Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can burn wood, hexamine 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 can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel containers.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with various 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 broad legs make it a sturdy and solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking, and Arctic camping.

In contrast to other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem of unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the container over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, causing it to draw in air, that extinguishes the flame. It also reduces the pressure in the bottle.

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. This includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag with separate pockets for tools, spare parts as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a great stove for backpacking that can be used in the UK. It is especially ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. The price is affordable when compared with other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a favourite choice for backpackers ever since. A few UK backpackers pay the stove a lot of attention maybe because they've gotten caught up with better known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight product from China or Korea is, but it doesn't mean the Hydra isn't still a great stove with its merits.

It's a compact and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane through only one nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove design, with a burner bell bolted to a body that anchors three support legs that fold out. The pump is located above the fuel line, while the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated just above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type, which helps it to be less impacted by winds.

It is a nice feature that it can be utilized with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a inset multi fuel stove-functional little cooker. It's simple to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all types of fuel with a decent amount of heat, but is a little slower than some other stoves when using white gas.

One thing to keep in mind with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by a native speaker of the language. The instructions warn against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly this could cause an accident, and possibly put Kovea in legal trouble. However that, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a reputable manufacturer is likely to work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great option for those looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks using a variety of fuels. It can be used with gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to alter the size of the flame. This stove also comes with an fuel line that is flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently. It could be dangerous as it flares up when you are priming. This is a common issue with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle at the stove's end to evaporate fuel instead of a generator coil.

It is also important to note that every fuel type requires a different jet. This means that if cooking using kerosene, the jet hole must be smaller than when cooking on gas. It's a minor issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be used with canister or liquid fuel and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor and the burner mechanism was redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a tight budget or for beginners.

It takes some time to set up, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is very powerful when it is turned to the max and will easily boil the water to a liter in two minutes or less. The only downside is that it doesn't cook like other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and offers better performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that gives you the same setup at half the price. You can also get a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. Both versions have the same basic design, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that does its job. It's sturdy compact and self-contained, with the tank on the bottom and the burner up top. This makes it easy to use and an excellent option for those who are new to backpacking, who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those who want to keep one or two spares in the van.

It is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) This stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline as well. This can save you money since one gallon of gasoline could last longer than the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve since you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame going. If you're not careful, fuel can get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or even sputter. To master this try it out in the open before your trip.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off in exchange for the additional flexibility it offers. Be sure to buy gas that is not leaded and not that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. This is because these kinds of fuels can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and Cheap multi fuel stoves even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko 5kw multi fuel stove Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with a single nozzle. It's a lightweight minimalist design that is priced less than most other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have a separate nozzle for each kind of fuel. It can be difficult to switch fuels in bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest type have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, making it easier. The newer versions of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them such as isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.

Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. They are usually sold at specialist camping stores and are also available for purchase internationally. They are a good option for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels, with the exception of diesel. If fitted with the right equipment can even simmer.