9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters through only one nozzle. They're popular during cold weather but they're loud and don't have a simmer control.

Certain 3kw multi fuel stove-fuel stoves can burn different types 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 various liquid fuels. It features a quick priming burner, a self-purging aluminium pump and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a stable stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it an ideal stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking, and camping in the Arctic.

In contrast to other stoves that use liquid fuel, which suffer from a problem where unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by simply flipping the container over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and forces them to absorb air, which puts out flames and depressurizes 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 are sealed with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for tools, spares as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for long-distance trips in which a variety of fuels is essential. The price is reasonable compared to other stoves in the canister category with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers anymore Perhaps because they've caught up to better-known brands or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. But this doesn't mean it's any less effective.

It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels, including white gas, propane butane and white gas with one nozzle. It's a standard stove that has the burner mounted to a body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is 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 velocity flame which helps it to be less impacted by winds.

A nice feature is that it can also be used with a canister of propane or isobutane, which makes it a versatile little cooker. It is easy to simmer with isobutane as well as propane, and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However when using white gas, the stove can be a little slower.

One important thing to remember with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by a native speaker of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids that if used in a manner that is not what was intended, could lead to an accident that would land Kovea in lots of legal hot water. That said that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a reputable manufacturer will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using 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 also allows to adjust the flame size which is a wonderful feature. This stove has an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance in order to ensure that it functions properly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when priming. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you are cooking using 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 Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi fuel stoves with back boiler-fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for cheap Multi fuel Stoves both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to improve heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers with a limited budget or beginners.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to set up to prime and boil water, but it is a reliable stove that won't fail you. The flame is strong and can easily boil one Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is that it doesn't simmer as well as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, but it is more compact and offers better performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing the same setup at less than half the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same design is used in both but the Universal version can be run with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves this is a basic, rough and ready unit that will get the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid with the tank at the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it simple to use and an excellent option for those who are new to backpacking, who want to reduce weight and for those who prefer to have a backup or two in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha, also known as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas too. A gallon of gasoline can last as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don't do it right, your fuel may be sprayed, pool, or splash over 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 flame odor efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff for its versatility. Be sure to buy gasoline that isn't leaded and not that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's made for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol with a single nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter when compared to gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather, or when wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have come up with ways to make use of the same nozzle for various fuels, which makes it more convenient. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid', or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are many names for them like isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to purchase a multifuel stove kit which converts your standard Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are also available internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel, and with the right accessories, they can even simmer.