Primus PrimeTech 1.3L Stove Set

Primus's new Primetech 1.3 liter hits the mark by lowering both fuel consumption and burner noise to a whisper in a fairly lightweight, high volume package.

I had opportunity to spend three weeks with the Primus New Primetech 1.3L Stove Kit both in the Dolly Sods Wilderness backcountry and in campgrounds. Other than cold lunches on the move, I used the Primus New Primetech 1.3L for breakfast and dinner in dry, windy, cold, and wet weather conditions.

First the contents of the kit: 

• Two 1.3 liter anodized nesting pots (one with interior ceramic coating and an integrated heat exchanger)
• One anodized stove base with attached burner, serrated pot supports and fuel regulator
• Handheld pushbutton piezo electric starter
• Quick release locking pot gripper
• Tinted "Tritan" see-thru pot lid with strainer holes and pot gripper opening 
• Folded aluminum ground protector 
• Ripstop nylon stuff sack

The kit contents all nest snug and secure without annoying rattle. All products included appeared robust and durable. Word to the wise, remember to let things cool before doing so. Common sense, I know, but at times we become rushed...especially when impending bad weather moves in rapidly.

The Primus Primetech stove base has a braided stainless steel fuel line that attaches to the burner at one end and the fuel regulator at the other. Attaching the fuel regulator to a lindal valve butane canister is simple and straightforward...align the threads and screw on.

Note that you must twist the regulator fuel adjustment bale all the way open to permit fuel to flow to the burner for ignition. Initially, I thought this odd, but speaking with Steven at Primus.US, he explained that it's necessary because of the fuel saving measures built into the regulator. Once lit, you can adjust the flame.

I included this lit burner photo because I would bend over often to make certain the burner was still lit because it truly is ridiculously quiet. My Primus Express sounds like a Space Shuttle booster rocket in comparison.

Both pots are anodized, but only one has the slippery ceramic coating on the interior and an integrated heat exchanger that assists in faster and more even heating of the contents of the pot, which then aids in fuel efficiency. Not having used one a pot with an integrated heat exchanger in the past, I saw boil times in the two minute range. I was able to use a 220g fuel cannister for over a week of cooking food and heating water to wash utensils. 

The ceramic coating is incredibly slippery. Mac-n-cheese, Cheesey chicken queso, Fetticini Alfredo...all slid out with no sticking. The contents just slid out leaving miniscule traces of food to be wiped clean...impressive! One of my concerns is the durability of this ceramic finish. I would not take both pots on a backpacking trip, it already takes up a bit of real estate in your backpack. So with the stove base nesting inside the pot, I fear scoring or scratching the ceramic surface, thus ruining its effectiveness...so I chose the anodized pot alone. I could be wrong, but I didn't chance it.

The stove base is broad and stable. There are also rubber "feet" on the bottom of the base that gives it some "stiction" on various surfaces (and protects pot below when nesting). The serrated support arms are wide, but they also have hinged serrated wings that will swing out for even larger pots or pans. The included pots actually rest on the support arms with the pan sitting below the outside wall of the stove base, prohibiting the pot from sliding off the support arms.

The stove base has large triangular cut-outs that run all the way around. In high, gusting winds, I was wishing for more protection, as the burner flame blew out on two occasions. That coupled with the quietness of the burner, I was forced to bend down often to ensure the burner was still lit. Smaller cut-outs or 1/3 solid covering would be helpful. Purely personal preference.

I liked the separate piezo electric starter, rather than an attached starter. I can use it on other fuel driven items, like the Primus Micron mini backpacking lantern.

The quick release locking pot gripper is a nice add-on. Squeezing the gripper on the pot wall, the serrated red tab will snap into locked position. The gripper holds fast without concern of it coming loose. To release the pot gripper, simultaneously, you lightly squeeze the handles and push forward on the serrated red tab with your thumb, which will disengaged the lock mechanism.

I both liked and disliked the Tritan lid. I liked the see-thru smoked plastic, allowing me to see the pot contents without the need to remove the lid. I appreciated the perforated strainer holes and convenient pot gripper cut-out. What I disliked was because of the large pot gripper cut-out and numerous strainer holes, you had to be very cautious not to get steam burned lifting the lid. The rubber tab style lid handle is small, but effective and replaceable.

Overall, I liked the Primus New Primetech 1.3L Stove Kit and would highly recommend it. I grew to prefer the "quiet" function and efficiency of this stove over other stoves in my stable.

It should be noted that as a product reviewer for another website, I receive products to review from time to time. Such was the case with the Primus New Primetech 1.3L Stove Kit.