The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic stoves that are lightweight can use hexamine, wood white fuel, as well as gas canisters using only one nozzle. They're popular during cold weather, but they're loud and don't have simmer control.
Certain multi-fuel stoves can burn different kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane canister fuel.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova is a multi-fuel stove that can be used with a variety of liquid fuels. It features a quick priming burner, a self-purging aluminium pump, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and broad legs make it a solid, rock-solid stove. This makes it a perfect stove for group base camps kayaking, arctic camp.
Unlike many other stoves with liquid fuel that suffer from a problem where unburned fuel is left in the fuel line and nozzle of the stove, the Optimus Nova has a shut off mechanism that works by flipping the bottle over. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and causes them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the bottles.
This is an ingenious solution to an age-old problem and it definitely is effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, including MSR bottles. It comes with an oven bag that has pockets for spares, tools, lubricant, and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent all-round stove for backpacking use in the UK, particularly for expeditions in which a variety of fuels is necessary. Its price is also very affordable when compared to canister stoves with similar capabilities. Furthermore the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. A few UK backpackers pay it much attention nowadays perhaps because they've been able to catch up with more well-known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight offering out of 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 white gas, propane butane, and white gas through one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design, with an ignition bell that is bolted onto a body that anchors three fold out support legs. The pump is on the top of the fuel hose and the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above the inlet. The burner itself is a low-speed flame that makes it a little less affected by wind.
It's a remarkably versatile little cooker because it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane canisters. It's easy to simmer on propane or isobutane and burns all types of fuel with a decent amount of heat, but is slower than other stoves that 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 using certain kinds of lighter fluid. If they are mistaken they could result in an accident and put Kovea in legal trouble. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded from a reputable brand will be fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
The Primus Omnilite Ti is a excellent choice for those who are looking for a multifuel stove that is able to cook with a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gasoline or diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. 5kw multi fuel stove has separate controls for each type of fuel and can also be used to alter the size of the flame which is a wonderful feature. The stove also has a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and can be easily connected to the tank.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to keep it working correctly. Particularly, it has a tendency to flare during priming, which could be risky. This is a problem that occurs with all stoves with liquid fuel, which use a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of an actual coil to vaporize the fuel.
It is also important to know that every fuel type requires an individual jet. This means that if you cook on kerosene the jet hole has to be smaller than when using gas. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Lite
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, 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 design is lighter by 10% compared to its predecessor and the burner system was revamped to improve the distribution of heat. It's ideal for novices or backpackers with a budget.
It takes some 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 strong and can boil a liter of water within two minutes. The only drawback is that it's not as effective for simmering as some other stoves.
MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design to the whistler, but it's more compact and provides more performance. It's not as cheap as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus stove and cookset is a great alternative that gives you the same set-up for half the price. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same fundamental design is used in both, however the Universal version can also be operated with fuel from canisters as well.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves this is a simple unpretentious unit that will get the job done. It's compact, self-contained and solid with the tank at the bottom and the burner on the top. This makes it simple to use and an excellent option for those who are new to backpacking, who want to save on weight, and for those who prefer to have a backup or two in the van.
Designed to burn Coleman's own proprietary fuel (naptha gas, also referred to as white gas) This stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline too. This will save you money as gasoline tanks can last longer than the conventional Coleman liquid fuel cylinder.
It requires 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 don't do it correctly the fuel could get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or even sputter. Do some practice outside before going on your next trip to get the hang of it.
This stove does give up some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels, but that's a trade off for the additional flexibility it provides. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline, and not one enhanced with methanol or (alcohol). That's because these types of fuel will cause the unit to be sputtering, leaky, and even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the Jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's designed for harsh conditions such as Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one stove that burns alcohol, solid fuel tabs, and also gels using a single nozzle. It's an ultralight and minimalist design that costs less than most other multifuel stoves. It also comes with low cost of ownership with fuel being less expensive per Liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have a separate nozzle per fuel type. This makes them a little difficult to switch between fuels in bad weather or with gloves, and could increase their weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have come up with ways to use the same nozzle for multiple fuels which is much easier. The newer versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are various names for them like isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car petrol/gasoline.
A multifuel stove kit is available to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers. These are often available at camping stores that specialize in camping and can be purchased internationally. They're a great choice for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels with the exception of diesel and if equipped with the right accessories can even simmer.