for a gram weenie. But that for whatever reason it occasionally has issues with the MSR cans even though they're literally made in the same factory as the rest of the major brands. Maybe something about their o-rings is different.

[@RonMTube]

Wasn't a big fan of canister top gas stoves until I got the Windmaster. Excellent stove. I generally use the tri-flex pot support when hiking.

[@jameskolar9655]

It oozes quality. Costs £60 here in the U.K. Not sure I actually need another stove, but this one is hard to resist. Thanks for the vid.

[@augusto8821]

Excellent Review. Greetings from Germany

[@damianhill6704]

Love it. Apart from it's bag, used it on a 14 week cycle tour.. It's useless. The pot supports cut through it.

[@barbaramcguire6010]

That is really a nifty stove I think with your review it's well worth buying

[@GrumpyGrunt]

I have had one for a few years and wouldn't trade it for any other out there. I love everything except one small issue: the lack of a rigid pack/store container. The little bag feels like an afterthought for such an amazingly engineered piece of gear. Definitely a nit-pick and not a deal breaker. Thanks, Luke.

[@apsynto]

Great review! You helped immensely as I was just shopping for a gas cooker. I never wanted one, and still don't, but it seems like the best option for my upcoming tour where hobos and open fire are not allowed. Cheers!

[@saal5287]

Bought it three weeks ago and loved it from day one. The Forclaz Trek 500 from Decathlon has a similary design and is budget friendly.

[@Imightberiding]

Another good non-biased review. I'm a big fan of Soto products & stoves. I think a better comparison/review would be of the Soto Amicus vs the Pocket Rocket II. The Soto Windmaster would be better compared to the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. As per the Piezo lighters on stoves, they're convenient but always finicky no matter the make & quality of the stove. If there is an option to purchase the same stove without the lighter I will opt for it. Soto offers the stoves with or without the Piezo lighters. You save about $15 this way & it's less to go wrong. I never go camping or backpacking without a Bic lighter, ferro rod & wooden matches anyway.

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

simply best, last year I moved from brs3000t and I never looked back, it boils even in strong wind, I used it a few days ago on the windy beach and had my meal and my tea in no time. I also have PocketRocket deluxe, very similar, but in all my tests a bit behind soto windmaster

[@irotec9050]

I love my Soto Stormbreaker is a beast, thx for posting this video :D

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Looks like a great versatile stove great for a couple to take out due to the size of pot it is capable of holding.

[@UTAZCO.Overland]

I have been using three cooking systems, depending on the type of my outing - this stove for backpacking (and I agree with this review; love that stove...,) the Trangia isobutane burner stove or my MSR WhisperLite for car camping/overlanding, depending on the season - the MSR is rock solid, even down to 0F/-18C...

[@chrisformyduval893]

Like others have mentioned the 4plex is designed to store on the shaft. Either have it on the burner or on the shaft. Some people use a mini biner to keep together when stored, don’t really need but might be handy with the triplex. A few other comments: It’s very quite, make sure to practice beforehand as you may turn it up much higher than needed and waste fuel. The BRS is a jet engine compared to the windmaster. 3-5 min for a 2 cup boil is an efficient range. That’s true for most stoves, any faster you’re really just wasting fuel. Regulators don’t make any stove really work a lot better in cold temps they just keep you from having to adjust as much as pressure drops from evaporative cooling. If you really want to test colder weather operation use a can that’s about half empty. Most of the propane will be gone leaving mostly either butane (usable above freezing)or isobutane(usable into the teens) depending on the brand. Otherwise with a new can you’re just seeing how it operates on mostly propane which isn’t much of a test. The PR deluxe is the only real comparable out there. If using Coleman canisters make sure to test before heading out. That goes for any stove. Coleman may not work well with certain stoves including sotos, especially as the can is used up and pressure drops. Well known issue that still seems to be happening. You can use a dcf stuff sack to save a little weight as well. It’s currently my go to canister stove unless I have a specific scenario needing something else.

