Svea 123 Stove
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
- Here is an in-depth review of the Optimus Svea 123 stove. I go over the features of the stove, do a boil test, and compare the weight with a more modern backpacking stove.
The Svea 123 is my favorite white gas stove. It is the only stove in its class that I can truly depend on to fire up and cook my meals every time. I've never had to fiddle with it in the field, it has never failed me. It may be an older than me, but if I take care of it my kids will be able to use it one day. If you're in the market for a new liquid fuel stove, I think this one deserves a serious look.
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I don't know about a cult following, bit I've had mine since August 1972. Simply designed, works simply - bomb proof. Good video. Thank you.
+David Schwartz Cult member or not, at least you know a good stove design when you see it. You comment hits the highlights of this stove, thank you for watching and commenting.
Thank you for taking the time to watch them.
Great review! You did a very good job covering all aspects of the stove. Keep up the good work!
I'm using a 123R for my 5th winter season. You get odd looks from the MSR guys but the simplicity and reliability is brilliant - I've never failed to get a brew. I carry it in an army utility pouch; it fits perfectly in a titanium snowpeak 900, lexan spoon down the side. I also disconnected the chain, attaching it to the pouch with a swedish army firesteel to light the stove. A small plastic fuel bottle with enough fuel for a week walking fits on top of the SP900 in the pouch. Perfect setup!
Also, in addition to the CLR being a good substitute, I'm glad to hear that Sierra Nevada Pale Ale also works as a substitute to obtain a successful Svea restoration!
the 123r can simmer like the 123 but the valve on the 123r is much more sensitive so you have to make very small adjustments to get it where it needs to be. also, when attempting to simmer with any stove that uses this type of burner, make sure the screw threads between the burner cup and the vaporizer are clean and tight, and also make sure all 4 contact points between the burner plate and burner cup are also clean and tight. if the burner plate can't transfer it's heat to the burner cup, and the burner cup can't transfer it's heat to the vaporizer, the stove will never maintain a steady simmer without constant fiddling..
Thanks for the review. I've had me Svea 123 for about 30 years now. A point of clarification. The stove has a gasket on the cap, PLUS a packing gland around the stem of the throttle valve. The packing gland will leak sooner or later. A small flame may appear around the valve stem when this occurs. Usually, you can tighten the nut on the packing and stop the leak. If you are lucky, and have a rebuild kit, you can install new packing once the nut won't tighten any further.
Yes, it's safe to have the stove on full throttle for an extended time. I've had the bell get red hot and I've had the tank get quite hot as you describe, and I've never had a problem. Sounds normal to me.
Just make sure you never put a full wind screen around the stove. This stove needs to vent heat from the tank to keep from over-pressurizing. But what you describe is nothing to be alarmed by. Let me know if you have any more questions.
First time I've seen one of these. thanks for the review might try and add one to my kit
Thanks for the kind words.
Great review. I've owned a 123r for more than 30 years. I've never done anything to it by way of maintenance and it still simply works.
Your experience is far from unique, and that's why the Svea 123/123R is simply the most reliable white gas stove in existence. Pretty much the only maintenance this stove needs is inspection of the fuel cap O-ring, which might need replacing every 20-40 years depending on how hard it's used. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for this review man, it’s brought back some great memories for me..Beartooths, Big Horns, Snowys, Wind Rivers..even Red Feather Lakes! It’s an awesome little buddy, the Svea, and I never twice caught stuff on fire from a botched cold weather prime!
Throughthebit2000 thanks for the kind words! I’m still making memories with my Svea. It’s a trusty companion for sure.
Thank you for sharing some of them with us, they are appreciated.
One of the better reviews. Still using mine. Cannot seem to let go.
+RuhigWald Thanks for the kind words. Cheers.
Interesting idea. The little cup would indeed be perfect size for baking. I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
Nice review, have you seen the clone Pak Cook 235 ? Do you know if the parts are interchangeable? Thanks Steve
I just warm mine with my hands, and that allows enough fuel to come out and fill the priming well.
The sputtering was probably just due to the stem not being fully primed. Mine does that too, but after a minute of burning, it smooths out like you describe.
I had heard that the 123R doesn't quite simmer as low as the 123, but having the cleaning needle built is nice so you don't have to worry about losing the pricker. A decent trade-off I guess.
