Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple stoves that are lightweight can use hexamine, wood white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters through one nozzle. These stoves are popular in cold weather, but they are noisy and lack simmer control.

Some 12kw multi fuel stove-fuel stoves are hybrids, able to burn multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane canisters for fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a cast iron multi fuel stove-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, a self-purging aluminium pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low centre of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it a great stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and arctic camping.

The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that have a problem with unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be resolved by simply flipping over the bottle. This removes intake hoses from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to an old problem and it's a good one. The Nova can also be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that are sealed with an o-ring, including 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 backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, cheap multi fuel stoves where various fuels are required. The price is affordable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers anymore possibly because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, that doesn't make it any less effective.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that burns all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas with a single nozzle. It's a typical stove, with the burner mounted to a body that is anchored by three fold-out support legs. The pump is located just above the fuel line, and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This makes it less susceptible to wind.

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

One thing to be aware of when using the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by someone who speaks the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what was intended, could cause 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 work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an ideal choice for those who are seeking a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and is also able to alter the size of the flame, which is a nice feature. This stove has an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank easily.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance to keep it working correctly. It is a risk because it flares up when priming. This is a problem that is common to all liquid fuel stoves, which use a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to note that each fuel type needs the use of a different jet. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. It's a minor issue however it's something to be aware of.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It is able to run on canister liquid gas or fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor and the burner mechanism was redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a budget or for beginners.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to prepare to prime and boil water, but it's a reliable stove that will never disappoint you. The flame is very powerful when cranked to the max and can boil one liter of water in less than two minutes. The only drawback is that it's not as effective for simmering as some other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, but it is smaller and has better performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering the same setup at less than half the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same fundamental design is used in both but the Universal version can be used with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this is a simple, rough and ready unit that just gets the job done. It's strong, compact and self-contained with the tank on the bottom and the burner up the top. This makes it easy to use and is a great option for backpackers, beginners looking to save weight and for those of us who have spares 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 unleaded gas as well. A gallon of gasoline can last for as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel with this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve as you'll need to properly pressurize and prepare them to create a beautiful blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel could spill out, splash beyond the burner or splash out. To master this, practice outside before your excursion.

This stove sacrifices some performance or odor reduction with non-coleman fuels however that's a trade off for the additional versatility it offers. Make sure to purchase gas that is not leaded and not that's enriched with alcohol or methanol. This is because these types of fuel will cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's an efficient and compact all-in-one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs and also gels through only one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have different nozzles for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather or using gloves, and adds to their overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have found an option to use the same nozzle to ignite different fuels, making it easier. The latest models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are many names for them such as isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. 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, apart from diesel, and with the right accessories, they can also simmer.