Century Grasshopper Single-Burner Propane Stove, Steel Color

Bought this as a replacement for a home-made version from 1974. The grasshopper design is IMO superior to burners that screw-on to the fuel bottles without the legs of the grasshopper design as it is much more stable and can adapt to uneven cooking spots. This one works well. Very pleased with the quality of construction.

Had one of these years ago and got a lot of use out of it. Don't remember the brand, just remember how stable it was on uneven ground. This one leaves a little to be desired. Mostly in the construction in that the parts fit together pretty roughly and the main line from the tank is kinked where the bend to the burner attaches. I know, I could have returned it but this was the second one I ordered, the first was damaged in shipping so I got tired of waiting and went ahead and fixed it. It took about 15 minutes and I had it dialed in. I had to take it apart and re-bend it to get maximum gas flow. Other than that it does it's job well, heating up quickly and making a stable platform that holds a wide variety of pan sizes. I am using it to melt lead and it does that quickly and safely.

I know several people who have these, and have had them since the '70s. I've wanted one for years but could never afford one. Even back in the day when they were like $11. I know they are a great product from the use and abuse my friends have put theirs thru. That being said....... I was rather disappointed at the quality of the stove but, after some bends, tweaks and hammering, I'm good with it. First: the burner and three pot holders were at about a 20 degree angle with a 16oz bottle and slightly more with 12oz. This wouldn't hold a can of tuna, let alone a pot with food or water in it. I COULD have eliminated the angle by placing something under the base of the bottle to lift it up, but I shouldn't have to. Second: Two of the three pot holder prongs were so loose they wouldn't stay positioned. No stable support means no dinner without dirt and rocks mixed in. The first issue was corrected by bending the legs so that they each have about 1" long "feet". Original thought on this was that I was going to take my bolt cutters and lob off the legs so that they were the correct length for use with 16oz bottles but then thought that having feet would add stability. Used two open end adjustable wrenches and an angle finder to get the level on the burner. Second issue was corrected by removing the burner and using a hammer and punch to tighten up the rivets that the prongs were attached with, and pivot on. Just enough tension and not too much. Stove now sits level, will hold a six quart pot of water and heats like a banshee! Wish I didn't have to re-engineer the thing but I'm happy with it now.

It folds up which is nice but you'll not get any pot to stay on this stove. Unusable design.

I had one of these for 20 years but lost it in a move. I loved it and never had a lick of trouble with it. So I ordered a new one. I was pretty disappointed with the new one. In order to be level, I have to put a half inch block under one leg and a one inch block under the 16 ounce canister. The finish is quite oxidized too instead of bright chrome like the old one. It does cook quite well. I just don't understand how these flaws could happen in a standardized factory kind.

This thing fired right up and works great. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it works. Can't go wrong with this unless you need something really small. It is light.

Guess I'm just spoiled by my old Primus propane Grasshopper stove. This one's twice the weight and bulk and has a burner larger than I need for solo backpacking. Haven't had a chance to use it but it looks solid and I bet it will do the job well.

I purchased the Grasshopper for a week-long trek along the Appalachian Trail. It was selected for its fuel source (propane) in spite of the weight due to some 20-degree-nights. Propane is cheaper, lasts far longer, and is much more readily found than the cartridges I normally use with my Pocket Rocket stove. The Grasshopper, however, needed its legs shortened to provide a level surface to cook on. The potholder arms folded easily and stayed in place, as did the legs. (No wobbles anywhere.) And the valve let the cook dial in anything from a slow simmer to unleashing Hades itself. Pros: Sturdy, stable, with weeks of cook time coming out of the typical store-bought propane tank. Cons: Legs need to be shortened to provide a level surface, it weighs a full pound more (Grasshopper & propane) than my usual backpacking stove & two large fuel cannisters, and paint around the burner smoked and flaked off during use. (Best to break it in before you need to use it.)The jury is still out on reliability since this stove got only one week's use.