My parents bought a little Svea stove in 1958 and used it quite a bit up until I was born. At that point they took a few months off, then started hauling me along on something similar to a Native American Cradle board until I was old enough to keep up on my own, all that while using the little Svea stove as our heat source for cooking. When I was ten or eleven years old, they passed the stove on to me and I have used it ever since for my backpacking trips. It gets heavy use... practically every day during the summer months with only a day or two off when I go down to civilization to resupply. It is still working perfectly and going backpacking with me nearly three quarters of a century after it was purchased. It is that high quality. Not many things these days last that long, and if the Svea 123's made today are still made as ruggedly as they were back then, it will be a stove which will last you a lifetime, and that you can then pass on to your children for them to use for another lifetime. I recommend this stove over all others because of it's ruggedness, long service life, and because of it's ease of maintenance. Buy the funnel and the spare parts kit. The whole stove has only 17 parts to it (including the tiny pot that comes with it) and it is simple enough that anyone can break it down and repair it. I also recommend that you buy one of the third party pressurizer pumps. It will save you having to prime it by lighting white gas on the ring around it, which isn't a fun process. This is one little stove that you will never regret purchasing, and probably the only backpacking stove you will ever need or want. I have a Sigg cookware set to go with it which has two larger pots and a pan all of which nest together with the stove nestled safely inside, but it is my understanding that those are no longer made. That's unfortunate as they have also lasted ever since I bought them. It would be worth looking for a gently used set of these. It comes with a secondary windscreen with a wider top so that you can safely use the larger pots and pan. I also had a small bag for all of it so that if I needed to travel a distance before getting to water clean enough to wash it all in I could do so without getting everything else in my backpack dirty. The bag was waterproof and washable so that anything that got in it could be easily washed off when I got to a location where I could clean the cookware. If you know what's edible in your area you can take a couple of extra bottles of fuel along, and extend your time away by foraging and using your little Svea 123 to cook it all with, resorting to using campfires as little as possible and using only available fire pits which have been used by others in the past. Further, you are less likely to catch the whole forest on fire using one of these little camp stoves than using a fire pit. If you catch and cook fish, poach it or make a fish stew. It will be easier to clean up than fried fish, and it will save you having to carry cooking oil. Save a forest and use a camp stove!
the 123 was designed and initially manufactured by max sievert. sievert is still in business today but the specialize in gas torches and stopped making stoves in 1967. optimus bought the rights to the design and made the 123 for a few years before introducing the 123r. because the vaporizer on the older 123 is smaller and contains less brass/lower mass, it heats up faster and hotter during priming than the bulkier 123r vaporizer so the 123 produces full heat output when you first light it up, the 123r has to heat up a bit to build full pressure. because the valve on the 123r is synchronized with the cleaning needle it doesn't have the fine control that the 123 has so adjusting a low flame is not as easy but it can be done. but when both stoves are up to full temperature and pressure they perform exactly the same as far as boil times go. the reason optimus redesigned the vaporizer was because the separate cleaning needle would sometimes break off in the jet, and it was an inferior cleaning process as the needle would push the dirt and debris inside the burner which could cause further clogging. the built-in needle pushes the dirt out, which is better.
Yeah, the fact that I've heard so many stories about them lasting for several decades intrigued me enough to get my hands on one. Now I'm a full-fledged convert. It's the only white gas stove I trust to light up every single time.
Decades... Mine has lasted for nearly three quarters of a century. It started life with my parents back in the 1950's, and became mine in the 1970's. It has served me faithfully ever since. As I am getting old, I probably have only a few years of backpacking left in me, but I have my son (my only child) wants it, and it will probably last another generation, as it works as well today as it did when my parents bought it (before I came into this world). They don't make things as simple and as sturdy anymore. I also have a Sigg cook set with mine which has a larger windscreen, two pots and a pan. I don't think they make that anymore. I don't need a new one though. My old ones are perfectly serviceable. It's a great set, and would be worth looking for a gently used one online. Make sure it has all the pieces though. I've heard that unscrupulous people will sell them minus essential parts, including the windscreen, and the frying pan, which on my set was the lid! It would be a pain to try to use it without all the parts, as it would not nest properly and everything would be rattling around loose.
@@Chompchompyerded I Heard that they stopped making the 123Z because they can't get Computer Chips for them. Haha! Just Kidding! You are Correct. They don't design Things like the Svea 123 anymore. Best Wishes from Montana M.H
Great video! Thanks. In researching the Svea 123, came across information that it was first produced in 1955. As best as I can figure out the Svea 123r came out on or around 1969. I have both the 123 and the 123r. Both are excellent stoves and have a couple of advantages over one another. While the 123R has the built in needle for cleaning the gas port for the burner, the 123 seems to be easier to turn down to just a lick of a flame without it going out. This comes in handy if you are just trying to keep water you boiled warm or if you don't want to scorch your food. The key for the burner valve on the 123 conducts a lot of heat as the stove heats up. Hot enough that you will want to use something to insulate your hand if you go to turn it after the stove has been running for a while. The 123r key does not seem to get so hot.
Thanks for your comment. I think you have the dates exactly right. I always remove my throttle key because it does get really hot. And I agree that the 123 does seem to simmer a little better than the 123R. My opinion is in the minority to be sure, but I think these are still the best white gas stoves on the market. They are just so reliable. I loved my fancy new Optimus Nova until it gave me a fit on a camp trip and delayed dinner by an hour. The Svea 123 has never failed me, not once!
My ex gifted me one she found it in a bin when she was dumpster diving awesome little stove lights up every time. Just proves one person's trash is someone else's treasure.
I am from Romania. This movie is verry good to me. I have a optimus svea 123 and i se e now the diference ( 123 vs 123R). Thank you for the movie. Sorry for me english. I learning just from movie and musik
I have both the 123 and two of the 123Rs and until I saw your video I didn't know it! One of the Rs is missing the wrench so now I know not to get the wrong replacement wrench.Great stoves and I also like the plain 123 better as it adjusts finer than the R because of the needle as you mentioned.A million thanks for a great video!