Thanks for the tips on your restoration process, I'm glad the diluted CLR worked out.
Wow, your great review got me to consider this item too.
The only thing destined to spoil it though will be the near ridiculous price that's sure to be asked for it. Your comparison to the Trangia seems to be spot on.
Keep your eyes open at garage sales, antique shops, craigslist, and thrift stores. I've heard of people paying $5 or less for one.
An easier way to preheat (prime) is after cracking the cap and then re-tightening it, heat the tank by holding it in your hands for a few seconds. Crack the valve slightly, and a small stream of fuel will dribbled out of the jet and flow down into the cup on the top of the tank. Close the valve and light the cup. Let the fuel in the cup burn for about 30 seconds to a minute, then crack the valve slightly. If more liquid dribbles out, let it heat a little longer. Other wise, you can then start cooking! No straw, no eyedropper. I love the sound of the stove. Mine has worked for almost 50 years, and has never failed me, from -10 deg. F to 110 deg. F, from -256 ft. to well over 11,000 ft.
Nicely done. Liked your explanation of wind screen and priming precaution.
Awesome review brother! You've got a nice clean flame going on that stove, no yellow tips that I could see. Nice! Thanks for taking the time to put up these great videos.
Thanks! The Whisperlite is a fine stove, it's the one my brother uses.
I bought new o-rings on ebay. I've never used a Dragonfly, and ever since I got hooked on the Svea 123 I don't think I'll be using any other white gas stove besides it. It's an amazing piece of gear.
Also to get my stove warm I use a flammable paste instead of fuel. Much safer. I have in a pinch used small twigs to conserve fuel
I still have two of these stoves. They were the best choice back when I bought mine in 1980. They are a little noisy but the overpowering SILENCE when you shut it off is amazing! Great review on this classic and still effective stove. I have a Solo Stove now and that is quiet, it uses wood while being basically the same size. BUT I have a hankering to break out my Svea and use it some in the field once again. We also used a fuel paste to pressurize the stove, but it is another thing to carry. Good point about insulating it from the cold ground or it will decrease the heat of the stove.
+James Carmean Thanks for the kind words. The Svea is my favorite white gas stove. It's so much more reliable than the ones on the market now with separate pumps, tanks, and fuel lines.
I have seen the fuel paste used. It's convenient and spill-proof. Each method of priming has advantages and disadvantages. My favorite method is to use alcohol because it burns cleanly and doesn't soot up the stove, but it's also another thing to carry.
ColoradoCamper Yes, maybe I will make a video of using my various stoves now. I remember camping in the Grand Canyon and the silence when I turned this Svea off, lol. Then we would chat and look at the great star show. Many years ago but great memories. I used the fuel from the stove usually for convenience to pressurize the fuel. Thanks for your reply. I subscribed and look forward to more of your videos.
I think you will enjoy the 123R quite a lot. It is still a bit clunky, but much better than an 8R, and should be just as bomb-proof. Enjoy the new toy!
get an optional pump and cap for start up ....This is my favorite stove , I own 6 different variations of this stove
Great review! Thanks.
Thank you for watching!
My Svea 123r is about 30 years old, and it should last another 30 years. Simple and reliable, I love it.
M. Quinn I bet it will last you even longer than that. Thanks for watching.
I have two stoves one that I bought in 1967 for $12 and another that I bought at a yard sale for $5 bucks, both work well. Just the ticket for any time you need a cup of coffee or to make some soup or whatever. A true classic built like a tank. Just be careful and practice outside before you take it into the field. Use coleman fuel and filter the gas.
Very well said. It's a great stove but a little practice at home will really help someone get familiar with it.
スベア買いました！ガソリンストーブ初めてですが音も良く気に入りました！
ありがとう、私はあなたがストーブが好きで願っています！
I have just bought myself one of these, the same model as yours, can't wait for it to arrive in the post.
