One thing about an XGK-at least the old ones-they have a separate jet for kerosene that has a small "K" stamped into it. If you get one and intend to use kerosene, be sure to have the right jet for it. New stoves come with both, but if you get a used one and it doesn't come with it, you can get one from MSR.

Crackers is right, melting snow for 6 people will be a tedious project, so expect to spend a lot of time tending to the stove. Don't forget to bring the water to a boil, even if momentarily, to kill whatever bugs may be in it. This way, you have treated your water at the same time, so no need to filter it, unless there is something else in the snow, like heavy metals, you need to remove.