FireMaple X1 Stove
What I really think of it
Published By: Daniel Woodley. Updated: 17th October 2023. Filed at: Reviews. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made via links.
I’ve owned a FireMaple X1 stove for over two years and have used it on mountains when wild camping and in numerous campsites.
I’ve even taken it out in windy conditions to see how it performed.
While I like the device, there are a couple of issues that cropped up – if I could go back in time, I would buy the X2 instead.
This is my honest review.
The built-in ignition means I don’t need to carry a lighter – handy.
It’s compact and lightweight – perfect for my long-distance hiking and wild camping.
Pros
- Cheaper than a Jet Boil.
- Burns efficiently in low-wind.
- Compact, no frills stove.
- Built-in ignition.
- Optional attachments for cooking pots.
Cons
- Gas cans larger than 100g/178ml can’t be stowed in the stove, they’re too large.
- No stabiliser legs, must be purchased separately.
- No cooking attachment, must be purchased separately.
- I don’t think the additional stabiliser nor the cooking attachment can be stowed inside the stove (I don’t own them so I’m not 100% sure).
What’s Missing?
At the lower end of the price range, the FireMaple X1 is missing a few features that may or may not be important to you.
The biggest issue for me is the missing cooking attachment. On the few occasions I’ve wanted to cook up some sausages and bacon on a pan, I’ve been unable to do so. An attachment is available at extra cost, but I’m unsure if it can be stowed in the device.
The X1 is very top-heavy, and in wind or on uneven surfaces, I’ve had to hold it steady to keep it from falling over. The stabilising legs can be purchased separately, but I’m unsure if they can be stowed in the stove.
If you think you’ll need the cooking attachment and the stabiliser, I suggest considering the X2 instead, as they come included and can be stowed. The price of the X1 plus these two extra parts is about the same as the X2.
Watch My Video Review (5mins long)
What I Like About The FireMaple X1
Here’s what really stood out for me:
Price – I couldn’t find a decent stove, with optional extras, at a better price.
Longevity – I’ve used it dozens of times over the last two years and I’ve experienced no issues with it.
Boil times – I found that it boils water really quickly when there’s no or little wind. (1/4ltr in summer: 1m15s and 1/2ltr in summer: 2m10s).
Weight and compactness – it weighs 500g when empty and is small enough to fit in my regular rucksack with plenty of spare space.
Adjustable flame – I can easily control the gas flow rate.
Built-in ignitor – Every stove should have one, thankfully this one does.
A Few Things I Didn’t Like
Beyond the missing stabiliser and lack of cooking attachment, these were minor issues I encountered:
Wind sensitivity – Boiling times were drastically increased when it was windy – I had to use a wind shield when I tested it in moderate winds as the boiling times were doubling. While I never had a complete flame out, it was taking far too long to boil water.
Handle and lid – Neither the handle nor the lid is as sturdy as the ones on the X2.
Large gas can issue – While 100g/178ml cans can be stowed in the device, larger cans will have to be carried separately and this is a pain as I often have limited space in my bag and I prefer gas cans to be inside something to protect them.
Note: You can store most larger 230g gas cans in the X2 but not 230g Coleman cans as they are slightly larger than most other brands.
FireMaple X2 – buy on Amazon (#ad)
Do I Recommend The FireMaple X1?
If you’re looking for a cheaper gas stove for boiling up water and stews etc, I 100% recommend the FireMaple X1.
However, if you want to use larger gas cans, require an attachment for cooking on a pan or think you’ll need the stabilising legs, I think it makes sense to upgrade to the X2.
I have a friend who owns a Jet Boil and in all honesty, there wasn’t much difference between them, certainly not enough to justify the huge cost difference.
What I Paid and Where to Get a Good Price
I paid £44 for the FireMaple X1 in 2021 and it’s currently on sale (Oct 2023) at Amazon for £56 inc delivery, on eBay for £60 inc delivery and on Aliexpress for £44 inc delivery.
There will be lots of smaller mountaineering/outdoor stores that stock this product, so it’s worth checking around for clearance discounts.
The lid doesn’t close when a larger 230g can is stowed in the device
The vents allow the stove to boil efficiently but in stronger winds, I had to use a shield
About Daniel Woodley
This review of the FireMaple X1 was created by Daniel Woodley, aka The Bald Scrambler.
From walking along beaches and kayaking down rivers to making his way up mountains and even jumping out of planes, Daniel has a love of the outdoors but scrambling is his real passion.
Daniel Woodley aka The Bald Scrambler
Have fun, keep safe. Hopefully I’ll see you on the mountains one day
By The Bald Scrambler