Gear Review: Fire-Maple Star 2 Cooking System
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Oregon Coast
Duration of Test: 2 Days
Product Name: Star 2 Personal Cooking System
Product Brand: Fire-Maple
Best Use: Boiling Water for camping and backpacking
The Full Review:
The Fire Maple Star 2 is an alternative to the Jetboil/MSR stove systems on the market. These systems are designed to boil water extremely quickly and the Fire Maple Star 2 does just that. The Star 2 is the 1.0L version of Fire Maples stove systems, the Star 3 being .8L version. Both versions pack everything you need nicely inside of the high heat efficiency pot. Canister support, burner, 230g fuel canister, pot support, and the lid lock into place with a clever latch. The really nice thing is NOTHING RATTLES while hiking! It’s very convenient being able to just pull out one piece of gear and have everything you need to boil water.
The Star 2 performed well in mild wind conditions boiling water in about 3 minutes. The key to the system is the heat exchanger on the bottom of the pot. It helps quickly heat the water and also acts as a windscreen. As an added bonus this system comes with a pot support, allowing you to use other pots without heat exchanger on the bottom.
On our trip, we used the system to boil water for dehydrated meals and coffee. I wouldn't be trying to cook much on the Star 3 based on the simmer control, but you can quickly boil enough water for a couple of dehydrated meals for you and your friends. Another great thing about this system is the coffee press add on. For $10 you can buy a coffee press plunger and turn your 1.0L pot into a french press!
The Good:
~ Quick boil time
~ Compact size
~ No rattle!
~ Price
~ Coffee press add-on
The Bad:
~ The weight! At 2.2lbs is definitely not light.
~ Non regulated stove
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a stove system that boils water quickly and doesn't break the bank, look no further. This system is a no brainer!