Soto Windmaster (see image) is the superior one for almost every factor, it’s more versatile, offers better pot support and pot stabilization, lighter when assembled with its TRIFLEX pot support, less noisy, and has a bigger burner head which allows heat to reach a bigger space underneath the pot.
Choosing the right backpacking stove can be overwhelming especially with so many alternatives on the market.
But if you landed on this page I’m assuming you are thinking of buying a Soto Stove. So in this article, I will focus on Soto Windmaster vs Amicus and compare them by every aspect you need to look for when purchasing a backpacking stove.
In summary, Soto Windmaster is the superior one for almost every factor, it’s more versatile, offers better pot support and pot stabilization, lighter when assembled with its TRIFLEX pot support, less noisy, and has a bigger burner head which allows heat to reach a bigger space underneath the pot. On the other hand, Soto Amicus is more pocket-friendly, more compact, and packs down smaller.
- #A sidenote here: I'd highly recommend you to check out REI's informative meal planning chart before you read further.
Soto Windmaster vs Amicus: Specifications
SOTO WINDMASTER | SOTO AMICUS | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Stove Weight | 2.3 oz w/TRIFLEX | 2.6 oz w/o Ignitor |
Ignitor | Yes | Optional |
Boil time (700 ml) | 2 min 50 seconds | 3 min 16 seconds |
Output | 2,800 kcal / h or 3,260 W or 11,000 BTU | 2,800 kcal / h or 3,260 W or 11,000 BTU |
Package type | Cloth Sack | Cloth Sack (More Robust) |
Burn Time | Approx. 1.5 hours with 250 g (8 oz) canister. | Approx. 1.5 hours with 250 g (8 oz) canister. |
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Feature Comparison of Windmaster & Amicus
Pot Support & Head Size
The most important differences between Soto Windmaster and Amicus are their Pot Supports & Head Sizes.
Soto Windmaster’s pot support is not attached to the stove, it’s assembled separately, and it comes with two different pot supports; TRIFLEX and 4FLEX which allows you the versatility of choosing suitable pot support depending on your trip.
On the other hand, pot support of Soto Amicus is attached to the stove.
Windmaster features a bigger burner head, therefore, heat reaches a bigger space underneath the pot, this doesn’t make any difference while boiling water, but if you are planning to make a meal with a pan at a light simmer, Windmaster would perform better.
Boiling Time
Windmaster is the superior one when it comes to boiling times. When tested with 700 ml of water, Soto Amicus boiled this amount in 3 min 16 sec, on the other hand, Soto Windmaster boiled the same amount in 2 min 49 seconds,
Sound
Generally, the sound is not one of the top priorities, but if it’s important to you. Windmaster makes less sound compared to Amicus.
Weight
At first, Windmaster seems heavier since it is bigger, BUT when TRIFLEX pot support is attached Windmaster weighs 0.6 oz less than Amicus.
Soto Windmaster weighs 2.3 oz with TRIFLEX pot support and 3.1 oz with 4FLEX pot support, while Soto Amicus weighs 2.9 oz.
Fuel Consumption
They are equal when it comes to Fuel Consumption. Both stoves can burn 1.5 hours with 250 g (8 oz) canister.
Packed Dimension
As I’ve already mentioned, pot support of Amicus is attached to the stove. With its foldable design, Soto Amicus packs down smaller than Soto Windmaster.
Stove | Dimensions |
|---|---|
Soto Windmaster (Pot Support isn’t attached to the stove) | 47x50x88 mm / 1.9×2.0x3.5 in. |
Soto Amicus (Pot Support is attached to the stove) | 34x46x64 mm / 1.4×1.8×0.5 in |
Triflex Pot Support of Windmaster | 94 x 10 x 33 mm / 3.7 x 0.4 x 1.0 in. |
4Flex Pot Support of Windmaster | 47 x 77 x44 mm / 1.9×3.0x1.7 in |
Soto Amicus (see image) uses Triple O ring Seal type of regulator.
Windmaster‘s pot support is not attached to the stove, which actually is even better since it offers you the versatility of choosing the suitable pot support depending on your trip.
Some might think that carrying demountable gear is a con, but I believe they’re even better, they offer you the ability to nest each part separately if needed, which leads to having a more compact backpack.
Last but not least, although the difference is not big, for the sake of comparison I should include that, Soto Amicus comes with a more robust carrying bag.
Heat Level Adjustability
Soto Amicus uses Triple O ring Seal type of regulator, on the other hand, Soto Windmaster uses a Micro Regulator. They both offer great simmering control, but the Soto Windmaster’s Regulator handle is much easier to turn.
Ignition
Soto Amicus offers two options; you can purchase it with or without a firestarter, BUT it isn’t optional for Soto Windmaster it comes with a fire starter.
When compared to other brands’ stoves, Soto has a really innovative ignitor design, its ignitor is hidden within the center tube of the stove to save space, therefore, I would recommend going with the model that features ignitor.
Wind Protection
Both Amicus and Windmaster have a concave-shaped burner design that practically performs as a windscreen, allows you to heat the water at a light simmer even in windy conditions.
But Windmaster’s burner is much closer to the pot, which makes it more efficient in windy weather.
Conclusion: Soto Windmaster or Amicus
Soto Windmaster is the better option when it comes to:
- Pot Support, it offers the versatility of using 2 different pot supports
- Simmering, it has a bigger torch which reaches a bigger space underneath the pot compared to Soto Amicus
- Weight, when TRIFLEX pot support is assembled it’s 0.6 oz lighter than Amicus
- Sound, it’s much quieter than Soto Amicus
- Boiling Time, it boils water faster than Soto Amicus
- Regulator, although they both offer great simmering control, Soto Windmaster’s regulator is easier to use
Soto Amicus is the superior model for:
- Compactness, it’s more compact with its foldable design
- Durability, it comes with a sturdier pack for extra protection
The optionality of Ignition, Amicus has two models so you can buy it with or without a fire starter
Check out the latest prices of:
If you’re not sure with either of the stoves, check out my article about Jetboil MightyMo and MSR Pocket Rocket for alternatives.
Important: Backpacking stoves don’t come with a canister, you should purchase it separately.
Check out the latest prices of Jetboil Jetpower Fuel and MSR Isopro Canister Fuel.
Is there a hard case for the soto Windmaster, as I don’t like the idea of something accideentally pressing the igniter switch and starting a fire or worse.
Nah man, its an itty bitty spark after a long hard press, no worries.