Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters, and white fuel with one nozzle. These stoves are popular during colder weather, but they can be noisy and do not have the ability to control the simmer.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids capable of burning 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 stove that can be used with various liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a sturdy and solid stove. This makes it a great stove for backpacking groups, base camps, kayaking and Arctic camping.
In contrast to other stoves that use liquid fuel, which suffer from a problem where unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and the nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by simply flipping the bottle over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and forces them to take in air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the the bottle.
This is an ingenious solution for an age-old issue and it's a good one. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It also comes with a full-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for spare parts, tools, lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where a variety of fuels are required. The cost is quite reasonable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a cult favorite among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention, possibly having caught up with better known brands or whatever the latest lightweight stove from China or Korea is, but it doesn't mean the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.
It is a small and light stove that can burn all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas, and white gas through a single nozzle. It's a typical stove with the burner mounted to a body which anchors three fold-out support legs. 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-speed flame, which allows it to be less impacted by winds.
It is a very versatile little cooker since it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is simple to simmer with isobutane and propane, and it burns all types of fuels at a good rate. However when using white gas the stove is 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 a native speaker of the language. The instructions caution you against using certain types of lighter fluid. If you make a mistake this could cause an accident, and possibly put Kovea in legal trouble. That said that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a reputable brand is likely to work perfectly.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks using a variety of fuels. It can be powered by gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to adjust the flame size. This stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and is connected to the tank easily.
The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. In particular, it has a tendency to flare during priming, which can be a bit risky. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's end to vaporize fuel instead of a generator coil.
Another issue is that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. If you are cooking using kerosene, the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. This is a minor issue but it's worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and includes attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner system has been redesigned to improve heat distribution. This is a great choice for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.
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 powerful and can boil a liter of water within two minutes. The only drawback is that it doesn't simmer as well as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It is similar in design like the whistler, but it is smaller and has more performance. However, it's not as cheap as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that offers the same set-up for half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. The same basic design is used in both, however the Universal version can be used with canister fuel as well.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this is a no frills model that is rough and ready that will get the job done. It's solid compact and self-contained, with the tank at the bottom and the burner up at the top. This makes it simple 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 one or two spares in the van.
It is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas), this stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline, as well. multi stove of gasoline can last as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel by using this option.
Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prepare them to create a beautiful blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel could spill out, splash beyond the burner, or even splash out. To get the hang of this do some practice outside before you go on your excursion.
The stove will sacrifice some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels, but that's a trade off for the added flexibility it offers. Make sure to purchase unleaded gas and not something that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. That's because these types of fuels can cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and may even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered to withstand harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact, reliable system that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol with one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter compared to gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves feature a separate nozzle for each fuel type. This makes them difficult to change in cold weather or using gloves, and adds to their weight. Multifuel stoves that are of the current kind utilize a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, making it easier. They can be described as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They can also be referred to by other names, such as isobutane, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car fuel.
A multifuel stove kit can be bought to convert your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. They are typically available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are also available for purchase internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans. They're capable of burning all liquid fuels with the exception of diesel and if equipped with the right accessories can even cook.