I just got a 123R given to me over Thanksgiving and was getting ready to clean it up a little. A really good video and I'm glad you have it up. I was getting ready to look around for a wire to clean the orifice with! Not sure how much that might have messed it up but now I know what I have so I don 't have to! Again, good vid and thanks!
I'm with you. I have two older 123...I think they are the better stove.Not thatthe "R" is bad in any way, I just have used the 123 for about..hmmm 30 years without issue. GREAT STOVE!
I'm planning to get a review of the 123 done soon, so hopefully that will help. I gave the 123R to my brother, so I can't do a video of it's performance. But in my own tests before I gave it away, I think they both perform very similarly, so my video for the 123 should largely apply for the 123R.
@AGNOSSI I use Coleman white gas in mine but I've heard that they run fine on unleaded in needed. I own a third (old 123 model) that I bought on ebay and had not been fired since the late 1960s. It had fuel left in it and when I opened the cap I'm pretty sure it had old leaded gasoline in it. I burned all of it off, and it lit right up with 40+ year old fuel in it. They're just unstoppable stoves, even though the do sound like a fighter jet.
It must not have been automotive gas then. Automotive gas (both unleaded and regular) will turn to shellac after a few years, and if it does that your in for a real job to get it working again. No matter what sort of gas you put in it, it is a good idea to empty it completely before putting it up for the winter. I also put a paper towel in it to help keep it dry over winter. I have a friend who puts one of those silicone packets that comes with computer parts and some types of food (especially herbs), and she swears that it keeps it dry, but it's more difficult to get out than a paper towel is. I guess it's all down to preferences, and if you buy lots of things which have those silicone granule packets in them you can recycle and keep things dry that way. You need to be careful not to break one of those packets open accidentally while it's in there, and you absolutely have to remember to take it out before using it because it could cause all kinds of trouble if it's in there and melts.
Yes, I see now you made a video that explains all of that. You're right, the folks on ebay always get it wrong. There's also the Max Sievert model which is like the 123 but before Optimus started making them. The Sievert has more lettering stamped on all the parts. They are worth quite a lot of money it seems.
Just checked the one I picked up at Value Village 10 years back for $3.99 CAD it is a 123R. I had always figured it as a 123 due to the amount of dirt on it when I got it.
If it still works, there's probably no concern. Open the fuel tank and check inside with a flashlight. If the wick is white then you're fine. If it's charred and black, then it might be a good idea to replace it. But bottom line, if the stove works as it always has, there's nothing to be concerned about.
i have some information about a replacement 123 key if you don't already know it or if you or anyone else ever needs one..... i did some research, found, ordered and now have a brass #7 clock winding key (4mm) that fits. the end slips on easy because the end is countersunk before the square drive hole starts. i have been unable to find the exact svea brand replacement key.
And as a note,the square size difrance is correct,however my svea key is shaped more similar to the 123r key.not exact but kinda close.im tempted to try and find a new 123r throttle assembly to update my stove.it is annoying to clear that jet when I never got the tool to begins with
+Richard Peterson You can improvise a cleaning tool with just a piece of thin wire, or a single strand of multi-strand wire. Do a Google image search for "Sievert svea 123" and see if your key matches that one. If so, you might have one of the very first Svea 123 stoves ever made, the Max Sievert Svea 123. If so, it's quite valuable. I have seen them sell for well over $100 on eBay.
A J Taylor Thanks, I'm glad the video was helpful. I can't remember the date when they started making the 123R, but I want to say it was the late 1960's or so.
Oh,I forgot to tell reason number two not to clean the jet burner when it is hot,you may be lucky many times and the needle will not stick in the tiny opening-but if you keep on doing this bad habit,sooner or later you will do it when the burner has reached a temperature hot enough to make the cleaning needle stick.Ok,reason number two not to clean a hot burner is this:even if you are able to reverse the needle back to resting position,the metal in that tiny needle will be exposed to wear and tear because it is almost in the situation it will stick to the metal walls of the opening!What is happening next is this,when you force the pin to move you rip of tiny pieces of metal from the needle.Doing this time after time you end up with a needle that is not able to do the job properly,the combustion of the stove gives a yellow flame and it takes longer,much longer time to heat or cook-and the air in the tent will stink of all the unburned gas!
You realize this dates this sove at or just after ww2.that's insane.defanatly 1950s at the latest.and it runs like a champ.flame is odd shaped due to the burner bell being dented but I tore it down,wick looks new almost.tell its old but no tarnish.and it has a sigh tourist wind screen and pots.i got the original pump and handle,a difrant fuel cap,I assume for other pump methods,and a funnel.pump works perfect,never had issues with it.this makes me want it restored even more now
+Richard Peterson I can't remember exactly, but I think they stopped making the Sievert Svea 123 in 1955 or thereabouts. So yep, your stove is one of the oldest Svea 123s in the world. That your stove still works and gets used is a testament to how reliable the design is.
I have occasionally seen the pot stand piece sold on eBay for reasonable prices. Another option would be to contact Optimus directly and see if they can help. I hope that helps. Cheers.
@wawhiker That's funny, because I felt the same way about your new Georgia Heat stove! That thing is really something and SE908 seems like a great guy with skilled craftsmanship. Of all the white gas backpacking stoves, I'd say the SVEA123 is the only one that would match an alcohol stove (like the Trangia) in terms of reliability and durability. I'll have a more detailed review of the SVEA 123 coming up. Cheers.
