Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can burn hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters using a single nozzle. They're popular during cold weather but they're loud and don't have simmer control.

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

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a solid, rock-solid stove. This makes it an ideal stove for base camps for groups kayaking, Arctic camp.

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves using liquid fuel that are plagued by fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping over the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air, which puts out flames and depressurizes bottle.

This seems like a fairly clever solution to a long-standing problem and it definitely does the trick. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.

This is a great all-round backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK especially for long-distance trips where a wide choice of fuels is 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

Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. The Hydra is not as popular with UK backpackers, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. But this doesn't mean that it's less effective.

It's a small multi fuel stove and light stove, burning all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane, using a single nozzle. It's a standard stove that has an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body that is anchored by three fold-out support legs. A pump sits on top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above the inlet. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This makes it less susceptible to wind.

It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is easy to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all fuel types at a decent level but is slower than other stoves when you use white gas.

One thing to be aware of concerning the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by a native speaker of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids that if used in a manner that is not what is intended could result in an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. That said that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a reputable manufacturer will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those who are looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook using a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, Cheap multi Fuel stoves 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 also has a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when you are priming. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel, which use a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole must be smaller than when using gas. This isn't a major issue however it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable best multi fuel stoves fuel stoves. It is also very easy 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 the distribution of heat. It's ideal for novices or budget-minded backpackers.

It takes a bit of time to install, prime, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is strong and can cook a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is that it doesn't simmer as well as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design as the whistler, however it is more compact and provides better performance. However it's not as affordable as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that offers the same setup at half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same fundamental design is used in both, but the Universal version can be operated with fuel from canisters in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic, no-frills Coleman stove that does the job. It's strong compact and self-contained, with the tank at the bottom and burner up the top. This makes it easy to use and a great option for those who are new to backpacking, who want to reduce weight and for those of us who prefer to have one or two spares in the van.

It is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) The stove can be used with unleaded gasoline as well. A gallon of gasoline will last as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel with this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prepare them to get a nice blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel could pool, spray outside the burner, or sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to learn how to do it.

The stove will lose some of its performance and Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves efficiency if you use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Be sure to buy gasoline that isn't leaded and not augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the performance of the vehicle to decrease and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi-fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's built for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one stove that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs, and gels with only one nozzle. It's a light and minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost with fuel being cheaper per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves feature a separate nozzle per fuel type. It isn't easy to switch between fuels during bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have found a way to use the same nozzle to ignite different fuels, making it easier. These stoves can be called hybrids or multifuel compressed fuel stoves. They can also be referred to by other names such as white gas, isobutane kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels apart from diesel and, with the right accessories, they can even simmer.