CharlieTango 1 Welcome to the SVEA cult! After a bit of practice with it, you'll fall in love with it. That was my experience at least.
this stove is the best stove I have ever used it never failed me for over 20 years. I use a whisperlite for weight now but the Svea is bulletproof
I always found it messy to try to pour fuel into the trough to do a preheat. I learned to use a small piece of paper towel that I would roll up between my fingers. Then I would stick that into the fuel and let it soak up some fuel. Put on the cap to seal the fuel tank. And set the roll of paper towel into the primer area being careful not to let it get near the cap so you don't burn the seal. Then simply light the paper towels it's soaked in gasoline and that will Prime the stone for you and you will not have gasoline running all down the side. This does not work with a napkin.
I like your idea to use the paper towel. Simple but makes things much easier.
Thanks for the videos... I'm convinced It's the best option for winter adventuring. Here's my idea ( and please feel free to try it out since mines' back ordered until February 7th)... I plan to use a small ring of carbon felt wick inside the Bell burner since it should aid the vaporization process & produce a quiet flame. Perfect to help prime the stove as well.
Interesting idea about the carbon felt inside the burner bell. Unfortunately I don't have any carbon felt, so I'd love to hear how it works out for you if you try it out. I have thought about adding felt to the vaporizer stem so more fuel could be used for priming in the winter, but I haven't made that modification yet.The main thing to do in the winter time with the Svea is to place it on something to insulate the tank from the cold ground or snow. That will ensure the tank can retain enough heat to stay pressurized.Thanks for sharing your idea! Cheers.
Nice interesting and informative review and I thank you for it. I have one suggestion. If you ever decide to bake with it the little pot would be a perfect fit inside your other pot. Just a thought and since the burner can simmer so well it would be a good match for baking. Jim
Picked one of these up at a church sale for 5 bucks with a carry tote to go with and other than a cool looking patena she's solid. Thanks for the edification on these cool little stoves, they are a marvel really :)
That is a hell of a deal on such a great stove. Cheers.
Yes I've heard of those. I think they would be very nice since the Svea is a loud stove. But the cap costs more than the stove itself, which seems a little outrageous to me. You could keep your loud Svea and buy a quieter stove and still have money leftover. But it depends on what's important to you.
Great info. thank you
Great review. I bought a svea 123 back in 1976 for 10 bucks Canadian. It never let me down even after some crazy falls and abuse. I got rid of it back around 2001 when I didn't think I would be able to source a new o-ring for the fuel cap. Biggest gear mistake I have ever made. I now have 2 dragonflys, a wind pro, primus himilayan, a couple Optimus Nova +, Coleman feather 400, Coleman Apollo, a Coleman titanium something and a couple trangias. I will be selling most when I get my act together ( can't sell stuff when you are hiking or canoeing!) and try and get another svea. I know I can buy a 123r from Optimus but prefer the bare bones 123. I never had any carbon problems and the jet is so easy to remove and clean it puts new stoves to shame. Ultimately I will keep one canister stove (for the peaceful quiet mornings) my trangias ( bomb proof and young hikers are amazed) one Nova plus which I bought the adapter for (makes an amazing extremely fast winter cooker with the trangias pot set) and a svea to count on almost all of the time.
Thanks for the memories.
Thank you for sharing your story, very enjoyable to read. Fear not, because the original Svea 123s are sold quite frequently on ebay. You might have to pay a little more than you think, I got mine from ebay several years ago for about $60 if I recall correctly. But it was worth it. Such a great stove. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Have you changed the wicking material inside the stove? I haven't changed mine and it works fine but I have seen videos where the operator changed the wicking material to a candle type of wick. Mine is the older 123 version which I purchased off eBay.
Make sure you get the 123 R model. It has the cleaning needle in it. Cheers!
Just found this vid. Excellent! I bought an old 1973 Svea123 about two years ago on ebay that was dirtier than an old retired Vegas hooker but I cleaned it up nice and restored it, all but a new o-ring which I need to replace soon. Where do you get an o-ring for them? I used it a few times and love it. My usual stove has been a MSR Dragonfly which is nice but I like the 123 better.
I liked this video so much, I bought a svea! I got the new "R" tho. Been thinking about it for ages since i think my Optimus 8R is a bit clunky to carry around.
I think i love this, but Please, how do I construct the key part of the stove to on and off the stove and to control the fire? Please I need for clarity.
Yeah cold temperatures can cause problems with canister stoves. I've never owned one. They seem very hot and convenient, but their fuel is too expensive for my taste.
