Troopy Travellers (NSW) replied:

Yes Truckster but its subjudicial at the moment, lol. So we are saying nuttin to the press, lol. Will let you know when and if we get an official explanation. But I wouldnt go heating them near any fires. Carolyn.

Troopy Travellers (NSW) replied:

I can joke now but I had nightmares for a while of "what might have been" either from the metal pieces or the hot boiling water on the top of it. We hope eventuall to get a reply as to why it happened and the safety factor didnt work. Caro

link Sofala Pictures including exploded stove

ianmc replied:

You had me worried till I read that last post. I have used one & they are quite good except when the can is half empty & gets too cold & loses pressure.
They are going for $19.94 at KMart Horsham atm.

Troopy Travellers (NSW) replied:

Yes JohnR it is one of those cheapies, it was replaced by the Company and on the replacement stove the warning label is visible saying which way is up!!! This was somehow missing from the exploded one.

The BUT is that we were told you can't get the fuel cylinder in properly if the top bit is the wrong way up BUT it was in with the top bit perfectly stable.

The next BUT is that its supposed to have a safety factor and cut off if over heated and it obviously didn't.

In retrospect, I can see now what happened as the saucepan, although small, and didnt cover the vent bit where the fuel is, stopped the flame from coming out the top and it went back in and cooked the fuel cylinder to a point where it exploded. Not being a user of gas I blame it on my inexperience but I would not be the only one.

The whole lot has been sent back to the manufacturer who have said they will send us a report on what they find.

Regarding warming them up, you could have a small drawstring bag (everything seems to have one, lol) made from polartec to put them in at night and pop in the bottom of your sleeping bag.

Carolyn

Utemad replied:

That looks exactly the same as the one I just bought. Going by the name on the can it is at least the same brand. I would have thought that was a good brand and not a kmart cheapy?

Mine was listed at $50 dropped to $40 but it was their last one and was off the display so I got it for $20 with a can + $7 for 4 more cans of the same brand. From a camping store. How much does kmart sell this brand for?