I don't "cook." Canister stoves are great for boiling water, as are alcohol stoves, and I have more than dozen alcohol stoves and five canister stoves.

To actually cook a wider burner works better - I have a remote canister and a few slower, lower burning alcohol stoves that simmer better than the top canister mount "blow torch" stoves.

Esbit, the times I've used it, is slow to heat the water and can't be used for lots and lots of water. And it stinks.