How to Choose the Best Multi Fuel Stoves
Multi fuel stoves combine practical heating properties while helping to create a warm and inviting space within your home. They come in a variety of styles and can be used to complement both traditional and contemporary styles.
Multiply the length, width, and height of your space in m3 and divide it by 14. This will give you an approximate estimate of the kW output required.
Stability
When backpackers cook over an open flame in the backcountry, a sturdy stove is essential. A well-designed stove has legs that are low and wide, which offer a stable platform for pots and pans. Many stoves feature flame spread controls, that allows the user to alter the flame's height. This improves stability and safety.
In addition to the stability of a burner, its flame quality is also critical to the cooking performance. The best multi fuel stoves will generate a high heat output that rapidly boils water and maintains a consistent flame at lower temperatures. This leads to improved efficiency in fuel and lower costs.
If you're a backpacker who values every ounce of weight as do the majority of people, then you must seek out the most efficient stoves that use less fuel. A stove that is efficient will reduce the amount of fuel you need to carry and help you save weight and space.
The efficiency of fuel is crucial if you are planning to travel to remote areas in which it might not be possible to find alternative sources of fuel. The most reliable and economical option is a multi fuel stove. It can be used wherever using the same fuel type.
Today, stoves with liquid fuel that operate on a mixture of propane, isobutane, and butane are among the most popular options for backpacking. They're simple to use, lightweight and heat up the room quickly. However, they have some disadvantages. They're not as stable as canister stoves, which burn pure white gas. They also have a short lifespan and aren't as reliable at higher altitudes or in cold.
If you prefer to cook with liquid fuels, consider a hybrid stove design like the MSR's Reactor and the Jetboil MiniMo. These hybrids are smaller than canister stoves, and their broader base offers a stable place to place pots. A built-in regulator as well as a sophisticated valve system enhances the ability to simmer in these hybrids. They are also less expensive than all-in-1 liquid-fuel designs. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, is an excellent option that blends modern European style with the ability to utilize kerosene and wood canisters as well as conventional white gas.
Flame Control
Anyone who cooks at home will appreciate the ability to control the flame of a stove with precision. A flame height that is adjustable allows you to alter the size of your pots, and also control the amount of heat produced - making a big difference in cooking. A good flame control system will also be able to keep your fire running at a steady speed.
Finding double sided multifuel stove is essential for backpackers and campers who wish to cook on the go. Many backpacking stoves have twist valves that let you control the flame height, but a built-in regulator or an advanced valve system is the real key to better flame control.
You can also lower the risk of chimney blazes by ensuring you have an adequate level of fire suppression. They are the most frequent cause of fires in UK homes. You can lower the risk by keeping the flue shut when not in use, and removing all ash regularly and using an air filtration device.
As with stability, the type of stove you choose will depend on your camping needs. Certain models are better suited for areas with shelter, whereas others are more efficient in windy conditions. Consider a liquid fuel stove like the Jetboil Zip if you are camping in windy areas. It's designed to work with isobutane canisters as well as kerosene and auto fuel, while providing good boiling times and fuel efficiency.
It's also one of the few stoves that can be used with charcoal - something that could come in handy for those who love camping in the wilderness or who enjoy cooking outdoors. Another alternative is a traditional wood-burning multifuel stove, such as the RoyalFire Warwick. This black alloy steel stove has two doors that match your style and the space - the clear arch door for a modern look, or the Tracery door with striking Gothic arches if you prefer a more traditional fireplace. It's also one of the few stoves that have an effective airwash system that can reduce the necessity for manual cleaning.
Reliability
The ability to cook a meal consistently in the wilderness is the most important characteristic of any backpacking stove. If you're cooking for one or more, a stove that provides reliable performance can mean the difference between a pleasant camp experience and a night of discomfort in a cold tent crowded with hungry hikers.
People who value reliability should opt for a stove made of solid, durable construction, such as stainless steel or cast-iron, and an ignition system that is reliable. A push-button or Piezo igniter can add weight and bulk to your stove, but it can also assist you in starting it every time.
An integrated pot support design similar to the one used on the Jetboil Flash and MSR WindBurner is more stable than non-integrated designs and provides better control over the flame. However, it leaves the flame more vulnerable to wind, which could impact performance when conditions are harsh or you're hiking at altitude. For those seeking a more resistant to wind, Korean brand Kovea makes an intriguing choice with their Spider model, which features an angled burner that positions the pot closer to the flame.
Liquid fuel stoves are the most reliable choices, particularly those equipped with multi-fuel capability. These stoves can use any white gas canister, or isobutane/propane-based cylinder which makes them a great option for international travel, where you may not know which fuels will be available. Liquid-fuel stoves also tend to provide the best performance in cold weather and at altitude, although certain newer alternative-fuel stoves have similar capabilities.
True ounce-counters could prefer minimalist designs like an alcohol stove, however these can come with big compromises in terms of boiling times and simmer control. The PocketRocket 2 strikes a nice middle ground thanks to its sleek durable design, robust construction and remarkable fuel efficiency.
If you're looking for ways to cut down on both the weight of your pack and also the price an alternative stove like the Solo Stove Light is an inexpensive alternative. The versatile stove comes with a reusable titanium cup that fits around a Nalgene 1-liter or 3.9-ounce tank of propane and isobutane.
Versatility
Depending on what type of backpacking you're doing it is possible that you will require a stove that could be used with different kinds of fuel. If you're an ultralight hiker for example, you might want to skip the traditional canister and go for a wood-burning model which utilizes pinecones and sticks to generate the fire. These stoves might be light but they need more maintenance and will not last longer than a canister stove or multi-fuel stove.
People who go on backpacking trips all year round in high altitudes or in colder temperatures, should use a multi-fuel stove or a canister. These stoves are more reliable and have better flame control than wood-burning stoves, particularly when used in harsh conditions.
The MSR WhisperLite Universal is one of our top examples of a multi-fuel canister-based stove that can be used for a variety of purposes at a reasonable price. It's designed to work with white gas canisters, and is also compatible with kerosene as well as unleaded gasoline. This makes it an excellent alternative for international travel, where you might have difficulty getting local fuel.
Another great option is the WindBurner by MSR, a multi-functional backpacking stove that is high-performance and durable. It's able of heating large pots and utensils. It is easy to use, and offers remarkable fuel efficiency and impressive boil times for its size. It's also easy to repair, light and packs down to a size that fits easily in your pack.
BTUs are a good indicator of a stove's power, but other factors such as control of flames and fuel efficiency also play an important role. The greater the BTUs are, the more energy it will use to heat water faster and cook food using a single canister of fuel.
Some backpackers can go even lighter by choosing an alternative fuel system such as the Solo Stove Lite. This stove makes fire using solid fuel tablets, making it an ideal option for ultralight backpackers seeking to shed weight without sacrificing functionality or quality. However, the grate on this stove can be a bit unstable when loaded with firewood and pots.