Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters, and white fuel via a single nozzle. They're popular in cold temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have a simmer limit.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids, capable of burning multiple types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, takes both white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety liquid fuels. It features a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and broad legs make it a sturdy and solid stove. This makes it a great stove for base camps for groups kayaking, arctic camp.
Contrary to many other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem of unburned fuel remains in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that operates by flipping the bottle over. The intake hose is then removed from the fuel, causing it to suck air that extinguishes the flame. It also decreases the pressure of the bottle.
This seems like a fairly innovative solution to an old problem and it definitely works. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that seal with an o-ring, including MSR bottles. It comes with stove bags that include pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.
This is a great all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK, particularly for expeditions where a variety of fuels is essential. The price is very affordable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has become a popular choice among backpackers. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers anymore, perhaps because they have caught up to better-known brands or the most recent lightweight options from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean it's any less effective.
It's a small and light stove, burning all liquid fuels including white gas and propane butane through one nozzle. It's a typical stove design with the burner bell that is bolted to an aluminum body that is anchored by three fold out support legs. A pump sits on the top of the fuel line and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is up above the inlet. The burner itself is a low velocity flame, which makes it a little less affected by wind.
It's a versatile little cooker because it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. why not try here to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all fuel types at a decent level but is a bit slower than other stoves that use white gas.
One thing to be aware of with 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 against the use of certain types of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what is actually intended can result in an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister from 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 can cook with a variety of fuels. It can run on gas, petrol/gasoline or fuel oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and also allows to alter the size of the flame which is a wonderful feature. This stove also has a fuel line that lies flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.
The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it needs maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. It can be dangerous because it explodes when priming. This is a problem that is common to all stoves that use liquid fuel that use a second spindle at the stove's end instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.
Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. If you cook with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if using gas. It's not a major issue however it's something to be aware of.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also easy to repair on the field. It can run on either canister liquid gas or fuel and comes with attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner system has been redesigned to improve the distribution of heat. 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 easily boil one Liter of water in just two minutes. The only drawback is that it does not simmer like other stoves.
This is the reason MSR has created the Dragonfly stove, which is an efficient simmering burner. It has a similar design as the whistler, but it is more compact and has more performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative that offers the same setup at half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. Both versions have the same design and style, however, the Universal version is also compatible with canister fuel.
Coleman Sportster II
It's a simple and basic Coleman stove that can do the job. It's compact, self-contained, and solid, with the tank on the bottom and the burner on 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.
The stove is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas), this stove can be used with unleaded gasoline, as well. A gallon of gasoline can last for as long as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel by using this alternative.
It requires some practice to get a good blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll need to pressurize the stove and prime them correctly before you can do so. If you don't do it correctly the fuel may pool, spray outside the burner, or even sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to get the hang of it.
This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor effectiveness when using non-coleman fuels but it's a trade-off for the additional flexibility it offers. Just be sure you're buying gasoline that isn't leaded and not augmented with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These kinds of fuels can cause the unit's performance to degrade and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a lightweight multifuel stove specifically designed for harsh conditions like Africa. It's a compact, reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with only one nozzle. It's a minimalist, ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter compared to gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have different nozzles for every type of fuel. This makes them difficult to change in cold weather or using gloves and can add to their weight. Multifuel stoves that are of the current model use a single nozzle to burn multiple fuels, which makes it simpler. These stoves can be referred to as hybrids or multifuel compressed fuel stoves. They are also known by other names such as white gas, isobutane kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.
Another option is to buy a multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. These are available at camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and are available internationally. They're a great option for Trangia enthusiasts and are capable of burning all liquid fuels except diesel, and when fitted with the right equipment can even simmer.