When it comes to camping stoves, two of the most popular brands are Breeo and Solo. Both Breeo and Solo make high-quality, durable camp stoves that are designed to meet the needs of backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. But which brand is better – Breeo or Solo?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast Breeo and Solo camp stoves across a variety of factors including design, performance, ease of use, durability, weight, price, and more. Whether you’re an avid camper looking to invest in a new stove, or simply want to learn more about these two top brands, read on to discover if Breeo or Solo is the better camp stove for you.
Page Contents
Breeo Camp Stoves Overview
Breeo is a company founded in 2015 that specializes exclusively in camp stoves. Based in Colorado, all Breeo stoves are designed and manufactured in the USA. Breeo currently offers two main stove models – the Breeo X Series and the Breeo Forester.
Some key features and benefits of Breeo camp stoves include:
- Innovative gravity-fed design with removable fuel chambers
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wind-resistant performance
- Easy to set-up and break down
- Fuel efficient
- Lightweight and portable
The flagship Breeo X Series stove weighs only 1lb 15oz and offers 19,200 BTUs of cooking power. It can boil a liter of water in just over 3.5 minutes. The X Series is designed to be an ultra-portable backpacking stove.
The Breeo Forester weighs 2 lbs 15 oz and puts out up to 22,000 BTUs. With a larger cooking surface and higher heat output, it’s better suited for car camping and feeding groups.
Both stoves are operated using removable fuel canisters that gravity feed fuel to the burner. This makes them very simple to use with minimal parts or adjustments needed. Breeo stoves are compatible with standard isobutane-propane camping fuel canisters.
Solo Camp Stoves Overview
Solo Stove has been manufacturing camp stoves and outdoor gear since 2011. Based in Texas, Solo Stove is also proud of their American design and manufacturing. The Solo Stove product line includes the Solo Stove Lite, Solo Stove Titan, and Solo Stove Yukon models.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of Solo Stove products:
- Unique double wall design with secondary combustion
- Stainless steel construction
- Conserves fuel and burns wood efficiently
- Converts biomass like twigs into usable energy
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Easy to use with minimal parts
The Solo Stove Lite is their lightest model at just 9oz and is designed for solo hikers and backpackers. The Titan is slightly heavier at 16.5oz but fits larger pots and pans. The Yukon is the heaviest at 38oz and can accommodate larger groups and car camping.
Solo Stoves are fueled by wood, sticks, pinecones and other biomass that burns efficiently in the double wall design. No fuel canisters are required. The secondary combustion means very little smoke.
Design
When it comes to design, there are some clear differences between the Breeo and Solo stoves.
Breeo stoves like the X Series use a gravity fed system with detachable fuel canisters. There are no moving parts and they operate much like traditional gas camping stoves. Solo Stoves, on the other hand, have a unique double wall and secondary combustion design that sets them apart.
Both brands use durable, food-grade stainless steel in their construction. But Solo Stoves have a series of precisely sized holes in the walls that improve air flow and combustion. This makes them perform more like small wood burning stoves.
For simple operation and familiarity, Breeo’s gravity fed design may be preferable. But Solo Stove’s innovative and patented design enables remarkable fuel efficiency from burning small sticks and biomass.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, both Breeo and Solo products score highly thanks to their simplicity and minimal parts.
Setting up a Breeo stove takes just a minute or two – simply attach the fuel canister and adjust the burner valve. Solo Stoves are equally hassle-free to light and use. Just stack the pieces together, add a bit of tinder, and light with a match. No fuel canisters to connect or adjustable knobs on a Solo Stove.
In terms of operation, Breeo stoves behave like traditional gas stoves so the learning curve is minimal. Adjusting flame height is easy. Solo Stoves burn small sticks and require occasional fuel feeding for sustained flames. This process has a small learning curve for those used to gas stoves.
Both brands are easy to transport with their compact, integrated designs. Breeo and Solo stoves weigh about the same and come with handy stuff sacks for packing them up.
When it comes to cleaning, Solo Stoves require a bit more effort and care to remove ash after use. Breeo’s gas canister system means less post-cooking cleaning duties.
Performance
Performance is a clear differentiator between Breeo and Solo stoves. While Breeo offers reliable, gas-like cooking ability, Solo Stove’s specialty is hyper fuel efficiency through their patented double wall secondary combustion design.
Breeo stoves like the X Series produce up to 19,200 BTU’s of cooking power – enough for boiling and simmering just like a home gas range. Solo Stoves, on the other hand, can reach temperatures over 1,300F within their lightweight design. This enables them to cook efficiently while only using a small pile of sticks and biomass for fuel.
When it comes to wind resistance, Solo Stoves tend to fare better thanks to their enclosed design and secondary combustion. Breeo stoves perform well in mild winds but may need a windbreak in high winds due to their open burner design.
The size of pots and pans that can be used is also a difference. Breeo stoves accommodate larger cookware overall, while Solo Stoves work best with their own brand pots and pans that are customized to fit their combustion chambers.
For traditional cooking flexibility and familiar gas-stove feel, Breeo outperforms. But for hyper efficient and lightweight wood-burning capability, Solo Stoves are the winner.
Durability
Both Breeo and Solo use stainless steel as the primary material in their stoves which adds to their durability. The brands offer comparable warranties on their products to cover defects. Breeo offers a lifetime warranty while Solo Stove provides a 1-year warranty.
Breeo stoves like the X Series have very few moving parts or components to wear and tear thanks to their gravity fed design. The simplicity makes them highly durable and resilient.
