Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple stoves are lightweight and can burn hexamine, wood, white fuel, and gas canisters with a single nozzle. They are popular in cold weather, however they can be noisy and do not have simmer control.

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

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner, self-purging aluminum pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and arctic camping.

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel that are plagued by unburned fuel lingering in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel, and forces them to take in air, which extinguishes flames and depressurizes bottles.

This is a pretty ingenious solution to a long-standing problem and it's effective. The Nova can also be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that are sealed with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.

This is a great all round backpacking stove for use in the UK especially for trips where a variety of fuels is essential. Its price is also very affordable when compared with canister stoves of similar capability. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers pay it much attention nowadays, possibly having been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the latest lightweight offering out of China or Korea is but that doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its merits.

It is a compact and lightweight stove that can burn all liquid fuels, including propane butane, white gas and white gas with 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 the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet and the flame spreader sits above that. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means it is less affected by wind.

It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane. 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 can be a little slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were clearly not written by native users of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what is actually intended can result in an accident that would land Kovea in a lot of legal hot water. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded from a reputable brand will be fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a excellent choice for those looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook with a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene 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 has an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when you are priming. This is a common problem with all liquid fuel stoves that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove end to evaporate 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 must be smaller than when using gas. It's not a major issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can run on either canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner's system has been improved to improve heat distribution. This is a great choice 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 a reliable stove that will never fail you. The flame is powerful when cranked to its maximum and will easily boil the water to a liter in less than two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as good for simmering as some other stoves.

This is the reason MSR has designed the Dragonfly stove, which is a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and provides superior performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same basic design is used in both but the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that does the job. It's strong compact and self-contained, with the tank on the bottom and burner up the top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for those who are new to backpacking, who want to cut weight, and those of us who keep a few spares 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 non-leaded gasoline, as well. A gallon of gasoline can last for as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel with this option.

Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve, as you'll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel may be sprayed onto the burner, or even sputter. Try it out in the open before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off in exchange for the added versatility it offers. Make sure to purchase gasoline that isn't leaded and not augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels 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 designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all in one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs and also gels through only one nozzle. It's a lightweight and minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves and also offers low costs of ownership, with fuel being cheaper per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have an individual nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest type have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, making it easier. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed multifuel stoves'. 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 5kw defra multifuel stove (http://www.softjoin.co.kr/gnu5/bbs/board.php?bo_table=qa&wr_id=939625) stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are often available from specialised camping stores and can be purchased internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels except diesel, and with the right accessories, they can also simmer.