Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can use hexamine, wood 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 burn different kinds 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 to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it a perfect stove for group base camps as well as kayaking and Arctic camp.

The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves which have issues with unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be solved by simply 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 is an ingenious solution to an old problem and it's effective. The Nova can be used with a range of standard fuel bottles that seal using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for tools, spare parts, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent all round backpacking stove for use in the UK especially for long-distance trips where a variety of fuels is necessary. The price is affordable compared to other canister stoves with 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 ebay Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. Fewer UK backpackers seem to give the stove much attention these days perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight product from China or Korea is, but it doesn't mean the Hydra does not have its merits.

It's a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas and propane butane with only one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body which anchors three support legs that fold out. The pump is just above the fuel line, and the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type which helps it to be less affected by winds.

One of the best features is that it can also be used with a container of isobutane or propane, making it a versatile small cooker. It is easy to simmer using isobutane and propane and burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However, when using white gas the stove can be a little slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native English speakers. The instructions warn you against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If they are mistaken, it can cause an accident and put Kovea in legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cookware that cooks with a variety fuels. It can be used with gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and also alter the size of the flame. This stove also comes with 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 needs maintenance to keep it operating correctly. In particular, it has a tendency to flare when priming which can be risky. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel which use a second spindle throttle at the stove's side to evaporate fuel instead of an engine 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 using gas. It's a minor issue however it's something to be aware of.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister or liquid fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner system has been redesigned for improved 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 is an efficient stove that will not fail you. The flame is extremely strong when turned to the max and can boil the water to a liter within two minutes or less. The only downside is that it's not as efficient for simmering as other stoves.

This is why MSR has designed the Dragonfly stove to be a more capable simmering burner. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, however it is smaller and has better performance. However it's not as affordable as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that provides a similar setup at half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves Universal for isobutane canisters as well. The same basic design is used in both but the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

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

It is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) This stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline as well. This option will save you money as a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

It takes some practice to get a good blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can do this. If you don't do it right your fuel may be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner, or explode. To master this try it out in the open before embarking on your trip.

The stove will suffer some of its performance and efficiency if you use non-Coleman fuels. However, this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Make sure you purchase unleaded gas, and not one that is augmented with alcohol or methanol. That's because these types of fuel can cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove built for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter when compared to gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves come with a distinct nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch fuels in bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have discovered an option to use the same nozzle to ignite multiple fuels which is much easier. The newer versions 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 petrol/gasoline.

Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when fitted with the right equipment can even simmer.