Solo Stoves may require more vigilance and maintenance since their double wall design has small holes that can clog over time with debris and ash. Proper cleaning after each use helps maintain proper airflow.
When cared for properly, both Breeo and Solo products deliver outstanding durability. For those who want slightly less maintenance and upkeep, Breeo’s straightforward design may fare better in the very long run. But Solo Stoves can still last for many years with proper use and care.
Weight
When it comes to portability, weight is an important factor for backpackers and hikers. Both brands offer lightweight and compact models designed for backcountry use.
Breeo’s lightest X Series stove weighs just 1lb 15oz – impressively light for a robust stainless steel cooking system. Solo Stove’s smallest model, the Lite, weighs an incredibly light 9oz thanks to its thin double wall design.
The largest Solo Stove, the Yukon, still only weighs 38oz. Breeo’s heavier duty Forester model tips the scales at almost 3lbs.
For ultralight backpackers who split grams, Solo Stove’s innovative wood burning design allows them to achieve incredibly low weights. The Lite model is less than half the weight of Breeo’s X Series. For larger groups, even Solo’s biggest Yukon is lighter than Breeo’s larger Forester model.
When prioritizing minimal pack weight above all else, Solo Stoves are the winner in the lightweight category.
Price
In terms of affordability, both Breeo and Solo offer competitively priced stoves. Exact pricing can vary by model.
Breeo’s lightweight X Series retails right around $100. Their larger Forester model costs closer to $200.
Solo Stove’s smallest Lite model starts at $70. Their mid-sized Titan sells for around $100. And their largest Yukon retails near $300.
Across their product ranges, Solo Stoves tend to be priced lower for comparable sizes and performance levels. Their innovative double wall design likely benefits from manufacturing and material efficiencies.
Both brands sell replacement parts and accessories at reasonable prices as well. Considering their quality construction and materials, Breeo and Solo stoves deliver excellent value at their respective price points. For budget-conscious shoppers, Solo’s pricing may give them the edge.
Ease of Use Comparison
| Brand | Set-up Time | Ease of Operation | Transport | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeo | 1-2 minutes | Very easy like gas stoves | Compact/carry case | Minimal |
| Solo Stove | 1-2 minutes | Small learning curve | Compact/carry case | Requires more effort |
Performance Comparison
| Brand | BTUs | Boil Time | Wind Resistance | Cookware Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeo | Up to 22,000 | 3.5 min (1 liter) | Moderate | Very flexible |
| Solo Stove | Up to 1,300F | 4-6 min (1 liter) | Excellent | Made for Solo Pots |
Durability and Weight Comparison
| Brand | Durability | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Breeo | Lifetime warranty, simple design | 1lb 15oz – 2lbs 15oz |
| Solo Stove | 1-year warranty, requires cleaning | 9oz – 38oz |
Price Comparison
| Brand | Small Size | Medium Size | Large Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeo | $100 | N/A | $200 |
| Solo Stove | $70 | $100 | $300 |
Additional Factors to Consider
Beyond the major factors already compared above, there are a few additional considerations worth keeping in mind when choosing between Breeo and Solo Stove.
Fuel Source
Breeo stoves rely on isobutane-propane canisters while Solo Stoves use sticks, pinecones, leaves, and other biomass as fuel. This difference in fuel source is a fundamental differentiator.
Canister fuel gives Breeo stoves more adjustable flame control and consistency. Foraging for burnable sticks allows Solo Stoves to save weight and money by not needing fuel canisters. Consider which fuel type matches your cooking preferences and resources.
Boiling vs. Simmering
Breeo stoves excel at both rapid boiling and precise simmering thanks to their gas burner-style performance. Solo Stoves are optimized for efficient boiling vs. finer temperature control. Keep this in mind for the types of cooking tasks you plan to perform.
Emergency Preparedness
In emergency or survival scenarios, Solo Stoves hold the advantage since they don’t rely on a finite fuel supply and work with found wood material. Breeo stoves only last as long as their accompanying canisters contain fuel.
Cold Weather Performance
Gas canisters like those used by Breeo stoves perform poorer in freezing temperatures. Solo Stoves are not impacted by cold as significantly since they burn solid fuel sources. Cold weather camping may favor Solo Stoves.
Group Size
For solo campers and minimalists, Solo Stove’s smallest models work great. For larger groups, Breeo’s bigger stoves and ability to use multiple pots/pans may work better. Consider your average group numbers.
Conclusion
So which is better – Breeo or Solo camp stoves? As this comparison guide illustrates, there are excellent options from both brands and the right fit depends on your specific needs and preferences as a camper, backpacker, or outdoor enthusiast.
If you prioritize familiar gas-stove adjustable performance and maximum cooking flexibility for groups, then Breeo’s gravity-fed canister stoves are likely the better choice.
For those focused on ultra-light weight, maximum fuel efficiency, and pure backcountry performance, Solo Stove’s innovative biomass-burning double wall design takes the lead.
Both Breeo and Solo offer high-quality American-made stoves constructed from stainless steel. They are leaders in their respective design approaches. While Solo Stoves feature clever engineering allowed by their specialized shape and materials, Breeo stoves deliver outstanding durability and user-friendly functionality.
If you still can’t decide between these two impressive brands, you may want to purchase one of each. Use Breeo for larger groups and car camping flexibility, and Solo for ultralight backpacking trips. This would give you the perfect quiver of stoves to match any outdoor cooking scenario. Thanks to their ruggedness and warranty coverage, a Breeo and Solo stove purchase should serve you well for many years on the trail.