The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters using only one nozzle. They're popular in colder weather, but they're loud and don't have a 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 is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, a self-purging aluminium pump and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a stable, rock-solid stove. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and arctic camping.
Contrary to 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 container over. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, causing it to draw in air, which smothers the flame and reduces the pressure in the bottle.
This is an ingenious solution to a long-standing problem and it's a good one. The Nova can be used with a range of standard fuel bottles that seal using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for tools, spares along with lubricant and fuel pump.
This is a great all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for trips where a wide choice of fuels is required. The cost is quite reasonable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Furthermore the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers pay it much attention nowadays maybe because they've gotten caught up with better known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is, but that doesn't mean that the Hydra does not have its merits.
It is a compact and lightweight stove that burns all liquid fuels, including white gas, propane butane and white gas with only one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design, with the burner bell that is bolted to the body, which is then anchored by three fold out support legs. The pump is above the fuel line, and the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type that makes it a little less affected by wind.
One of the best features is that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, which makes it a versatile small multi fuel stoves for sale cooker. It is simple to simmer with isobutane and propane, and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However when using white gas the stove is a little slower.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were not written by native users of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids that, if misinterpreted as what is actually intended can lead to an accident that would land Kovea in lots of legal hot water. But that, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a trusted brand Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves should work just fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great option for those looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks using a variety of fuels. It can operate on gasoline, petrol/gasoline, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to adjust the flame size. This stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance to ensure that it functions properly. It is a risk because it gets flaming when you are priming. This issue occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.
It is also important to remember that each fuel type needs an individual jet. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole must be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Light
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 can be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for each. The new design is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to ensure better heat distribution. It's great for beginners or backpackers with a budget.
It takes some time to install, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is powerful and can boil a liter of water within two minutes. The only issue is that it doesn't cook like other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more powerful burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and provides more performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that provides a similar configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions use the same design and style, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a no frills, rough and ready unit that will get the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to use and an excellent option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight and for those who prefer to have a backup or two in the van.
It is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) This stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. A gallon of gasoline will last for as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel by using this option.
Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve as you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you can get a nice blue flame. If you don't do it correctly the fuel could get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or sputter. Practice outside before taking it on your next trip to get the hang of it.
The stove may lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and robust stove that burns gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using only one nozzle. It's a light, minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves and also offers low cost of ownership and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves come with a distinct nozzle per fuel type. This makes them difficult to switch between fuels in bad weather or with gloves and can add to their overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest type have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, which makes it easier. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid', or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are a variety of names for them, including isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.
Another option is to buy a multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are usually sold at specialist camping stores and are also available for purchase internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, apart from diesel, and with the right accessories, they can also simmer.
