How to Choose the Best Multi Fuel Stoves

Multi-fuel stoves are a great way to create a warm and cozy ambience at home. They are available in a range of designs and are able to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.

To work out the amount of heat your space requires, multiply its length, width and height in m3, and then divide it by 14. This will give you an approximate estimation of the kW output needed.

Stability

A sturdy stove is vital for backpackers who cook over an open flame. A well-designed stove will have lower and wider stove legs that act as a stable platform for pots and pans. Many stoves have flame spread controls, which lets the user adjust the flame's height. This increases the stability and safety.

The quality of the flame on the burner is also crucial to the cooking performance. The top multifuel stoves generate a high heat output that rapidly boils water and maintains a steady flame at lower temperatures. This translates into better efficiency in fuel and lower costs.

If you're a backcountry traveler who counts every ounce like the majority of people, then you must consider the most efficient stoves that use less fuel. A stove that is highly efficient can cut down on the amount of fuel canisters that you have to carry, saving both weight and packing space.

It is essential to have a fuel efficiency that is high if you are planning to travel to remote areas, where it may not be possible to find alternative fuel sources. A multi fuel stove that runs on the same type of fuel everywhere you go will be your most cost-effective and reliable option.

Today, stoves with liquid fuel that run on a mixture of propane, isobutane, and butane are among the most popular options for multifuel stoves backpacking. They are easy to use, lightweight and are able to heat a room quickly. However, they have some drawbacks. They're not as durable as canister stoves that burn pure white gas. Additionally, they're not as reliable in cold conditions or at higher elevations.

If you prefer to cook with liquid fuels, consider a hybrid stove model like the MSR's Reactor or the Jetboil MiniMo. These hybrids are more compact than traditional canister stoves, and have a larger base that serves as a stable platform for pots. A built-in regulator as well as a sophisticated valve system improves the capacity of simmering for these hybrids. They are also less expensive than all-in-one liquid-fuel designs. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for instance, is a great option that combines contemporary European style with the ability to use wood and kerosene canisters as well as traditional white gas.

Control of Flames

The ability to control the flame on a stove with precision is an important feature for anyone who plans on cooking at home. Having an adjustable flame height will allow you to adjust the size of your pots, and also regulate the amount of heat produced - making a huge difference in cooking. A good flame control system will also keep your fire going steadily.

Finding the most effective flame control is essential for campers and backpackers who want to cook in the field. Many backpacking stoves have twist valves that allow you to regulate the flame's height, but a built-in regulator or advanced valve system is the real essential element to achieving the best control of the flame.

A good level of fire control can also help reduce the risk of chimney fires which are a typical cause of house fires in the UK. You can reduce the risk of chimney fires by closing the flue when it is not being used. Regularly cleaning out ash and using an air-filtering device will also help.

The kind of stove you select will also depend on the camping needs. Certain models are better suited to sheltered areas while others work better in a windy environment. If you are camping in frequently-windy locations, a complete stove that burns liquid fuel like the Jetboil Zip could be worth looking into. 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 among the few stoves that can be used with charcoal, something that can really help those who enjoy camping in the wild or simply enjoy cooking outdoors. The RoyalFire Warwick is another option for an old-fashioned wood-burning multifuel stove. This imposing black steel stove is Ecodesign and DEFRA compliant, with two door options that will fit your style and space - either the straight arch for a contemporary look or the Tracery with its dramatic Gothic arches for a more traditional fireplace feel. It's also one of the few stoves with an airwash system that can help reduce the need for manual cleaning.

Reliability

The ability to cook a meal reliably in the wilderness is the most important attribute of any backpacking stove. Whether you're cooking dinner for one or more, a stove with consistently high performance can be the difference between a pleasant camping experience and a miserable night in a cold tent with hungry hikers.

If you value reliability, select a stove that has an extremely durable, sturdy construction like cast-iron or stainless steel and an ignition system that is reliable. A Piezo or push-button igniter can add weight and bulk to your stove, but it can also help you start it each time.

A pot support design that is integrated, like the one used on the Jetboil Flash and MSR WindBurner, is more stable than non-integrated designs and provides better flame control. However it also leaves the flame exposed to wind, which can affect performance if conditions are severe or you're hiking at an altitude. For those seeking a more resistant to wind, Korean brand Kovea makes an intriguing option with their Spider that has an angled burner that puts the pot closer to the flame.

The most reliable stoves for liquid fuel particularly ones that can be multi-fuel, are those that can be used with any white gas or isobutane/propane canister. These models are able to use any white gas canister, or isobutane/propane-based cylinder which makes them a great choice for international travel where you may not know which fuels will be available. The stoves that use liquid fuel are the most efficient in colder weather and at higher altitudes however, some of the more modern alternative fuel stoves offer the same capabilities.

The minimalist designs of an alcohol stove may appeal to those who are a stickler for ounces, but they aren't without compromises when it comes to boiling times and simmer control. The PocketRocket 2 hits a desirable middle ground by providing a sleek robust design, with superior flame control and an impressive fuel efficiency.

A simple alternative-fuel stove, such as the Solo Stove Light, is an excellent choice if want to cut down both your pack weight and cost. The stove comes with an reusable titanium cup that fits around a Nalgene 1-liter or 3.9-ounce tank of propane and isobutane.

Versatility

Based on the kind of backpacking you do, you may require a stove which can be used with different types of fuel. If you're an ultralight hiker, for instance, you may want to skip the traditional canister and go for a wood-burning stove that utilizes pinecones and sticks to generate the fire. These stoves can be light, but they require more care and maintenance. They will not last as long as a canister stove or multi-fuel stove.

Canister or multifuel stoves are ideal for backpackers who live at high altitudes and/or in colder weather. These stoves are more reliable and offer better control of flames than wood-burning stoves, particularly when used in harsh conditions.

The MSR WhisperLite Universal stove is one of our top picks for a multi-fuel canister stove that is versatile and value. It can be used with white gas canisters, kerosene, and unleaded fuel. This makes it an excellent option for international travel where you may have trouble finding fuel locally available.

WindBurner is a high-performance, multi fuel stove defra approved-functional stove for backpacking made by MSR. It's easy to use and is able to heat large pots and kitchen utensils. It also boasts impressive fuel efficiency. It's also simple to fix, lightweight and compact to a size that fits easily in your pack.

BTUs are a good indicator of the stove's power however other aspects like the control of flames and fuel efficiency also play a part. The more BTUs a stove has the greater the power it has to heat water faster and cook food with just one canister of fuel.

Some backpackers can go lighter by choosing an alternative fuel system, such as the Solo Stove Lite. This stove uses solid fuel tablets to create fire, making it an ideal choice for ultralight backpackers who want to shave grams off their pack without sacrificing quality or functionality. However, the grate on this stove can be a bit unstable when it's loaded up with firewood and pots.