Had mine since 1996
One of the items I didn't hand back to the QM when my time in the Army was over and used it ever since. Its been around the world and back with me since then. Also "found" a second metal cup to replace the plastic one to give me double cooking pots. Together with my crows foot stamped mess tins from 1955 this cooking system will last 100years! Using solid Hex blocks or the liquid gel works in the cooker bottom but takes some time compared to using a gas stove or in my case a petrol dual fuel burner. If you want to use wood you need to go make a cup of coffee and wait for the water to boil, or nearly boil as the case will be. The metal does dis-colure but considering the abuse I have given them its fair wear and tear. Easy to clean but over time using wire wool too often will damage the surface of the metal. I bit on the heavy side if you are considering backpacking but I do most of my camping from the back of the 4x4 today.
