Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple and lightweight stoves burn wood as well as hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel via only one nozzle. They are popular in colder weather, but they can be noisy and do not have simmer control.

Certain multi-fuel stoves can burn different types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a sturdy, rock-solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking, and camping in the Arctic.

In contrast to other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by flipping the bottle over. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, forcing it to suck air that extinguishes the flame. It also depressurizes the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution to a long-standing problem and it's effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that has separate pockets for spare parts, tools, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is an excellent all-round backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK especially for trips where a variety of fuels is essential. The cost is quite affordable compared to other stoves in the canister category with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea contemporary multi fuel stoves 5kw Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. Fewer UK backpackers pay it much attention nowadays perhaps because they've caught up with better known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight offering out of China or Korea is but it doesn't mean the Hydra doesn't still have its advantages.

It's a compact and light stove, that can burn all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane through only one nozzle. It's a typical stove design, with the burner bell that is bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three fold out support legs. The pump is above the fuel line, the generator loop wraps around the inlet and the flame spreader sits above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type which allows it to be less impacted by wind.

It's a remarkably versatile little cooker since it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. 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 runs a bit slower.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were clearly not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake they could result in an accident, and possibly put Kovea into legal trouble. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a trusted brand will work fine.

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent option for those looking for a multifuel cookware that cooks with a variety fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to adjust the flame size. This 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 requires maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. It can be dangerous because it flares up when you are priming. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle at the stove's end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to note that each fuel type requires a different jet. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. This is a minor nuisance but it's still worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Light

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, slimmest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also easy to fix on the field. It can run on either canister liquid gas or fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner's system has been improved to ensure better heat distribution. This is a great option for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.

It takes a bit of time to prepare, set up, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not let you down. The flame is powerful and can boil a Liter of water in two minutes. The only issue is that it doesn't simmer like other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, but it is smaller and offers more performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is a great alternative, offering similar features for half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same design is used in both, however the Universal version can also be run with canister fuel in addition.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves this is a basic model that is rough and ready that gets the job done. It's compact, self-contained and solid with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers looking to reduce weight and those who keep a few spares in the van.

It is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) The stove can be used with unleaded gasoline, as well. This option will save you money as a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.

Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve as you'll need to properly pressurize and prepare them to get a nice blue flame. If you get it wrong the fuel could be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner, or even explode. Practice outside before taking it on your next trip to learn how to do it.

The stove may lose some performance and odor of the flame efficiency if you use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Make sure to purchase gasoline that isn't leaded and not enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). This is because these kinds of fuel will cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!

ATG Jiko

The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact, solid stove that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with only one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter than gas canisters.

Other multifuel stoves use a separate nozzle for every type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels in cold weather, or when wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest kind utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it simpler. The newer models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid', or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are many names for them such as isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

A multifuel stove kit can be purchased to convert your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are available internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, apart from diesel and, with the right accessories they can even simmer.