about primus
our history
our history
THE WORLD’S FIRST SOOT-FREE STOVE
1892
F.W. Lindqvist and J.V. Svenson develop the world’s first soot-free kerosene stove and name it Primus.
ANDRÉE EXPEDITION
1897
The Andrée expedition brings a Primus stove on their attempt to reach the North Pole.
FACTORY ON LILLA ESSINGEN
1908
We open a factory on Lilla Essingen in Stockholm.
SOUTH POLE
1911
Roald Amundsen uses a Primus stove during his expedition to the South Pole.
EVEREST – FIRST ASCENT
1953
Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary become the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. During the expedition, they cook their meals on a Primus stove.
NEW FACTORIES IN HAGFORS AND FLEN
1956
Production moves from Lilla Essingen to new factories in Hagfors and Flen. Production in Flen ends in 1991, and the Hagfors factory closes in 2001.
FACTORY IN ESTONIA
1995
We open our factory in Tartu, Estonia.
OMNIFUEL STOVE TESTED BY GÖRAN KROPP
1996
Göran Kropp puts a prototype of the Primus OmniFuel stove to the ultimate test during his expedition to Mount Everest. The stove is designed to run on multiple types of fuel in demanding environments.
PRIMETECH & CHLUMSKA’S USA EXPEDITION
2006
We launch PrimeTech, a stove with burner technology that is twice as efficient as conventional gas stoves. The same year, Renata Chlumska completes her 439-day journey around the lower 48 in the U.S. by bike and kayak, with a Primus stove in her pack.
OMNILITE TI
2011
We launch OmniLite Ti, an extremely lightweight titanium expedition stove that runs on multiple fuels, designed for demanding conditions. It's awarded a Gold Award at the OutDoor Show the same year.
LITE
2013
We introduce Lite, our smallest all-in-one stove to date.
NEW LOGO & WINTER GAS
2014
We update our logo for the first time in 50 years. In the same year, we introduce Primus Winter Gas with Vapour Mesh for improved performance when cooking in temperatures down to –22 °C.
EXPEDITION SERVICE
2015
We launch Expedition Service – support for expedition stoves with troubleshooting, maintenance advice, and spare parts shipped worldwide. If a stove needs repair or replacement, it is sent to our headquarters in Sweden, and the service is valid for the product’s lifetime.
PRIMETECH STOVE SET
2017
PrimeTech Stove Set is awarded an ISPO Award. This all-in-one gas stove features an integrated windscreen and a remote canister hose that provides improved stability.
SERVICE YOUR STOVE
2020
We introduce Service Your Stove – a recurring service initiative where we offer free spare parts to extend the lifespan of Primus stoves. The campaign makes repairs easier than replacement and is supported by updated service and maintenance videos.
PRIMUS-SILVA SWEDEN AB
2023
Silva acquires Primus and the two companies form Primus-Silva Sweden AB. Like Primus, Silva carries a strong Swedish heritage that dates back to 1933, when the Kjellström brothers invented the world’s first liquid-filled compass.
ULTI
2024
We present Ulti – our most windproof gas stove, developed for expeditions in cold climates, snow, and high altitude. Its catalytic infrared burner delivers powerful output without a blue flame that is vulnerable in strong winds.
MICRON STOVE III
2025
We launch Micron Stove III – our lightest and most packable stove yet, weighing just 58 grams. Designed for adventurers who count every gram, it’s a reliable top-mounted stove that fits right in your pocket.
