Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

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

Some multi-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 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 spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it an ideal stove for group base camps kayaking, Arctic camp.

Contrary to many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem in which unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the container over. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, forcing it to draw air into the stove, that extinguishes the flame. It also depressurizes the bottle.

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 comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent all-round backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK especially for long-distance trips in which a variety of fuels is necessary. The price is reasonable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra 7kw multi fuel stove fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers since. Fewer UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention maybe because they've gotten fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the most recent lightweight product 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 burns all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas with one nozzle. It's a standard stove that has the burner mounted to a body, which is secured by three fold-out support legs. A pump sits on top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means it is less affected by the wind.

A nice feature is that it can be used with a canister of propane or isobutane, which makes it a versatile small cooker. It is easy to simmer using 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.

One important thing to remember when using the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain types of lighter fluids that, if misinterpreted as what is intended could cause an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and is also able to adjust the flame size which is a wonderful feature. This stove also comes with a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It could be dangerous as it explodes when you are priming. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's side to vaporize fuel, instead of the generator coil.

It is also important to note that each fuel type needs a different jet. This means that if you're cooking using kerosene, the jet hole must be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's not a major issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel Wood heater stoves. It is also easy to repair on the field. It can be used with either liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner's system has been improved for improved heat distribution. It's perfect for beginners or backpackers with a budget.

It takes a bit of time to install, prime, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is strong and can cook a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as effective for simmering as some other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, but it is smaller and offers superior performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing a similar setup for less than half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same fundamental design is used in both but the Universal version can also be used with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a simple, no-frills Coleman stove that does the job. It's small, self-contained and solid, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to use and a great choice for beginners, backpackers who want to save on weight and for those who like to keep a backup or two in the van.

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

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve since you'll need to pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel may be sprayed onto the burner, or even sputter. Try it out in the open before taking it on your trip to learn how to do it.

The stove will suffer some performance and odor of the flame efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Make sure to purchase unleaded gas, and not one that's enriched with alcohol or Methanol. That's because these types of fuel can cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel boiler 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 reliable all in one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through only one nozzle. It's a light and minimalist design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low cost of ownership with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each kind of fuel. This makes them a little fiddly to change over in the rain or without gloves, and adds to their weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest model use a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it simpler. These stoves are called hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also known under other names like white gas, isobutane kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

A multifuel stove kit is available to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. These are often available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are available internationally. They are perfect for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, 3kw multi fuel stove apart from diesel, and with the right accessories, they can also simmer.