Review: The Jetboil MiniMo

So, you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you’re used to cooking on a large camp stove. Perhaps a Coleman. Great products. Good choice. But, lately, you’ve been thinking about doing some backpacking or just going lighter in general. Solution: the Jetboil MiniMo. As their catchphrase suggests, “It’s not just about boiling, it’s about cooking.” This little devil can whip up a good meal for two in minutes, is easy to clean and is perfect for simple pleasures like coffee or hot chocolate on the trail.

Functionality ★★★★★
The function of this device is to boil water and cook food within minutes. As such, the MiniMo performs well. I use mine not only for boiling water to make coffee, but I’ve also heated up premade soup, and even made scrambled eggs. Other great meal ideas include oatmeal, macaroni and cheese and Jetboil’s own Pizza-in-a-Pot.

From the cup that can be held with ease to the collapsible nature of the device, everything about the MiniMo is, indeed mini, but packs a big punch.

Design and Aesthetics ★★★★
From the 1 liter cup with insulating koozie to the push-button igniter, the design of the MiniMo is meant to be easy enough for anyone to use quickly and with little instruction. I must admit, when I first pushed my igniter button, I was afraid the MiniMo would explode and take my hand along with it. However, the flame is very controlled and can easily be dialed up or down depending on how fast you want your food to cook or water to boil.

The drink-through lid allows you to keep beverages and broths hot while drinking directly from the canister. My favorite feature, the foldable fuel stabilizer can be placed under the lid for easy storage.

Aesthetically, the MiniMo is, well, adorable. A variety of cozies can be used to customize your look, including a camo cozy.

Durability ★★★★★
I’ve had my MiniMo now for an entire spring, summer, and now fall camping season. It’s been thrown in the bottom of plastic bins, jostled over mountain passes, drenched in downpours and has even had several meals burned due to my own negligence (I’m not easy on my gear, obviously). That being said, the MiniMo has always come clean and keeps on functioning in top-notch fashion.

Value ★★★★
At a reasonable price of $129.95, the MiniMo is a solid investment piece for weekend warriors and the occasional outdoor enthusiast alike. It’s durability and functionality alone ensure that you’ll be cooking and boiling water with ease on your adventures for many years to come. Not to mention, its lightweight quality—weighing it at only 14.6 oz—means backpackers can rejoice and minimalists can take notice.