Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters using a single nozzle. They're popular during cold temperatures, Fireplacesandstove.com but they're noisy and don't have a simmer limit.

Some multi-fuel stoves burn various types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with both white and isobutane fuel canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, it-viking.ch kayaking, and arctic camping.

Unlike many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the container over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to suck air which extinguishes the flame and depressurizes the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to an old problem and it's effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that has separate pockets for tools, spare parts as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially ideal for trips, where various fuels are required. The cost is quite affordable compared to other stoves in the canister category with similar capabilities. Additionally the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove first came on the market in 2010 and has been a favourite choice for backpackers ever since. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers anymore Perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. But that doesn't make it any less useful.

It is a small and light stove that can burn all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas with a single nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove design with the burner bell that is bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. A pump is located on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner itself is a low-speed flame that allows it to be less affected by winds.

It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane canisters. It's easy to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all types of fuel with a decent amount of heat, but is a bit slower than other stoves when you use white gas.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what was intended, could result in an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of legal hot water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas container from a reputable brand will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety of fuels. It can be powered by gas, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and can also be used to alter the size of the flame which is a great feature. This stove also comes with a fuel line that lies flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently. It could be dangerous as it explodes when you are priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle on the stove's end to vaporize fuel, instead of a generator coil.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you cook using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor nuisance however it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be used with either liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for each. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor and the burner mechanism was revamped to improve the distribution of heat. It's ideal for novices or budget-minded backpackers.

It takes some time to prepare, set up and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is extremely powerful and can boil a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only downside is that it does not simmer as well as other stoves.

This is the reason MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is an efficient simmering burner. It has a similar design as the whistler, however it is more compact and offers better performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same setup at half the price. It is also possible to purchase Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters too. Both versions use the same basic design, but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a no frills model that is rough and ready that will get the job done. It's strong and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers who want to save on weight and for those who want to keep one or two spares in the van.

Designed to burn Coleman's own proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) This stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline too. This option will save you money since one gallon of gasoline could last as long as the regular Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve, as you'll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you create a beautiful blue flame. If you do it wrong, fuel can pool, spray outside the burner, or sputter. To master this try it out in the open before you go on your trip.

This stove does give up some performance or flame odor effectiveness with non-coleman fuels however that's a trade off for the extra flexibility it provides. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline and not something that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a light multifuel stove built for harsh environments such as Africa. It's an efficient and compact all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through only one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter compared to gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for every type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in cold weather or using gloves, and adds to their overall weight. The latest models of multifuel stoves have found a way to use the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much simpler. The latest models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid', or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are many names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.

Another option is to purchase an multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels except diesel and, with the right accessories, they can also simmer.