[@ronnyhuysmans4120]

2 minutes 23 seconds is excellent. Greetings

[@barriewatson5210]

l have the stove and it is fantastic wind is no worry , the best stove on the market

[@sockymcblackface7698]

I have my first soto coming now. I got the amicus, I hope it's worth it. My 15$ riorand still works after 2 years, and some good trips, but, inevitably, everything gets upgraded.

[@Yoitsseb]

Awesome review, was looking at purchasing this with the thermostat cook set from soto. Looks like it's a win win on both fronts. Thanks Luke!

[@bloophero]

I'm using that setup right now, while watching this video. I'm so pleased with it. I got the navigator set too, but haven't used it.

[@aimreadings]

Thanks for your awesome and detailed video! 👌🙏🧿🧿 Oh man This thing used to be $65??! Wow! Inflation prices had me paying $130 for this, so crazy 😱

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Luke, 👊 Strength and Honor my friend 🇺🇲👍

[@Delta922]

Yes I want to see it.

[@jhuff8596]

Cheers Luke!

[@CaptainCamp]

Yep, it is sooo dam good 😎👍 I tested the WindMaster in a storm and also made a video about it 😎

[@Pallinwithpat]

It’s my go-to. I love it!

[@felixmint9839]

What is up my big boss so nice stove wow from South Korea

[@tommythuntdeer]

Love this stove! Works great.

[@kidsimlin9659]

I Agree its the best on the market for now.

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Love my windmaster and also my SOTO fusion trek, a windmaster but a remote stove version which is more stable and I think safer in many circumstances,weighs a little bit more and not quite so compact but it's my preference.

[@DS-ew7sp]

Good review, thanks!

[@roccosperanza]

Great stove, had it for several years!

[@TheBreenGene]

Yes comparison video 👍

[@johnroberts7924]

Very impressive! Thank you.

[@butchbinion1560]

That’s why I have one. ✌️👊

[@AniBigAl]

Yes on the vrs video.

[@ecttreker9816]

Versus episode definitely!👍

[@WiredCamp]

Bought two motnhs ago here in Japan, Yes it is really awesome.

[@schonbeardwildmark]

A great stove for sure!

[@TheCJMac8]

Of course we wanna comparison video

[@SteveSmith-67]

That’s the stove I use, like you say it’s not the cheapest but it’s excellent boils in no time and uses approx 10g of gas to boil my water.

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Did i miss something or wasn't the best future of this stove not named,that is the micro pressure regulator which means this stove will always burn the same and powerful no matter the amount of gas in the canister, and even burns down the canister really empty

[@chrisformyduval893]

A pressure regulator keeps you from having to adjust the stove as much as pressure reduces from evaporative cooling during use. It can’t increase pressure. A nearly empty can at low temps will have low pressure and you might have to crank it all the open to get a usable flame. The canister pressure depends on the actual mix at the time and the temperature. As a canister is used the propane burns off preferentially such that by the time a can is half used very little propane is left and the performance is mostly due to whatever is left. Butane boils at 31 deg F @ sea level. If only butane is left in the can and it’s below freezing you need to have someway to warm it up in order to light it and possibly keep the can warm during . That’s why I stay away from butane blends and look for a propane/isobutane mix. One less thing to worry about.

[@gearlist]

Great detailed review Luke. Thoughts on a comparison video of more higher priced UL stoves? MSR, Snow Peak, etc. come to mind.

[@nonservitium]

I'm so intrigued by soto products. I was wondering what you would think if this stove was a remote canister stove?

[@jlt131]

remote canister stoves are excellent for windy use - you can put a proper wind guard around them without risk of exploding the canister (don't ever put a full wind guard around a canister + stove setup!)

[@michaelven5045]

Luke. My KOVEA HIKER stove roll boils at 2 mins. and 17 seconds. Was surprised with the results considering it's windy when I tested it.