I still want to make a coil stove,to go with my svea ,from what I saw,it don't need as much preheat. So if you are up to it,I'd like your help with the disign. I have a few ideas to add,maby we both can gain some knowlage. Its the journy through the woods that's the fun part right?one idea was of course adding a heat exchange,to the tank its self. Maby insulation on the bottom,if its on a Cold surface,it wont effect fuel temp as much. I also wanted two to four really small coils as opposed to one big coil,to distribute heat more. And I am considering steel wool as a wick,for longevity. Pot holder and wind screen in one peice, kinda like a Swiss volcano,but not as tall and wider. This way it can also burn wood if fuel is all gone.just ideas
I have an old 123,double checked it when it was given to me.it was a score in my book and love this thing to death.but when I got it the burner 'bell' was damaged.will the newer 123r burners fit?if so,where can I get one that wont cost me 50+$?and I'm not really an eBay fan.to 'hit and miss' and often I find I pay more on eBay.thanks for any help and good video
+Richard Peterson I do believe that the newer burner bells will fit. Ebay would be a good place to get one, but if you're not a fan of that, try contacting Optimus directly to get a spare shipped out to you.
@@ColoradoCamper Might want to recheck the burner bell. I purchased a stove without burner bell, bought a burner bell off ebay and it does not fit. So there are a least 2 sizes of burner bell for the svea 123 stoves.
Holy crap.that key is a dead match.thanks for telling me about that.im pretty well versed in my sweedish stoves but haven't heard of that one.i won't sell my stove,I use it way to much.so this stove is kinda like having a soyer stove,huh?old stuff likes me.i got a bunch of it.my mess kit is a gi style 1942 standard issue and saw combat.i have a shilling and a 1941 Hindenburg 2 mark silver coin.1980 Chevy Monza and to round it all off I have a 1999 millennium edition titanium vintage Zippo.i camp I style lol.ill research this stove some more,I want to restore it cause its been the best stove I ever owned.and its flexibility makes it a go to stove in my bug out bag
+Richard Peterson I have a video about how to do cosmetic restorations to a Svea 123 stove. Bernie Dawg's channel has a ton of information about restoring the internal components: ruclips.net/user/h2ojnkyvideos
QUESTION... I found your video and thank you for making it. I bought an Optimus SVEA 123R about 1975ish and used it for over 15 years. After moving around the country, I lost it. My son found one at a garage sale and gave it to me, but it was missing the burner bell. I bought one on eBay and received it today and it does not fit, it won't screw on. I was aware of the difference in the handle direction, and cleaning needle, and key shape, BUT I thought the burner bell was the same size. Can you clear this up for me?
I didn’t know the bells were threaded differently. I no longer have both stoves in my possession, so I cannot test to see if the bells are interchangeable or not. Sorry I can’t be much help to you.
Yea I could write a book on all the stoves I tryed to see if they could beat my svea.so far no luck.ill check out this vids you posted to restore my little beast.
Nikki St Laurent Yeah I think the 123R is just as good. I prefer the original 123, but the differences are so minor that it isn’t a big deal. The 123 hasn’t been made since the 123R came out in the 1970s. So you have to buy them used to find one.
Colorado. I live on a small island, and all I can get my hands on are diesel, gasoline we put in our cars, and kerosene. Hardware store has white spirit and paint thinner. Can I use kerosene or the gasoline we put in our cars.? I want to make sure what I can use, before I buy the svea123r online. Thank you so much in advance for your help.! I would really appreciate it.
The SVEA 123R can't burn kerosene or diesel. However, I have heard many people who use regular automotive gasoline in theirs and it works fine. Might have to clean the jet a little more often, but that's easy to do.
I just bought a new "SVEA 123R". I am having a problem getting a constant blue flame. It has a tendency to burn yellow at times. My original 123 (non Chinese) stove burns just fine. I wonder what the problem is?
It could have a bit of manufacturing residue or something leftover inside the tank. Maybe after running a few tanks of fuel through it it will sort itself out. My only other thought is take a look and make sure the flame spreader plate is fit on all the way. I know the stove is very sensitive to the position of that plate.
I have had a SVEA 123 stove since 1980 and was wondering if there is any concern about replacing the cotton wick inside it. Any information will be appreciated!
Good comparison. I didn't know about the current "R" type. I've burned unleaded gas in my old one and never had a problem (except for a lot of soot). Using gasoline makes her louder than a cutting torch...heheheh. What fuel do you use?
thats why one must know all this but there is more to it . When they made the 123r burner they used up the 123 tanks first that what its good to know then when the 123 tanks was gone then you see the 123r tanks with the right burner
+george melendez I have never used a brand new one, but to my knowledge the design has remained the same for the last 40+ years. So I imagine it will work just as well.
ColoradoCamper Fantastic! I’m using isopro gas canisters/stoves (Snow Peak Litemax) and alcohol stoves (Trangia) now but am wanting to segue into using liquid fuel stoves. Primarily the SVEA 123.
I think the SVEA 123 is the most reliable liquid fuel stove you can get your hands on. It takes a little practice, but once you get it figured out, it's wonderful.
hey Colorado I would like to buy one of these but have no clue where to buy them. Im looking in amazon and ebay. Ebay has one used for 52.00 . Can you please tell me where I can buy these ,if they even make these anymore.
They do still make the 123R version. If you'd like to buy a brand new one, I know that both amazon.com and backcountry.com sell them under the title "Optimus Svea Stove." Amazon looks to be the best deal. Ebay usually has several used ones up for auction. You can get a good deal on ebay, but be cautious because people can sell stoves that don't work or incomplete stoves. If buying off of ebay, I would recommend choosing a stove where the seller has a photograph of the stove burning and also make sure all of the parts are included. I hope that helps you.
watching the vid it's looking like to me the original 123 is better than the 123R for better low temp control.... bet that cleaning tip does obstruct low simmer on the 123R. the built in cleaning tip looks like something else to break and to have to maintain, too? i'm watching ebay on'em right now and i'll find one. right now, a new 123R at lowest is $96 free shipping. thanks CC!
