Jetboil MiniMo Backpacking Stove Long-Term Review
The Best Integrated Stove - All-in-One Pot, Stove, Ignitor
Home > Gear Reviews > Backpacking
June 29th, 2024
Our verdict
Over the past 7 years, the Jetboil MiniMo is the best integrated stove that we’ve tested and a favorite of almost all the professional reviews we analyzed.
With the MiniMo, Jetboil builds on the easy-to-use design of its original Flash cooking system and creates an all-in-one pot, stove, ignitor, pot cozy, and windshield system (minus fuel) that is relatively lightweight, very fast, fuel-efficient, and space-efficient.
The Jetboil MiniMo comes with a pot, piezo igniter, and stove, so you don’t need anything else. This makes it a convenient system for beginners and mountain guides alike. As with other Jetboil systems, it's got an efficient heat transfer system between the burner and the cookpot making it fast to boil and suitable for moderate winds.
It’s a bestseller and favorite of experts and customers alike, getting praise from media like the REI Co-op journal. It’s also known for being among the best integrated cooking systems for simmering and precision cooking. That’s why the MiniMo is one of the most common stoves on the Appalachian Trail, where thru-hikers value convenience and being able to cook up food quickly while occasionally simmering soups or cooking real food in their meals.
The Jetboil MiniMo is an excellent backpacking stove for someone who wants a quick, easy, and simple system. That's why we think it's the best integrated backpacking stove you can get.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Specs
Weight: 14 ounces (includes cooking pot)
Push start integrated ignitor button: Yes
Pressure regulator: Yes
Integrated pot: Yes
Fuel type: Canister
Fuel source: Isobutane-propane
BTU: 6,000 BTU
Average boil time (1 L): 4 minutes 30 seconds
Comparison table
| BACKPACKING STOVE | WEIGHT (OZ) | INTEGRATED POT? | FUEL TYPE | BOIL TIME (1L) | SIMMER? | AUTO IGNITION? | PRESSURE REGULATOR? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetboil MiniMo | 14.0 | Yes | Canister | 4 min 30 sec | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jetboil Flash | 13.1 | Yes | Canister | 3 min 20 sec | No | Yes | Yes |
| Jetboil Stash | 7.1 | Yes | Canister | 5 minutes | Yes | No | No |
| MSR Reactor 2.5 | 21.5 | Yes | Canister | 3 minutes | Marginal | No | Yes |
| MSR WindBurner 1L | 15.5 | Yes | Canister | 4 min 30 sec | Marginal | No | Yes |
What we liked
Backpacking with the Jetboil MiniMo on an off-trail route in the Sierra.
Space efficient: fits 4 oz fuel canister and burner inside (sideways) for more compact carry while backpacking
Can fit an 8 oz fuel canister
Fast boil
Ease to use and beginner friendly
Everything you need is included
Comes with a measuring cup/bowl, so you really don't need to buy extra stuff
Allows simmering and temperature control
Insulated rubber handles and insulated cozy side-body minimize chance of burning oneself
Pressure regulator to keep fuel use consistent in the cold
Includes pour spout in lid and perforated lid for draining pasta
What we didn't like
Price
No temperature indicator as found on the Jetboil Flash
The burner and fuel can fit inside, but the lid doesn't lock tight when you do it
Heavier than non-integrated stoves
System locks to canister when hot making it harder to pour water
Pour spout could be better angled
Features
The burner and a 4-oz fuel can fit inside the MiniMo's pot.
Compactness
What we liked about this Jetboil is that it is compact. It fits better into the front mesh of a backpack than other integrated stoves we tested. We like that the Jetboil MiniMo is a small canister stove and less bulky than other integrated stove systems (with the exception of the Stash—which we reviewed in our Best Backpacking Stoves guide).
Many stoves and cook pots are awkward sizes that don’t fit well into backpack pockets. In contrast, the MiniMo conveniently fits inside the mesh or water bottle pockets in a backpacking backpack.
