There's a lot generic versions of expensive brands out there, and I'm always keen to figure out why something might cost twice as much, and if the cheaper version does the same job. That's what led me to buy this $50 'Jetboil' from Kmart this week. They call it a Ultra Jet Butane Hicking Stove. Ultraboil, Jetboil. Well played, Kmart, well played.
I was primarily sick of transferring the Jetboil from the van to the Defender and back again. Hence this little waste of a nifty fifty.
First of all, let's just rewind to the Jetboil itself, which retails for around 150 bucks AUD. I love it. It's one of my favourite bits of kit, boiling water in about a minute. Better than that (in case you think 'meh'), it does it IN THE WIND. Yep. Worth it's weight in gold! And it's also how we do a coffee in the morning - boil the hot water, add it to the stove top coffee pot, make a coffee cloud (that's when it steams and hisses and tells ya the coffee is done), pour into two cups, and top with milk and hot water. It's the way we like our coffee the best.
So, does the Kmart version do the same job? Let's look at the components.
In a neat little box and a mesh bag, you get the kettle itself, a stand for the canister, and a cup. The gas canister will cost you about $4.50. I immediately chucked the stand and the cup as from experience I don't need them. The stovetop is of larger diameter than the Jetboil.
I boiled a kettle of water inside and it took a little longer than the Jetboil, which was disappointing, but no real issue. Patience is a virtue and all that. It was still going to be good in the wind - you try boiling an ordinary kettle on an open flame in the wind and see how long that takes! Reading online reviews, people seem to think it's just as fast - I don't know. I would have to see them side by side and time them properly. Also, it's missing the special material on the side which glows orange when it's boiled, but to be honest, the noise and the steam coming out was a good indicator as well.
When I went for a surf and made my first coffee of the day, I quickly realised that the Kmart version doesn't come with the stove accessory like the Jetboil does. And the jetboil one was going to be too small - damn. But I quickly realised it would sit inside the Kmart one, which worked perfectly, truth be told.
The coffee cloud took longer, but that's okay - I was busy getting changed and having a shower so it didn't bother me and I didn't really notice. All good. THe other bonus is the ignition switch actually works - it doesn't on the Jetboil anymore and I have to use a lighter which is a pain.
Now, if I had the choice again, I'd go the Jetboil. It's more compact, faster, and I just like it. Saying that, if you don't have the money, the KMart one is going to do the job for sure. And certainly, now I've saved myself $70, I can spend that on other camping shite for the Landrover.
With Love,
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Hmm, handy! We are picking up a camper trailer later this year, looks like this will be essential kit!
Oh I reckon. It's one of my absolute most recommended items and everyone that sees it wants to buy one too. If you have cash, get the Jetboil. If not, the Kmart one is great too.
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Kmart is definitely lifted the game, we got a double glass walled cold brew travel coffee maker from there last month, as cheap as and were really happy with it too.
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Hmm...I don't think I could do it, buy something over the JetBoil; it's been so reliable. Having said that, I agree with your, cheaper alternative, comment about not having the money. Depending on overall purpose of use (where and frequency) the cheaper one may be totally fine.
Definitely need to put it through it's paces, but it's more for occasional use when I have a post surf coffee over buying a takeaway. It was disappointing the ignition doesn't always go on the Jetboil now but we have flogged it and it may be just damp mornings it doesn't like. People seem to really rate the Kmart one, but I always think it's just coz they haven't had the epic Jetboil! Still, some Kmart stuff is amazing. I swear by their crockery and doormats 🤣
I have some K-mart boxer shorts which seem to do the job also, so...Crockery, doormats and boxers.
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It looks like an essential for that cups while out and about. Probably the best considering the price.
Yes the cheaper price is a winner!!!
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Becca 🙃
Cool, need one of these for our camping trip in australia. I still remember how we struggled sometimes with our 2 burner stove without any wind protection. When the water was boiling for the coffee it was already midday :)
That's the worst!!!🤣🤣🤣 Yep, straight to Kmart for the camping stuff. I also bought 2 stainless steel tumblers for water/wine on impulse but used them ALOT on last trip. Plus if you saw my last post on my surf shower set up, I also got the drinks cooler there I use for warm 🌊 water.
Thanks for review. Everybody is looking for ways to save a few bucks these days but its hard to break with some trusted brands. We are always looking at knock offs and trying to decide where to spend for the brand and where not to.
This is an excellent kit in a tight package. I almost bought one a while ago. Instead I got a Kovea Supalite titanium stove, which is tiny. Great for taking on long distance hikes.
Images from Amazon product page
I have a similar kit too, when I go to the mountains.
Es muy útil, para café me gustaría, felicidades buena compra.
I still use the army disposal fire cubes lol that's how cheap I am.
Then again just having a little camp fire also does the job boiling water or cooking food.
Whatever works, right? I'm not going to light a fire in the back of my van to make a coffee though. Heard it's a bad idea.