Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple and light-weight stoves use wood as well as hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters via only one nozzle. They're popular in colder weather but they're loud and don't have simmer control.

Some multi fuel burning stove-fuel stoves burn various types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.

Optimus Nova

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

In contrast to other liquid fuel stoves which suffer from a problem where unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by simply flipping the container over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and causes them to take in air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottles.

This is an ingenious solution to an old problem, and it works. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes 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 a great stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, where many fuel types are required. The price is affordable when compared with canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Moreover the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra 12kw multi fuel stove fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a popular choice for many backpackers since. The Hydra isn't as popular with UK backpackers any more possibly because they've caught up to better-known brands or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.

It's a relatively compact and light stove, burning all liquid fuels including white gas and propane butane through one nozzle. It's a typical stove with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body, which is secured by three support legs that fold out. The pump is situated above the fuel line, and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above. The burner itself is a low velocity flame that allows it to be less affected by winds.

A nice feature is that it can be used with a container of isobutane or propane, making it a versatile little cooker. It is simple to simmer with isobutane and propane and burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However when using white gas the stove is a little slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what was intended, could cause an accident that could land Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. However that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a trusted brand will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great option for those looking for a multifuel cooker that can cook using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline or fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for every fuel type, and you can also alter the size of the flame. This stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank quickly.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it requires maintenance in order to ensure that it functions properly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when you are priming. This is a problem that is common to all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle at the stove's end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. If you are cooking with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. This is a minor nuisance but it's still worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable cast iron multi fuel stove-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It is able to run on canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% over its predecessor, and the burner system was redesigned to improve heat distribution. This is a great choice for backpackers on a budget or for beginners.

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

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, however it is more compact and offers better performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering a similar setup for less than half the cost. You can also get a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters too. The same basic design is used for both, however the Universal version can be run with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves this is a no frills model that is rough and ready that gets the job done. It's compact, self-contained and solid, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it simple to use and an excellent option for those who are new to backpacking, who want to save on weight and for those of us who want to keep a backup or two 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 as well. A gallon of gasoline will last for as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve, as you'll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don't do it correctly, fuel can pool, spray outside the burner, or even sputter. To get the hang of this, practice outside before your trip.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor efficiency with non-coleman fuels however this is a trade-off in exchange for the additional flexibility it provides. Make sure to purchase unleaded gas, and not one that's enriched with alcohol or Methanol. This is because these kinds of fuels can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove defra approved Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact and reliable system that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol with a single nozzle. It's a light 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.

Other multifuel stoves use different nozzles for each kind of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels during bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have come up with a way to use the same nozzle to ignite multiple fuels which is much easier. The newer models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them, including isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

A multifuel stove kit can be bought to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are available internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel and with the appropriate accessories, they can also simmer.