Jetboil Flash Review

A great semi-budget choice for a variety of activities from big walls to backcountry missions, the Flash will boil water fast and efficiently.

Fuel Efficiency

The Flash is one of the more fuel-efficient stoves in our test in windless conditions, probably due to its well-insulated pot, though its fuel efficiency drops by about 25% in windy conditions. Be sure to put it somewhere sheltered if you will be using it out in the elements — or get yourself a hanging kit so you can cook inside your tent.

The lab testing revealed the Flash to burn an average of .15 ounces of fuel for .5 liters. It drops in efficiency as the wind gets gustier. This is a medium-output stove relative to other options, but the integrated pot did offer at least some shelter from the burner when the weather turned sour.

Weight

The Flash offers an “essential” weight of 12.2 ounces. This includes the pot, lid, and burner.

In the latest version of the Flash, we found some excellent design upgrades that aided its ease of use, but made it slightly heavier. Fortunately, it's still a couple ounces lighter than some of the other heavier-duty options in the integrated canister class, but we'd look elsewhere if you're trying to keep your bag as light as possible. The Flash is quite packable, so at the very least it won't add too much bulk to your camping system.

Simmering Ability

Like most of the other integrated canister stoves, the Flash does not simmer particularly well. This stove is made to get liquids hot quickly and not much more. If simmering is a priority for you, look to a small canister stove — they take the cake for their simmering capabilities on the trail.

If absolutely needing to use the Flash as a skillet cooker, it's possible to keep the pan above the flame or create a makeshift platform with rocks to keep the flame's temperatures from turning your food cajun. This was a common tactic we used with the integrated canister stoves that were designed to transfer heat efficiently from the burner to the included pot, and is a helpful trick when you're in a sauteeing mood.

Wind Resistance

Inevitably, your camping trip will at some point get windy, and when that time comes, you'll still be able to cook your food with the Flash. Thanks to the classic integrated pot design, the burner is largely shielded from gusts.

The Flash doesn't have the highest output burner in the review, so in the strongest winds, you'll see a more noticeable decrease in performance. Fortunately, most campers are less likely to experience such winds unless they're higher above treeline.

Ease Of Use

While we've always appreciated the ease of use of the Flash, the latest update has made it an even better user experience while camping. There are some models in the lineup that are more efficient or offer more wind resistance, but the Flash particularly shines for its ease of use.

We loved the improved under-pot grip, which is rubberized and easy to hold onto. We would love to see other companies put effort into their grip system like this, which makes it substantially safer to handle when the stove is hot. This update also offers a better valve, though it isn't the easiest to use with gloves due to its more modest size.

We really like the cozy on this stove, with its flame-shaped heat indicator panel on the side. This lets you know that the contents are almost boiling, and allows you to monitor the stove or turn it down before it goes into volcano mode. We've seen many backcountry travelers dealing with a boiling-over integrated canister stove, and it's a hot mess at best. We wish Jetboil would incorporate this feature into all of their cozies! The integrated igniter is great as well. Our testers have encountered many problems with these in the past, but Jetboil claims the new Flash has an “advanced igniter.” This may be their successful attempt to address this problem, and so far, it's working — we've used it over 100 times with no issues.

Should You Buy the Jetboil Flash?

This is a well-loved classic, and for good reason. In the latest update, they've made this stove even more user-friendly, with a rubberized under-pot grip and an improved valve, making us love it even more. It's not the lightest, but it's a great option for backpackers craving a user-friendly experience. If you're just needing to boil water for dehydrated meals, this is one of the best options on the market.

What Other Backcountry Stoves Should You Consider?

If you need an integrated canister stove for less, check out the Fire Maple Fixed Star 1, which is half the price of the Flash. If the weight of the Flash is a dealbreaker, check out the Jetboil Stash, which weighs substantially less, offers slightly improved fuel efficiency, and can simmer decently for cooking real meals.