But in sub zero conditions, the SVEA 123 would be the only stove I'd actually trust to light every time.
I was giving one of these stoves and can't wait to start using it.
I hope you enjoy it. I'm still using mine and haven't had a single problem with it.
it will also fit inside smaller cookware for nesting purposes. The Coleman has a pretty large base
You won't regret grabbing one. You can even get one for cheap on ebay and then restore it like new. I have a video explaining how to do that.
I have not used it in over 15 years. Have not done much backpacking in that time either. I used to get in to debates about my stove and canister types. All my buddies would always swear by the canister type or modern liquid gas stoves. I lived in AK for a long time and it was a stove that worked great in subzero temps.
I just got a Svea 123 as a gift from a friend, but it has a very different wind shield than I see on most of them Mine is from aluminum that might be reflecting to much heat... So if I'm not answering back any more, I'll probably blew myself up!
It sounds like the Sigg Tourist set is what you have. It's highly prized by Svea enthusiasts, but I've never used it. From all accounts, it works very well. It has a plate that creates two shielded areas. One for the burner bell and pot and then a separate area for the tank. This keeps the heat from the bell reflected into the pot, where you want it, and keeps it away from the tank, where you don't want it.
ColoradoCamper
You're a real Svea expert, because that sounds indeed like the wind shield I have. Good to hear that it's a good one and I don't have to be afraid to blow myself to pieces!
Glad I could help!
I agree with everything you said. People can joke all they want, but when a piece of gear lasts decades, even generations, it commands respect.
I agree, it's the most reliable white gas stove you can buy. Mine has yet to fail me and I doubt it ever will. And it was made in the 60s or 70s. Quite a track record. Hopefully you still take it out every now and then.
You won't be disappointed.
I've got a 123R. Like yours, sounds like a jet engine when she's cooking hard.
if you are simmering for a long period of time, will the tank build up too much pressure? or the heat is less and tank is ok? also... when shutting down... if at high, should you slowly go from high to low flame to give the tank time to cool a little before shutting down so you don't get too much pressure built up in tank as tank/stove cooling down? Obviously, I am a real newbie and have never seen one of these operating and don't want to mess up. thank you very much for any into.
I have simmered for long periods of time and haven't had a problem, I assume because it generates less heat to the tank. So I wouldn't worry about it.
And when shutting it down, I have gone from full throttle to full shutoff and haven't had a problem with that either. I do it all the time.
I think the most likely way to over-pressurize the tank is to (1) pre-heat it improperly. You will see videos on TH-cam of guys dumping fuel over the whole thing and setting it on fire, and that's where I think people run into problems. And (2), using a full windscreen, which reflects too much heat and doesn't let the tank naturally cool. If you avoid doing those two things, you are likely to be just fine. Practice at home until you get familiar with it and you will gain more confidence. Let me know if you have any more questions. Cheers.
For example, watch what this guy does. This is what you definitely DO NOT want to do:
th-cam.com/video/oyKAAjjnd1E/w-d-xo.html
Came accross your video doing some research on these stoves and do you think they would work for hot weather?It seems like Sveas are centered more around high altitudes and Winter.
I don't think hot weather would present any issues to the Svea stove. Warmer weather would make the fuel vaporize more easily, so the stove should be easier an d faster to pre-heat. Otherwise, I would expect it to perform normally.
Optimus lists the new Svea 123R with 4700 BTU, so the original is probably pretty close to that.
Perfect advertisement for a quiet cap.
l bought one back in 1970 and later on I got the cook set. Consist of a pot, frying pan and 2 piece wind breaker. Still works great been used hundreds of times. When my wife wants a portable burner outside, it's the one she likes to use first.
I know the cook set you are talking about. I believe it's the Sigg Tourist set, and people think very highly of it.
Yes that's the one. Still working fine.
Good video. Very informative
Cheers, thanks for watching.
