Thanks to some long-awaited upgrades, the popular Jetboil Flash 1.0l is now even more efficient and reliable. 

Trail specs

Price $299.95

Weight 394g

Volume 1l

Boil time 120 sec per 500ml (claimed)

Power 5300 BTU/h / 1.5 kW

We take compact, integrated cooking systems for granted these days, but in 2004 Jetboil’s first Fast Boil stove, inspired by the hanging cooksets used by climbers, was a significant innovation. Since then, Jetboil’s powerful and packable stoves have influenced a host of competitors due to their efficient boil times, reliability and ease of use in all conditions. Although the Jetboil Zip (0.8l) that I adopted in 2012 is still going strong, the latest improvements to both the Flash and the Zip make a good thing even better.

The biggest upgrade is to fuel control and ignition, now integrated for push-and-turn ignition for safer and speedier lighting. As well, the piezo igniter now has a protective, windproof guard, and the pot-to-burner mechanism has more locking points, making it more secure and easier to use. Setting up and collapsing the stove is simpler thanks to the addition of textured grip zones on the outside base, and there are a couple of other minor improvements. 

What hasn’t changed is the Flash’s impressive boil time (though it is speedier: 120 sec/500ml vs 150 sec for the previous model) and fuel efficiency in a compact package that weighs just under 400g. There are lighter and more compact cooking systems, but for use in the wind or situations calling for speed or stability, Jetboil’s Fast Boil series of stoves come into their own and are ideal for getting a quick brew on, firing up safely in a tent vestibule, or hand-holding when there’s no flat ground. Due to its narrow pot base and lack of fine simmer control, the Flash is best suited to boiling water or heating soup-based fast-cooking meals and freeze-dried food. 

Key features we like

Click and turn ignition

A single-valve control dial with integrated piezo activation has replaced the separate fuel and ignition controls. To light the stove now requires a smooth half turn of the dial to bring the fuel to full flow and activate the piezo. It’s less fumble-prone, safer and easier to use with gloves on.

Three-point locking mechanism

The previous pot-to-burner locking mechanism had a reputation for being fiddly and sometimes sticky. This has been redesigned with new shaping and visual cues so that it’s easier to align the two parts, and there are now three locking points rather than two, making integration smoother and more stable.

Grip zone

There is a rubberised grip zone on either side of the ignition switch to make assembly easier and transition safer. Previous models had no such heat-resistant grip area, so now there’s no burning fingers during breakdown and another place to hold the stove when you pick it up. 

Better packing and pouring

The plastic canister stabiliser has been reshaped so that it nests in the top of the burner and helps protect the piezo igniter during travel. The igniter also has a ceramic guard to protect it from both damage and wind, and the lid has been improved for better pouring of hot liquids. The pot cosy/handle has improved grip points along with its signature colour-changing boil indicator. 

Wilderness verdict

Jetboil’s well-considered updates have made a proven backcountry workhorse easier to use and more reliable, while trimming weight and beefing up boil time.