Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters with only one nozzle. They're popular in colder weather but they're loud and don't have simmer control.

Some multi fuel wood stove-fuel stoves are hybrids able to burn multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel containers.

Optimus Nova

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

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel that are plagued by fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by simply flipping over the bottle. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, forcing it to draw in air, which extinguishes the flame and depressurizes the bottle.

This is a clever solution to a long-standing problem, and it works. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially ideal for trips, where various fuels are required. Its price is also very affordable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra 12kw multi fuel stove fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers since. The Hydra isn't as well-known among UK backpackers any more possibly because they've gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. But that doesn't make it any less effective.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that burns all liquid fuels, including propane butane, white gas and white gas with only one 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. A pump sits on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader sits above the inlet. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This makes it less affected by the wind.

A nice feature is that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a versatile little cooker. It's simple to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all types of fuel with a decent amount of heat, but is a little 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 you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly this could cause an accident and put Kovea into legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those looking for a multifuel 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 every fuel type and allows you to adjust the flame size. The stove also has a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. In particular it is prone to flare during priming, which can be risky. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel, which use a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you are cooking using kerosene, then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. This is a minor issue but it's still worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to fix on the field. It can run on either canister liquid gas or fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner system was revamped to improve heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a budget or those who are just beginning.

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 let you down. The flame is extremely strong when turned to its maximum and can easily boil a liter of water within two minutes or less. The only drawback is that it's not as efficient for simmering as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, however it is more compact and provides better performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that provides a similar set-up for half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same fundamental design is used in both but the Universal version can be operated with fuel from canisters in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this is a no frills model that is rough and ready that just gets the job done. It's strong compact and self-contained, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on at the top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight and for those of us who like to keep one or two spares in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha also known as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas too. This will save you money since one gallon of gasoline could last longer than the regular Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

It takes a bit of practice to achieve a perfect blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can start. If you don't do it correctly, fuel can pool, spray outside the burner, or even sputter. Practice outside before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.

The stove will suffer some performance and flame odor efficiency if you use non-Coleman fuels. However, this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline, and not one that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko best 5kw multi fuel stove Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs, and gels with only one nozzle. It's a lightweight, minimalist design that costs less than other multifuel stoves and also offers low cost of ownership and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use an individual nozzle for each kind of fuel. This makes them a little fiddly to change over in cold weather or using gloves and can add to their weight overall. The latest models of multifuel stoves have found a way to use the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much easier. The newer versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them, including isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also 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.