10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple and light-weight stoves burn wood as well as hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters through a single nozzle. They're popular in cold temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have simmer control.

Some 5kw multi fuel stove-fuel stoves are hybrids, able to burn multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane canisters of fuel.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, self-purging aluminum pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low centre of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on rocky ground. This makes it a perfect stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic.

The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that are plagued by unburned fuel remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw in air, that extinguishes the flame. It also depressurizes the bottle.

This is a pretty ingenious solution to an old problem and it's a good one. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for spares, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, where various fuels are required. The price is reasonable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. Furthermore, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers anymore, perhaps because they have caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less effective.

It is a lightweight and compact stove that burns all liquid fuels, including white gas, propane butane and white gas using a single nozzle. It's a typical stove, with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is located on top of the fuel line, and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits over. The burner itself is a low-speed flame, which helps it to be less affected by winds.

A nice feature is that it can also be used with a container of propane or isobutane making it a multi-functional little cooker. 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 can be a little slower.

One thing to be aware of when using the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what is intended could result in an accident that could land Kovea in lots of legal hot water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas container from a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great option for those looking for a multifuel cookware that can cook with a variety of fuels. It can run on gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and also allows to alter the size of the flame which is a great feature. This stove has an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank easily.

While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance in order to ensure that it functions properly. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare when priming which can be dangerous. This is a problem that is common to all stoves with liquid fuel that use a second spindle at the stove's end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to know that every fuel type requires the use of a different jet. This means that if you're cooking using kerosene, the jet hole must be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's a minor issue, but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It can be used with liquid gas or canister fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner's system has been improved to ensure better heat distribution. It's great for beginners or budget-minded backpackers.

It takes some time to set up, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is strong when turned to the max and will easily boil a liter of water within two minutes or less. The only issue is that it doesn't simmer as well as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more powerful burner. It's similar to the whistler, but is more compact and provides better performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same setup at half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. The same basic design is used for both, however the Universal version can be operated with fuel from canisters in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

It's a simple and basic Coleman stove that can do the job. It's strong and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and burner up top. This makes it easy to use and a great option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight and for those who prefer to have an extra or two in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha, also known as "white gas") but it can be used with non-leaded gas 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 using this alternative.

Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve as you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you can create a beautiful blue flame. If you do it wrong the fuel may pool, spray outside the burner, or sputter. To get the hang of this, practice outside before your trip.

The stove may lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off 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 made in South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's made for harsh environments such as Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all in one system that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through one nozzle. It's an ultralight, minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves and also offers low costs of ownership, with fuel being less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. It isn't easy to switch between fuels during bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest type utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it simpler. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid', or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are many names for them like isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to purchase an multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are typically sold at specialist camping stores and can be purchased internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel and with the appropriate accessories they can even simmer.