Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters through only one nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, however 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 canisters of fuel.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on rocky ground. This makes it a perfect stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic.
Contrary to many other stoves that use liquid fuel, which 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 operates by simply flipping the container over. The intake hoses are then removed from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air, which puts out flames and depressurizes bottle.
This seems like a fairly ingenious solution to an age-old problem, and it certainly does the trick. The Nova can also be used with a range of standard fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with an oven bag that has pockets for tools, spares, lubricant, and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for long-distance trips where a variety of fuels is essential. Its price is also very reasonable when compared to 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 cult favorite among backpackers. Fewer UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention, possibly having fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the latest lightweight stove from China or Korea is but this doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its advantages.
It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels like white gas, propane butane, and white gas through one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design with an ignition bell that is bolted onto an aluminum body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. A pump sits on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above the inlet. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not affected by the wind.
It is a very versatile little cooker since it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane. It's easy to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all fuel types with a decent amount of heat, but is a bit slower than other stoves that use white gas.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were not written by native users of the language. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If Read More In this article are mistaken this could cause an accident and land Kovea in legal trouble. However that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a reputable manufacturer is likely to work perfectly.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to alter the size of the flame. This stove has an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and is connected to the tank quickly.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance in order to ensure it is operating properly. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare during priming, which can be dangerous. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel, which use a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.
It is also important to know that each fuel type requires an individual jet. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking with gas. This is a minor issue but it's still worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to fix on the field. It is able to be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for each. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor and the burner system was redesigned to improve heat distribution. It's great for beginners or backpackers who are budget-conscious.
The whistler Lite takes a little time to set up to prime and boil water, but it is an efficient stove that will not fail you. The flame is powerful and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only downside is that it's not as good for simmering as some other stoves.
This is why MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, however it is smaller and provides superior performance. 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 containers as well. The same basic design is used in both, however the Universal version can also be used with canister fuel as well.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves this is a basic model that is rough and ready that just gets the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it simple to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers who want to save on weight, and for those who like to keep an extra or two in the van.
It is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas), this stove can be used with unleaded gasoline as well. A gallon of gasoline will last as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel with this option.
Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prepare them to create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don't do it right the fuel could pool, spray beyond the burner or explode. To master this try it out in the open before you go on your excursion.
The stove will sacrifice some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels, but that's a trade off for the extra versatility it offers. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline, and not one enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). That's because these types of fuels can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove built for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through only 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.
Some multifuel stoves also have different nozzles for each kind of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in bad weather or with gloves and can add to their weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have come up with an option to make use of the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much more convenient. The latest models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid', or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are a variety of names for them, including isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.
Another option is to buy an multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. They are perfect for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels aside from diesel and with the appropriate accessories, they can even simmer.