When camping, you want to ensure you have the right stove.
It should be fast-boiling, lightweight, compact, fuel-efficient and versatile. Most importantly, it should suit your needs and the group’s desires.
Jetboil is a fantastic brand with a range of delightful products to choose from, which is no easy task. Let’s put two against each other and determine which one wins. Jetboil Zip vs MiniMo camping stove: let’s go.
Here’s the short version: From a convenience and feature standpoint, the Jetboil MiniMo wins out of these two. It’s great for all manner of wilderness activities. However, if you just want something affordable and functional, then the Jetboil Zip is fantastic for hiking, camping and backpacking on a budget.
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| Ranking | 1st | 2nd |
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Jetboil Zip vs MiniMo Stove at a Glance
Before we get into the head-to-head attributes of the product, let’s take a quick look at each and see who they’re best for. We also wish to examine their marketed strong suits to see what the manufacturers wish to highlight about each product.
Pros
- Cost-effective.
- Withstands wind well.
- Boils incredibly fast.
- More lightweight than the MiniMo.
- Integrated stove system.
- Uncomplicated, for easy and efficient use.
- More value than the MiniMo.
Cons
- Not optimized for eating out of.
- Similar size to the MiniMo but lower capacity.
Boil Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds | Weight: 12 oz | Packed Size: 4.1” x 6.5” | Stabilizer: Yes | Price: $
The Jetboil Zip is an integrated cooking system on a budget. It comes complete with a pot, and there are legs for the fuel canister.
You’ll notice there’s a handle on the pot, letting you drink out of it with ease. It’s insulated, and the handle has a cover making it easy to hold even when it’s hot.
This little ultralight stove is fantastic for hikers who want to keep their weight load and cost down. It pairs well with simple meals and beverages, like tea, coffee and soup.
Its simple features will keep the casual trail-lover happy, fed and warm on breaks from a tiring hike.
With a time to boil of 2 minutes and 30 seconds for half a liter of water, it’s fantastic for quickly boiling water and making snacks.
Pros
- Push-button ignitor.
- The pot is angled to eat out of.
- Works wonderfully in the wind.
- Insulated well.
- Simmer control.
- Integrated stove system.
- Quick boiling.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Weights over a pound.
- The push-button will eventually wear out.
Boil Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds | Weight: 14.6 oz | Packed Size: 5” x 6” | Stabilizer: Yes | Price: $$
The MiniMo is also an integrated stove system, but it’s even better for cooking. It’s slightly shorter and wider than the Zip, making it better for eating out of and cooking more complex meals.
It’s a stove that comes with some thrills, like fantastic simmer control, for more in-depth precision cooking. You could easily heat up a can of something in this, or perhaps make some instant ramen. With a time to boil of 2 minutes and 15 seconds for half a liter of liquid, it’s also great for boiling water quickly.
The frillier features make this cooking system more suitable for campers and backpackers who want proper meals rather than dehydrated meals on the go. It’s not too heavy to haul around at only 14.6 ounces, and it’s substantial enough to withstand a trip several days long.
At this weight, it’s a little heavier than some peoples’ preferred backpacking stoves, but we feel it’s worth it for reasons we’ll get into later in the review.
Ranking Table
| Jetboil Zip | Jetboil MiniMo |
| Weight: 4.5/5 | Weight: 4/5 |
| Value: 3.5/5 | Value: 4/5 |
| Fuel Efficiency: 5/5 | Fuel Efficiency: 5/5 |
| Wind Resistance: 4.5/5 | Wind Resistance: 5/5 |
| Boil time: 4.5/5 | Boil time: 5/5 |
Jetboil Zip vs MiniMo: Direct Comparison
As these cooking systems are pretty similar, the only way to find a true winner is to dive in head to head. We’ll be looking at several attributes from a logical and technical standpoint and factoring in customer comments on the stoves as we go.
Weight
Winner: Jetboil Zip
The Jetboil Zip is the obvious winner here, as it’s the lightest. That said, it’s still quite heavy compared to some ultralight backpacking stoves you’ll come across. Many users who are used to the ultralight life find the stove’s weight to be a con because of this.
However, others can get behind the additional weight in exchange for efficiency. For example, this user favors the Jetboil Zip over the Pocket Rocket stoves, which weigh 2.6 ounces.
Anyway, the additional weight comes in because it’s an integrated cooking system. Pair that Pocket Rocket with some pots, and you’re building the weight back up to Zip levels. It makes no logical sense.
We feel the Zip has a fantastic weight for what it is, especially compared to the MiniMo. The 0.2-liter additional MiniMo capacity doesn’t warrant the extra weight, in our opinion.
