Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic, lightweight stoves can burn wood, hexamine, white fuel, and gas canisters using one nozzle. These stoves are popular in cold weather, however they can be noisy and lack simmer control.

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

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a stable and solid stove. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and Arctic camping.

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves using liquid fuel which have issues with unburned fuel lingering in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be solved by flipping the bottle. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw in air, that extinguishes the flame. It also decreases the pressure of the bottle.

This seems like a fairly clever solution to a long-standing problem and it definitely works. The Nova can also be used with a variety of standard fuel bottles that seal using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It also comes with a full-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for tools, spare parts, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a great all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for trips in which a variety of fuels is necessary. The price is reasonable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for backpackers ever since. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers any more possibly because they've caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less useful.

It's a small and light stove, that can burn all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane with only one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body which anchors three fold-out support legs. The pump is above the fuel line, while the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame, which helps it to be less affected by wind.

It's a remarkably versatile little cooker since it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane. It is simple to simmer with isobutane and propane and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However when using white gas the stove can be a little slower.

One important thing to remember with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions warn against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly they could result in an accident and put Kovea into legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will be fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and also allows to adjust the flame size which is a great feature. This stove also has 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 needs maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It is a risk because it gets flaming when priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle on the stove end to vaporize fuel instead of a generator coil.

It is also important to know that each fuel type requires the use of a different jet. If you cook using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. It's a minor issue but it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister or liquid fuel and includes attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% over its predecessor, and the burner system was revamped to improve heat distribution. This is a great choice for backpackers with a limited budget or beginners.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it is an efficient stove that will not fail you. The flame is powerful when cranked to the max and can boil the water to a liter within two minutes or less. The only drawback is that it's not as effective to simmer as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, but it is smaller and provides more performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing similar features for less than half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. Both versions have the same basic design, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic and basic Coleman stove that can do the job. It's strong compact and self-contained, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on at the top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers looking to reduce weight and for those of us who have spares in the van.

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

It requires some practice to get a good blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll have to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do so. If you get it wrong, your fuel may pool, spray beyond the burner or splash out. To master this do some practice outside before embarking on your excursion.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor efficiency with non-coleman fuels however it's a trade-off for the added versatility it offers. Be sure to buy gas that is not leaded and not that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. These types of fuel can cause the unit's performance to degrade and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact and solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a lightweight and minimalist design that costs less than other cheap multifuel stoves stoves, and also has low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them difficult to change in the rain or without gloves, and could increase their overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have come up with an option to use the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much simpler. The newer versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid', or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are often available from specialised camping stores and are available internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel and, with the right accessories they can even simmer.