Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple, lightweight stoves can use hexamine, wood, white fuel, and gas canisters through one nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, however they are noisy and lack the ability to control the simmer.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids that can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a cast iron multi fuel stoves uk-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, self-purging aluminum pump and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a sturdy, rock-solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for base camps for groups, kayaking, and Arctic camp.

The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that have a problem with unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be solved by flipping over the bottle. This removes intake hoses from the fuel and causes them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottle.

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

This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a variety of fuels is required. The price is very affordable when compared with other canister stoves that have 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 been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less effective.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas with only one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with the burner mounted to a body which anchors three fold-out support legs. The pump is located on top of the fuel line, and the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated just above. The burner itself is a low velocity flame, which helps it to be less affected by winds.

A nice feature is that it can be used with a canister of propane or isobutane, making it a multi-functional small multi fuel stove cooker. It is simple to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However when using white gas, the stove can be a little slower.

One thing to be aware of with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what is intended could result in an accident that could land Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. But, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister from a reputable brand is likely to work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

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

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating correctly. It can be dangerous because it gets flaming when you are priming. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel that use a second spindle on the stove's side instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to remember that each fuel type needs a different jet. If you are cooking with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor issue however it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to fix on the field. It can be run on canister liquid gas or fuel and includes attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner system was revamped to improve heat distribution. It's great for beginners or backpackers with a budget.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to set up, prime and boil water, but it is a reliable stove that will never fail you. The flame is powerful and can cook a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as effective to simmer as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design like the whistler, but it is more compact and has better performance. It's not as affordable as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative that offers the same setup at less than half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same basic design is used for both, however the Universal version can also be used with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves this is a no frills unpretentious unit that just gets the job done. It's compact, 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 beginners, backpackers looking to save weight and those who have spares in the van.

Designed to burn Coleman's own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) The stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline as well. This option will save you money since a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

It takes some practice to achieve a perfect blue flame on a stove with liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do so. If you don't do it correctly the fuel may get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to learn how to do it.

The stove may lose some of its performance and effectiveness if you use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Make sure to purchase gasoline that isn't leaded and not that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel can cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove defra approved Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed to withstand harsh conditions 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 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 have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to switch between fuels in bad weather or with gloves, and could increase their weight overall. The latest models of multifuel stoves have found an option to use the same nozzle to ignite various fuels, which makes it more convenient. The newer models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are many names for them such as isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.

A multifuel stove kit is available to convert your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They are perfect for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, except diesel and, with the right accessories they can even simmer.