Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can use hexamine, wood, white fuel, and gas canisters using one nozzle. They're popular during cold temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have a simmer control.

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

Optimus Nova

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

Contrary to many other liquid fuel stoves 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 operates by simply flipping the bottle over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air, which puts out flames and depressurizes bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to an age-old problem and it definitely does the trick. The Nova can also be used with a variety of standard fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes 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 backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is particularly useful for expeditions, where various fuels are required. The price is very reasonable compared to other stoves in the canister category with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a cult favorite among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers pay the stove a lot of attention, possibly having been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight product from China or Korea is but this doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.

It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels, including propane butane, white gas and white gas using only one nozzle. It's a typical stove design with the burner bell that is bolted to a body that anchors three fold out support legs. The pump is situated just above the fuel line, while the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type which allows it to be less impacted by wind.

One of the best features is that it can be used with a canister of propane or isobutane making it a multi fuel wood stove-functional small cooker. It is easy to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However, when using white gas the stove is a little slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native users of the language. The instructions caution you against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake they could result in an accident and put Kovea into legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a excellent choice for those who are looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and also adjust the flame size. The stove also has 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 requires maintenance to ensure that it functions properly. It could be dangerous as it gets flaming when you are priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle at the stove's end to vaporize fuel, instead of an engine coil.

Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. If you are cooking using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This isn't a major issue but it's still 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 run on canister fuel or liquid gas, and comes with attachments for both. The new design is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped for improved heat distribution. This is a great choice for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to set up to prime and boil water, but it is a reliable stove that will never 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 cook like other stoves.

This is the reason MSR has created the Dragonfly stove to be a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and offers better performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that provides a similar configuration for a fraction of the cost. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. The same fundamental design is used for both, but the Universal version can also be used with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this is a basic, rough and ready unit that gets the job done. It's compact, self-contained, and solid, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers who want to reduce weight and for those of us who like to keep a backup or two in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha which is also referred to as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas too. This will save you money since gasoline tanks can last as long as the standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

It requires some practice to get a good blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can start. If you're not careful the fuel could be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your trip to get the hang of it.

This stove does give up some performance or odor reduction with non-coleman fuels however it's a trade-off for the extra versatility it offers. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). These types of fuel could 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 engineered to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact and reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels, and alcohol through only one nozzle. It's an ultralight minimalist design that is priced less than other 5kw defra multifuel stove stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use a separate nozzle for every 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 newer model utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it simpler. The latest models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are many names for them such as isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when used with the correct accessories can even simmer.