Emberlit-UL Original Titanium Lightweight Backpacking Stove

I’ve used both for several years - in titanium. I have many other stoves too. These are the lightest and most compact. I own several of each size.
They do work.

If you end up with smoking wood ( eg wetter wood) just make some deeper cross bars from aluminium or Chinese Ti sheet.

Raising the pot is the most important factor in reducing damping and smoke. The stove design is taller which is important - but also important is lifting the cup/pot off the top of the fireant with at least 10mm separation for smoke free boils on flame.

I’ve found it works better with long wood sticks in the door at a slant rather than a fill, set and burn. Pushing long wood sticks in controls the burn and adds to airflow and reduce smoke. And makes adding more fuel easier. The upwards slant is critical to smoke free burns.

The lighter Ti plate used by merkwares makes the stove much lighter but does mean it will warp slightly - but you can bend it back if needed. Doesn’t affect useability.

I’ve never found assembly to be a problem - after practice, it’s quick and effective. And using a small Square of dry green (mild) scotch pad to clean the stove after heavy use will ensure it remains clean and easy to reassemble.

Replacing the cover with a snap lock bag further reduces weight for those who count grams.

Overall - the lightest and most compact of these stoves and one of the more efficient. Needs a set of crossbars to lift the pot above the top and then it really works

I’ve got the Original and also the Fire Ant, both in Titanium. Have has them for several years of pretty hard use. They both do a great job, one just a little larger, for bigger pots and pans. They both just plain work the way they were designed. Assembly and disassembly take under a minute. They both have plenty of draft if used as shown in Mikhail’s videos, and have no pesky coals falling out the bottom to scorch anything. After use, if I’ve burned twigs, I wipe the inside of the parts down with some dirt or sand or leaves, which is very easy to de because it all comes apart - and poof! any soot is gone! (You can also wash the parts down streamside with a little gravel, and since it’s Titanium, it won’t rust.; same with the stainless version, I’d assume.). Also have used the Fire Ant not just with twigs, but also with both Esbit fuel and a Trangia spirit burner, and it works fine with those also. (Fire Ant is a little small to use with Trangia simmer ring, but this is not much of a problem, since I don’t use that accessory very much anyway.) They are both lightweight, stable, and will clearly outlive me. The light weight, versatility, and small packed form factor (takes up nearly zero room in any pack) … what’s not to like? I love ‘em both and don’t go hiking without one or the other.

Bought the FireAnt first, great little thing, but sometimes too small. The FireAnt is now in the BOB, fitting exactly in the Nalgene pouch together with a cup. Have this big one now, cant wait to try it out. Simple, effective, light - will take it to my Siberia trip this year.

The stove arrived as described, very light-weight and easy to assemble. It worked exactly as it was advertised and was cool enough to pack less than a minute after disassembly. It is light and compact enough to be added to an outside pocket of a backpack for use along the trail when something warm is needed. I am quite impressed and will probably order more of these for friends and family who like to go hiking and camping.

I've had my Emberlit UL for years and overall really like it. I will admit that when I backpack I usually pack an alcohol stove. I do take the Emberlit out as well, however, it just takes more time and is a little messier but that is the nature of any wood burning stove. If you find good and dry twigs this thing will work and cook wonderfully. If I was going into the wilderness for an extended period of time and had no clue what to expect you better believe that this would be coming along. It is very stable and my pots never feel "tippy." Good product.