Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can use hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters using only one nozzle. These stoves are popular in cold weather, however they are noisy and lack the ability to control the simmer.
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 multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner and an aluminum pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a stable and solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and Arctic camping.
The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves using liquid fuel that are plagued by fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be fixed by flipping over the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel, and forces them to absorb air which puts out flames and depressurizes bottle.
This seems like an ingenious solution to an age-old problem, and it certainly is effective. The Nova can also be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that are sealed using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that has separate pockets for spare parts, tools as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent all round backpacking stove for use in the UK especially for trips where a wide choice of fuels is necessary. The price is affordable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy 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 it much attention nowadays, possibly having been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the latest lightweight product from China or Korea is, but this 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 using one nozzle. It's a typical stove, with a burner attached to a body which anchors three fold-out support legs. The pump is situated above the fuel line, the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner itself is a low velocity flame, which makes it a little less affected by winds.
It is a very versatile cooker as it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane canisters. It is easy to simmer with isobutane and propane and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However when using white gas the stove is a little slower.
One important thing to remember concerning 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 that if used in a manner that is not what was intended, could result in an accident that could result in 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 an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that can cook with a variety 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 you can also alter the size of the flame. This stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor
349338 and is connected to the tank in a snap.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to ensure that it functions properly. It is a risk because it explodes when priming. This issue occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that utilize a secondary spindle on the stove end instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.
It is also important to note that each fuel type requires the use of a different jet. This means that if you're cooking on kerosene the jet hole needs to be smaller than when using gas. This is a minor nuisance however it's important to mention.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to fix on the field. It can be run on canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner has been revamped to improve heat distribution. It's ideal for novices or backpackers with a budget.
It takes some time to install, prime, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not let you down. The flame is powerful and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only downside is that it's not as effective for simmering as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It is similar in design as the whistler, but it is more compact and has better performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that gives you the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. It is also possible to purchase Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters too. Both versions have the same basic design, however the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a basic unpretentious unit that gets the job done. It's solid and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and the burner on at the top. This makes it easy to use and is a great choice for those who are new to backpacking, who want to cut weight, and for those of us who have spares in the van.
This stove is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha which is also referred to as "white gas") but can be used with non-leaded gas as well. A gallon of gasoline can last as long as a typical Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel with this alternative.
Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve since you'll need to pressurize and prime them before you can get a nice blue flame. If you get it wrong the fuel could pool, spray beyond the burner or explode. Do some practice outside before going on your trip to learn how to do it.
This stove does give up some performance or flame odor effectiveness with non-coleman fuels however it's a trade-off for the added flexibility it provides. Make sure you purchase unleaded gas, and not one that's enriched with alcohol or Methanol. These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to degrade and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel that's been designed for harsh environments like Africa. It is a compact, robust stove that burns solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol using a single nozzle. It's a lightweight, minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low ownership cost with fuel being less expensive per liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves use an individual nozzle for each kind of fuel. It isn't easy to switch fuels in bad weather conditions,
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A multifuel stove kit is available to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are usually available at camping stores that specialize in camping and can be purchased internationally. They're a great option for Trangia enthusiasts and
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