Dimensions
Winner: Jetboil MiniMo
A camping stove’s dimensions mean two things. One: how small and easy they are to travel with. Two: Ease of use. Here we’re focusing on ease of use as there’s little difference between the two stove sizes.
The Jetboil Zip is 4.09 x 4.09 with 6.5 inches in height. Meanwhile, the MiniMo is 5 x 5 and 6 inches tall.
The reason we gave the win to the MiniMo is because of the pot’s shape. It’s short and wide, making it easy to eat out of with a spoon. That was the intent with the stove overall, and customers seem to enjoy it.
Despite its technically larger dimensions, customers also found it was space-efficient as the entire stove packs inside itself like nesting dolls.
I love the minimo! The lower cup profile makes it much easier to eat out of. And just like other Jetboil models, the stove and the 100g fuel canister will fit inside the cup.
Review
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: Undetermined
When it comes to fuel, the two stoves are quite equal. Users provide limited information on their use, but one user had a canister last five days of twice-daily boiling with the Zip.
Another user had the MiniMo last four days, but they didn’t specify how often they used it. If it was twice, then the Zip wins, but any more, and it’s a tie.
We can only state that both stoves are highly fuel efficient. Here’s one testimony from a customer who went on a trail and “only” used three canisters. Again, the customer doesn’t specify the frequency of use or the length of the trail, but the “only” indicates that three canisters were a low number to use.
I love the speed and efficiency of the Jetboil zip.
Review
Wind Resistance
Winner: It’s a tie!
Wind resistance seems to be equal with both stoves, which isn’t surprising. Users say the MiniMo and Zip light well in direct and high winds. One user states that wind can put the flame out if the gas canister is nearing empty—always bring a backup!
Let’s look at some praise for the MiniMo.
I could not be more pleased with my Jetboil MiniMo. Push a button and it ignites (even in high winds), control the flow at your leisure and, whatever you do, don’t blink – the darn thing boils water so fast you won’t believe it.
Review
The MiniMo was so fantastic that a non-reviewer became a reviewer—and included the part about wind, so that’s high praise!
As for the Zip, users feel it can do no wrong and remains usable in direct wind.
I have been able to use the stove in direct wind & it was no problem in keeping the flame going. I also use it in high altitude (10,000 ft and over) and the stove works fine. It packs down real nice in the thermos container and is fairly lightweight.
Review
Simmer Control
Winner: Jetboil MiniMo
If you need simmering for more complex cooking that’ll please your group, then the MiniMo is the way to go. The Zip has a complete lack of simmer control which the manufacturers blatantly state when asked. They turn people towards the Mo series instead.
Customers don’t mind the lack of simmer on the Zip; it’s not what they buy it for—Zip users veer towards freezer bag meals instead.
Was really blown away at how fast it boils water, but that seems to be what it’s made for. Just one speed of heating, no simmering here.
Review
MiniMo customers have high praise for the simmering abilities. Some ingredients they recommend using with it are pasta and onions.
I personally love my Jetboil Minimo. It’s been reliable in high winds and wet. With the simmer control I’ve cooked onions with some oil and boiled pasta nicely.
Review
If you like to get fancier than freeze-dried meals on camping trips, then this is definitely the one to go for!
Ignition
Winner: Jetboil MiniMo
The Jetboil MiniMo features an easy to use push-button ignition, whereas you light the Zip with a match or lighter. The efficiency has the Jetboil MiniMo winning in our book.
Customers have no complaints about either, but we’re looking at this from a convenience standpoint.
Some people expressed concern that the ignite button will eventually wear out even if the rest of the stove stays in-tact. “Eventually” means years down the line, but it’s always a possibility.
As the ignite button activates a piezo ignitor—which rarely, if ever, wears out, we’re confident you can repair the button and go on to light the stove as normal.
Insulation
Winner: Jetboil MiniMo
Customers don’t comment much on the insulation, but we feel it’s important to talk about. An insulated cooking pot will keep your food warm for longer, even in wintery conditions or on unusually cold days. Plus, it’ll let you store leftover food and drink for a few minutes more.
Neither of the pots on the stoves are made to keep food hot. Despite this, they both come with a little fleece jacket-like sleeve to keep it warm slightly longer than without the sleeve.
The MiniMo’s sleeve appears thicker than the Zip’s, so we’ve given this win to the MinMo. It won’t keep your food warm forever, but if you want to sip from the same cup of coffee 20 minutes down the trail, we feel it’ll be colder in the Zip than the MiniMo.
Handles
Winner: Jetboil Zip
This is an odd thing to put against each other, but it’s warranted here. The Jetboil MiniMo has a collapsible handle that users adore.
