Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic, lightweight stoves can use hexamine, wood white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters using a single nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, but they can be noisy and do not have simmer control.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids that can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges and precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a sturdy stove that is rock-solid. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking, and camping in the Arctic.
Unlike many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem of unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by flipping the bottle over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and forces them to absorb air, which extinguishes flames and depressurizes the bottle.
This seems like an clever solution to a long-standing problem, and it certainly is effective. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, including MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools along with lubricant and fuel pump.
This is a great all-round backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK, particularly for expeditions in which a variety of fuels is necessary. The price is affordable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. Moreover the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a popular choice for backpackers since. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers any more, perhaps because they have caught up to better-known brands or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.
It is a lightweight and compact stove that burns all liquid fuels, including propane butane, white gas and white gas using only one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with a burner attached to a body which anchors three support legs that fold out. The pump is on the top of the fuel line and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above the inlet. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This makes it less susceptible to wind.
It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is easy to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However when using white gas the stove can be a little slower.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native English speakers. 8kw multi fuel stove warn against the use of certain types of lighter fluids that, if misinterpreted as what is actually intended can lead to an accident that could land Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. But, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a trusted brand will work fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cookware that can cook with a variety fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type, and you can also alter the size of the flame. The stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank easily.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It can be dangerous because it explodes when you are priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves that utilize a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's side to vaporize fuel instead of the generator coil.
It is also important to know that every fuel type requires an individual jet. If you are cooking using kerosene, then the jet hole will be smaller than if 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 lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple 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 10% lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to improve heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.
The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to prepare to prime and boil water, but it's a reliable stove that will never fail you. The flame is extremely powerful and can easily boil one Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as efficient for simmering as some other stoves.
MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's smaller and has more performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that gives you the same set-up for half the price. You can also get a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. Both versions share the same basic design, however the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a basic model that is rough and ready that gets the job done. It's sturdy 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, who want to cut weight, and for those of us who have spares in the van.
The stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) The stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline as well. A gallon of gasoline can last for as long as a standard 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 can create a beautiful blue flame. If you're not careful the fuel may get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or even sputter. To master this try it out in the open before you go on your excursion.
The stove will sacrifice some performance or flame odor effectiveness when using non-coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off in exchange for the added flexibility it provides. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline, and not one augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). That's 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 that's been designed for harsh environments like Africa. It's an efficient and compact all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and also gels using a single nozzle. It's an ultralight, minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves and also offers low ownership cost and fuel is less expensive per liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves use different nozzles for each kind of fuel. This makes them fiddly to change over in bad weather or with gloves and can add to their weight. Multifuel stoves that are of the current type utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it much easier. The latest versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are a variety of names for them, including isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.
A multifuel stove kit can be bought to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are typically available from specialised camping stores and can be purchased internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels apart from diesel and with the appropriate accessories they can even simmer.