AOTU Stove Review

Name: AOTU Stove
Brand: AOTU

An incredible value, if it lasts

Another year, another weird brand name from Amazon with decent performance for the seldom-seen backpacker.

Credit: Chris McNamara

Price: $11 List

Manufacturer: AOTU

By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ March 24, 2026

List Price: $11.00

Check Amazon price (on sale!)

Our Verdict

The AOTU backpacking stove offers an incredible combination of weight, performance, and cost that makes it a nearly unbeatable value for occasional backpackers. Weighing 3.2 ounces (without the case), it is a relatively lightweight option that includes a convenient built-in Piezo igniter and a plastic carrying case to protect it in transit. In testing, it produces decent heat to boil water quickly, with fuel efficiency on par with other backpacking stoves on the market. However, long-term durability is a concern since users frequently report the igniter failing, and the brand's lack of customer support means you are likely on your own if it breaks. It cannot match the wind resistance, fine simmering control, or overall stability of pricier models. Ultimately, if you remember to bring a backup lighter, the AOTU is a highly capable, budget-friendly stove for those who hit the trail only a few times a year.

REASONS TO BUY

Great value

Compact

Relatively lightweight

Included igniter

REASONS TO AVOID

Questionable durability

Poor wind resistance

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	Missing photo ID#0 This Product AOTU Stove	Soto Windmaster	Soto Amicus	MSR PocketRocket 2	BRS-3000T
Awards		Best Overall Backpacking Stove	Excellent Affordability		Best on a Tight Budget
Price	$11.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!)	$70 List Check Price at REI	$50 List Check Price at Amazon	$50 List Check Price at Amazon	$17.00 List Check Price at Amazon
Overall Score	0	81	77	72	60
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	An incredible value, if it lasts	This versatile option is one of our favorite small canister stoves, providing the best performance for most camping needs	This lightweight option offers excellent simmering capabilities in an impressively low-priced package; we only wish it included a pot and lid	This improved classic just keeps getting better and better with time, with a more durable construction for rugged backcountry use	A shockingly small, ultra-lightweight, and straightforward backpacking stove at an impressively low price
Rating Categories	AOTU	Soto Windmaster	Soto Amicus	MSR PocketRocket 2	BRS-3000T
Fuel Efficiency (25%)	0	7.5	7.0	6.2	6.0
Weight (25%)	0	8.5	8.5	8.3	9.5
Simmering Ability (15%)	0	9.0	8.1	6.3	4.9
Ease of Use (15%)	0	7.7	8.0	8.7	5.0
Wind Resistance (15%)	0	7.9	7.0	6.1	2.0
Boil Time (5%)	0	8.7	6.9	8.9	7.3
Specifications	AOTU	Soto Windmaster	Soto Amicus	MSR PocketRocket 2	BRS-3000T
Type		Small canister	Small canister	Small canister	Small canister
Fuel Type		Isobutane	Isobutane	Isobutane	Isobutane
Boil Time .5 liters		2 min 27 sec	3 min 41 sec	2 min 22 sec	3 min 8 sec
Measured Weight		3.8 oz	3.6 oz	4.1 oz	1.4 oz
Measured Weight w/ Stove, Pot, Lid, and Bag		6.8 oz	6.6 oz	7.1 oz	4.4 oz
Additional Included Items		Stuff sack, pot support	Stuff sack	Hardshell carry case	Stuff sack
Piezo Igniter		Yes	Yes	No	No
Dimensions		4.7" x 3.9" x 3.6"	3.9" × 0.7" × 6.5"	1.3" x 1.6" x 3.1"	2" x 1.8" x 3.2"

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes

At 3.2 ounces without the case, this is a light stove with a Piezo igniter. But not the lightest. Fuel efficiency is on par with other stoves.

aotu stove - we weighed the aotu with and without the orange case. the case adds... — We weighed the AOTU with and without the orange case. The case adds another 0.5 ounces. Credit: Chris McNamara

aotu stove - this stove puts out decent heat and boils water plenty fast for most... — This stove puts out decent heat and boils water plenty fast for most people. Credit: Chris McNamara

aotu stove - the pot support legs are decent for a stove this size. not the best... — The pot support legs are decent for a stove this size. Not the best. Not the worst. They fold in for easy storage. Credit: Chris McNamara

aotu stove - the included orange carry case is pretty essential to ensure the... — The included orange carry case is pretty essential to ensure the igniter and fuel control don't get damaged during packing. Credit: Chris McNamara

Dislikes

While we didn't experience problems with this stove, many user reviews note the igniter may eventually give out. The extended legs are ok for balanced pots and pans, but not great. It is unclear how long this brand will exist.

aotu stove - while the piezo igniter is convenient, many user reviews report it... — While the Piezo igniter is convenient, many user reviews report it failing over time. In a month of use, we had no issues with it. Credit: Chris McNamara

Should You Buy the AOTU?

If you just backpack a few times a year, this value is hard to beat. Sure, the igniter might break over time, but you should always have a backup lighter anyway. The combination of weight, performance, and cost is amazing. If it breaks, you probably won't hear from customer support. The company will probably no longer exist!

What Other Backpacking Stoves Should You Consider?

The Soto Amicus is about the same weight. It is 5 times the cost but comes from a reputable brand with a warranty. It has more stable legs to hold a pot and better simmering ability. You can transfer pans and pots much more easily. It has much better wind resistance.

The BRS-3000T is about half the weight and a little more expensive. The AOTU has a better surface area to rest pots. It does not include an igniter. It is better for the ultralight crowd that mostly just wants to boil water in a wind-protected space.

—Chris McNamara