Garden / Outdoor Cooking
MSR Reactor Stove System
A comprehensive guide for the MSR Reactor Stove System (1.0L, 1.7L, 2.5L). Includes setup, operating instructions, safety warnings, thermal trip mechanism details, and maintenance procedures.
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
The MSR Reactor Stove System is designed for OUTDOOR USE ONLY. It is a high-performance stove system that uses a pressurized liquid gas (LPG) container. Key safety requirements include keeping the stove away from enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, maintaining a 4-foot (1.2m) clearance from combustibles, and keeping flammable liquids at least 25 feet (7.6m) away. Always inspect seals before use and never leave a burning stove unattended.
Stove parts
- A: Lid
- B: Fuel Canister
- C: Stove
- D: Burner Screen
- E: Burner Rim
- F: Flame Adjuster
- G: PackTowl
- H: Pot
- I: Pot Handle
Operating instructions
- Connect Stove and Canister: Close the Flame Adjuster (F) by turning it clockwise. Finger-tighten the stove onto the top of the canister until the connection is secure. Do not overtighten.
- Stove Set Up: Clear the cooking area of combustible materials. Place the stove on a solid, stable, even surface. Use an MSR canister stand if the canister diameter is less than 4 inches (10.2 cm).
- Turn Stove On: Hold a lit match or lighter over the Burner Screen (D). Open the Flame Adjuster counterclockwise about 3 full turns. Confirm ignition (blue flame). The stove will become red hot in 5 to 30 seconds. If it fails to ignite within 10 seconds, close the adjuster, wait 15 seconds, and repeat.
- Use Stove to Cook: Add food or liquid to the Pot (H), ensuring you do not exceed the MAX fill line. Place the pot onto the stove, aligning it with the Burner Rim (E). Adjust heat using the Flame Adjuster.
- Turn Stove Off and Pack Up: Close the Flame Adjuster valve clockwise about 2.5 turns until it stops. Wait 5 minutes for the burner screen to stop glowing and the stove to cool. Move the stove away from ignition sources before unscrewing the canister.
Thermal Trip Mechanism
The Reactor stove features an internal Thermal Trip mechanism designed to shut the stove off if it becomes overheated. Overheating can be caused by using non-Reactor cookware, storage above 120°F (49°C), damage to the burner, or improper lighting. If the stove becomes inoperable, discontinue use immediately and return it to an authorized MSR dealer.
Maintenance and Storage
Ensure the stove assembly is completely dry before long-term storage to prevent corrosion. Always disconnect the stove from the fuel canister before storing. Store fuel canisters in a well-ventilated location away from heat sources, pilot lights, or temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C).
Practical help
Common problems
Stove fails to ignite within 10 seconds
Close the Flame Adjuster, wait 15 seconds, and repeat the lighting procedure.
Stove becomes inoperable/shuts off unexpectedly
The Thermal Trip Mechanism may have activated due to overheating. Discontinue use and return to an authorized MSR dealer.
Fuel leak detected
Check seals between stove and canister. If the connection is not secure or leaking persists, do not use the stove. Move to a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
Before use
- Check that seals between the stove and gas container are in place and in good condition.
- Clear cooking area of combustible materials and flammable liquids.
- Ensure the stove is placed on a solid, stable, and even surface.
- Use an MSR canister stand if the fuel canister diameter is less than 4 inches (10.2 cm).
- Verify the fuel canister is not damaged and is compatible (80% isobutane / 20% propane, EN 417 certified).
Specs in practice
- Nominal Heat Input
- 9,000 BTU/h or 2.52 kW.
- Stove Orifice Size
- 0.27 mm.
Images and diagrams
- The parts diagram illustrates the assembly order of the Lid, Pot, Stove, and Fuel Canister.
- Safety diagrams indicate a 4-foot (1.2m) clearance zone for combustibles and a 25-foot (7.6m) zone for flammable liquids.
Model compatibility
- Use only with 80% isobutane / 20% propane gas cartridges certified to EN 417.
- Do not use non-Reactor cookware.
- Do not use fuel canisters weighing more than 8 oz (227 g) or taller than 4 inches (10 cm) without a stand.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.