Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood as well as hexamine tablets, gas canisters, and white fuel through one nozzle. These stoves are popular in cold weather, but they can be noisy and lack simmer control.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, able to burn multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for 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 large spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it a perfect stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic.
Unlike many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of 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. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, and forces it to draw air into the stove, which smothers the flame and depressurizes the bottle.
This is a clever solution to a long-standing problem and it's a good one. The Nova can be used with a range of standard fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools along with lubricant and fuel pump.
This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a wide choice of fuels is essential. The cost is quite reasonable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. Additionally, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as popular among UK backpackers, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less useful.
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 typical stove with a burner attached to a body, which is secured by three fold-out support legs. cheap multi fuel stoves is located on top of the fuel line, the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This means that it is not affected by wind.
It is a nice feature that it can also be utilized with a canister of propane or isobutane, making it a versatile small cooker. It is easy to simmer with isobutane and propane and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However, when using white gas the stove is a little slower.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were not written by native English speakers. The instructions warn you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake, it can cause an accident, and possibly put Kovea into legal trouble. That said that, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a reputable manufacturer should work just fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety of fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline or fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type, and you can also adjust the flame size. This stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.
The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare during priming, which could be dangerous. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's side to vaporize fuel instead of a generator coil.
It is also important to remember that every fuel type requires an individual jet. This means that if cooking using kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking with gas. This is a minor issue however it's important to mention.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest 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 model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner's system has been improved for improved heat distribution. It's ideal for novices or budget-minded backpackers.
The whistler Lite takes a little time to set up to prime and boil water, but it's a reliable stove that will never fail you. The flame is strong and can boil a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as good to simmer as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design to the whistler but is smaller and has more performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering the same setup at less than half the price. It is also possible to purchase Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters too. Both versions use the same basic design but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves this is a no frills unpretentious unit that gets the job done. It's solid and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank at the bottom and the burner on at the top. This makes it simple to operate and a great choice for those who are new to backpacking, looking to reduce weight and those who keep a few spares in the van.
The stove 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 can last for as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel with this option.
Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve since you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you get a nice blue flame. If you're not careful the fuel could pool, spray outside the burner, or sputter. To master this try it out in the open before your trip.
This stove sacrifices some performance or odor reduction with non-coleman fuels however that's a trade off for the additional flexibility it provides. Make sure you purchase unleaded gas, and not one that is augmented with alcohol or Methanol. This is because these types of fuel can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed for harsh environments like Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all in one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through one nozzle. It's an ultralight minimalist design that is priced less than the majority of multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves come with a distinct nozzle per fuel type. This makes them difficult to change in the rain or without gloves, and adds to their weight overall. The newest models of multifuel stoves have discovered an option to make use of the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much more convenient. They can be described as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also referred to under other names like white gas, isobutane kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car fuel.
Another option is to purchase a multifuel stove which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are available internationally. They are a good option 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.