9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood as well as hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters through one nozzle. They're popular in colder weather but they're loud and don't have a simmer control.

Some 7kw multi fuel stove-fuel stoves burn various types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a sturdy stove that is rock-solid. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking, and Arctic camping.

Contrary to many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem in which unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by simply flipping the container over. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, forcing it to suck air that extinguishes the flame. It also decreases the pressure of the bottle.

This seems like an innovative solution to an old problem and it certainly works. The Nova can also be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for spare parts, tools, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a great all round backpacking stove for use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a wide choice of fuels is necessary. Its cost is affordable when compared to canister stoves of similar capability. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove first came on the market in 2010 and has been a popular choice for backpackers ever since. The Hydra isn't as popular among UK backpackers any more possibly because they've caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. But that doesn't make it any less effective.

It's a small and light stove, burning all liquid fuels, including white gas and propane butane with one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design, with an ignition bell that is bolted onto a body that anchors three fold out support legs. The pump is situated on top of the fuel line, and the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame that makes it a little less impacted by winds.

It is a very versatile little cooker because it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It's simple to simmer on propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel at a decent level but is slower than other stoves when using white gas.

One thing to be aware of concerning the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by someone who speaks the language. The instructions warn against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake they could result in an accident and land Kovea into legal trouble. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded of a trusted brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option for those who are looking for an all-fuel 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 each fuel type and is also able to alter the size of the flame which is a wonderful feature. This stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank easily.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it running correctly. It could be dangerous as it explodes when you are priming. This is a problem that is common to all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle at the stove's end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to know that each fuel type needs an individual jet. If you cook using kerosene, then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. It's a minor issue however it's something to be aware of.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest 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 includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. It's ideal for novices or backpackers with a budget.

It takes a bit of time to prepare, set up and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is strong and can boil a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only downside is that it doesn't simmer like other stoves.

This is why MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is an efficient simmering burner. It has a similar design as the whistler, but it is more compact and offers superior performance. It's not as affordable as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing similar features for Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves less than half the cost. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same design is used in both, however the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves this is a no frills model that is rough and ready that 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 use and an excellent choice for beginners, backpackers who want to reduce weight, and for those who prefer to have an extra 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, as well. A gallon of gasoline can last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel with this option.

Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve, as you'll have to properly pressurize and prime them before you create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don't do it right your fuel may pool, spray beyond the burner, or even explode. To get the hang of this, practice outside before embarking on your excursion.

This stove sacrifices 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 something that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel can cause the unit's performance to degrade and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs, and alcohol through one nozzle. It's a lightweight minimalist design that is priced less than the majority of double sided multifuel stove stoves, and also has low ownership cost and fuel is less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use different nozzles for each type of fuel. This makes them difficult to change in bad weather or with gloves, and adds to their weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest kind use a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it simpler. These stoves are described as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also referred to by other names, such as white gas, isobutane kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

A multifuel stove kit can be bought to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are typically available from specialised camping stores and are available internationally. They are a good option for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels with the exception of diesel and if used with the correct accessories can even cook.