The Biggest Issue With Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves, And How To Fix It
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These simple and lightweight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, white fuel and gas canisters through a single nozzle. They're popular during cold weather but they're loud and don't have a simmer limit.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids capable of burning multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, can burn both white and isobutane canisters of fuel.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick priming burner, self-purging aluminium pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a sturdy stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it a perfect stove for group base camps as well as kayaking and arctic camp.
In contrast to other liquid fuel stoves which have a problem in which 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. This disconnects the intake hose from the fuel, causing it to draw air into the stove, which smothers the flame and reduces the pressure in the bottle.
This seems like an clever solution to a long-standing problem and it definitely is effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It comes with an oven bag that has pockets for tools, spares, lubricant, and the fuel pump.
This is a great all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK especially for long-distance trips where a wide choice of fuels is required. The price is very reasonable compared to other canister stoves with similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.
Kovea Hydra
The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove was first introduced in 2010 and has been a favorite choice for many backpackers ever since. The Hydra is not as popular among UK backpackers any more, perhaps because they have gained popularity with brands that are more well-known or the most recent lightweight options 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 and propane butane through one nozzle. multi fuel stoves with back boiler 's a standard stove that has a burner attached to a body which anchors three support legs that fold out. 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 itself is a low-speed flame type, which helps it to be less impacted by wind.
It's a remarkably versatile little cooker because it can be used with isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It is easy to simmer with isobutane as well as 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 keep in mind concerning the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by an indigenous speaker of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluid, which if mistaken for what was intended, could lead to an accident that could result in Kovea in lots of legal hot water. But that any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas container from a reputable brand is likely to work perfectly.
Primus OmniLite Ti
The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook using a variety fuels. It can operate on gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and is also able to alter the size of the flame which is a great feature. This stove also comes with an fuel line that is 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 running correctly. It is a risk because it explodes when you are priming. This is a common issue with all stoves with liquid fuel which use a second spindle throttle at the stove's side to vaporize fuel, instead of the generator coil.
Another issue is the fact that it requires different jets for each type of fuel. If you are cooking with kerosene then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. This is a minor nuisance however it's important to mention.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the lightest, smallest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also very easy to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to ensure better heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers with a limited budget or for beginners.
The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare to prime and boil water, but it's an efficient stove that will not disappoint you. The flame is extremely powerful and can cook a Liter of water in two minutes. The only downside is that it's not as efficient for simmering as other stoves.
This is the reason MSR has developed the Dragonfly stove to be a pot that can be used as a simmering stove. It has a similar design like the whistler, but it is more compact and offers superior performance. However it's not as inexpensive as the whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative that offers similar features 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, but the Universal version can be used with canister fuel as well.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a no frills, rough and ready unit that just gets the job done. It's sturdy and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and burner up the top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for backpackers, beginners looking to reduce weight and 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") however it can be used with non-leaded gas as well. This will save you money since a gallon of gasoline can last as long as the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve since you'll need to properly pressurize and prime them before you get a nice blue flame. If you don't do it correctly, fuel can be sprayed onto the burner, or even sputter. To master this do some practice outside before you go on your excursion.
This stove does give up some performance or flame odor efficiency with non-coleman fuels however it's a trade-off for the added flexibility it provides. Make sure you purchase gas that is not leaded and not that's enhanced with alcohol or methanol. That's because these types of fuels can cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is an ultralight multifuel stove built for harsh environments such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable system that can burn solid fuel tabs, gels and alcohol with a single nozzle. It's a light, minimalist design that costs less than the majority of multifuel stoves. It also comes with low costs of ownership, and fuel is less expensive per liter than gas canisters.
Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for each type of fuel. It can be difficult to switch fuels in bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can add to the overall weight. The newer types of multifuel stoves have discovered ways to make use of the same nozzle for different fuels, making it more convenient. These stoves are called 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.
Another option is to buy a multifuel stove that can convert your regular Trangia burner into a multi fuel cooker. These are often available from specialised camping stores and are available internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, except diesel and, with the right accessories, they can even simmer.