A really simple French stove
I bought this canister stove a really long time ago. Probably more than 5 years ago when I first wanted add some fun into my late night gatherings. I thought it would be awesome to be able to make myself a piping hot cup of instant noodles while chatting with my friends at Yishun Dam.
My first encounter with such stoves was during my Outward Bound camp at Pulau Ubin during my JC days. It was one of the items that made the time past a little easier since I wasn't particularly comfortable being in the outdoors. It was dirty, uncomfortable and full of mosquitoes waiting to take a drink from my bloodstream. It was hard to appreciate that sort of nature.
Nevertheless, I was pretty happy to have a hot satisfying meal after a day full of activities. The gas canister stove was also very easy to use - plug the gas canister in, turn up the gas and light it. Nothing more difficult than the stove we have at home.
I bought the simple looking Campingaz Bleuet 206 at one of the stalls at Army Market (505 Beach Road) for $25, I think. The gas canister, containing 190g of gas, cost a reasonable $2 then. The Bleuet was probably the most simple portable gas stove easily accessible to us Singaporeans. The original version had been discontinued and the official webpage removed. Fortunately, google cache still has it in its database.
The typical army mess tin easily fits on the supports and the flame is captured directly underneath the tin, minimizing heat loss through the sides.
Piercing mechanism for gas canister
Unfortunately, there is a reason why the gas canisters so cheap. These canisters, unlike more sophisticated stoves that use a valve that allows you to detach for easier storage when on the go, they cannot be detached before they are fully used up - the c206 canisters do not have a valve and rely on the stove's piercing mechanism to release gas.
Cost effectiveness
The inability to remove the gas canister before it is empty does have its advantages when it comes to price. A 190g pierceable canister cost $3.70 while a similarly sized 230g valved canister costs $11. Both are available at Army Market.
The dimple in the middle is where the stove pierces into the canister
These days, with the proliferation of portable stoves used for steamboat, the cheapest gas canisters are those that feed these. If you are really looking to cook a lot outdoors, you will be better off getting a stove that uses these. The stove may be more expensive, but it makes sense in the long run.
Only this size fits this stove. It is a good size - small enough to pack while being big enough to last several days of cooking.
Ease of use
Being an upright stove, it is sometimes a challenge to find a ground flat enough for the set up to be stable. The base isn't very big and will require some attention.
The flame is produced by the stove is easy to control and very clean burning. It will not soot up the bottom of your mess tin, which is nice.
The heat produced is reasonable, but do watch out for winds as they rob the little burner's effectiveness rather easily.
Conclusion
This is quite a nice kit as a first stove and cost effective for students on a budget. The heat output is respectable despite its small size and it can even be used as a home backup stove should your family run out of gas and needed something to continue cooking with.
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