9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These simple, lightweight stoves can burn hexamine, wood, white fuel, and gas canisters with a single nozzle. They're popular in colder weather but they're loud and don't have a simmer limit.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids capable of burning multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel containers.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova is a multi burner stove-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges and precise control of the simmer. Its low centre of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it an ideal stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking, and Arctic camping.
The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that have a problem with unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be solved by simply flipping over the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and causes them to absorb air which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottle.
This is an ingenious solution to an age-old problem and it certainly works. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, including MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for spare parts, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent backpacking stove that can be used in the UK. It is particularly suitable for trips where a variety of fuels are required. Its price is also very affordable when compared to canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Moreover, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea 5kw multi fuel stove Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers seem to give it much attention nowadays perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is but it doesn't mean the Hydra isn't still a great stove with its merits.
It's a relatively compact and light stove, burning all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane with a single nozzle. It's a typical stove with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body, which is secured by three fold-out support legs. The pump is situated above the fuel line, the generator cheap multi fuel stoves loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame which makes it a little less impacted by winds.
It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with either isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is simple to simmer using isobutane and propane and it burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However when using white gas, the stove is a little slower.
One thing to keep in mind when using the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by someone who speaks the language. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you don't follow the instructions correctly this could cause an accident and land Kovea in legal trouble. However, 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 option for those looking for a multifuel cookware that can cook using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type, and you can also alter the size of the flame. This stove has an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank in a snap.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it requires maintenance in order to ensure it is operating properly. In particular it is prone to flare during priming, which could be dangerous. This issue is common to all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.
It is also important to note that each fuel type needs the use of a different jet. This means that if cooking on kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when using gas. It's not a major issue, but it's worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair on the field. It can be run on canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to improve heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers with a limited budget or beginners.
It takes a bit of time to set up, prime, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is powerful and can cook a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only downside is that it does not simmer as well as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's smaller and has more performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. Both versions share the same design and style, however the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this is a no frills unpretentious unit that will get the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it simple to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers who want to save on weight and for those who want to keep an extra or two in the van.
Designed to burn Coleman's own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas), this stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. This option can save you money since gasoline tanks can last longer than the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve as you'll need to pressurize and prepare them to get a nice blue flame going. If you're not careful, fuel can pool, spray outside the burner, or sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to learn how to do it.
The stove will suffer some performance and odor of the flame efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Be sure to buy gasoline that isn't leaded and not augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). This is because these kinds of fuel can cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and may even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is an ultralight multifuel stove designed for harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and gels with a single nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter compared to gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in the rain or without gloves and can add to their weight overall. Multifuel stoves that are of the current model use a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it easier. The newer versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid', or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are various names for them like isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.
A multifuel stove kit can be bought to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are usually available from specialised camping stores and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when used with the correct accessories can even simmer.