People generally agree that the original 123 simmers a little bit better than the 123R. But I think both of them are great stoves. I don't think you have to worry about the cleaning needle breaking or requiring maintenance. If you're looking to buy one, go for whichever version you find at a good price. You can also check your local goodwill or thrift store, or yard sales. I have heard of people finding them at a yard sale for $5 or less.
i'm looking around now. mainly on ebay. brand new 123R lowest is $96 w/free shipping.... lot of money. i'm thinking i want a 123 like yours and to clean it up like you did. i'm gonna find one! cool size - cool stove! thx!
My brother thru hiked the PCT this year and used an alcohol stove. He loved it, although there are a few areas of California that I'm not 100% sure it's legal to use one. The regulations are unclear, so in those areas he just used discretion and always used it in a clear, safe, area.
Dude,I had an epiphany,it hit me like a mac truck. Your jet may be to small for alcohol. This may be why the door knob burner didn't work. Either try kerosene or widen the jet a bit and let me know what happened. If I'm right it may explain why my burner wont light. It may have been fine this whole time. I forgot Las time I ran alcohol I mixed it with naptha. Running pure alcohol on a stove designed for petrol is sure to be problematic at the least. So this brings me to my real question,can we make an adjustable jet?to burn all fuels? At any rate I checked a door knob to my burner and thickness is about the same. And I noticed she the stove was about ready to hit that "torch" mode,it went out. Every time. Got me thinking and I know from my rv tech days jets for propane and natral gas are difrant sizes,cause we had to do a few conversions for customers who wanted to switch. Dug around you tube and confermed this with a video with a guy burning difrant fuels in the same stove. His did Same as mine with alcohol,almost went jet mode,then went out. Jet to small. Kero made it look like a flame thrower, jet to big. Maby this can help us both.
When I put the windshield on my svea stove 123R it doesn't line up - so I cannot get the key attached to the stem to light it. It's off by about 1/4 inch. How do I turn the stem to line up the opening with the key to light the stove?
Susan Johnson I would use a pair of channel locks and put some leather or something around the stem so the pliers don't tear up the brass. I have seen others do it that way.
So, you just have to turn the stem since there is no nut on this stove like on the svea123. Right? Does it matter where on the stem you use the channel locks? I am not much of a mechanic but I've had this stove since the late 1970's and I think it is as good if not better than the newer stoves on the market today. I like its simplicity, the quality materials and construction. I have used this stove a couple years ago and it still works like a charm but as I said the key to light the stove doesn't line up so the windshield is little off-kilter when I go to light the stove. I am going to clean it, line up the stem and use it for car camping. Thanks for you help.
That's right, you just turn the stem. I would put the channel locks on the fattest part of the stem where the throttle valve is. Don't be too forceful when you try it. If turning the stem doesn't work, you could also widen one of the holes on the windscreen to allow the key to enter and fit. A dremel tool would do the job in a snap, but if you don't have one you could also use a hack saw or tin snips and use a file to clean up the cut edges.
these are not cheap anymore...even in sweden where i live these never go under 150usd in online auctions... 123R has non removable burner...and thats a hard pass from me.
Thanks for this valuable information. I like this stove but that lasted only a short while until I was shown how loud a noise the burner makes. Further complicated by the fact that the mod fix costs $69.00 for what one entrepreneur calls a Quiet Stove Burner Cap that's advertised to cut the noise in half. Regrettably, bomb proof or not, the Svea, not unlike some beautiful women when examined more closely, becomes less attractive once you know more about it.
The loud noise is admittedly a drawback of this stove, same as any plate-style burner. For me, I can overlook the noise for the benefits of the Svea's reliability, durability, and simplicity. I'm aware of the caps you mention, and they would sure be nice, but I'm not willing to pay that price. That's more than I paid for the stove.
The 123R is made in China. It will not be labeled "Made in Sweden." It will have "Sweden" on the tank, but it is Chinese crap. The original 123s were wonderful and highly sought after by people who know the difference.
Currently the 123R is made in Taiwan. And there are older model 123Rs that were still made in Sweden, since it has been in production since the 1970s. But I can't comment on the new ones from Taiwan, I am only familiar with older versions.
@@ColoradoCamper I have the 123R from the 1970's and it says "Made in Sweden". Not sure when they made the transition. I'm hoping it's still quality built, though.
I have the Vietnam built one not as good endless trouble with the needle i just took it out now it runs much better but still some yellow in the flame even after messing with the burner plate
My parents bought a little Svea stove in 1958 and used it quite a bit up until I was born. At that point they took a few months off, then started hauling me along on something similar to a Native American Cradle board until I was old enough to keep up on my own, all that while using the little Svea stove as our heat source for cooking. When I was ten or eleven years old, they passed the stove on to me and I have used it ever since for my backpacking trips. It gets heavy use... practically every day during the summer months with only a day or two off when I go down to civilization to resupply. It is still working perfectly and going backpacking with me nearly three quarters of a century after it was purchased. It is that high quality. Not many things these days last that long, and if the Svea 123's made today are still made as ruggedly as they were back then, it will be a stove which will last you a lifetime, and that you can then pass on to your children for them to use for another lifetime. I recommend this stove over all others because of it's ruggedness, long service life, and because of it's ease of maintenance. Buy the funnel and the spare parts kit. The whole stove has only 17 parts to it (including the tiny pot that comes with it) and it is simple enough that anyone can break it down and repair it. I also recommend that you buy one of the third party pressurizer pumps. It will save you having to prime it by lighting white gas on the ring around it, which isn't a fun process. This is one little stove that you will never regret purchasing, and probably the only backpacking stove you will ever need or want.
I have a Sigg cookware set to go with it which has two larger pots and a pan all of which nest together with the stove nestled safely inside, but it is my understanding that those are no longer made. That's unfortunate as they have also lasted ever since I bought them. It would be worth looking for a gently used set of these. It comes with a secondary windscreen with a wider top so that you can safely use the larger pots and pan. I also had a small bag for all of it so that if I needed to travel a distance before getting to water clean enough to wash it all in I could do so without getting everything else in my backpack dirty. The bag was waterproof and washable so that anything that got in it could be easily washed off when I got to a location where I could clean the cookware.
