Do Not Buy Into These “Trends” About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
multi fuel burning stove Stoves Summary: These basic stoves are lightweight and can burn hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters through one nozzle. They're popular in colder temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have a simmer control. Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with white and isobutane fuel canisters. 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 and an aluminum pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on uneven ground. This makes it a great stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and camping in the Arctic. The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves which have issues with fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to draw air into the stove, which extinguishes the flame and depressurizes the bottle. This seems like an ingenious solution to an age-old problem, and it certainly does the trick. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle that has an o-ring seal, including MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for spare parts, tools and lubricant, as well as the fuel pump. This is an excellent backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly useful for expeditions, where a variety of fuels are required. The cost is quite affordable when compared with other canister stoves with similar capabilities. Furthermore the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use. Kovea Hydra Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. A few UK backpackers seem to give the stove much attention these days perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight product from China or Korea is but it doesn't mean the Hydra does not have its merits. It is a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including propane butane, white gas and white gas using only one nozzle. It has a fairly typical stove design with a burner bell bolted to a body that anchors three support legs that fold out. The pump is above the fuel line, and the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits just above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not affected by wind. A nice feature is that it can also be used with a container of propane or isobutane, making it a versatile small cooker. It's simple to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel at a decent level but is slower than other stoves when you use white gas. The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were not written by native users of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain types of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what is actually intended can lead to an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded of a reputable brand will be fine. Primus OmniLite Ti The Primus Omnilite Ti is a great option for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It comes with separate controls for each fuel type and also adjust the flame size. This stove also has a fuel line that lies flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank. While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it will require maintenance to ensure it is operating properly. It can be dangerous because it flares up when priming. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a second spindle on the stove's side instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel. Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. This means that if you're cooking on kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking on gas. It's not a major issue however it's something to be aware of. MSR Whisper Lite The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be used with canister or liquid fuel and includes 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 with a limited budget or beginners. It takes a bit of time to set up, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is very powerful when cranked all the way up and can boil a liter of water in less than two minutes. The only downside is that it does not simmer as well as other stoves. This is why MSR has developed the Dragonfly stove to be a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It's designed in the same way as the whistler, however it is more compact and provides more performance. However it's not as affordable as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that gives you the same configuration for a fraction of the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be utilized with isobutane. Both versions have the same design and style, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel. Coleman Sportster II This is a simple, no-frills Coleman stove that can do the job. 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 option for backpackers, beginners who want to cut weight, and for those of us who have spares in the van. This stove is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha also known as “white gas”) but can be used with non-leaded gas as well. A gallon of gasoline will last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, which means you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative. Liquid fuel stoves have a steep learning curve since you'll need to pressurize and prime them before you create a beautiful blue flame going. If you don't do it right the fuel could spill out, splash beyond the burner, or even sputter. To master this do some practice outside before you go on your trip. This stove does give up some performance or odor reduction when using non-coleman fuels but this is a trade-off in exchange for the additional versatility it offers. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). This is because these types of fuel can cause the unit to disintegrate, leak, sputter and may even explode! ATG Jiko The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a light multifuel stove specifically made for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and solid stove that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs and alcohol using only one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. The fuel is also less expensive per liter when compared to gas canisters. Other multifuel stoves feature a separate nozzle per fuel type. This makes them difficult to change in bad weather or with gloves, and adds to their weight overall. Multifuel stoves of the newer kind have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, which makes it easier. These stoves can be described as hybrids or multifuel compressed fuel stoves. They are also referred to by other names such as isobutane, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol. A multifuel stove kit is available to transform your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They are perfect for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, except diesel and, with the right accessories, they can even simmer.