cheap multi fuel stoves (from Fireplacesandstove)

Summary: These simple and light-weight stoves burn wood as well as hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel through one nozzle. These stoves are popular during cold weather, however they are noisy and lack simmer control.

Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids able to burn multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel containers.

Optimus Nova

The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It comes with a quick-priming stove as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on rocky ground. This makes it an ideal stove for base camps for groups, kayaking, and arctic camp.

The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel that are plagued by unburned fuel lingering in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be solved by flipping over the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and causes them to take in air, which extinguishes flames and depressurizes the bottle.

This is an ingenious solution for an age-old issue, and it works. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It comes with a stove bag that includes pockets for tools, spares along with lubricant and fuel pump.

This is an excellent stove for backpacking that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly useful for expeditions, where various fuels are required. Its price is also very affordable when compared with canister stoves of similar capability. Additionally, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

Kovea Hydra

Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. A few UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention, possibly having fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the most recent lightweight stove from China or Korea is but that doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.

It is a compact and lightweight stove that burns all liquid fuels, including white gas, propane butane and white gas with one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design, with an ignition bell that is bolted onto the body, which is then anchored by three fold out support legs. The pump is situated on top of the fuel line, the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated just above. The burner itself is a low-speed flame type, which allows it to be less affected by wind.

It is a nice feature that it can be used with a canister of isobutane or propane, making it a versatile little cooker. It is easy to simmer on propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel at a reasonable level, however it is slower than some other stoves when using white gas.

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

Primus OmniLite Ti

Primus Omnilite Ti can be a great choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cookware that cooks with a variety of fuels. It can operate on gas, petrol/gasoline, diesel, kerosene 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 wonderful feature. This stove also has an fuel line that is flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare during priming, which can be dangerous. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves that use liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle at the stove's end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.

It is also important to remember that each fuel type needs a different jet. If you are cooking with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor issue but it's worth mentioning.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the tiniest, lightest and cheapest multi fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair on the field. It can run on either canister fuel or liquid gas, and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner's system has been improved for improved heat distribution. This is a great choice for backpackers on a budget or those who are just beginning.

The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it is an Efficient Warwick 4 kW Multi Fuel Stove stove that will not fail you. The flame is powerful and can cook a Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is that it's not as good for simmering as other stoves.

MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more powerful burner. It's a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and provides superior performance. However it's not as affordable as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing the same setup at less than half the cost. 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 operated with fuel from canisters as well.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a simple model that is rough and ready that will get the job done. It's sturdy and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for those who are new to backpacking, who are looking to cut down on weight, and for those of us who prefer to have a backup or two in the van.

Designed to burn Coleman's own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas), this stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. A gallon of gasoline can last as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel using this alternative.

It takes a bit of practice to create a solid blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can start. If you do it wrong, fuel can be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. To get the hang of this, practice outside before your trip.

The stove will sacrifice some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels, but that's a trade off for the extra versatility it offers. Make sure to purchase gasoline that isn't leaded and not enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.

ATG Jiko

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

Other multifuel stoves use an individual nozzle for every type of fuel. This makes them difficult to change in bad weather or with gloves, and adds to their weight. Multifuel stoves that are of the current model have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, making it much easier. The latest versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are many names for them, including isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

Another option is to buy a multifuel stove that converts your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are typically available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great option for Trangia enthusiasts and are capable of burning all liquid fuels, with the exception of diesel, and when used with the correct accessories can even cook.