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TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review

In the competitive, crowded market of canister-top stoves, the Windmaster from Japanese brand SOTO stands out. Firstly, the burner head has a concave shape with a protective lip, providing better wind protection la common flaw of canister-top designs). Secondly, you get four-pot support arms - unlike most other three-pronged stoves - thus ensuring improved pot stability with a wider, safer cooking base. And thirdly, the powerful 4.5cm burner head is broader than most, giving better heat distribution (so less burnt-on food stuck to the pot) and the fastest boil time in our tests. Furthermore, the low profile of the support prongs (which are serrated and slightly inwardly- sloping) keep the pot close to the flame to enhance wind protection and improve boil times. Other nifty features include a piezo igniter housed inside the burner stem (protected from snags and damage), a simple control valve, good simmer control, and a micro regulator for consistent output.

IF WE'RE BEING FUSSY

The folding prongs and control valve feel a little delicate (although this is the case with almost all stoves) and the stack height makes the set-up a tad wobbly. Despite first-rate wind protection, you may still need a foil windshield in stronger gusts.