Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood and hexamine tablets as well as gas canisters, and white fuel through a single nozzle. They're popular in cold temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have a simmer control.

Some 4kw multi fuel stove-fuel stoves burn different types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, can burn both white and isobutane canisters of fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-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 center of gravity and wide legs make it a sturdy and solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for group base camps as well as kayaking and the Arctic camp.

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 solved by simply flipping over the bottle. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw in air, which smothers the flame and reduces the pressure in the bottle.

This is a pretty ingenious solution for an age-old issue and it's effective. The Nova can be used with a range of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.

This is a great backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is particularly useful for expeditions, where many fuel types are required. Its price is also very affordable when compared with canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Moreover the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra inset multi fuel stove fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers ever since. The Hydra isn't as well-known among UK backpackers Perhaps because they've caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less effective.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas with a single nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design with an ignition bell that is bolted onto the body, which is then anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is situated just above the fuel line, while the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above. The burner itself is a low velocity flame which allows it to be less affected by wind.

It is a very versatile little cooker since it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane canisters. 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 runs a bit slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake, it can cause an accident and put Kovea in legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using a variety of fuels. It can be used with gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene, 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. The stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to keep it operating properly. In particular it is prone to flare when priming which could be dangerous. This is a common issue with all liquid fuel stoves which use a second spindle throttle on the stove end to evaporate fuel instead of the generator coil.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. It's not a major issue but it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, slimmest and most affordable multi fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It can be run on 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 has been redesigned to improve heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers with a limited budget or those who are just beginning.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare, prime and boil water, but it is an efficient stove that will not let you down. The flame is powerful and can easily boil one Liter of water in just two minutes. The only downside is that it's not as good to simmer as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's similar to the whistler but is more compact and offers more performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that gives you the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. Both versions share the same design and style, but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

This is a basic low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. It's sturdy compact and self-contained, with the tank on the bottom and the burner up top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for those who are new to backpacking, who are looking to cut down on weight and for those of us who like to keep an extra or two in the van.

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

It takes a bit of practice to create a solid blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can do this. If you don't do it right the fuel could be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner, or explode. Try it out in the open before taking it on your next trip to learn how to do it.

The stove will lose some performance and odor of the flame efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off for its versatility. Be sure to buy unleaded gas and not something that is augmented 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 designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and also gels using one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter when compared to gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves come with a distinct nozzle per fuel type. It isn't easy to switch between fuels in cold weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also add to the overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have come up with a way to make use of the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much more convenient. The newer versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are a variety of names for them such as isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to purchase a multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are typically sold at specialist camping stores and are available internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel, and with the right accessories, they can also simmer.