Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Multi fuel stove users: what have you burnt? Multi fuel stove users: what have you burnt?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria




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
Page 1 of 4 1 234
 
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: 5,679
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; 11 Jul 2011 at 23:51.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
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 26 Jul 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 562
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 14:56. Reason: Quotation not appeared correctly
Reply With Quote
  #8  
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
  #9  
Old 25 May 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
Camping gaz is okay if you can buy the bottles. That ain't happening when you get out of camping shop.zones. Any bit of kit will let you down if you don't maintain it. A Coleman needs 2 quid spending on it every 5 Years.

www.touringted.com
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Camping gaz is okay if you can buy the bottles. That ain't happening when you get out of camping shop.zones. Any bit of kit will let you down if you don't maintain it. A Coleman needs 2 quid spending on it every 5 Years.

www.touringted.com
I use 470 canisters, they are a mix of propane and butane so will work in cold weather ( below 0C. One canister usually lasts me for a fortnight or so. I always take a spare so when I use the one on the burner I buy another spare as soon as I get the chance.

I admit I don't usually go outside of Europe, if I did my priorities might be different.
None of the groups stoves had any age to them, my £10 gaz stove is 15 years plus now. and are available easily. Certainly I could buy a new stove easier than get a part for a petrol stove.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Nov 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 18
I have a optimus novs+ I have used overland (africa) and locally.
I have run it on -
Proper stove fuel from a camp shop
petrol
paraffin
kerosene
diesel
cooking oil (blended)
Red diesel/marine gas oil
And some various blends of all of the above.

It worked well on all but takes a bit longer to get up to heat on the oils. It also says dont run it on unleaded, but I suspect thats more from the health issue as it goes fine.


I think petrol is the easiest most available and best heating to run on. But you can also chuck anything in and cook, just avoid the bottom three as red diesel particularly clogs it up after a bit!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Nov 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: RTW
Posts: 72
I don't have a multi-fuel stove. I have the old standby, MSR Whisperlite.

And I burn unleaded gasoline in it. Yup. Works fine.

I've also put Coleman white gas camp stove fuel in my bike in a pinch, and it works fine too.

Jamie
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Posts: 98
I have a Trangia that uses methylated spirits and it seems fine. Dunno if its possible to use other fuels in it though. Can anyone tell me?

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
__________________


"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Apr 2014
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris1200 View Post
Dunno if its possible to use other fuels in it though. Can anyone tell me?
Have a look here

Trangia Fuel
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Apr 2014
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Coleman
The problem using petrol in Coleman dual fuel stoves is the seals perish over a period of time, I never seem to get longer than 3 mths out of them.
They are very good when the work tho.

Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 4 1 234

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 10 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 10 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 4 Aug 2015 23:50
Multi-fuel stove and lantern combo Stephen Camping Equipment and all Clothing 11 12 Jul 2011 00:04
Best way to get fuel out of your tank (for the stove)? Drachenstein Camping Equipment and all Clothing 39 26 Feb 2011 05:44
a stove that runs on bike fuel? acjeske Camping Equipment and all Clothing 16 2 Dec 2007 15:49

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 23:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top