How The 10 Worst Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic, lightweight stoves can use hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters using a single nozzle. They're popular during cold temperatures, but they're noisy and don't have a simmer limit.
Some multi-fuel stoves can burn various types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with both 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 has a quick priming burner, self-purging aluminum pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and large spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on rocky ground. This makes it an ideal stove for group base camps, kayaking, and arctic camp.
In contrast to other stoves with liquid fuel that 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. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, and forces it to suck air that extinguishes the flame. It also reduces the pressure in the bottle.
This is an ingenious solution to an old problem and it's effective. The Nova can also be used with a range of regular fuel bottles that are sealed with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a full-featured stove bag that has separate pockets for tools, spare parts as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is especially useful for expeditions, where various fuels are required. The price is very affordable when compared with other stoves in the canister category with similar capabilities. Furthermore the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
Kovea Hydra
The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a popular choice for backpackers since. The Hydra isn't as well-known with UK backpackers Perhaps because they've caught up to better-known brands or the latest lightweight offering from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.
It's a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane through one nozzle. It's a typical stove with an inbuilt burner that is attached to a body, which is secured by three fold-out support legs. A pump sits on top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above that. The burner is a slow-moving flame type. This means it is less susceptible to wind.
It is a nice feature that it can also be used with a container of propane or isobutane making it a versatile little cooker. It is easy to simmer with propane or isobutane and burns all fuel types at a decent level but is a bit slower than other stoves when you use white gas.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English however they were clearly not written by native speakers of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain types of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what was intended, could result in an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas container from a reputable brand will work 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, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each fuel type and allows you to alter the size of the flame. This stove has an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank in a snap.
The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to keep it running properly. It can be dangerous because it explodes when priming. This is a problem that occurs with all liquid fuel stoves that use a second spindle at the stove's end instead of a coil to vaporize the fuel.
Another issue is that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole must be smaller than when cooking on gas. This is a minor issue but it's still 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 can be run on canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new design is 10% lighter than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to ensure better heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a budget or beginners.
It takes a bit of time to install, prime and boil water, but the whistler Lite is a reliable camping stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is strong and can cook a liter of water within two minutes. The only drawback is that it does not simmer as well as other stoves.
This is the reason MSR has designed 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 has more performance. It's not as affordable as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a fantastic alternative that provides a similar setup at half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane containers as well. The same basic design is used in both, but the Universal version can be run with canister fuel in addition.
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 sturdy and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and the burner up at the top. This makes it easy to use and a good choice for beginners, backpackers looking to save weight and for those of us who have spares in the van.
It is designed to burn Coleman's proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas) This stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. This can save you money since one gallon of gasoline could last as long as the regular Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
It takes some practice to create a solid blue flame on a stove that burns liquid fuel. You'll have to pressurize them and prime them properly before you can start. If you do it wrong your fuel may be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner or splash out. Do some practice outside before going on your trip to master it.
The stove may lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman gasoline, but this is a trade-off for its versatility. Make sure to purchase unleaded gas and not something that's enhanced with alcohol or Methanol. That's because these types of fuel can cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and may even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko Multi Fuel Stove from South Africa is an ultralight multifuel engineered for harsh environments like Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs and also gels through one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter when compared to gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch between fuels during bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can also add weight to the overall load. The latest models of multifuel stoves have come up with a way to use the same nozzle to ignite different fuels, making it easier. They can be referred to as hybrids or compressed fuel multifuel stoves. They are also known under other names like white gas, isobutane kerosene, and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.
Another option is to purchase an multifuel stove kit that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multifuel cooker. They are sold in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They are ideal for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels except diesel and with the appropriate accessories, they can even simmer.