Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood and hexamine tablets as well as gas canisters, and white fuel via a single nozzle. They're popular in colder temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have simmer control.

Some multi-fuel stoves can burn various types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a stable and solid stove. This makes it a great stove for base camps for groups as well as kayaking and the Arctic camp.

In contrast to other stoves with liquid fuel that suffer from a problem where unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by flipping the bottle over. This removes intake hoses from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottles.

This is an ingenious solution to an age-old problem, and it certainly is effective. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for spares, tools along with lubricant and fuel pump.

This is a great backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. Its cost is affordable when compared with canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Moreover the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea cast iron multi fuel stove Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. Fewer UK backpackers pay the stove a lot of attention, possibly having been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight offering out of China or Korea is, but that doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its merits.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas using one nozzle. It's a typical stove design, with an ignition bell that is bolted onto an aluminum body that is anchored by three fold out support legs. A pump is located on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above that. The burner itself is a low velocity flame, which helps it to be less impacted by winds.

It is a very versatile little cooker since it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane canisters. It is easy to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all fuel types at a reasonable level, however it is slower than some other stoves when using white gas.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions warn against using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If they are mistaken this could cause an accident and land Kovea in legal trouble. But, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a reputable manufacturer is likely to work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice to those looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook with 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 can also be used to adjust the flame size which is a great feature. The stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to keep it working correctly. It is a risk because it gets flaming when you are priming. This is a problem that is common to all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.

It is also important to note that every fuel type requires the use of a different jet. If you cook using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. This is a minor nuisance however it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It can be used with either liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for each. The new design is 10% lighter than its predecessor and the burner has been revamped to ensure better heat distribution. It's great for beginners or backpackers who are budget-conscious.

It takes some time to set up, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not let you down. The flame is extremely powerful when it is turned to its maximum and can easily boil one liter of water within two minutes or less. The only issue is that it doesn't simmer like other stoves.

This is why MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is an efficient simmering burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and offers superior performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering a similar setup for half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions have the same basic design however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a no frills model that is rough and ready that gets the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for backpackers, beginners looking to save weight and for those of us who keep a few spares in the van.

Designed to burn Coleman's own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) The stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. This option will save you money since a gallon of gasoline can last longer than the regular Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve, as you'll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you can get a nice blue flame. If you don't do it right the fuel could pool, spray beyond the burner, or even splash out. To master this, practice outside before you go on your excursion.

The stove will lose some of its performance and effectiveness if you use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). This is because these types of fuel will cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi-fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's built for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a light, minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other double sided multifuel stove stoves use an individual nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in the rain or without gloves and can add to their overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have discovered an option to use the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much simpler. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed multifuel stoves'. there are a variety of names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.

A multifuel stove kit can be bought to convert your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought 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.