If you know what's edible in your area you can take a couple of extra bottles of fuel along, and extend your time away by foraging and using your little Svea 123 to cook it all with, resorting to using campfires as little as possible and using only available fire pits which have been used by others in the past. Further, you are less likely to catch the whole forest on fire using one of these little camp stoves than using a fire pit. If you catch and cook fish, poach it or make a fish stew. It will be easier to clean up than fried fish, and it will save you having to carry cooking oil.
Save a forest and use a camp stove!
Хороший рассказ ! Вчера купил такую пачку !
the 123 was designed and initially manufactured by max sievert. sievert is still in business today but the specialize in gas torches and stopped making stoves in 1967. optimus bought the rights to the design and made the 123 for a few years before introducing the 123r. because the vaporizer on the older 123 is smaller and contains less brass/lower mass, it heats up faster and hotter during priming than the bulkier 123r vaporizer so the 123 produces full heat output when you first light it up, the 123r has to heat up a bit to build full pressure. because the valve on the 123r is synchronized with the cleaning needle it doesn't have the fine control that the 123 has so adjusting a low flame is not as easy but it can be done. but when both stoves are up to full temperature and pressure they perform exactly the same as far as boil times go.
the reason optimus redesigned the vaporizer was because the separate cleaning needle would sometimes break off in the jet, and it was an inferior cleaning process as the needle would push the dirt and debris inside the burner which could cause further clogging. the built-in needle pushes the dirt out, which is better.
Thanks for the evaluation
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Second owner of my 123 - bought it from a good friend in 1977. He's still a good friend, and my 123 is still my one and only pack stove!
Yeah, the fact that I've heard so many stories about them lasting for several decades intrigued me enough to get my hands on one. Now I'm a full-fledged convert. It's the only white gas stove I trust to light up every single time.
Decades... Mine has lasted for nearly three quarters of a century. It started life with my parents back in the 1950's, and became mine in the 1970's. It has served me faithfully ever since. As I am getting old, I probably have only a few years of backpacking left in me, but I have my son (my only child) wants it, and it will probably last another generation, as it works as well today as it did when my parents bought it (before I came into this world). They don't make things as simple and as sturdy anymore.
I also have a Sigg cook set with mine which has a larger windscreen, two pots and a pan. I don't think they make that anymore. I don't need a new one though. My old ones are perfectly serviceable. It's a great set, and would be worth looking for a gently used one online. Make sure it has all the pieces though. I've heard that unscrupulous people will sell them minus essential parts, including the windscreen, and the frying pan, which on my set was the lid! It would be a pain to try to use it without all the parts, as it would not nest properly and everything would be rattling around loose.
@@Chompchompyerded I Heard that they stopped making the 123Z because they can't get Computer Chips for them. Haha!
Just Kidding!
You are Correct. They don't design Things like the Svea 123 anymore.
Best Wishes from Montana M.H
Great video! Thanks. In researching the Svea 123, came across information that it was first produced in 1955. As best as I can figure out the Svea 123r came out on or around 1969. I have both the 123 and the 123r. Both are excellent stoves and have a couple of advantages over one another. While the 123R has the built in needle for cleaning the gas port for the burner, the 123 seems to be easier to turn down to just a lick of a flame without it going out. This comes in handy if you are just trying to keep water you boiled warm or if you don't want to scorch your food. The key for the burner valve on the 123 conducts a lot of heat as the stove heats up. Hot enough that you will want to use something to insulate your hand if you go to turn it after the stove has been running for a while. The 123r key does not seem to get so hot.
Thanks for your comment. I think you have the dates exactly right. I always remove my throttle key because it does get really hot. And I agree that the 123 does seem to simmer a little better than the 123R. My opinion is in the minority to be sure, but I think these are still the best white gas stoves on the market. They are just so reliable. I loved my fancy new Optimus Nova until it gave me a fit on a camp trip and delayed dinner by an hour. The Svea 123 has never failed me, not once!
My ex gifted me one she found it in a bin when she was dumpster diving awesome little stove lights up every time. Just proves one person's trash is someone else's treasure.
I am from Romania. This movie is verry good to me. I have a optimus svea 123 and i se e now the diference ( 123 vs 123R). Thank you for the movie. Sorry for me english. I learning just from movie and musik
Thank you. Your English is quite good, I could understand you easily.
I have both the 123 and two of the 123Rs and until I saw your video I didn't know it! One of the Rs is missing the wrench so now I know not to get the wrong replacement wrench.Great stoves and I also like the plain 123 better as it adjusts finer than the R because of the needle as you mentioned.A million thanks for a great video!
Thank you for the kind words.
I just got a 123R given to me over Thanksgiving and was getting ready to clean it up a little. A really good video and I'm glad you have it up. I was getting ready to look around for a wire to clean the orifice with! Not sure how much that might have messed it up but now I know what I have so I don 't have to! Again, good vid and thanks!
+samhainchld I'm glad the video helped you. Cheers.
I'm with you. I have two older 123...I think they are the better stove.Not thatthe "R" is bad in any way, I just have used the 123 for about..hmmm 30 years without issue. GREAT STOVE!
Thanks for the information. It turns out that I have "R" and now I know how to quickly clean it!
I'm planning to get a review of the 123 done soon, so hopefully that will help. I gave the 123R to my brother, so I can't do a video of it's performance. But in my own tests before I gave it away, I think they both perform very similarly, so my video for the 123 should largely apply for the 123R.
@AGNOSSI I use Coleman white gas in mine but I've heard that they run fine on unleaded in needed.
