Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic, lightweight stoves can burn hexamine, wood white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters with only one nozzle. They're popular in cold 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 best multi fuel stoves-fuel stove can be used for a variety of liquid fuels. It has 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 solid, rock-solid stove. This makes it an ideal stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and Arctic camping.

Unlike many other stoves that use liquid fuel, which have a problem in which 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 flipping the bottle over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to suck air which extinguishes the flame and decreases the pressure of the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution for an age-old issue, and it works. The Nova can be used with a range of standard fuel bottles that seal using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully featured stove bag that has separate pockets for spare parts, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent stove for backpacking that can be used in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. Its price is also very reasonable when compared to canister stoves of similar capability. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers since. The Hydra is not as popular with UK backpackers, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less useful.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that burns all liquid fuels like propane butane, white gas, and white gas through one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with a burner attached to a body which anchors three fold-out support legs. The pump is situated just above the fuel line, and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not affected by the wind.

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

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native speakers of the language. The instructions warn against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If they are mistaken, it can cause an accident, and possibly put 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 to those looking for a multifuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline or fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type, and you can also adjust the flame size. The stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank easily.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance in order to keep it working correctly. It can be dangerous because it flares up when priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove end to vaporize fuel instead of a generator coil.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole has to be smaller than when using gas. It's not a major issue but it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and cheapest 3kw multi fuel stove fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It is able to run on canister fuel or liquid gas, and comes with 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 those who are just beginning.

It takes some time to prepare, set up, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not let you down. The flame is strong when turned to its maximum and can boil one liter of water in less than two minutes. The only drawback is that it's not as efficient for simmering as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's smaller and has superior performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that gives you the same setup at half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. Both versions share the same basic design however the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a simple and basic Coleman stove that does the job. It's strong and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and an excellent option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those who want to keep a backup 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 so you'll save money on fuel with this option.

It takes a bit of practice to create a solid blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do so. If you don't do it correctly, fuel can be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. Practice outside before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.

This stove sacrifices some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels, but it's a trade-off for the added flexibility it provides. Be sure to buy gasoline that isn't leaded and not augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to degrade and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi-fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is an ultralight multifuel stove built for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact and solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using one nozzle. It's a light, minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves and also offers low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use different nozzles for every type of fuel. This makes them a little fiddly to change over in cold weather or using gloves, and could increase their overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have discovered ways to make use of the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much more convenient. The newer versions of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are a variety of names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.

Another option is to purchase a multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are typically available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great option for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when equipped with the right accessories can even simmer.