The MSR Reactor stove system pairs a canister stove with a radiant heat head, a 1.7 L solid anodized aluminum pot with heat exchanger fins, and a plastic lid with colander holes. It’s designed to be a close-in, high-performance cooking system for quick boiling and defrosting in backyard conditions, but it can also be used to boil food with little practice. The same stove can be used with several different pot sizes in addition to the 1.7L version reviewed here, including 1.0L and 2.5L reactor-specific pots.
- Weight: 17.6 oz (includes stove, pot, and lid)
- Fuel: Isobutane Canister w/screw-on Lindal valve
- Controlled Stove: yes (manual heating)
- Boiling time: 3 to 3:30 minutes/liter (depending on water and air temperature)
- The ability to pack 4 oz. fuel container and stove head inside the pot for transport.
How does this work
The reactor uses a radiant heater, a flameless heat source, that looks like the face of the sun. It is paired with an anodized aluminum cooking pot with a flat bottom, heat exchange fins, and air vents that sit directly on the burner to withstand high winds. Fuel from a threaded isobutane canister is delivered to the burner through a precision valved regulator and internal pressure system that maintains a constant flow. The Reactor’s closed design reduces heat loss to the air and improves fuel efficiency compared to open burners, including Jetboil stoves. The pot is not locked to the heating assembly like the Jetboil, however, so you have to be very careful not to tip the pot over and spill hot liquid on your lap.
Boiling times
Boil times are incredibly fast. MSR advertises about 3 minutes to boil one liter of water under ideal conditions. In real world use, expect about 3-3.5 minutes for 1 liter depending on altitude and ambient temperature. Reactor’s airtight and sealed design makes its operation more consistent than conventional canister stoves; in cold or windy weather, we lose very little performance.
How it lights up
Lighting the Reactor is straightforward, but done manually. I use a lighter although a fire iron works too.
- Attach the fuel tank to the stove valve by twisting it until it is smooth (follow the MSR instructions and check for leaks).
- Open the valve slightly to allow gas flow.
- Use a lighter or match to ignite the fuel on the stove top. The Reactor burner is off, so heat carefully and step aside if needed to reach the flame.
- Adjust the flame with the valve to achieve the desired output; the integrated controller provides a steady flame even if the canister pressure changes. As with all canister stoves, light them in a stable, low-level place, keep pot handles secure, and follow the included safety instructions.
Use of snowmelt
Reactor is very good at melting ice. Its efficient heat transfer and constant output make it effective in melting snow quickly and with low fuel consumption. To avoid overheating the cooking pot, remove the ice and add a little liquid before turning on the stove. Because the Reactor is designed to operate in static canisters, extreme cold can reduce the pressure of the canister, so keep the canister warm before use (keep inside a jacket), use a fuel mixture with a high propane content to work better in cold weather, or place the canister in a bowl and add hot water to it from time to time to help the gas inside evaporate.
Boiling
Can you cook with a Reactor Stove? Yes, with practice and a sensitive touch. Although the design of the pot is intended for efficient boiling, the heat exchanger makes boiling possible but requires practice to control the low gas output accurately. Great for dehydrated foods, pasta, soups, and stews. Frying or cooking that requires a wide, flat pan is not very convenient because the pot is deep and the heat is concentrated.
Reactor 1.7L vs JetBoil Flash 1.8
Compared to the new 18.8 oz Jetboil Flash 1.8L (see SectionHiker review), the MSR Reactor 1.7L is still a more weatherproof and flexible system, but the difference changes a bit because weight is not a clear advantage of the Flash 1.8. The Flash delivers super-fast boils and is optimized for one-pot cooking in normal conditions, and its integrated cup/burner nest makes it easy. However, the Reactor handles hot and cold temperatures better, and its cookware system offers a wide contact surface for warming that works well with a wide variety of pots (1.0L and 2.5L, sold separately). If you prioritize optimal performance in exposed or cold environments and want strong output and large pot compatibility, the Reactor is a powerful choice. If you prefer the ease of use of a pot/Flash burners and especially for cooking under mild conditions, it’s still a sensible option, even if it doesn’t save weight, especially since it’s much cheaper than a Reactor.
Bottom line
The MSR Reactor with 1.7 L pot is a top choice for fast boiling, air resistance and efficient ice melting. It’s easy to light and delivers consistent boiling times in a variety of conditions, while it works well for most one-pot cooking tasks, although not for heavy frying or multi-course camp cooking. But it’s a bargain for a solo or small-group return trip where speed, fuel efficiency, and reliability matter.
MSR donated the stove for review.
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