Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Poll: Which is most economical to cook with for multifuel stoves?
Poll Options
Which is most economical to cook with for multifuel stoves?

Like Tree27Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
Multi fuel stove users: what have you burnt?

Basically, I have a multi fuel. I liked the idea of the versatility but, as yet, I've never used that versatility to the maximum.

I usually burn gas canisters when I'm camping locally as it is so easy to set up. When I go further afield, I tend to use Coleman's fuel. I could go for unleaded, but I have read that cooking with petrol is not that healthy, so I don't do it now, unless I have nothing else.

One I have never used is kerosene/paraffin. Having recently bought an 80 year old SVEA No.1 stove at a car boot, I decided to ask.

Which fuels have you used and how do they compare in terms of how long a litre lasts and how much a litres costs. In other words, how much grub they'll heat per £/$/€ relative to other fuels?
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
Thanks for the two comments so far.

Just a reminder, though. I am specifically interested in those fuels that can be used with a multi-fuel stove. Of those fuels I want to know which gives its users the biggest bang for the buck.

I too use a wood-burning stove but for me that would not come under the category of mutli-fuel stove fuel.

The "Other" category is more for things like AVGAS etc, in case anyone has ever used that!
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Wales
Posts: 46
I have an MSR Whisperlite, runs well on unleaded but sooty at the start, runs really well on panel wipe solvent (naptha) have used assorted gas stoves, no go at lower temps and trusty old paraffin primus, I also have a Kibbutz made wood burner which is fun but not serious.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I've got a Coleman Dual Fuel...

I only ever use Petrol and it works great (I put a cap of FI cleaner in the mix every 50 uses to keep the jets clean).

I've used Coleman fuel in it which is expensive. The only benefit I got was that it burnt without an odour.


Stick to burning petrol and as long as you're not in the Antarctic, you should be able to source it..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I have an omnifuel.

It runs best on paraffin/kerosene, in that by using this fuel it runs longer than with any other fuel, also not too unclean. paraffin is also the cheapest fuel here. Not quite so hot as with petrol but is my preferred choice of fuel. sadly you can't run it down to a slow simmer without the heat exchange/vapouriser getting too cool and reverting to yellow sooty flame. to control heat you need to lower or raise the pot.
diesel works but takes a while to run properly.
petrol works but flame very hot.
gas untried as I have a little £10 gaz stove that runs on 270/470 cartridges, this is by far the better stove for cooking or a quick cuppa as I can simmer gently and can deploy in about 5 seconds. It will also run at low temperatures as these canisters are a mix of butane and propane.

Last edited by oldbmw; 12 Jul 2011 at 00:51.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I like the idea of camping Gaz but I REALLY hate the environmental impact of having these disposable aluminium bottles in land fill just so I can have a cuppa.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jul 2011
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I think parafin/kerosene gives the best theoretical "bang per buck" cost but that's not really a massive issue really.

For convenience you can't beat a little Camping Gaz Bluet Micro or similar.

For ease of finding fuel and reliability it's got to be a Coleman; Feather or Sportster running unleaded.

If I'm static camping i.e. by van then I use a 70 year-old Radius parafin stove and a big old Primus/Svea. They run forever on a tank of Esso Blue so can be put into service to knock up a huge Chilli, Spag-Bol or Bunny Stew for a large group.

I jabbered again; in answer to your question...... Petrol
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I like the idea of camping Gaz but I REALLY hate the environmental impact of having these disposable aluminium bottles in land fill just so I can have a cuppa.

I sometimes use the Coleman canisters.

They thread on to the stove, so in principle, they should be refillable. The packaging says recyclable, so I'm hoping that is the case. Very hard to know who to give it to, if it is to be refilled by Coleman or the like...

If gas is tempting, then perhaps that system is best for you.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Jul 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I've got a Coleman Dual Fuel...

I only ever use Petrol and it works great (I put a cap of FI cleaner in the mix every 50 uses to keep the jets clean).
Interesting, I should try that on mine (never cleaned it)

Last edited by estebangc; 31 Jul 2011 at 15:56. Reason: Quotation not appeared correctly
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
Search on the net for how much heat the different gasses/liquids can deliver. I think the measurement unit is BTU, then find the prices and its an easy calculation to find the cheapest fuel compared to efficiency.

BUT cooking fuel is one of the lesser expenses, so who really cares ;-) normally the problem is finding the fuel, so you take what you can get.
__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Jul 2011
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
dried camel dung works a treat no need for a stove just light and whack a dough ball in their and voila crusty pooey bread - lovely stuff
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Jul 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
I to use a coleman dual fuel, I use unleaded as well, but also never cleaned it !
What is FI cleaner Ted ?
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: England
Posts: 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD View Post
I to use a coleman dual fuel, I use unleaded as well, but also never cleaned it !
What is FI cleaner Ted ?
Cheers
Paul
Could be Fuel Injecter Cleaner, mainly for cars. Sounds like a good Idea.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 31 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleepy View Post
Could be Fuel Injecter Cleaner, mainly for cars. Sounds like a good Idea.
Yup. Fuel injection cleaner.

An Aussie guy, Ken Duval told me the trick.

It burns VERY hot violent and blows all the shit out of the generator. I can't confirm that it actually works but my coleman is 5 years old, been ran only on cheap unleaded and is still burning strong.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
If you really want to save on fuel when cooking, use a pressure cooker. They typically save 50% or more.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
camp stove/fuel in Africa...? Todd & Christina Camping Equipment and all Clothing 11 5 Aug 2015 00:50
Multi-fuel stove and lantern combo Stephen Camping Equipment and all Clothing 11 12 Jul 2011 01:04
Best way to get fuel out of your tank (for the stove)? Drachenstein Camping Equipment and all Clothing 39 26 Feb 2011 06:44
a stove that runs on bike fuel? acjeske Camping Equipment and all Clothing 16 2 Dec 2007 16:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:36.