Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, as well as gas canisters with only one nozzle. They're popular in cold temperatures, but they're noisy 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 containers.

Optimus Nova

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

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel that are plagued by unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, and forces it to draw air into the stove, that extinguishes the flame. It also decreases the pressure of the bottle.

This is a clever solution to an old problem, and it works. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a full-featured stove bag with 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 required. The price is affordable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. Additionally the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove defra approved fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers since. Fewer UK backpackers pay it much attention nowadays maybe because they've gotten fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is but that doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels like white gas, propane butane and white gas with only 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 on top of the fuel line, the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not susceptible to wind.

One of the best features is that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a multi-functional little cooker. It is easy to simmer with isobutane and propane and it 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 users of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluid that if used in a manner that is not what is actually intended can result in an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded of a trusted brand will be fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an ideal choice for those who are seeking a multifuel cooker that cooks using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for every fuel type and also alter the size of the flame. This stove also comes with an fuel line that is flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to keep it operating properly. It can be dangerous because it flares up when priming. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel which use a second spindle throttle on the stove's end to evaporate fuel instead of the generator coil.

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

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable contemporary multi fuel stoves 5kw-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair on the field. It can be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner system was redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. It's great for beginners or backpackers who are budget-conscious.

It takes some time to install, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is very powerful when cranked to its maximum and will easily boil one liter of water in less than two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as good for simmering as some other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's a similar design to the whistler but is more compact and provides better performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that provides a similar setup at half the price. It is also possible to purchase Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. 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 and basic Coleman stove that can do the job. It's compact, self-contained and solid, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to use and a great option for those who are new to backpacking, who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those of us who want to keep an extra or two in the van.

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

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve since you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame. If you don't do it correctly the fuel may be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. To master this, practice outside before embarking on your excursion.

The stove may lose some of its performance and efficiency if you use non-Coleman fuels. However, this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Make sure to purchase unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko 4kw multi fuel stove Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and solid stove that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol using only one nozzle. It's a lightweight minimalist design that is priced less than other multifuel stoves, and also has low cost of ownership with fuel being cheaper per liter than gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for every type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have found an option to use the same nozzle to ignite various fuels, which makes it easier. They can be described as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also referred to by other names such as isobutane, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

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