I couldn't get the darn thing to work! One rainy day and 3 fuel tablets later resulted in a marginally warm MSR Titan kettle of water. Many ultralight hikers swear by the Esbit stove, but I swear at it. Personally, I will stick with alcohol stoves such as the Trangia.

I gave the Esbit stove another trial in June 2003. Two fuel tablets were lit concurrently. A MSR Titan kettle 3/4 full of water sat on the stove, wrapped with an aluminum foil wind screen. In 8 minutes the Esbit stove brought the kettle to a roiling boil. The fuel tablets were completely consumed at about the same time. During the heating process flames frequently engulfed the kettle and handles.

The fuel tables leave soot deposits on the stove and kettle. The stove works for boiling water. No simmering or extending cooking sessions.