Optimus Nova Review

Likes

Combining function, durability, and stylish aesthetics, the Optimus Nova is the Mercedes Benz of camp stoves. Every component, from the legs to the fuel pump, has been designed to withstand whatever your travels dish out. This durability starts ground up with thick turbine shaped legs that fold in a tight bundle around the burner housing. The burner itself is encased in a wildly sturdy, yet compact roundish frame. Like the Dragonfly, this stove has a separate simmer valve that allows for precise flame control.

One of the drawbacks of liquid fuel stoves is their need for priming. This annoying process wastes both time and fuel. Fortunately, the Nova's burner design is more effective than most at capturing heat released by the priming flame. We found that the Nova primed roughly 25 percent (30 seconds) faster than most MSR stoves. While this time savings is negligible, the fuel conservation is likely to be significant over the life of the stove.

The Nova's all-aluminum fuel pump is another feature that separates it from the competition. We found this to be both easier and smoother to operate than all MSR pumps.

Depressurizing fuel bottles has traditionally involved slowly unscrewing the fuel pump while watching liquid fuel and vapor burst out and cover your hands. To remedy this wasteful and hazardous fault, the Nova employs an all-aluminum fuel pump with a flip-stop switch that eliminates fuel spillage when the stove is disconnected from the bottle. The flip-stop switch differs from traditional fuel pumps in that its intake line is attached to one side of the bottle. In order to operate the stove the bottle is turned on one side, immersing the fuel line in fuel. Flipping the bottle over removes the intake line from the fuel, forcing it to suck air, extinguishing the flame, depressurizing the bottle, and cleaning the fuel line and jet. While this process is not instantaneous, we believe this system is a significant improvement over MSR fuel pumps.

Tip: If you plan to keep the stove assembled for future cooking, just turn off the valve on the burner unit. This keeps the bottle pressurized so you can prime it easily for future use. Use the flip switch if you plan to pack up the stove for travel.

Another beneficial feature on the Nova is its flexible and long fuel line. This allows you to position the fuel bottle farther away from the burner and better adapt to rocky ground.

The Nova comes with a full-featured stove bag. This has a pull cord and a zipper, which allows you to fold the bag flat on its back. Inside are numerous pockets for tools, lubricant, spare parts, the fuel pump, and windscreens.

We also liked how the Nova has stylish green accents on its three control valves.

Dislikes

Style and function also bring intricacy. The Nova is the most complicated stove we reviewed. It has a lot of parts, gizmos, and gadgets that increase the probability of something breaking and also make the stove harder to use. While the Nova proved nothing but durable, it took slightly longer to set up than most other stoves reviewed here.

Our least favorite aspect of the Nova is its ludicrously thunderous burner. This roar — the loudest of all stoves tested here — stops conversations and annoys anyone within 100 feet.

A large difference between the design of the Nova and all liquid fuel MSR stoves is the mechanism by which the fuel jet is cleaned. The Nova takes an innovative approach and uses a magnet to clean the jet. This magnet is attached to a multitool that can be used to repair the stove. To clean the jet, simply swipe the magic tool back and forth under the burner. This process differs from MSR stoves, which are cleaned by shaking the stove up and down in a vertical motion. We like how the magnet is easy to use, but are in favor of the simpler design that MSR employs. The magic tool is just another thing to keep track of.

The Nova may be durable, but it's not lightweight. The heavy-duty construction, all-metal fuel pump, and hefty magic tool bring the Nova to a grand total of 15.3 oz. This is the heaviest liquid fuel stove we reviewed.

The Nova is also slightly slower than most other liquid stoves. This difference, roughly 30 seconds, is notable, but not significant.

The Nova also does not come with a windscreen. We believe that a stove of this price should definitely come with a windscreen.

Despite these drawbacks, the Nova remains the most advanced liquid fuel stove we reviewed. We believe that it is an excellent choice for those who prioritize durability, stability, and versatility over weight and size.

Best Application

Heavy duty backpacking, mountaineering, base camps, kayaking.

Value