Some Wisdom On Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves From The Age Of Five
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves
Summary: These basic and lightweight stoves burn wood, hexamine tablets, gas canisters and white fuel via a single nozzle. They're popular in cold weather but they're loud and don't have a simmer limit.
Some multi-fuel stoves burn different types of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal can be used with both white and isobutane fuel containers.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used for a variety liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner, an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise control of the simmer. Its low center of gravity and wide legs make it a solid stove that is rock-solid. This makes it a great stove for base camps for groups, kayaking, and Arctic camp.
The Optimus Nova is different from other liquid fuel stoves that have a problem with fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or nozzle. This can be resolved by simply flipping over the bottle. The intake hoses are removed from the fuel and causes them to absorb air which extinguishes flames and depressurizes bottle.
5kw multi fuel stove is an ingenious solution for an age-old issue and it's effective. The Nova can be used with any standard fuel bottle with an o-ring seal, which includes MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that has separate pockets for spare parts, tools, lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent all-round backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK especially for trips where a variety of fuels is required. The cost is quite affordable when compared with other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. Additionally, the Optimus Nova is easy to maintain and enjoyable to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010 since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a favorite among backpackers. A few UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention perhaps because they've caught up with better known brands or whatever the most recent lightweight offering out of China or Korea is, but this doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.
It's a small and light stove that burns all liquid fuels including white gas as well as propane butane through only one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design with a burner bell bolted to a body that anchors three fold out support legs. The pump is on top of the fuel hose and the generator loop is positioned around the inlet and the flame spreader is situated above the inlet. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This makes it less susceptible to wind.
It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with either propane canisters or isobutane canisters. It is easy to simmer with isobutane and propane, and it burns all fuels at a decent rate. However when using white gas, the stove runs a bit slower.
One thing to be aware of with the Hydra is that the instructions are written in English which was not written by someone who speaks the language. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluid that if used in a manner that is not what is actually intended can result in an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any 7/16ths UNEF-threaded gas canister of a reputable brand will work 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 using a variety of fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and is also able to adjust the flame size which is a great feature. This stove also comes with a fuel line that sits flat on the ground and is easily connected to the tank.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance in order to ensure it is operating properly. Particularly it is prone to flare during priming, which can be dangerous. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel which use a second spindle throttle on the stove's side to evaporate fuel instead of the generator coil.
It is also important to know that every fuel type requires a different jet. This means that if you cook using kerosene, the jet hole has to be smaller than when cooking with gas. It's a minor issue but it's important to mention.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite is one of the lightest, slimmest and most affordable multi fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It can be run on canister fuel or liquid gas, and includes attachments for both. The new design is lighter by 10% than its predecessor and the burner's system has been improved to improve heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers with a limited budget or those who are just beginning.
The whistler Lite requires a bit of time to prepare and prime, then boil water, but it is an efficient stove that will not let you down. The flame is powerful and can cook a liter of water within two minutes. The only drawback is it's not as efficient to simmer as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It's similar to the whistler but is smaller and has better performance. However, 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 utilized with isobutane. The same basic design is used in both but the Universal version can also be operated with fuel from canisters in addition.
Coleman Sportster II
Like many Coleman stoves, this is a basic, rough and ready unit that gets the job done. It's strong, compact and self-contained with the tank on the bottom and burner up top. This makes it simple to use and a great option for backpackers, beginners who want to save 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 referred to as white gas) This stove can be used with non-leaded gasoline too. A gallon of gasoline can last as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder so you'll save money on fuel with this alternative.
Liquid fuel stoves have a learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prime them before you can get a nice blue flame going. If you do it wrong the fuel could get into the tank, splash outside the burner, or even sputter. To get the hang of this do some practice outside before you go on your trip.
The stove will lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a trade-off for its versatility. Just be sure you're buying gasoline that isn't leaded and not that is enriched with methanol or ethanol (alcohol). These types of fuel could cause the unit's performance to decline and even explode.
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove from South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a light multifuel stove made for harsh environments like Africa. It's a compact and reliable all-in-one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs, and also gels using one nozzle. It's a lightweight minimalist design that is priced less than most other multifuel stoves, and also has low cost of ownership and fuel is less expensive per liter than gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have different nozzles for each type of fuel. It isn't easy to switch between fuels during bad weather conditions, or while wearing gloves. This can add to the overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have found a way to make use of the same nozzle for different fuels, making it easier. The latest versions of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or "compressed multifuel stoves'. there are a variety of names for them such as isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.
A multifuel stove kit can be bought to transform your Trangia burners into multi fuel cookers. They are typically available at camping stores that specialize in camping and are also available for purchase internationally. These are great for Trangia enthusiasts. They can burn all liquid fuels, aside from diesel, and with the right accessories they can even simmer.