9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple stoves are lightweight and can use hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters with a single nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, but they can be noisy and do not have the ability to control the simmer.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple kinds 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 has a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges and 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 base camps for groups as well as kayaking and Arctic camp.

Unlike many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem in which unburned fuel is left 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, and forces it to suck air which smothers the flame and depressurizes the bottle.

This is a clever solution for an age-old issue and it's effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for tools, spares as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially suitable for trips where a variety of fuels are required. The price is affordable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. Additionally, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. Fewer UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention, possibly having been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the latest lightweight offering out of China or Korea is but this doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its advantages.

It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas, and white gas through only one nozzle. It's a typical stove design, with a burner bell bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is located on top of the fuel line, the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type which helps it to be less impacted by wind.

It is a very versatile little cooker since it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It's simple to simmer on propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel at a decent level but is slower than other stoves when using white gas.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native users of the language. The instructions warn against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly this could cause an accident and land Kovea into legal trouble. However that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a trusted brand will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are seeking a multifuel cooker that can cook with a variety fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline or fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for every fuel type and also alter the size of the flame. This stove also has a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to ensure it is operating correctly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when priming. This is a problem that is common to all liquid fuel stoves that utilize a secondary spindle at the stove's end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to remember that each fuel type requires an individual jet. If you are cooking with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This isn't a major issue but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, cheap multi fuel stoves lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can be used with canister or liquid fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor, and the burner system was redesigned to improve heat distribution. It's perfect for beginners or budget-minded backpackers.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to set up, prime and boil water, but it is a reliable stove that won't disappoint you. The flame is strong and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as efficient for simmering as some other stoves.

This is why MSR has created the Dragonfly stove to be an efficient simmering burner. It's similar to the whistler, but is more compact and offers more performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing the same setup at half the price. 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

It's a simple low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. It's sturdy and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank at the bottom and burner up the top. This makes it easy to use and a great option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those of us 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") but can be used with non-leaded gas too. A gallon of gasoline can last as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve since you'll need to pressurize and prime them before you get a nice blue flame. If you get it wrong the fuel could pool, spray beyond the burner, or sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your trip to get the hang of it.

The stove will sacrifice some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels, but it's a trade-off for the added flexibility it offers. Be sure to buy unleaded gas and not something that's enriched with alcohol or methanol. That's because these types of fuels can 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 for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use different nozzles for every type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels during bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest type utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it easier. The newer versions of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid', or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and 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 transform your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. They are a good option for Trangia enthusiasts and are capable of burning all liquid fuels, with the exception of diesel. If equipped with the right accessories can even cook.