I own a third (old 123 model) that I bought on ebay and had not been fired since the late 1960s. It had fuel left in it and when I opened the cap I'm pretty sure it had old leaded gasoline in it. I burned all of it off, and it lit right up with 40+ year old fuel in it. They're just unstoppable stoves, even though the do sound like a fighter jet.
It must not have been automotive gas then. Automotive gas (both unleaded and regular) will turn to shellac after a few years, and if it does that your in for a real job to get it working again. No matter what sort of gas you put in it, it is a good idea to empty it completely before putting it up for the winter. I also put a paper towel in it to help keep it dry over winter. I have a friend who puts one of those silicone packets that comes with computer parts and some types of food (especially herbs), and she swears that it keeps it dry, but it's more difficult to get out than a paper towel is. I guess it's all down to preferences, and if you buy lots of things which have those silicone granule packets in them you can recycle and keep things dry that way. You need to be careful not to break one of those packets open accidentally while it's in there, and you absolutely have to remember to take it out before using it because it could cause all kinds of trouble if it's in there and melts.
this is all very very good and tells everything i wanted to know! thank you!
Yes, I see now you made a video that explains all of that. You're right, the folks on ebay always get it wrong.
There's also the Max Sievert model which is like the 123 but before Optimus started making them. The Sievert has more lettering stamped on all the parts. They are worth quite a lot of money it seems.
Just checked the one I picked up at Value Village 10 years back for $3.99 CAD it is a 123R. I had always figured it as a 123 due to the amount of dirt on it when I got it.
Thanks for identifying differences
If it still works, there's probably no concern. Open the fuel tank and check inside with a flashlight. If the wick is white then you're fine. If it's charred and black, then it might be a good idea to replace it.
But bottom line, if the stove works as it always has, there's nothing to be concerned about.
REALLY appreciated the info. Thank!
Glad it was helpful to you. Thanks.
By the way I subscribed and liked bud.you more than earned that.thanks for all you do.
Awesome! I look forward to your review. Thanks for the response!
i have some information about a replacement 123 key if you don't already know it or if you or anyone else ever needs one..... i did some research, found, ordered and now have a brass #7 clock winding key (4mm) that fits. the end slips on easy because the end is countersunk before the square drive hole starts. i have been unable to find the exact svea brand replacement key.
Thank you, that's a helpful tip.
Awesome comparison buddy. Thanks for the video! Any chance you could do a video review of them performance-wise?
And as a note,the square size difrance is correct,however my svea key is shaped more similar to the 123r key.not exact but kinda close.im tempted to try and find a new 123r throttle assembly to update my stove.it is annoying to clear that jet when I never got the tool to begins with
+Richard Peterson You can improvise a cleaning tool with just a piece of thin wire, or a single strand of multi-strand wire.
Do a Google image search for "Sievert svea 123" and see if your key matches that one. If so, you might have one of the very first Svea 123 stoves ever made, the Max Sievert Svea 123. If so, it's quite valuable. I have seen them sell for well over $100 on eBay.
Glad to hear it. Cheers.
Thanks so much for doing this video. Big help to me...
I've had mine since 1976 and it is apparently a 123R from your research. The older model must have been really old. Good video lots of info.
A J Taylor Thanks, I'm glad the video was helpful. I can't remember the date when they started making the 123R, but I want to say it was the late 1960's or so.
Oh,I forgot to tell reason number two not to clean the jet burner when it is hot,you may be lucky many times and the needle will not stick in the tiny opening-but if you keep on doing this bad habit,sooner or later you will do it when the burner has reached a temperature hot enough to make the cleaning needle stick.Ok,reason number two not to clean a hot burner is this:even if you are able to reverse the needle back to resting position,the metal in that tiny needle will be exposed to wear and tear because it is almost in the situation it will stick to the metal walls of the opening!What is happening next is this,when you force the pin to move you rip of tiny pieces of metal from the needle.Doing this time after time you end up with a needle that is not able to do the job properly,the combustion of the stove gives a yellow flame and it takes longer,much longer time to heat or cook-and the air in the tent will stink of all the unburned gas!
@gryphon50 Glad to hear it. If you have any other questions I'd be happy to help.
Tack så mycket ❤❤❤
You realize this dates this sove at or just after ww2.that's insane.defanatly 1950s at the latest.and it runs like a champ.flame is odd shaped due to the burner bell being dented but I tore it down,wick looks new almost.tell its old but no tarnish.and it has a sigh tourist wind screen and pots.i got the original pump and handle,a difrant fuel cap,I assume for other pump methods,and a funnel.pump works perfect,never had issues with it.this makes me want it restored even more now
+Richard Peterson I can't remember exactly, but I think they stopped making the Sievert Svea 123 in 1955 or thereabouts. So yep, your stove is one of the oldest Svea 123s in the world. That your stove still works and gets used is a testament to how reliable the design is.
thx for review! can you use car gasoline and can it simmer?
I have occasionally seen the pot stand piece sold on eBay for reasonable prices. Another option would be to contact Optimus directly and see if they can help. I hope that helps. Cheers.
@wawhiker That's funny, because I felt the same way about your new Georgia Heat stove! That thing is really something and SE908 seems like a great guy with skilled craftsmanship.
Of all the white gas backpacking stoves, I'd say the SVEA123 is the only one that would match an alcohol stove (like the Trangia) in terms of reliability and durability. I'll have a more detailed review of the SVEA 123 coming up. Cheers.
the 123 tanks was used up first with 123r burner thats why look at burner
I still want to make a coil stove,to go with my svea ,from what I saw,it don't need as much preheat. So if you are up to it,I'd like your help with the disign. I have a few ideas to add,maby we both can gain some knowlage. Its the journy through the woods that's the fun part right?one idea was of course adding a heat exchange,to the tank its self. Maby insulation on the bottom,if its on a Cold surface,it wont effect fuel temp as much. I also wanted two to four really small coils as opposed to one big coil,to distribute heat more. And I am considering steel wool as a wick,for longevity. Pot holder and wind screen in one peice, kinda like a Swiss volcano,but not as tall and wider. This way it can also burn wood if fuel is all gone.just ideas
I have an old 123,double checked it when it was given to me.it was a score in my book and love this thing to death.but when I got it the burner 'bell' was damaged.will the newer 123r burners fit?if so,where can I get one that wont cost me 50+$?and I'm not really an eBay fan.to 'hit and miss' and often I find I pay more on eBay.thanks for any help and good video
+Richard Peterson I do believe that the newer burner bells will fit. Ebay would be a good place to get one, but if you're not a fan of that, try contacting Optimus directly to get a spare shipped out to you.
