cheap multi fuel stoves (the full report)

Summary: These simple and light-weight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters, and white fuel via a single nozzle. They're popular in colder weather, but they're loud and don't have a simmer limit.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with both white and isobutane fuel containers.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick priming burner, a self-purging aluminium pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a sturdy and solid stove. This makes it a great stove for base camps for groups, kayaking, and arctic camp.

Unlike many other liquid fuel stoves which suffer from a problem where unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by flipping the bottle over. This removes intake hoses from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the the bottle.

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

This is a fantastic backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, where a variety of fuels are required. The cost is quite reasonable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved Fuel Stove has been a cult favorite among backpackers. A few UK backpackers seem to give the stove much attention these days maybe because they've gotten caught up with better known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is but this doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its merits.

It's a compact and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane, using a single nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design with the burner bell that is bolted to a body that anchors three fold out support legs. A pump sits on top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This makes it less affected by wind.

It is a nice feature that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a multi-functional small cooker. It is simple to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and burns all fuels at a decent rate. However when using white gas, the stove is a little slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly, it can cause an accident, and possibly put Kovea in legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas container of a reputable brand will be fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those who are looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for every fuel type, and cheap multi fuel stoves you can also adjust the flame size. This stove also has a fuel line that lies flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it requires maintenance to keep it working correctly. Particularly it is prone to flare during priming, which can be risky. This is a common issue with all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle throttle on the stove's end to evaporate fuel instead of an engine coil.

Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. It's a minor issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to fix on the field. It can run on either canister liquid gas or fuel and includes attachments for both. The new design is 10% lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to ensure better heat distribution. It's great for beginners or backpackers with a budget.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it is a reliable stove that won't fail you. The flame is extremely strong when turned to its maximum and will easily boil the water to a liter within two minutes or less. The only issue is that it doesn't cook like other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but is more compact and offers superior performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative that offers similar features for less than half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same design is used in both, however the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic and basic Coleman stove that can do the job. It's compact, self-contained, and solid with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it simple to use and a great choice for beginners, backpackers who are looking to cut down on weight and for those of us who like to keep a backup or two in the van.

It is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas), this stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline, as well. A gallon of gasoline will last as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel with this option.

It requires some practice to achieve a perfect blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do this. If you don't do it right, your fuel may spill out, splash beyond the burner or explode. To get the hang of this try it out in the open before you go on your excursion.

The stove will lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a trade-off for its versatility. Make sure to purchase unleaded gasoline, and not one enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). This is because these kinds of fuel can cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact, reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other double sided multifuel stove stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter when compared to gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each type 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. Multifuel stoves of the latest type utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it easier. They can be called hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also referred to under other names like white gas, isobutane kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car fuel.

Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are usually sold at specialist camping stores and are available internationally. They're a great option for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when fitted with the right equipment can even simmer.