Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel through one nozzle. They are popular in cold weather, but they can be noisy and lack simmer control.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane canisters of fuel.

Optimus Nova

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

Unlike 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, Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by simply flipping the container over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, forcing it to draw in air, which smothers the flame and reduces the pressure in the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to an old problem and it's a good one. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle with an o-ring seal. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is especially suitable for trips where many fuel types are required. The cost is quite affordable compared to other stoves in the canister category 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 has been a favorite among backpackers. A few UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the latest lightweight stove from China or Korea is but this doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its advantages.

It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels like propane butane, white gas and white gas using one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design with a burner bell bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three fold out support legs. The pump is situated on top of the fuel line, the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type which makes it a little less impacted by wind.

One of the best multi fuel stoves features is that it can also be utilized with a canister of propane or isobutane making it a multi-functional small cooker. It is simple to simmer with isobutane and propane, and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However, when using white gas the stove runs a bit slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions warn against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly, it can cause an accident and put Kovea into legal trouble. But that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a trusted brand should work just fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent option for those looking for a multifuel cooker that can 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 can also be used to adjust the flame size which is a wonderful feature. This stove comes with a fuel pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank in a snap.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently. In particular, it has a tendency to flare when priming which can be a bit risky. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a second spindle on the stove end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you're cooking using kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's a minor issue but it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be used with either canister or liquid fuel and comes with attachments for each. The new design is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. It's ideal for novices or budget-minded backpackers.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to set up and prime, then boil water, but it is a reliable stove that won't let you down. The flame is powerful when it is turned to the max and will easily boil a liter of water within two minutes or less. The only drawback is that it doesn't cook as well as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but is smaller and has better performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative that offers the same setup at less than half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same fundamental design is used for both, however the Universal version can also be operated with fuel from canisters as well.

Coleman Sportster II

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

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha, also known as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas too. A gallon of gasoline will last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative.

It requires some practice to create a solid blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do this. If you get it wrong, your fuel may spill out, splash beyond the burner, or even explode. Do some practice outside before going on your trip to master it.

This stove sacrifices some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels, but it's a trade-off for the added versatility it offers. Make sure you purchase unleaded gas, and not one that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. This is because these types of fuel can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and may even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove made for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable all in one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and gels with only one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter compared to gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels during bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can add weight to the overall load. The newer types of multifuel stoves have discovered an option to use the same nozzle to ignite multiple fuels which is much simpler. The newer versions of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are many names for them, including isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car gasoline/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.