REASONS TO BUY
Great value
Compact
Relatively lightweight
Included igniter
REASONS TO AVOID
Questionable durability
Poor wind resistance
AOTU Stove Review
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
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ March 24, 2026
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.
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.
We weighed the AOTU with and without the orange case. The case adds another 0.5 ounces. Credit: Chris McNamara
This stove puts out decent heat and boils water plenty fast for most people. Credit: Chris McNamara
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
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.
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
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