Uploaded February 2011 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
After getting the old Coleman lantern going, I decided to fire up the Svea 123R camp stove. The 123R is a self-pressurizing stove which relies on the volatility of gasoline when heated to pressurize the burner for operation. In order to start the stove, a small amount of alcohol or fuel (I used hand sanitizer) is placed in the depression around the stem and ignited to warm up the generator. Once hot enough, the valve could be opened slightly and the main burner takes over.
From what I've read, the Svea 123 stove has been around since the 50's and this 123 "R" model which added a nozzle cleaning mechanism to the valve came out in the early to mid 70's. They are still being made, though in limited quantities and in China vs Sweden, by Brunton/Optimus today.
After getting the old Coleman lantern going, I decided to fire up the Svea 123R camp stove. The 123R is a self-pressurizing stove which relies on the volatility of gasoline when heated to pressurize the burner for operation. In order to start the stove, a small amount of alcohol or fuel (I used hand sanitizer) is placed in the depression around the stem and ignited to warm up the generator. Once hot enough, the valve could be opened slightly and the main burner takes over.
From what I've read, the Svea 123 stove has been around since the 50's and this 123 "R" model which added a nozzle cleaning mechanism to the valve came out in the early to mid 70's. They are still being made, though in limited quantities and in China vs Sweden, by Brunton/Optimus today.
