Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

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

Some multi-fuel stoves burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, can burn both white and isobutane canisters of fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low centre of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it an ideal stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic.

Contrary to many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the bottle over. The intake hoses are then removed from the fuel and causes them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to a long-standing problem, and it works. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that are sealed using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for tools, spares as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a great stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially ideal for trips, where many fuel types are required. The cost is quite affordable compared to other 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 been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as well-known among UK backpackers any more Perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.

It is a compact and lightweight stove that can burn all liquid fuels, including white gas, propane butane, and white gas through one nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove Efficient 5KW Eco Design Stove: MultiFuel Cast Iron Fireplace, with the burner bell that is bolted to the body, which is then anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is situated above the fuel line, the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader sits over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame that helps it to be less affected by winds.

A nice feature is that it can also be utilized with a canister of propane or isobutane, making it a versatile small cooker. It is simple to simmer using isobutane and propane and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However, when using white gas the stove runs a bit slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution you against using certain kinds 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 of a trusted brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an ideal option for those looking for a multifuel cookware that cooks with a variety fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and is also able to alter the size of the flame, which is a nice feature. The stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank easily.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to keep it working correctly. Particularly it is prone to flare when priming which could be risky. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to remember that every fuel type requires the use of a different jet. This means that if cooking on kerosene the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking on gas. This is a minor nuisance but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% over its predecessor and the burner system has been redesigned to improve heat distribution. It's perfect for beginners or backpackers with a budget.

It takes a bit of time to set up, prime, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not let you down. The flame is extremely powerful and can cook a liter of water within two minutes. The only issue is that it doesn't simmer as well 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 fireplacesandstove has superior performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove Efficient and Versatile York Wood Burning Stove cookset is a great alternative that offers the same set-up for half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same basic design is used in both, however the Universal version can be operated with fuel from canisters in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic and basic Coleman stove that does its job. It's compact, self-contained and solid, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it simple to use and an excellent option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those of us who prefer to have one or two spares in the van.

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

Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve since you'll need to properly pressurize and prepare them to get a nice blue flame going. If you do it wrong your fuel may be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner, or sputter. To get the hang of this try it out in the open before embarking on your excursion.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor effectiveness with non-coleman fuels however that's a trade off for the extra flexibility it provides. Make sure you purchase gas that is not leaded and not that is augmented with alcohol or methanol. These types of fuel could cause the performance of the vehicle to decrease and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi-fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove built for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact, robust stove that burns solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol using one nozzle. It's an ultralight and minimalist design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low costs of ownership, and fuel is less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have different nozzles for every type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in the rain or without gloves, and could increase their weight overall. Multifuel stoves that are of the current kind have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, which makes it much easier. The newer models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them, including isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.

A multifuel stove kit can be bought to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels except diesel and, with the right accessories they can even simmer.