The Jetboil SUMO Cooking System, with 1.8 litre capacity aimed at small group catering, has been relaunched in the UK, writes Mike Gormley.
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Its a few years since I first owned a Jetboil SUMO (introduced in 2012) gas stove and cooking cup but as this model has now been relaunched by the US brand’s UK distributor, and we haven’t previously reviewed a Jetboil on JOINT-FORCES, here we go.
Clearly aimed at small groups or families, the SUMO has the larger 1.8 litre capacity insulated ‘cooking cup’ which incorporates the Jetboil FluxRing similar to others in the range. This around doubles the capacity of the Fast Boil range of Jetboil cooking systems. The insulation includes a broad handle to lift the pot or complete stove with; I seem to recall on my previous Jetboil the insulation was a tiny bit oversized which made it tricky to fit the top cover on, but this one is fine.
The cover has a pouring slot as well as a straining section so no need to remove it to pour the hot liquid from the pot as well as increasing efficiency. Also, like others in the range, the regulator burner set-up is the same and includes an igniter. So really it is only the pot capacity that is larger.
As well as making several brews / wets in a oner, it will also take boil-in-the-bag meals much more easily. I have to say the added weight will raise the centre of gravity as you have close to 2kg standing on a fairly small base and even with the supplied stand you really need to make sure the Jetboil is on a good solid and level base. I generally put it on a plate or similar.
The SUMO, like other Jetboil models, has a plastic base cover to protect the FluxRing when packed in a rucksack and this can double as a bowl. The flexible plastic top cover contains the folding stabiliser legs; an essential item I my view and designed to cater for different canister sizes. The larger pot is able to contain the burner set-up when folded as well as a larger 230g fuel canister. The burner includes the fairly short controller (take care in a boil-over situation) but flame control from the valve is good so a simmer can be achieved. The burner includes a removable pot stand to use with pans other than the Jet Boil Cooking Cup.
Jetboil has quite a following, including in the British Army and Royal Marines, and for sure many will welcome the revival of this larger capacity cooking cup model.
[images © Mike Gormley unless noted]
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