Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves burn wood as well as hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel through only one nozzle. They're popular during cold weather, but they're loud and don't have a simmer control.

Some multi fuel boiler stove-fuel stoves are hybrids that can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, can burn both white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner, self-purging aluminum pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic.

In contrast to other stoves that use liquid fuel, which have a problem of unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the bottle over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, causing it to suck air that extinguishes the flame. It also reduces the pressure in the bottle.

This is a clever solution to a long-standing problem, and it works. The Nova can also be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for tools, spares, lubricant, and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for trips where a wide choice of fuels is required. The price is affordable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010, the Kovea multi fuel wood burning stoves Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers, perhaps because they have caught up to better-known brands or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. But this doesn't mean it's any less effective.

It's a small and light stove, burning all liquid fuels, including white gas and propane butane through one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with the burner mounted to a body that is anchored by three fold-out support legs. The pump is located above the fuel line, while the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This makes it less affected by the wind.

It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane. It is simple to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and it burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However when using white gas, the stove runs a bit slower.

One thing to keep in mind when using the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake this could cause an accident and land Kovea into legal trouble. However, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister from a reputable brand should work just fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a excellent choice for those looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and is also able to alter the size of the flame which is a great feature. The stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and is connected to the tank in a snap.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it operating correctly. In particular it has a tendency to flare during priming, which can be a bit risky. This issue is common to all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you are cooking using kerosene, then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor issue but it's still worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can be used with either liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to improve heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to set up, prime and Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves boil water, but it is a reliable stove that will never let you down. The flame is strong and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only downside is that it does not simmer as well as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more powerful burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, however it is smaller and offers superior performance. However it's not as affordable as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same set-up for half the price. It is also possible to purchase Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same basic design is used for both but the Universal version can also be operated with fuel from canisters as well.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a simple and basic Coleman stove that does its job. 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 an excellent option for backpackers, beginners who want to save on weight and for those of us who prefer to have an extra or two in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha also known as "white gas") however it can be used with unleaded gas as well. A gallon of gasoline will last for as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel with this option.

It requires some practice to achieve a perfect blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can start. If you do it wrong the fuel may be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. To get the hang of this do some practice outside before your trip.

The stove will suffer some performance and flame odor effectiveness if you use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Make sure to purchase unleaded gasoline, and not one augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel can cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact, robust stove that burns solid fuel tabs, gels, and alcohol through one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use an individual nozzle for each kind of fuel. It isn't easy to switch between fuels in cold weather, or when wearing gloves. This can add weight to the overall load. The newer types of multifuel stoves have found ways to use the same nozzle to ignite multiple fuels which is much easier. The latest models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. They are usually available from specialised camping stores and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels with the exception of diesel and if fitted with the right equipment can even cook.