Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can burn hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters with only one nozzle. These stoves are popular in cold weather, however they can be noisy and do not have simmer control.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, that can burn different types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, can burn both white and isobutane canister fuel.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spread legs make it a stable stove that is rock-solid. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking, and camping in the Arctic.
Contrary to many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem in which unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by simply flipping the bottle over. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, and forces it to suck air which smothers the flame and depressurizes the bottle.
This seems like an clever solution to a long-standing problem and it certainly works. The Nova can also be used with a variety of standard 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 tools, spare parts and lubricant, as well as the fuel pump.
This is a fantastic backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, where a variety of fuels are required. The cost is quite affordable when compared with other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers anymore Perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.
It is a
small multi fuel stove and light stove that can burn all liquid fuels including white gas, propane butane and white gas with a single nozzle. It's a typical stove with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body, which is secured by three fold-out support legs. A pump sits on the top of the fuel line, the generator loop goes around the inlet, and the flame spreader is up above that. The burner itself is a low-speed flame which helps it to be less affected by wind.
It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane. It is easy to simmer with isobutane as well as propane and it burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However when using white gas, the stove is a little slower.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were clearly not written by native speakers 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 is intended could lead to an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. But, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a reputable manufacturer is likely to work perfectly.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great choice for those who are seeking a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety of fuels. It can be powered by 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 nice feature. This stove has 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 in order to ensure it is operating properly. It is a risk because it explodes when you are priming. This is a common issue with all liquid fuel stoves that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's end to vaporize fuel instead of the generator coil.
Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for each kind of fuel. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. It's a minor inconvenience however it's something to be aware of.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair on the field. It can be run on canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner has been revamped for improved heat distribution. It's perfect for beginners or budget-minded backpackers.
The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it's a reliable stove that won't disappoint you. The flame is very powerful when it is turned all the way up and can easily boil a liter of water in two minutes or less. The only drawback is it's not as good to simmer as other stoves.
This is why MSR has developed the Dragonfly stove to become a more capable simmering burner. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, however it is more compact and offers better performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering a similar setup for half the price. You can also get a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same basic design is used for both,
near however the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel in addition.
Coleman Sportster II
This is a basic low-cost, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. It's compact, self-contained, and solid with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to operate and a great choice for those who are new to backpacking, looking to reduce weight and those of us who keep a few spares in the van.
The stove is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) The stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline as well. This option will save you money as gasoline tanks can last as long as the standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
It takes a bit of practice to create a solid blue flame on a stove with liquid fuel. You'll have to pressurize the stove and
near prime them correctly before you can do so. If you don't do it correctly the fuel could be sprayed onto the burner, or even sputter. To get the hang of this try it out in the open before embarking on your trip.
The stove will sacrifice some performance or flame odor effectiveness when using non-coleman fuels but it's a trade-off for the added flexibility it provides. Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline, and not one that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the performance of the vehicle to decrease and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko
multi fuel stove defra approved Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and also gels using only one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter compared to gas canisters.
Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for each kind of fuel. It isn't easy to switch fuels in bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the newer model utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it easier.