Unfortunately, it gets hot!
As you can see, users don’t let the hot handling horror sway their view on the MiniMo, but it’s still a loss here, we’re afraid!
Over on the Zip side of things, the handle is covered by the fleecy insulation that adorns the rest of the cup. So, while the handle will be warm, it won’t be hot or ready to burn you. This is a far smarter choice if you want a cup with a handle, in our opinion.
As we said above, the handle on the MiniMo is collapsible, so you don’t have to use it. We won’t take points away from MiniMo overall for its handle.
Use With Food
Winner: Jetboil MiniMo
The Jetboil MiniMo is designed to be eaten out of easily as well as boil water. It’s low-rise, and you can use regular utensils with it. Users enjoyed this very much.
Of course, you can still use the Zip’s bowl to eat out of. However, you’ll need long-handled utensils to use it comfortably, without sticking your hand into the cooking pot when the food populates the bottom and nowhere else.
You can also use the Zip’s measuring cup as a bowl, but it’s not as large as the Zip’s pot, and it might be messy or annoying to pour food from cooking pot to measuring cup.
Value
Winner: Jetboil MinMo
These two stoves don’t have any reports of insane durability or tons of special features, but do the job they’re intended for.
We feel the MiniMo packs the most value into its simple package, though. The ignitor, the pot you can eat from and the thicker cozy do that for us.
That said, the Zip is nothing to frown at. It’s compatible with many other Jetboil products, which builds the value back up a tad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jetboil Stoves Reliable?
Jetboil stoves are highly reliable to cook and boil water, according to customers. They’re sturdy and last for many a day on the trail. We mentioned the shortcomings above, like the loose handle, but other than that you’ll have no issues.
The stoves start every time, first time for the most part and get water boiling fast. And, as we mentioned, the ignition that may wear out can be repaired. All in all, Jetboil stoves are excellent for longevity, durability and easy to use in all weathers. You can check out our list of the best Jetboil camping stoves.
What Fuel Do I Need for These Stoves?
Jetboil stoves use liquefied petroleum gas fuel to boil water, like most gas canister stoves. Here it’s a liquid fuel blend of 20 percent propane and 80 percent isobutane.
The company recommends you use Jetboil Jetpower liquid fuel as it’s the most compatible with the stove.
How Long Will the Fuel Last?
The Jetboil MiniMo and a fuel canister lasted four days for a solo hiker. As for the Zip, users found that a single canister of fuel lasts five days when used twice daily.
Will They Work in Cold Weather?
Yes, these Jetboils will work and boil water in cold weather conditions with the right fuel. One user froze the fuel canisters purposefully then connected them to their stove. The stove worked without a hitch.
The user performed the test on the MiniMo, but we can safely say the Zip works in cold, too. One user spent several days in the Sierra Nevada mountains in changeable conditions. They had no issues with the Zip, both getting and keeping it lit.
How Do You Clean a Jetboil?
You clean a Jetboil stove with soap and warm water. Rub it out with a sponge while the pot and measuring cup are separate from the rest of the stove. Ensure it’s completely dry before using it again.
Cleaning the Jetboil on the Go
Naturally, you may wish to clean the Jetboil between meals. You’ll want to bring a lot of water or be near a water source to do so. You can use the Jetboil itself to heat water for cleaning it, and you should have no issues.
If you’re going to be giving it a warm-water clean frequently on your trip, we recommend bringing a second fuel canister just in case you run out as you boil water.
Which Stove Would Be Better for Winter Camping?
If we had to choose, we’d recommend the MiniMo for winter camping. The insulated fleece appears thicker than on the Zip. Plus, the simmer control is fantastic. In cold weather, you tend to be hungrier and want more substantial meals. The MiniMo is best for making those meals due to the simmering.
Does Jetboil Offer a Warranty for These Products?
Both of these products have a one-year limited warranty protecting them. This covers replacement and repairs—so if your ignition button fails or your burner breaks, Jetboil will replace or repair these free of charge.
Boiling Down To It
Based on its wins in so many categories, the Jetboil MiniMo wins out here. That said, the Jetboil Zip could still be your perfect companion for simple meals and boiling water!
The stoves are incredibly similar, but the Jetboil MiniMo is that tiny bit more convenient for longer trips. Its features also ensure a smoother experience eating, keeping food warm and cooking complex meals.
We wouldn’t fault the Jetboil Zip either and highly recommend it for backpackers and hikers looking for affordable simplicity for boiling water.
Check out the latest prices for the Jetboil MiniMo here and the Jetboil Zip here.