Treeline senior editor Brandon Lampley finds this the most exciting part of the Jetboil MiniMo system: “To me, the major benefit of carrying the stove in an outside pocket of a backpacking pack...is hot drinks or hot lunch on the go. Plus, quick hot drinks as soon as you stop to camp.” Lampley finished his Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in late October at the Canadian border. When camping in cooler weather, a quick hot drink during breaks or lunch can be a morale booster and motivator to push on.
The only integrated stove that is more compact than the MiniMo is the Jetboil Stash (which arguably, isn't really an integrated stove). However, the MiniMo is more efficient with fuel use and faster at boiling than the Stash.
Fits fuel canister
With the Jetboil MiniMo, the bottom screws off easily (although it could be easier) and fits inside the pot along with a sideways-oriented fuel canister.
The MiniMo's pot will fit a 4 oz fuel canister plus the burner sideways. It will fit an 8 oz fuel can, but you'll have to store the burner somewhere else. In both cases, the lid doesn't quite snap on perfectly. I secure it with a rubber band to prevent it from making noise while bouncing around.
Stability
The squat design of the MiniMo means it is less tippy and more stable than other integrated stove systems.
The squat design of the MiniMo means it is less tippy and more stable than the Jetboil Flash. That short-sized pot also means the Jetboil MiniMo doubles nicely as a bowl — one that doesn’t require a long-handled spoon!
It comes with orange plastic fuel can stabilizers to help when setting up on less than 100% stable ground.
Easy to clean
The squat design means it is easier to disassemble and clean than other camp stove systems.
Efficient use of space
The MiniMo’s system is a far more efficient use of space than any other integrated canister stove system. With the Jetboil MiniMo, your pot will protect your camp stove from getting clogged with dirt and from the metal parts of your stove, which can potentially damage soft goods gear. (Although, compared to the arm supports and leg supports found on other stoves, the MiniMo system has the least sharp edges of the stoves we tested).
Boiling time
Coils underneath the MiniMo pot contribute to a fuel efficient system that makes it easy to boil water and soak dehydrated foods.
Coils underneath the MiniMo pot give it a quick boil time. Outdoor Gear Lab found that the MiniMo has a relatively fuel-efficient system and speedy boil time (4:06 to boil a liter, the second-fastest of those we tested after the Jetboil Flash).
Power
The Jetboil MiniMo has a powerful burner that screws into the bottom of the included cookpot.
The Jetboil MiniMo has a power rating of 6000 BTU/hour or 1.75 kW. This isn't the highest rated of the backpacking stoves we considered, but gets the job done with among the fastest boil times.
Windproofness
Like all integrated stoves, the Jetboil MiniMo has a built-in "windscreen" that is designed to minimize the chance that your flame will be blown out. We found that this works relatively well in moderate winds below 15 mph but not in winds of 25 mph or more.
As with all backpacking stoves, if it's windy, we recommend finding a sheltered area like behind a rock wall. Not only will this minimize the chance your flame will get blown out, but will also ensure a faster and more fuel-efficient boil.
Cooking volume
1 L is plenty for one person to cook a freeze-dried backpacking meal and make a mug of hot cocoa. While we prefer a 750-900 mL pot for one person and a 1200 mL pot for 2 people, the 1 L is a great size to accommodate one person generously or manage with two people who are willing to share.
Simmer and temperature control
Most camp stoves aren't very good at simmering, especially integrated stoves. The MiniMo isn't going to simmer or cook food like a pan on your two-burner Coleman stove, but for an integrated backpacking stove, it's not bad.
The regulator on the MiniMo allows for consistent gas pressure. The fuel regulator allows for 4 full turns, which gives us a lot of control over simmering. We've also been able to saute greens. We've seen folks cook steaks.
Keep in mind that the MiniMo isn't a non-stick pan, though. Stuff can get stuck without a lot of stirring or using plenty of butter or oil. Compared to your stove at home, the MiniMo can form a hot spot, so stir often to prevent burning. Remember: these stoves are designed for high efficiency heat exchange.
We had no problem simmering Bear Creek soups (their directions require 10-15 minutes of simmering to rehydrate vegetables) with the MiniMo. The key to the MiniMo's success in simmering is the wider base, which mimics a soup pot at home.
