Melt snow with lightning speed and efficiency.
Whip up dinner for a group or melt a heap of snow fast when you're cooking with the MSR Reactor 2.5L Stove System. MSR's engineers gave this system a large, group-friendly pot and went to great lengths to make the burner system utterly reliable and supremely efficient. The enclosed burner shrugs off winds up to 12 miles per hour, the fuel-pressure regulation system maximizes the life of every fuel canister, and the integrated stove-and-pot design makes for rock-solid stability when cooking and easy storage when it's time to move up to the next camp. Being the largest system in MSR's Reactor line, this stove system is ideal for large groups traveling in the alpine and will boil enough water to heat about five freeze-dried meals at once.
Details
- A large stove system for groups of 2-3 traveling in the alpine
- Radiant burner is enclosed by a heat exchanger for heat efficiency
- Internal regulator feeds fuel at a consistent rate
- Anodized pot strikes a balance between strength and weight
- Stove and fuel stow in pot for compact packing
- Windscreen shrugs off wind for efficient cooking
- Fuel canister sold separately
- Made in USA with imported materials
- Item #CAS0803
- Fuel Type
- MSR IsoPro
- Boil Time
- [1L of water] 3 min
- Burn Time
- [per 8oz canister] 80 min
- Piezo Ignition
- no
- Simmer
- no
- Includes
- Reactor stove, 2.5-liter pot, BPA-free lid
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 4.7oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 3 years
Reviews
Q&A
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Overall Rating
4.5 based on 128 ratings
Review Summary
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Here's what customers have to say
The stove is widely praised for its exceptional performance, with reviewers highlighting its incredibly fast boiling times, even in challenging conditions. It is described as reliable, efficient, and tough, able to withstand abuse and perform well in a variety of outdoor settings. While it may not be ideal for simmering, the stove excels at quickly boiling water for cooking, melting snow, and making hot drinks. Overall, it is considered an excellent, high-quality product that is well-suited for outdoor activities.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 6, 2025
Stove works well. Would be
Stove works well. Would be better if could simmer.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
November 7, 2024
MSR reactor
I own 5 different camping stoves from various brands. The MSR reactor has become an easy choice when heading to the back country. I have taken it on numerous back country trips ranging from day trips to up to 16 day outings. It burns less fuel than my other stoves, boils water significantly faster, and performs well in challenging conditions (wind, rain, snow, high elevation). I recommend this stove to all my friends and would/ will buy another if/ when I need a replacement. This stove has seen heavy use and has never let me down.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
November 7, 2024
The best!
By far the best stove system for expeditions of all kinds!!
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
September 16, 2024
Stands behind their product
On a recent trip my MSR Reactor stove shut down; completely stopped working. When you are on an extended trip this is a big deal. I was frustrated, mad and disappointed in MSR. But in a world of sophisticated high-performance outdoor equipment things happen. Such incidents are unfortunate and leaves user no choice but to find a work-around when they do happen. Afterwards, with an expensive piece of unusable equipment in hand, the question becomes, will the company who sold me this product stand behind it? I buy MSR products because they have a reputation for doing just that. In this case MSR replaced not only the stove but, because the unit was out of stock, they went the extra step of replacing the entire system. In my experience paying a bit more for quality is never a mistake
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
March 15, 2024
Great for backpacking
I purchased this product in Korea and am extremely satisfied with its performance. It's incredibly lightweight, durable, and boils water rapidly. During my hiking trips in Korea, all of my cousins were impressed by its capabilities. This product is like magic, enabling me to prepare kimchi stew or budae stew within 5 minutes, even in the cold mountains. Korean culture includes enjoying grilled bbq even in remote locations, so in my opinion having a lightweight and portable grill that complements the reactor would be fantastic. Thank you for consistently producing outstanding products.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
January 22, 2024
Can't be repaired
I love this cooking system. However, on a 10 day sea kayaking trip in SE Alaska my Reactor failed without explanation. It simply wouldn't pass fuel through. No field repair was possible. When I called MSR I was told "this happens sometimes" and was reminded that I could always soak my food and eat it cold. I had to purchase a new cooking unit. I continue to use the system because it works so well but will never again take it on an extended trip without a backup system.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
April 13, 2023
Group backpacking.
We use these on all of our group backpacking trips for boiling water for our boil in the bag meals. Efficient and fast! We usually carry two for a group of 10-12, but could definitely manage with one.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
March 29, 2023
Hot water on demand
Whoever said "a watched pot never boils" didn't have a Reactor. One of my most satisfying purchases ever.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
February 16, 2023
Still the best in my opinion
Still the Gold Standard for speed to melt snow and bring it to a boil, even @ high altitude and using the least fuel. It can be outside the tent in windy conditions at low temps with no additional windscreen and still deliver performance that beats all other competitors. I have used a Reactor stove since they first came out and now I have a Tote bin full of other brand stoves aaccumulated over 30 years that go unused
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
February 24, 2022
1.0L version needs a nesting bowl
I really like the Reactor system. Super fast and efficient. The 1.7L nests nicely with the Deep Dish bowl. This is great when melting snow because you can put the canister in water and keep the fuel from freezing. The 1.0L needs a similar (smaller) nesting bowl! I would love it if MSR made a Deep Dish cup/bowl that nested on the bottom in the same way as the 1.7L does. Please, MSR, if you’re listening, make a Deep Dish cup/bowl for the 1.0L Reactor!
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
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