How To Explain Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves To Your Grandparents

Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves

Summary: These simple, lightweight stoves can burn wood, hexamine white fuel, white fuel, and gas canisters using a single nozzle. These stoves are popular during colder weather, but they can be noisy and do not have simmer control.

Some multi-fuel stoves burn different kinds 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 features a quick-priming burner, self-purging aluminium pump and precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and wide spreading legs make it a solid stove that can be used on hard ground. This makes it an ideal stove for group backpacking base camps, kayaking and Arctic camping.

Contrary to many other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem in which 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 hoses are then removed from the fuel and causes them to absorb air, which stifles flames and depressurizes the the bottle.

This seems like an innovative solution to an old problem and it certainly is effective. The Nova can also be used with a range of regular fuel bottles that are sealed using an o-ring, such as MSR bottles. It also comes with a fully-featured stove bag that includes separate pockets for tools, spare parts, lubricant and the fuel pump.

This is a fantastic backpacking stove that is suitable for use in the UK. It is particularly ideal for trips, where many fuel types are required. The cost is quite affordable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and a joy to use.

Kovea Hydra

The Kovea Hydra multi fuel stove first came on the market in 2010 and has been a popular choice for many backpackers since. The Hydra is not as popular with UK backpackers any more, perhaps because they have caught up to better-known brands or the newest lightweight offerings from China or Korea. However, this doesn't mean that it's less effective.

It's a small and light stove, that can burn all liquid fuels, including white gas and propane butane with 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 top of the fuel line, the generator loop is wrapped around the inlet, and the flame spreader sits above. The burner is a low-velocity flame type. This means that it is not affected by the wind.

It's a remarkably versatile cooker as it can be used with propane canisters or isobutane. It is easy to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all fuel types at a decent level but is a bit slower than some other stoves when using white gas.

The instructions for the Hydra are written in English, but they were clearly not written by native English speakers. The instructions caution against the use of certain types of lighter fluids that if used in a manner that is not what was intended, could result in an accident that could result in Kovea in a lot of hot legal water. Any gas canister that is 7/16ths UNEF-threaded of a reputable brand will work perfectly.

Primus OmniLite Ti

The Primus Omnilite Ti is a ideal choice for those who are looking for an all-fuel stove that can cook using a variety fuels. It can be powered by gasoline, petrol/gasoline, Kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for each type of fuel and also allows to adjust the flame size, which is a nice feature. The stove comes with an fuel pipe that sits flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.

The Primus Omnilite is an excellent stove, but it requires maintenance to ensure it is operating efficiently. It can be dangerous because it gets flaming when priming. This is a common problem with all stoves with liquid fuel that use a secondary spindle throttle at the stove's end to evaporate fuel instead of an engine coil.

Another issue is that it requires different jets for every type of fuel. This means that if you're cooking on kerosene the jet hole needs to be smaller than when cooking on gas. This is a minor issue however it's important to mention.

MSR Whisper Lite

The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the smallest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also very 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 lighter by 10% over its predecessor and the burner system was revamped to improve heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a budget or for beginners.

The whistler Lite takes a little time to prepare to prime and boil water, but it is a reliable stove that won't fail you. The flame is extremely powerful when it is turned to the max and can boil the water to a liter in two minutes or less. The only drawback is it's not as good to simmer as other stoves.

MSR developed the Dragonfly to be a more capable burner. It's similar to the whistler but is more compact and offers superior performance. However, 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 less than half the cost. Whisperlite International and Universal can be used with isobutane. The same design is used in both but the Universal version can be run with canister fuel as well.

Coleman Sportster II

Like many Coleman stoves, this one is a simple, rough and ready unit that gets the job done. It's small, self-contained and solid, with the tank at the bottom and the burner on top. This makes it easy to use and a good option for backpackers, beginners looking to reduce weight and those who have spares in the van.

This stove is designed to burn Coleman's exclusive fuel (naptha which is also referred to as "white gas") however it can be used with unleaded gas too. This will save you money since one gallon of gasoline could last longer than the standard 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 do this. If you don't do it correctly the fuel could be sprayed onto the burner, or sputter. Practice outside before taking it on your trip to get the hang of it.

This stove sacrifices some performance or flame odor efficiency when using non-coleman fuels but this is a trade-off in exchange for the added flexibility it offers. Just be sure you're buying unleaded gasoline and not something enhanced with methanol or (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 lightweight multifuel stove made for harsh environments like Africa. It's an extremely compact and reliable all in one system that burns solid fuel, alcohol, tabs and also gels through only one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that costs less than other multifuel stoves. It also costs less per liter compared to gas canisters.

Some multifuel stoves also have an individual nozzle for each kind of fuel. It isn't easy to switch between fuels in cold weather, or when wearing gloves. This can also increase the overall weight. Multifuel stoves of the latest kind have a single nozzle that can burn multiple fuels, which makes it simpler. The latest models of these stoves are known as 'hybrid' or 'compressed fuel multifuel stoves' and there are many names for them like isobutane canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline/car petrol.

A multifuel stove kit is available to convert your Trangia burners into Cast iron Multi fuel stoves 5kw fuel cookers. These are available in camping stores that specialize in outdoor equipment and can be bought internationally. They are a good option for Trangia fans and they're capable of burning all liquid fuels with the exception of diesel. If fitted with the right equipment can even cook.