As outdoor enthusiasts, we all know how important a good and functional outdoor stove is, be it for camping, hiking or other outdoor activities. But even the most reliable stoves are subject to wear and tear. However, with the right maintenance, care and spare parts, you can significantly extend the life of your equipment. We asked Erik Wiren, Head of Primus Customer Service, for his tips on how to Primus products repairs and maintains.
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Camping stove are indispensable workhorses in any outdoor kitchen: compact, stable and functional in any weather. But they can also wear out. However, this does not mean that they have to be replaced straight away.
"Camping stoves can often be repaired with simple means," says Erik Wiren, expert at Primus. "Some of the first Primus stoves from the 19th century are still working today - proof of how durable they can be with the right care," he adds.
Why you should service your trekking stove regularly
Primus offers over 20 different stoves for various purposes, from the Essential Trail Stove to the OmniLite Stove Ti outdoor stove. While the latter costs several hundred euros due to its high-quality components, entry-level models are available for less than 30 euros.
"A low price is no reason to throw away a camping stove if it no longer works properly," explains Erik. "At Primus, we attach great importance to ease of maintenance and offer spare parts for almost every model."
Longer-lasting products save money and are more environmentally friendly. A large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by material processing and the disposal of products. By extending the lifespan of products, we can have a positive impact on the climate. "That's why we develop products that are designed to last a lifetime," explains Erik.
Outdoor stove - The most common problems and solutions
Erik knows all Primus products inside out. Problems usually occur in the form of mechanical defects or signs of wear and tear.
"Our multi-fuel stoves need to be cleaned frequently. A thorough cleaning is often enough to rectify malfunctions," says Erik. "Typical mechanical faults often affect the ignition, but even these can usually be repaired."
Primus offers spare parts for almost all problems, from fuel filters to complete service kits. Every year before the main hiking season, Primus offers spare parts free of charge as part of the "Service for a Reason" campaign. Since 2023, this applies to all Primus stoves, including double-burner and open-fire stoves. "If a part of the outdoor stove needs to be replaced, we will send it to you free of charge," emphasizes Erik. In 2023, the promotion runs from February 1 to March 31.
What knowledge is required to repair a camping stove?
The Primus service offering is aimed at all target groups - repairing an outdoor stove is usually simple and only requires basic tools. "More important than mechanical knowledge is an understanding of how the respective model works," explains Erik. "If you know how the outdoor stove works, you can identify and rectify problems at an early stage. Of course, we in customer service are always available to help."
Thanks to this approach, Primus has saved hundreds of stoves from landfill in recent years. The brand's credo is: "You can rely on your Primus product and then pass it on to the next generation." If you look after your stove well, you can extend its life considerably.
Trekking stove care - 5 tips for extending its service life
On our website you will find several videos in which Erik explains how to care for Primus stoves. Here are five tips for stove care:
- Handle the outdoor stove with careA simple blow can cause major damage. Therefore, always handle your stove with care.
- CleanlinessRegular cleaning keeps the stove in top condition. Wipe it down before each use and clean it thoroughly after each use.
- DrynessAfter cleaning, the stove should be allowed to dry thoroughly to prevent rust from forming.
- Gentle accessoriesUse wooden cutlery or spoons made of reinforced Tritan to minimize wear.
- Store correctlyAfter washing, store the stove as described in the operating instructions and transport it safely in a rucksack.
With these tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your outdoor kitchen and ensure that your stove will be with you for many years to come.