As anyone who loves backpacking knows, there’s nothing better than a hot meal at the end of a long hike. But building a fire isn’t always wise – or possible. This is where backpacking stoves, such as the Jetboil MicroMo and the Jetboil MiniMo, come into play. But which is better for your needs?
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Both the Jetboil MicroMo and the Jetboil MiniMo are lightweight stoves that any backpacker can carry on their adventures. These mighty little stoves are made by the same brand, which means they pack a similar punch in terms of construction and performance.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t differences, however.
If you’re looking for a larger option, the Jetboil MiniMo is the way to go. Although it’s only 3 ounces heavier than the MicroMo, it can hold a full liter of liquid, compared to the MicroMo’s 0.8-liter pot.
But, if you’re on the hunt for a lighter option, the Jetboil MicroMo may serve your needs. This 12-ounce pot may be only 2.6 ounces lighter than the MiniMo’s 14.6 ounces – but when you’re on the trail, every ounce counts.
| Jetboil MicroMo | Jetboil MiniMo | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Weight | 12 ounces | 14.6 ounces |
| Carry Size | 4.1” x 4.1” x 6.25” | 5” x 5” x 5.5” |
| Boil Time Per 0.5 Liters | 2 minutes, 15 seconds | 2 minutes, 15 seconds |
| Fuel Efficiency | Half industry standard | Half industry standard |
Detailed Review
The Jetboil MicroMo and the Jetboil MiniMo share a lot of similarities. This is due to the fact that the MicroMo is what it sounds like – a micro version of the MiniMo. While they do have some differences, their design and construction are exactly the same. In fact, both have exactly the same pushbutton started, burner, baseplate attachment, and even control valve!
Let’s look a little closer at what each stove has to offer.
Weight and Size
The Jetboil MicroMo weighs a mere 12 ounces, which is lighter than many stoves on the market. But, at this size, it still packs the same punch as some of the heavier weight stoves. And, when it comes time to pack up for the day, the MicroMo system fits neatly inside the pot – a 4.1” x 4.1” x 6.25” space. However, this size pot only holds 0.8 liters, compared to the MiniMo’s full liter.
On the other hand, the Jetboil MiniMo clocks in at 14.6 ounces. While it’s not the heaviest stove on the market, these extra ounces can make a difference if you’re on a set weight limit. Just like the MicroMo, the MiniMo system can pack into the pot, taking up a space of 5” x 5” x 5.5”. Although it’s a little bigger overall, this is due to the fact that it can hold a full liter of liquid, while the MicroMo can only hold 0.8 liter.
Winner: When it comes to weight and size, it’s a draw between the MicroMo and MiniMo depending on what you need. If you’re very concerned about your backpacking weight, the MicroMo weighs 2.6 ounces less than the MiniMo. Additionally, the MicroMo only takes up 105 cubic inches of space, whereas the MiniMo takes up a larger 137 cubic inches. On the other hand, most of us are willing to sacrifice the 2.6 ounces of weight and 22 cubic inches of space for having the extra 0.2 liters of liquid.
Cooking and Handling
The Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo backpacking stoves share all of the same cooking and handling features. For instance, the insulated cozy and metal handles let you cook and keep food warm without burning yourself. Plus, the pushbutton igniter can jumpstart your morning with…well, the push of a button. The fuel canister stabilizers on each ensure that your breakfast won’t tip, no matter where you are. Best of all, the pots on each model also work as a mug for hot beverages and soups!
Winner: When it comes to cooking and handling, it’s a tie between the Jetboil MicroMo and the Jetboil MiniMo. Both stoves come with a wide variety of the same excellent features – the only real difference here is the size of the pot!
Fuel Efficiency
The Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo backpacking stoves share another great feature: they are one of the most fuel-efficient lines of stoves on the market today. Both products use liquefied petroleum gas as fuel. The kicker here is their proprietary FluxRing technology. Each stove sports a round, wide disk as the base of the stove, with a small side wall to block out wind and cold. This unusual design means that the Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo each use half the fuel compared to same-sized stoves from other brands.
Winner: Once again, the Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo stoves tie for first place. Although the pots are different sizes, the fuel-efficient design each stove shares means that their fuel efficiency is the same when measured against same-size competitors.
Versatility in Weather Conditions
Due to the Jetboil MicroMo’s and MiniMo’s shared FluxRing technology, their pushbutton starters can light up in almost any weather conditions. Aside from the energy-efficiency of this design, the high walls and solid bottom of the baseplate protects your flame so that you can heat your soup no matter the wind. Not to mention, their starter works in temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, here, size does play a part. Although these systems share the same design and starter, the Jetboil MiniMo has a slightly wider, angled base on the pot. On the other hand, the Jetboil MicroMo has a straight up-and-down design at the base. This means that, in very windy or cold conditions, the MicroMo may not function as well.
Winner: As far as weather versatility goes, the Jetboil MiniMo has a slight advantage. The wider, shorter base means that wind and cold can’t get to the flame as easily as the taller, more open base of the Jetboil MicroMo.
Heating Speed and Regulation
The Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo systems both share Jetboil’s proprietary – and powerful – FluxRing technology. As we mentioned above, this energy-efficient design only consumes half the fuel of traditional systems. But that’s not all this design is good for! Due to the round, high-walled baseplate attachment and internal regulator, you also have precise control over your heating speed. These systems can both bring water to a boil in 2 minutes and 15 seconds in temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, you can adjust the temperature with a quick flick of your wrist.
Winner: Once more, between the Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo, the competition comes to a draw. Since these two systems share an identical FluxRing technology component, they heat water at the same speed.
Price and Value
The Jetboil MicroMo backpacking stove is one of the most expensive options on the market for its size. This is due to its sturdy design and FluxRing technology, which cuts down on long-term fuel costs, but comes at a higher price on the system itself. For newer backpackers, this high price may be too expensive. Plus, the MicroMo only comes with a one-year limited warranty in case of damage.
On the other hand, the Jetboil MiniMo costs around the same price for a slightly larger cooking capacity. Like the MicroMo, it uses less fuel over time as a result of the fuel-saving functions of the FluxRing. It also has a one-year limited warranty in case of product malfunction or accidental damage.
Winner: Depending on the vendor, you may actually be able to purchase the Jetboil MiniMo at the same or cheaper price than the MicroMo. This means that what you’re really paying for with the MicroMo is the reduced size – not an increase in size. Thus, the MiniMo is often a better buy because it comes with the extra capacity and same benefits as the MicroMo for a smaller hit on your wallet.
Conclusion
The Jetboil MicroMo and MiniMo are nearly identical systems that use a lot of the same components. However, the Jetboil MiniMo is a slightly better option for three basic reasons:
- It holds 0.2 liters more of liquid
- The bottom design of the MiniMo is more resistant to wind and cold
- The MiniMo often comes at the same (or even cheaper) price than the MicroMo
