9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel through only one nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, however they can be noisy and do not have the ability to control the simmer.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids able to burn multiple 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 features a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it an ideal stove for group base camps as well as kayaking and the Arctic camp.
The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that are plagued by unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, forcing it to draw in air, that extinguishes the flame. It also reduces the pressure in 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 standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with an oven bag that has pockets for tools, spares, lubricant, and the fuel pump.
This is a great stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where various fuels are required. Its price is also very reasonable when compared to canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea multi fuel stoves with back boiler Fuel Stove has been a cult favorite among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention maybe because they've gotten fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is but it doesn't mean the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.
It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels, including propane butane, white gas and white gas using a single 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 just above the fuel line, and the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated just above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not susceptible to wind.
One of the best features is that it can be utilized with a canister of propane or Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves isobutane, making it a versatile little cooker. It is simple to simmer using isobutane and propane and 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 speakers of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids that if used in a manner that is not what is actually intended can lead to an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded of a trusted brand will work fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option for those looking for a multifuel stove that can cook with a variety of fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and also allows to adjust the flame size which is a great feature. The stove comes with a fuel pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank quickly.
The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. In particular it has a tendency to flare when priming which could be dangerous. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a second spindle on the stove end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.
Another issue is that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you're cooking using 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 is one of the lightest, slimmest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can be used with canister or liquid fuel and comes with attachments for each. The new model is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to improve heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers on a budget or those who are just beginning.
The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it is an efficient stove that will not let you down. The flame is extremely powerful and can boil a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only downside is that it doesn't cook like other stoves.
This is why MSR has designed the Dragonfly stove to become a more capable simmering burner. It's similar to the whistler, but it's more compact and provides superior 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 cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions use the same basic design but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
It's a simple, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. It's strong, compact and self-contained with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it simple to operate and a great choice for beginners, backpackers looking to save weight and for those of us who keep a few spares 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 non-leaded gasoline too. A gallon of gasoline can last for as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel using this option.
It takes a bit of practice to get a good blue flame on a liquid fuel stove. You'll have to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can do this. If you don't do it right, your fuel may pool, spray beyond the burner, or explode. To master this, practice outside before embarking on your excursion.
This stove sacrifices some performance or odor reduction with non-coleman fuels however this is a trade-off in exchange for the added flexibility it provides. Make sure to purchase gas that is not leaded and not that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. That's because these types of fuels can cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove that's made for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact, reliable system that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using only one nozzle. It's a lightweight, minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves and also offers low cost of ownership with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.
Some multifuel stoves also have a separate nozzle for every type of fuel. It isn't easy to switch fuels in bad weather, or when wearing gloves. This can also add weight to the overall load. The newer types of multifuel stoves have come up with a way to make use of the same nozzle for different fuels, making it more convenient. The newer models 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 purchased to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when fitted with the right equipment can even simmer.