I have seen guys who do that. It probably is safer, but some of the pastes burn very sooty so they gunk up the burner. Not too big of a deal though.
hi CC! well, i watched this again and i like it has 1 moving part, too. nice size and nice temp control, too. the coleman 530 i have gets real hot (the tank) and i have concerns it could get too hot too with a wind screen... not sure? the 530 does not throttle down to a simmer. the 530 throttles down some, but it's a boiling stove / not a cooking stove (way too hot for skillet cooking). i have some coleman 502's and they are good for skillet cooking or for boiling. i like this svea old fashioned design. i want one now. cool stove. don't know why i like stoves so much - i just do. i'm gonna go watch your video about camparing the 123 & the 123R. thanks
Thanks for watching. I have cooked several meals on the SVEA that require a low simmer flame, like pancakes. It does a great job.
Very good review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Cheers.
I have never tried regular unleaded, though I have heard of people using it in a pinch.
My guess is that it would probably work, though you might have to clean the jet more often. But like I said, it's just a guess as I've never tried it myself.
I wish I could give you a more helpful response.
Hi.
I'm just about to purchase Svea for myself. I'm going to take it for trekking in Ethiopia.
My question is. Can I use normal unleaded car petrol in case I wont be able to get a white gas?
i always use unleaded gasoline ,bcause there is no white gas/ coleman fuel in my country.. so far so good.. :)
I found me 1 the original one at an auction for 8 bucks and it's the coolest stove I have I love it
Man, what a deal! I paid about $60 for mine on eBay. Still worth it, but I wish I could find a steal like that!
@@ColoradoCamper Yea I got lucky. No-one knew what it was that's y got it cheap but check auctions
5k is enough for a portable small cooking pot application. the 10k is more suited to heavier uses
I liked your video because you said to remove the key while its on so you don't burn your self. And in the last video I saw, the guy did just that...and he burned himself. Good stuff
Thanks for the kind words. I haven't burned my thumbs... yet.
I prefer the svea, hands down. In fact, I've sold my nova. Nothing wrong with the nova, but the svea sets up faster, packs up faster, takes less room in my pack, simmers just as well, and burns almost as hot. But the biggest factor in choosing the svea is reliability. I have had to occasionally tinker with my nova, which was very frustrating. The svea has never acted up, and I doubt it ever will.
Let me know what you think after you've had time to compare them both. Cheers.
I have the exact same model. Once mine runs for a minute or two, a flame will bust out from the fuel cap, I blow it out and about 20 seconds later it will flame up again. Any suggestions? Also I'm using coleman fuel, is that the best thing?
the pressure relief valve in the fuel cap is leaking. get a new fuel cap or search the web for a rebuild kit.
coleman fuel aka white gas, naptha is the best fuel to burn in campstoves because it leaves no residue.
I have a nova and just got a svea ... Just like you seamto have..
It of the two which do you prefer
hi CC, well, i'm not sure exactly what's going on with my 123R stove? i had to replace the valve stem packing. i got 2 feet of 3/32" graphite packing and i rolled it with a jar on the table to flatten it so that i could fit it in the fitting around the stem. that worked just fine, but here's what happens. when i use the stove and shut it off it doesn't fully extinguish the flame. the flame goes really tiny and to get it go out i have to blow it out. then fuel slowly keeps coming out of the nozzle and runs down into the preheat troth... not much just a little before it cools down ebough that i can remove the wind guard / pot stand and open the fuel cap to relive the remaining pressure which then stops the fuel from coming out of the nozzle. i'll have to look into it further i guess. has that ever happened to you? other than this problem the stove work great! i think it's awesome! i really need it to seal at the nozzle so that when i carry it with fuel in it there will be no leaking of the fuel.
My only guess is that either the cleaning needle is getting in the way and not allowing the throttle valve to close all the way, or the throttle valve end has some type of debris or defect. I am not 100% sure how to go about disassembling the 123R valve stem to clean it and inspect it. You might search through Bernie Dog's videos as he has done some that show how to re-seat the cleaning needle and other 123R maintenance tips. You could try sending him a message if you don't find the info you need form his videos. Here is his channel:
th-cam.com/users/h2ojnky
Sorry that I can't be more helpful with the problem you are having!
occlusives the nozzle needle vytaskival then zakrashivaet crane to the end use ago the needle and slowly occlusives crane holding the needle should be five clicks and then zakrashivaet faucet with needle . you just have a leaking closed.
I seem to remember a pressure pump you could screw on where the fuel cap goes.
It negated having to prime it. Did you ever try it? Man I miss my Svea!