@@ColoradoCamper Might want to recheck the burner bell. I purchased a stove without burner bell, bought a burner bell off ebay and it does not fit. So there are a least 2 sizes of burner bell for the svea 123 stoves.
Holy crap.that key is a dead match.thanks for telling me about that.im pretty well versed in my sweedish stoves but haven't heard of that one.i won't sell my stove,I use it way to much.so this stove is kinda like having a soyer stove,huh?old stuff likes me.i got a bunch of it.my mess kit is a gi style 1942 standard issue and saw combat.i have a shilling and a 1941 Hindenburg 2 mark silver coin.1980 Chevy Monza and to round it all off I have a 1999 millennium edition titanium vintage Zippo.i camp I style lol.ill research this stove some more,I want to restore it cause its been the best stove I ever owned.and its flexibility makes it a go to stove in my bug out bag
+Richard Peterson I have a video about how to do cosmetic restorations to a Svea 123 stove. Bernie Dawg's channel has a ton of information about restoring the internal components: ruclips.net/user/h2ojnkyvideos
I had to get my 123 out to mess with while watching your video.
QUESTION... I found your video and thank you for making it. I bought an Optimus SVEA 123R about 1975ish and used it for over 15 years. After moving around the country, I lost it. My son found one at a garage sale and gave it to me, but it was missing the burner bell. I bought one on eBay and received it today and it does not fit, it won't screw on. I was aware of the difference in the handle direction, and cleaning needle, and key shape, BUT I thought the burner bell was the same size. Can you clear this up for me?
I didn’t know the bells were threaded differently. I no longer have both stoves in my possession, so I cannot test to see if the bells are interchangeable or not. Sorry I can’t be much help to you.
Yea I could write a book on all the stoves I tryed to see if they could beat my svea.so far no luck.ill check out this vids you posted to restore my little beast.
The left model is the one being sold on Amazon as a “123” and the key difference was what gave it away, thx for the tip. Is the 123r just as good?
Nikki St Laurent Yeah I think the 123R is just as good. I prefer the original 123, but the differences are so minor that it isn’t a big deal. The 123 hasn’t been made since the 123R came out in the 1970s. So you have to buy them used to find one.
Colorado. I live on a small island, and all I can get my hands on are diesel, gasoline we put in our cars, and kerosene. Hardware store has white spirit and paint thinner.
Can I use kerosene or the gasoline we put in our cars.? I want to make sure what I can use, before I buy the svea123r online.
Thank you so much in advance for your help.! I would really appreciate it.
The SVEA 123R can't burn kerosene or diesel. However, I have heard many people who use regular automotive gasoline in theirs and it works fine. Might have to clean the jet a little more often, but that's easy to do.
完全可以，我的123用的摩托车里的汽油，已经使用一年多了，一直是车用汽油
I just bought a new "SVEA 123R". I am having a problem getting a constant blue flame. It has a tendency to burn yellow at times. My original 123 (non Chinese) stove burns just fine. I wonder what the problem is?
It could have a bit of manufacturing residue or something leftover inside the tank. Maybe after running a few tanks of fuel through it it will sort itself out. My only other thought is take a look and make sure the flame spreader plate is fit on all the way. I know the stove is very sensitive to the position of that plate.
I have had a SVEA 123 stove since 1980 and was wondering if there is any concern about replacing the cotton wick inside it. Any information will be appreciated!
thanks. very helpful
Good comparison. I didn't know about the current "R" type.
I've burned unleaded gas in my old one and never had a problem (except for a lot of soot). Using gasoline makes her louder than a cutting torch...heheheh. What fuel do you use?
What kind of fuel was it meant to use originally? ...kerosene?
It's meant to use naptha aka white gas.
thats why one must know all this but there is more to it . When they made the 123r burner they used up the 123 tanks first that what its good to know then when the 123 tanks was gone then you see the 123r tanks with the right burner
great video im thinking of buying a svea 8016279 in your opinion do they work as good as the ones you have.
+george melendez I have never used a brand new one, but to my knowledge the design has remained the same for the last 40+ years. So I imagine it will work just as well.
Thanks for quick response appreciate your opinion
How much soot do these stoves make on cookware when using proper Coleman Fuel/White Gas/Naptha?
If the stove is in good working order, they don't make any soot at all. I've never had my pot get even a hint of soot from these stoves.
ColoradoCamper Fantastic! I’m using isopro gas canisters/stoves (Snow Peak Litemax) and alcohol stoves (Trangia) now but am wanting to segue into using liquid fuel stoves. Primarily the SVEA 123.
I think the SVEA 123 is the most reliable liquid fuel stove you can get your hands on. It takes a little practice, but once you get it figured out, it's wonderful.
Got a link to optimus customer care?
لو سمحت هذا النوع موجود فى مصر ام لا وما اسم الوديل
hey Colorado I would like to buy one of these but have no clue where to buy them. Im looking in amazon and ebay. Ebay has one used for 52.00 . Can you please tell me where I can buy these ,if they even make these anymore.
They do still make the 123R version. If you'd like to buy a brand new one, I know that both amazon.com and backcountry.com sell them under the title "Optimus Svea Stove." Amazon looks to be the best deal.
