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Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves These basic stoves that are lightweight can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, as well as gas canisters using a single nozzle. They’re popular in colder weather but they’re loud and don’t have a simmer control.

Some multi-fuel stoves can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane canister fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, self-purging aluminium pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a sturdy stove that is rock-solid. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and arctic camping.

Unlike many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the bottle over. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, causing it to draw air into the stove, that extinguishes the flame. It also depressurizes 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 are sealed using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for tools, spares along with lubricant and fuel pump.

This is an excellent stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. Its price is also very affordable when compared to canister stoves of similar capability. Moreover, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a favourite choice for many backpackers since. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers Perhaps because they’ve caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. But this doesn’t mean that it’s less useful.

It’s a small and light stove, that can burn all liquid fuels including white gas and propane butane with a single nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove design, with the burner bell that is bolted to the body, which is then anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is just above the fuel line, the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This makes it less susceptible to wind.

One of the best 5kw multi fuel stove features is that it can also be utilized with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a versatile little cooker. It’s easy to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all types of fuel with a decent amount of heat, but is a little slower than some other stoves that use white gas.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were not written by native speakers of the language. The instructions warn you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake this could cause an accident and put Kovea in legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas container from a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option to those looking for a multifuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can run on gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and also allows to adjust the flame size which is a great feature. This stove also comes with a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance to ensure that it functions properly. Particularly it has a tendency to flare when priming which can be dangerous. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle throttle at the stove’s end to evaporate fuel instead of the generator coil.

It is also important to remember that each fuel type requires the use of a different jet. If you are cooking using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor nuisance but it’s worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It is able to be used with liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to improve heat distribution. It’s ideal for novices or backpackers with a budget.

It takes some 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 easily boil one liter of water within two minutes. The only downside is that it’s not as effective for simmering as some other stoves.

This is the reason MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It has a similar design as the whistler, however it is more compact and offers better performance. However, it’s not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same set-up for half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions share the same basic design however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

It’s a simple, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. It’s small, self-contained and solid with the tank on the bottom and the burner on 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 of us who keep a few spares in the van.

Designed to burn Coleman’s own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) The stove can be used with unleaded gasoline, as well. A gallon of gasoline will last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you’ll save money on fuel using this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve, as you’ll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame. If you get it wrong your fuel may pool, spray beyond the burner or sputter. Try it out in the open before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.

The stove will sacrifice some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels but that’s a trade off for the additional flexibility it provides. Make sure to purchase unleaded gasoline, and not one that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the unit’s performance to degrade and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It’s a compact and robust stove that burns solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with a single nozzle. It is a minimalist, ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves come with a distinct nozzle per fuel type. It isn’t easy to switch fuels in bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can add to the overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have discovered an option to use the same nozzle for different fuels, making it more convenient. The newer versions of these stoves are known as ‘hybrid’ or “compressed multifuel stoves’. there are a variety of names for them such as isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

A multifuel stove kit can be purchased to convert your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. These are often available from specialised camping stores and are available internationally. They are perfect for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels apart from diesel and, with the right accessories, they can even simmer.