I'm aware of the pump but I've never used it. The pump does half the job of priming the stove as it builds up the pressure in the tank, but you still need to burn some priming fuel to pre-heat the vaporizer for normal operation. I've had no problems getting mine to light in freezing temperatures at 11,000 feet using the same method I show here, so I think the pump is more of a convenience rather than a necessity. Cheers.
thanks for the reply .. i was on my phone so my spelling wasnt that great (its not much better on a computer) .. i do like the svea but im worried about only being able to burn white gas/unleaded, thats why i think im gonna keep the nova but not use it unless i have a fuel that the svea wont burn
Have you seen or heard about the
QUIETSTOVE SILENT MUTER DAMPER CAP for SVEA 123/123r? I want to purchase the 123r version & I kind of interesting that silent cap too. What do you recommend?Thanks for sharing outstanding video! Paul.
Hello, nice review...I just picked up one of these at a garage sale for 3.00...mine is the 123r...I knew it was some type of colmane stove till I saw Sweden on it and looked on youtube and saw a bunch of reviews...mine is excellent condition with nothing missing...however I did get it going for a few seconds but it would not stay lite...looked on youtube and saw some views on how to take it apart and clean it...took everything apart but did not take the wick out...just got done tonight and will try it again tomorrow to see if it works...maybe it was clogged..my question to you is I know the 123 (older unit) has no self tip cleaner and people prefer that one because as you stated you can throttle it down...so is it just the small wire that pops up and down when you turn your key is the only difference? I was wondering if I could just cut that wire off and then mine would be like the 123, or is there a difference in the valve itself? I was trying to find the 123 stoves but they are pretty spendy, like 65.00 or so...if I could just trim that self cleaner off I would have a 123 like yours...or just buy a 123 and put that valve on my mint 123r....sorry about the long winded message...
hope you can help...
Gary in mn.
First off, if your stove doesn't stay lit it's possible that it can't build pressure which means the fuel cap gasket might need to be replaced. Check it to see if it is still soft and makes a good seal.
As for your idea about cutting the cleaner needle off, I don't know if this will make your stove operate like a 123. Before you make a permanent modification, my advice would be to get your stove working and then test it out and see if you're satisfied with the throttle range. In my experience the 123R simmers pretty well, maybe not quite as well as the 123, but still good enough to do heat-sensitive cooking.
I'm quite envious of the price you paid for a 123R in good condition. Best of luck in getting it running well.
very good advice from you...I may be satisfied with it when I get it going. I have heard that it does not but as you state I think I will be satisfied...
thanks,
Gary
i got one in 1974 and lost around 1994 it work great .than i got a msr stove whisperlite.
У меня замечательный есть "Огонёк ПТ-2" , так что, любезный друг,другое меня интересует мало
one O ring one gasket and the O ring inside of the valving. that stove does a better job simmering than the coleman 533 dual fuel (white gas and unleaded gasoline) I wonder how many BTUs the Svea puts out? The Coleman is around 10.5k and is almost overpowering even on the lowest setting for a small cookpot.
How much soot does this stove make on cookware when using proper Coleman Fuel/White Gas/Naptha?
None.
Bought mine in '73, I think.
where can you buy one ar
Who's running the camera, Stevie WONDER?
where can you buy one at now days
I bought mine on ebay, there are usually several for sale at any given time.
You can also buy the 123R version brand new from outdoor websites or amazon.
just picked one up at yard sale...$30
Sweet find and a good price if it works.
The MSR guys will be giving you jealous looks when their plastic pumps and o-rings crack from the cold and they ask to borrow your 123R. I think MSR makes fine stoves, but I personally wouldn't trust one in the winter when you need it most. Like you, my Svea has never failed to make me a hot meal or drink. Cheers.
B.L.E.V.E. (pronounced "blevie") Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
Also, that's a lot lighter than I thought.
When operated properly, the fuel doesn't boil, it just vaporizes more readily and thus creates a bit of pressure in the tank. Now if a full windscreen is used or someone dumps a ton of fuel on the stove to prime it, then there is a risk of the fuel boiling which could very well result in an explosion as you describe. Cheers.
상향식 저소음 연소캡잇써요
Great review, many thanks.
Thanks for watching. Cheers.