Ebay usually has several used ones up for auction. You can get a good deal on ebay, but be cautious because people can sell stoves that don't work or incomplete stoves. If buying off of ebay, I would recommend choosing a stove where the seller has a photograph of the stove burning and also make sure all of the parts are included. I hope that helps you.
Thanks so much!
love your reviews, but i was wondering why you would suport a theif like se908 ???
I know of the pump and cap you're talking about, but I have no personal experience with it.
cool!
thanks
Just wish I thought of the jet size befor hand. But then I never would have ran into you Colorado,so its all good.
watching the vid it's looking like to me the original 123 is better than the 123R for better low temp control.... bet that cleaning tip does obstruct low simmer on the 123R. the built in cleaning tip looks like something else to break and to have to maintain, too? i'm watching ebay on'em right now and i'll find one. right now, a new 123R at lowest is $96 free shipping. thanks CC!
People generally agree that the original 123 simmers a little bit better than the 123R. But I think both of them are great stoves. I don't think you have to worry about the cleaning needle breaking or requiring maintenance. If you're looking to buy one, go for whichever version you find at a good price. You can also check your local goodwill or thrift store, or yard sales. I have heard of people finding them at a yard sale for $5 or less.
i'm looking around now. mainly on ebay. brand new 123R lowest is $96 w/free shipping.... lot of money. i'm thinking i want a 123 like yours and to clean it up like you did. i'm gonna find one! cool size - cool stove! thx!
I have one of these I think its the 123 not the r! found it in the ex's trash pile when I moved back in to my house! maybe my stove for the PCT hike
For the PCT this stove has the major upside of being super reliable, but the major downside of being quite heavy for a thru-hiker.
I agree
My brother thru hiked the PCT this year and used an alcohol stove. He loved it, although there are a few areas of California that I'm not 100% sure it's legal to use one. The regulations are unclear, so in those areas he just used discretion and always used it in a clear, safe, area.
Bra❤❤❤
Dude,I had an epiphany,it hit me like a mac truck. Your jet may be to small for alcohol. This may be why the door knob burner didn't work. Either try kerosene or widen the jet a bit and let me know what happened. If I'm right it may explain why my burner wont light. It may have been fine this whole time. I forgot Las time I ran alcohol I mixed it with naptha. Running pure alcohol on a stove designed for petrol is sure to be problematic at the least. So this brings me to my real question,can we make an adjustable jet?to burn all fuels? At any rate I checked a door knob to my burner and thickness is about the same. And I noticed she the stove was about ready to hit that "torch" mode,it went out. Every time. Got me thinking and I know from my rv tech days jets for propane and natral gas are difrant sizes,cause we had to do a few conversions for customers who wanted to switch. Dug around you tube and confermed this with a video with a guy burning difrant fuels in the same stove. His did Same as mine with alcohol,almost went jet mode,then went out. Jet to small. Kero made it look like a flame thrower, jet to big. Maby this can help us both.
When I put the windshield on my svea stove 123R it doesn't line up - so I cannot get the key attached to the stem to light it. It's off by about 1/4 inch. How do I turn the stem to line up the opening with the key to light the stove?
Susan Johnson I would use a pair of channel locks and put some leather or something around the stem so the pliers don't tear up the brass. I have seen others do it that way.
So, you just have to turn the stem since there is no nut on this stove like on the svea123. Right? Does it matter where on the stem you use the channel locks?
I am not much of a mechanic but I've had this stove since the late 1970's and I think it is as good if not better than the newer stoves on the market today. I like its simplicity, the quality materials and construction. I have used this stove a couple years ago and it still works like a charm but as I said the key to light the stove doesn't line up so the windshield is little off-kilter when I go to light the stove. I am going to clean it, line up the stem and use it for car camping. Thanks for you help.
That's right, you just turn the stem. I would put the channel locks on the fattest part of the stem where the throttle valve is. Don't be too forceful when you try it.
If turning the stem doesn't work, you could also widen one of the holes on the windscreen to allow the key to enter and fit. A dremel tool would do the job in a snap, but if you don't have one you could also use a hack saw or tin snips and use a file to clean up the cut edges.
Widening the hole in the screen is a great idea. I'll try that if the other technique doesn't work. Thank you very much!
It is obvious that the "R" in the 123R stands for "refillable". The 123 are for throw away after use.
(Just kidding :D)
i picked one up, on the ground
상향식 저소음연소캡 잇써요
these are not cheap anymore...even in sweden where i live these never go under 150usd in online auctions... 123R has non removable burner...and thats a hard pass from me.
Thanks for this valuable information.
I like this stove but that lasted only a short while until I was shown how loud a noise the burner makes. Further complicated by the fact that the mod fix costs $69.00 for what one entrepreneur calls a Quiet Stove Burner Cap that's advertised to cut the noise in half. Regrettably, bomb proof or not, the Svea, not unlike some beautiful women when examined more closely, becomes less attractive once you know more about it.
The loud noise is admittedly a drawback of this stove, same as any plate-style burner. For me, I can overlook the noise for the benefits of the Svea's reliability, durability, and simplicity. I'm aware of the caps you mention, and they would sure be nice, but I'm not willing to pay that price. That's more than I paid for the stove.
The 123R is made in China. It will not be labeled "Made in Sweden." It will have "Sweden" on the tank, but it is Chinese crap. The original 123s were wonderful and highly sought after by people who know the difference.
Currently the 123R is made in Taiwan. And there are older model 123Rs that were still made in Sweden, since it has been in production since the 1970s. But I can't comment on the new ones from Taiwan, I am only familiar with older versions.
I have swedish optimus strove made 1803 year .iwant to seel it.HOW CAN GET PRISE?
@@ColoradoCamper I have the 123R from the 1970's and it says "Made in Sweden". Not sure when they made the transition. I'm hoping it's still quality built, though.
I have the Vietnam built one not as good endless trouble with the needle i just took it out now it runs much better but still some yellow in the flame even after messing with the burner plate
TUCK FRUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!