Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple stoves are lightweight and can use hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters using one nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, however they can be noisy and lack the ability to control the simmer.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, able to burn multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane canisters of fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It comes with a quick-priming stove, an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and broad legs make it a solid stove that is rock-solid. 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 that have a problem with unburned fuel lingering in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw in air, that extinguishes the flame. It also reduces the pressure in the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to an age-old problem and it definitely works. The Nova can also be used with a variety of standard fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for tools, spares as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. The price is affordable when compared with canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers possibly because they've caught up to better-known brands or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less useful.

It is a compact and lightweight stove that burns all liquid fuels like propane butane, white gas and white gas using only one nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove design with the burner bell that is bolted to the body, which is then anchored by three support legs that fold out. A pump sits on top of the fuel hose and the generator Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This means that it is not affected by the wind.

It's a remarkably versatile cooker as it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane. It's easy to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel at a reasonable level, however it is a little 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 users of the language. The instructions warn against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake this could cause an accident and put Kovea into legal trouble. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded from a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

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

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance in order to ensure it is operating properly. It can be dangerous because it flares up when you are priming. This is a common issue with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle on the stove end to vaporize fuel, instead of the generator coil.

Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you're cooking using kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking on gas. It's a minor issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

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 is able to run on canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% over its predecessor and the burner mechanism has been redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. This is a great option for backpackers on a tight budget or for beginners.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to set up, prime and boil water, but it's an efficient stove that will not let you down. The flame is extremely powerful and can boil a liter of water within two minutes. The only drawback is that it does not simmer like other stoves.

This is why MSR has developed the Dragonfly stove to become a more capable simmering burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and offers more performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that provides a similar setup at half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions use the same design and style, but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a simple low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that does the job. It's compact, self-contained, and solid, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it simple to use and an excellent choice for beginners, backpackers who are looking to cut down on weight and for those of us who prefer to have an extra or two in the van.

The stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) The stove can be used with unleaded gasoline, as well. This option will save you money since a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

It takes a bit of practice to create a solid 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 do it wrong, fuel can get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or sputter. Practice outside before taking it on your next trip to learn how to do it.

The stove may lose some performance and flame odor efficiency if you use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline, and not one that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). This is because these types of fuels can cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's an efficient and compact all-in-one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and also gels using only one nozzle. It's an ultralight, minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves and also offers low cost of ownership and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each fuel type. It isn't easy to switch between fuels in cold weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. The latest models of multifuel stoves have come up with a way to use the same nozzle for various fuels, which makes it simpler. The newer models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are a variety of names for them, including isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

Another option is to purchase a multifuel stove that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are available internationally. They're a great option for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel. If equipped with the right accessories can even cook.