Yeah, Milani74 is correct. I’ve had the Vargo for a while and also have the Emberlit. The Vargo design is nice in that it is a one-piece design. The narrow top helps to concentrate heat and holds smaller diameter bottles easier. The hinged door is a neat feature, but unnecessary as once it’s open to feed, it’s a pain to open and close when it’s already burning fuel. Although not a deal-breaker, the Vargo storage pouch is a great design and something you need to consider with the Emberlit. Biggest issue with the Vargo is the holes in the bottom. You really have to be careful as to what is underneath as the hot ashes will fall through.
I really like the Emberlit design. It does come in five pieces to construct but still folds flat like the Vargo. I’m awaiting the Ti version now…titanium is not only lighter, but also cools off a lot faster when you done and need to pack up. The Emberlit is also easier to clean and is much more stable when pieced together. It does have a much larger opening at the top and that’s where a wire/mesh screen helps to hold up smaller diameter bottles. I’ve found the Emberlit easier to load with fuel and it seems to burn longer…no scientific tests, but I’m sure the slightly larger size/design helps to hold more fuel and burn longer. Also, the biggest advantage is the closed bottom…hot coals and ashes are retained in the stove. You can put the stove on more surfaces without worrying about burning them. I’m sure it gets hot, but not to point of burning. Best example was using the stove on a piece of bark over snow. The Vargo would catch that bark on fire and sink.
If you plan to really use the stove as a primary cooking stove, I would pick the Emberlit over the Vargo. If you’re not too concerned with weight, the steel version is the best value.
That ceramic tile show above cracked and broke from the heat generated off the bottom of the Vargo and hot, burning coals that fell through the bottom vent holes.
ROCK6
