The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

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

Some 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved-fuel stoves burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, takes both white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.

Optimus Nova

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

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel which have issues with unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be solved by flipping the bottle. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw air into the stove, which extinguishes the flame and decreases the pressure of the bottle.

This is a pretty ingenious solution to a long-standing problem, and it works. The Nova can also be used with a range of regular fuel bottles that are sealed with an o-ring, including 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 useful for expeditions, where various fuels are required. The price is affordable when compared with canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Furthermore the Optimus Nova is 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 popular with UK backpackers anymore, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. However, that doesn't make it any less effective.

It's a compact and light stove, that can burn all liquid fuels, including white gas and propane butane with only one nozzle. It's a typical stove with the burner mounted to a body that is anchored by three fold-out support legs. A pump sits on the top of the fuel line and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means it is less affected by the wind.

It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with either isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is simple to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and it burns all fuels at a reasonable rate. However when using white gas the stove is a little slower.

One thing to be aware of with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what is actually intended can result in an accident that would land Kovea in a lot of legal hot water. However that, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a trusted brand is likely to work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent option for those looking for a multifuel cookware that can cook using a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to adjust the flame size. The stove also has an fuel line that is flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it running properly. It could be dangerous as it flares up when priming. This is a common issue with all liquid fuel stoves that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove end to evaporate fuel instead of a generator coil.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you cook 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 Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new model is 10percent lighter than its predecessor, and the burner has been revamped to ensure better heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers on a budget or for beginners.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to set up to prime and boil water, but it's an efficient stove that will not fail you. The flame is strong and can cook a liter of water within two minutes. The only issue is that it doesn't simmer as well as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, but it is more compact and offers superior performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that gives you the same set-up for half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. Both versions use the same basic design but the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this is a no frills model that is rough and ready that will get the job done. It's solid and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and is a great choice for beginners, backpackers who want to cut weight, and those who keep a few spares in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha which is also referred to as "white gas") however it can be used with non-leaded gas as well. A gallon of gasoline will last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so 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 create a beautiful blue flame. If you do it wrong your fuel may spill out, splash beyond the burner, or even splash out. To master this do some practice outside before your excursion.

The stove will sacrifice some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels but it's a trade-off for the additional flexibility it provides. Be sure to buy unleaded gas and not something that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. These types of fuel can cause the performance of the vehicle to decrease and even explode.

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is an ultralight multifuel stove built for harsh environments like Africa. It's an efficient and compact all-in-one stove that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs, and gels with one nozzle. It is a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter than gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather or using gloves, and adds to their weight. The latest models of 5kw defra multifuel stove stoves have come up with a way to make use of the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much easier. These stoves can be referred to as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They can also be referred to by other names such as white gas, isobutane kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car fuel.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are usually sold at specialist camping stores and are available internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels, with the exception of diesel and if equipped with the right accessories can even simmer.