Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic, lightweight stoves can burn hexamine, wood, white fuel, and gas canisters using only one nozzle. They’re popular in cold weather but they’re loud and don’t have a simmer control.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids able to burn multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with both white and isobutane canisters for fuel.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova is a multi fuel stoves for sale-fuel stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It comes with a quick-priming stove and an aluminum pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it an ideal stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking, and arctic camping.
Contrary to many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem in which 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 simply flipping the container over. The intake hoses are then removed from the fuel and forces them to take in air, which puts out flames and depressurizes bottles.
This is a pretty ingenious solution for an age-old issue, and it works. The Nova can be used with any fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a full-featured stove bag with separate pockets for tools, spare parts and lubricant, as well as the fuel pump.
This is a great all round backpacking stove for use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a variety of fuels is necessary. The price is very affordable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Moreover the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first marketed in 2010 and has been a popular choice for many backpackers ever since. The Hydra isn’t as well-known with UK backpackers any more Perhaps because they’ve gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. But this doesn’t mean it’s any less effective.
It is a lightweight and compact stove that can burn all liquid fuels like white gas, propane butane and white gas using only one nozzle. It’s a pretty standard stove design with a burner bell bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. A pump sits on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader sits above that. The burner itself is a low velocity flame, which allows it to be less affected by winds.
It is a nice feature that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, which makes it a versatile small 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 thing to be aware of with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English that was clearly not written by someone who speaks the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluid that if used in a manner that is not what was intended, could cause an accident that would land Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. But that, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister made by a reputable manufacturer should work just fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that can cook with a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gasoline or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and also adjust the flame size. This stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank in a snap.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance in order to keep it working correctly. Particularly it is prone to flare during priming, which can be risky. This is a problem that is common to all liquid fuel stoves that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.
Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you cook using kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking with gas. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in 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% compared to its predecessor, and the burner system was revamped to improve the distribution of heat. This is a great choice for backpackers with a limited budget or beginners.
It takes a bit of time to prepare, set up and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not let you down. The flame is extremely powerful and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only drawback is that it’s not as good to simmer as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but is more compact and provides superior performance. However it’s not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that offers the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. Both versions use the same design and style, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves this is a basic model that is rough and ready that just gets the job done. It’s strong compact and self-contained, with the tank on the bottom and burner up at the top. This makes it simple to use and a great option for backpackers, beginners who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those who prefer to have one or two 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 unleaded gas too. This option will save you money as a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve as you’ll need to pressurize and prepare them to create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don’t do it right, your fuel may spill out, splash beyond the burner or sputter. Try it out in the open before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.
The stove may lose some of its performance and efficiency if you use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a trade-off for its versatility. Be sure to buy gas that is not leaded and not that’s enhanced with alcohol or methanol. These types of fuel can cause the unit’s performance to decline and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove – Https://Lowery-Guldborg.Hubstack.Net/Whats-The-Job-Market-For-Multi-Fuel-Stoves-Uk-Professionals-3F, from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel designed for harsh environments like Africa. It is a compact, reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with a single nozzle. It’s a lightweight, minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves. It also comes with low cost of ownership with fuel being cheaper per liter than gas canisters.
Other double sided multifuel stove stoves come with a distinct nozzle for each type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in cold weather or using gloves, and could increase their overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have found an option to make use of the same nozzle for different fuels, making it more convenient. The newer versions of these stoves are known as ‘hybrid’ or ‘compressed fuel multifuel stoves’ and there are various names for them, including isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.
A multifuel stove kit can be purchased to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are typically available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are available 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.