In this test the Snow Peak Giga Power 1.0 stove was used. Performance characteristics will vary for different types of stoves but the general performance trends will be the same.

Tip #1: Use a lid when boiling water.
When boiling water without a lid, a lot of heat escapes through the top. When using a lid, the heat is more enclosed in the pot and the water temperature increases much faster. When using a lid, we saw a savings of 1.5 grams of fuel for a 2-cup water boil.

Tip #2: Avoid cooking in the wind.
Even a light breeze will drastically reduce the efficiency of your stove. Cooking in the wind is one of the easiest ways to waste a lot of fuel. Always find sheltered areas when cooking. In a simulated wind test of just 1 mph it required an extra 6 grams of fuel for a 2-cup water boil. It is very important to avoid cooking in any wind.

Tip #3: Avoid using maximum heat while boiling water.
Using medium heat instead of the maximum heat setting saved 1 gram of fuel per 2-cup water boil.

Tip #4: Use water that has already warmed up in the sun.
Using room temperature water (71°F) instead of ice cold water (32°F) saved 1 gram of fuel per 2-cup water boil.

Tip #5: Only boil the exact amount of water you need.
Boiling an extra 1/4 cup of unneeded water could burn an extra 1.5 to 2 grams of fuel. Be sure to measure the exact amount you need.

CONCLUSION
The difference between doing everything right and everything wrong when cooking is astonishing.
Wrong: Boiling just an extra ¼ cup of water (2 1/4 cups instead of 2 cups), in windy conditions, not using a lid, using cold water (32°F) and using the maximum heat setting used a total 16 grams of fuel to bring the water to a boil.
Right: When using exactly 2 cups of water, cooking out of the wind, using a lid, using warm water (71°F), and using the medium heat setting only used a total 6 grams of fuel to bring the water to a boil.
– Practicing good stove habits can help your fuel go twice as far.
