>>2285774The burner uses a catalytic process, there's no actual flame. You've got to apply heat to burn off the outer layers and activate the catalytic process. It usually takes three or four attempts to get it to light until it's broken in, and generally you have to burn it for the full 6-12 hours (depending on the version you have) two or three times before it's burned enough to ignite on the first attempt. Once it's broken in, it'll start up on the first try. Just remember to wet the cotton visible on either side of the filler hole, don't just pour all the fuel down the middle and wonder why it isn't working, and hold the lighter to the burner for a full 10 seconds, at least, to get it lit.
The burner is a wear-out item, it does need replaced eventually. But it should last for a couple years of regular use before it gets to that point.
I love mine. More heat than a disposable hand warmer, continuous heat output until it runs out of fuel, and mine burns a hell of a lot longer than the advertised 12 hours; I've had mine go for almost a full 24 hours even. Not sure how or why that's possible. But definitely worth the money, in my opinion, and it makes sleeping in an unheated room with temps in the low 30's more comfy.
