Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

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

Some multi fuel boiler stove-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple 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 stoves uk-fuel stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on rocky ground. This makes it a perfect stove for base camps for groups as well as kayaking and the Arctic camp.

Unlike many other liquid fuel stoves which suffer from a problem where 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 bottle over. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, causing it to suck air which smothers the flame and reduces the pressure in the bottle.

This seems like an innovative solution to an old problem and it certainly does the trick. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for spare parts, tools, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a great all round backpacking stove for use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a variety of fuels is essential. Its cost is reasonable when compared to canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra 8kw multi fuel stove fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a popular choice for many backpackers ever since. A few UK backpackers pay the stove a lot of attention maybe because they've gotten caught up with better known brands or whatever the latest lightweight stove from China or Korea is, but that doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its merits.

It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas, propane butane and white gas with only one nozzle. It's a standard stove that has an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body that is anchored by three fold-out support legs. The pump is situated on top of the fuel line, the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated just above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not susceptible to wind.

It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane. It is easy to simmer with isobutane and propane, and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However, when using white gas the stove is a little slower.

One thing to be aware of with 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 types of lighter fluid that, if misinterpreted as what is actually intended can lead to an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. However, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a trusted brand will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an ideal choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gasoline or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and also alter the size of the flame. The stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank in a snap.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it requires maintenance in order to ensure that it functions properly. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare when priming which can be a bit dangerous. This issue occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel that use a second spindle on the stove's side instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.

It is also important to remember that every fuel type requires the use of a different jet. This means that if you're cooking on kerosene the jet hole needs to be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's a minor issue however it's something to be aware of.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It is able to run on canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new design is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to ensure better heat distribution. It's ideal for novices or backpackers with a budget.

It takes a bit of time to prepare, set up and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is extremely powerful and can cook a liter of water within two minutes. The only issue is that it doesn't cook like other stoves.

This is why MSR has designed the Dragonfly stove, which is a more capable simmering burner. It's designed in the same way like the whistler, but it is smaller and offers better performance. It's not as affordable as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that provides a similar setup at half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same 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 one is a no frills unpretentious unit that gets the job done. It's strong, compact and self-contained with the tank on the bottom and burner up at the top. This makes it easy to use and is a great option for backpackers, beginners who want to cut weight, and for those of us who have spares in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha which is also referred to as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas too. A gallon of gasoline can last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel by using this option.

It requires some practice to get a good blue flame on a stove with liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can do this. If you do it wrong, fuel can get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or even sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to get the hang of it.

This stove does give up some performance or flame odor effectiveness with non-coleman fuels however it's a trade-off for the added versatility it offers. Make sure to purchase unleaded gasoline, and not one enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). That's because these types of fuel will cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stoves ebay Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact and reliable all in one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs, and also gels using one nozzle. It's a lightweight and minimalist design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves feature a separate nozzle per fuel type. It can be difficult to switch fuels in bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. The latest 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 models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and 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 buy an multifuel stove kit that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. They are usually available from specialised camping stores and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels, with the exception of diesel. If used with the correct accessories can even cook.