Regulator
The fuel regulator isn't just helpful for controlling fuel while simmering. It helps keep the fuel consistent over the lifetime of your fuel canister. When it gets cold outside, gas will come out of the fuel canister at a lower pressure. The fuel regulator keeps the pressure more consistent. The MiniMo is rated down to 20F and is considered a 4-season stove.
Insulated handles and pot
The Jetboil MiniMo comes with an included Neoprene pot cozy along the side as well as insulated pot handles.
Unlike every other integrated canister stove we tested, the MiniMo has actual metal pot handles with rubber insulation (so they don’t feel hot — though some customers complain that if you touch just the right spot, the joints can burn you). When not in use, the handles fold down.
The pot itself comes with a Neoprene insulated pot cozy. This speeds up the boil and also keeps the contents warm after you've turned the stove off. It also makes it easier to handle the pot.
Piezo ignition
The MiniMo includes a piezo ignition so you don't need to carry a lighter with you to get your backpacking stove going (though you should still always bring one as part of the 10 Essentials). Jetboil claims the ignitor is functional down to 20F.
Still, over the years, the piezo on our MiniMo has given out. Other reviewers comment that the ceramic housing on the piezo can crack if banged around in a pack, like commonly happens while backpacking. We've found that by putting a lighter near the ignition, the MiniMo starts. Still, it's a bummer that this happened, especially for the price.
Hands down, the most common complaint among customer reviewers is that Jetboil’s piezo ignition stopped working. We know this happens to almost every hiking stove eventually. We suggest whatever stove you have, bring an extra lighter, and never expect much of a piezo. Unlike on some other stoves, the piezo on the Jetboil MiniMo isn’t easy to fix. Lighting the Jetboil isn’t as easy to do as the MSR PocketRocket, but it’s doable.
Removing the canister
Close-up on the small section not covered by insulation.
An annoying feature of the Jetboil MiniMo and many other integrated stoves we tested is that there’s no easy way to remove the pot from the canister right after cooking. There's a way to do it and we recommend reading the manual for more on this. Still, customer reviewers and our own testers found that the system seems to lock down when hot.
We've found that it's easiest to pour water from your pot with the canister still attached. It looks weird and maybe isn't the most elegant system, but we found it gets the job done. Just make sure the flame is completely out and gas is off first.
Lid and pour spout
Our testers thought the pour spout that comes with the lid could be better angled and more generous, but honestly, we recognize just having a pot lid with a pour spout is rare and exciting in the gear world.
Temperature indicator
The MiniMo lacks the side panel indicator found on the Jetboil Flash (it turns red to let you know the water has boiled). We missed this and wish that the MiniMo had it.
Color options
The Jetboil MiniMo is available in several color and design options for the insulation of the pot. The classic is the "carbon black" color, but they've also introduced a bright orange mountainscape and even have a camo colored one.
What's included
The Jetboil MiniMo (left) and Jetboil Flash (right). Neither includes the Java Kit (both are shown in French Press mode).
Stove, pot with insulated cozy and handles
Lid with pour spout and pasta drainer holes
Pot stabilizers (note: I never carry these to save weight)
Plastic cup/measurer (I never carry these to save weight, though customer reviewers say that they aren't very durable). This also protects the pot's flux ring while you're on the move.
Other stoves to consider
Jetboil Flash
Weight: 13.1
Integrated pot: Yes
Fuel type: Canister
Boil time (1L): 3 min 20 sec
Simmer: No
Auto-ignition: Yes
Pressure-regulator: Yes
Part of what makes the Jetboil MiniMo the best backpacking stove is its shape: a squat size 1 L pot vs. the more traditional “beer mug” shape of the Jetboil Flash or MSRs we tested. The MiniMo's size is easier to pack, easier to clean, and easier to eat from than the Flash. The squat design is more stable and easier to simmer. The Flash is a little faster for boiling water, but it's less versatile.
One thing the Flash has that the MiniMo does not is a color-coordinated temperature gauge. The Flash is more affordable than the MiniMo by about $20, but if you plan to be doing a lot of backpacking over the years, we think the convenience of the MiniMo is worth the investment.
