The MSR Whisperlite Stove was introduced in 1984 and it’s still the best liquid fuel stove you can buy for group camping, backpacking, and winter mountaineering. I purchased mine back in the early 90’s and it’s still the only liquid fuel camp stove I own (plus a wood burning collapseable backup).
The Whisperlite I own is a White Gas (Coleman Fuel) only version. The newer models offer multiple fuel options like kerosene, unleaded gasoline, white gas and even diesel. The advantage with the multiple fuel option is for the globetrotters who may not have access to Coleman fuel. I have “hemmed and hawed” about upgrading, but since this one sill works fine and I’m not planning on leaving the US anytime soon I’ve stuck with “ole reliable”.
There is a little “knowledge” you have to have to run one of these things. After you assemble the stove/pump/tank and pressurize the system you open the fuel valve and fill a little priming cup at the base of the stove, then you CLOSE THE FUEL VALVE and light the priming cup. When most of that fuel is burned off you slowly open the fuel valve and the burner should ignite. If the burner goes out you have to let the stove cool for 5-10 minutes before repriming. If you fail to follow directions you can get a puddle of flaming liquid fuel spreading all around you or a vaporized fuel fireball. Neither of those are pleasant. I always take my stove to a safe spot (like the empty driveway) and light it before I take it anywhere. That way I can be sure everything works and I practice safe ignition procedures.
While it’s not the lightest of systems, the refillable fuel bottle is reusable/refillable. Many of the newer lightweight stoves use disposable fuel cans.
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