Compare prices of the Jetboil Flash
Weight: 7.1
Integrated pot: Yes
Fuel type: Canister
Boil time (1L): 5 minutes
Simmer: Yes
Auto-ignition: No
Pressure-regulator: No
A similar packable shape and size can be found in Jetboil’s newest stove, the minimalist-friendly Stash. However, the Stash doesn’t have the user-friendly features of the MiniMo such as a push-button ignitor, insulated rubber handles and side body, or a pressure regulator to keep fuel use consistent in the cold.
Compare prices of the Jetboil Stash
Weight: 21.5
Integrated pot: Yes
Fuel type: Canister
Boil time (1L): 3 minutes
Simmer: Marginal
Auto-ignition: No
Pressure-regulator: Yes
The MSR Reactor is a favorite of mountaineers who want an integrated stove system that is more windproof than what Jetboil offers. It'll heat water more quickly and can be more fuel efficient than the MiniMo (partially because it is more windproof). But the Reactor is heavier and almost twice the price.
View the MSR Reactor
Weight: 15.5
Integrated pot: Yes
Fuel type: Canister
Boil time (1L): 4 min 30 sec
Simmer: Marginal
Auto-ignition: No
Pressure-regulator: Yes
The MSR WindBurner uses the MSR Reactor heat exchange transfer system in a more user-friendly model, aimed more towards backpackers than alpinists. The WindBurner is more expensive than the MiniMo by $60 and also weighs more.
View the MSR WindBurner
Accessories
Add-on French Press
The Jetboil MiniMo (and the Jetboil Flash) have add-on French Press components that felt luxurious while car camping and minimal enough that I could’ve seen myself carrying one on a backpacking trip. The French Press Kit adds 1.05 oz to the MiniMo. That’s really lightweight — the coffee you carry will be heavier than the French Press. It's not the most secure camping French Press system I've seen and some grounds come through.
My verdict is if you don't want instant coffee, it's worth it for backpacking given the minimal weight penalty. However, if you're car camping and not as concerned about weight, a dedicated camping coffeemaker will make a better cup.
Pot support
We tried real-real cooking with the add-on pot support, which allows your Jetboil MiniMo to work with non-Jetboil pots and pans. We found the converter piece has a lot of sharp edges that need to be hooked into the burner to work as a stable pot support.
Knowing that everything had to be snapped in just right to not create an unstable situation over the Jetboil burner made the process intimidating. However, it gets somewhat easier with practice.
Jetboil Summit Skillet
This skillet is designed to work with the MiniMo. Somewhat confusingly, it doesn't have the Flux Ring and the bottom looks like a typical cooking pan. To use it with the MiniMo, it also requires the Jetboil pot support (sold separately).
Should I buy the Jetboil MiniMo?
If you know you want an integrated stove system for its efficiency, all inclusive parts, and fuel efficiency, it doesn't get better than the MiniMo. Sure, a non-integrated stove like the Soto WindMaster or the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe will be lighter weight. But they aren't as fast at boiling and they require buying your cook pot and potholders separately.
The Jetboil MiniMo is a grab-and-go intuitive system that works great for everyone from beginners to professional guides. It is so efficient and easy to use, advanced backpackers, campers and alpinists reach for it when they want to spend their time eating, not on fiddling with a stove. It's a time-tested crowd-pleaser.
About the author
I’ve backpacked over 20,000 miles and have at least 1,000 nights sleeping outdoors. On most of these overnight trips, I’ve cooked dinner on backpacking stoves. When I wake up in the morning in the backcountry, I’ll boil up some hot coffee. On chilly days, I’ll make hot lunch.
I’ve written about outdoor gear for numerous publications, including as contributing editor at Backpacker Magazine and the New York Times’ product review site, Wirecutter. I’m the author of the National Outdoor Book Award winning Long Trails Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike. My book has extensive gear and nutrition chapters--both of which address different kinds of backpacking stoves. I regularly book speaking gigs with outdoor clubs, non-profits, and colleges and universities to talk about backpacking and lead gear panels. I’m also Editor-in-Chief here at Treeline Review and oversee all of our outdoor gear stories.
You can read more about me at www.eathomas.com or on my author page.
