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The Best Liquid Fuel Backpacking Stoves

clarachen

2024-07-04

Liquid fuel stoves use white gas, which is kept in a fuel bottle that can be refilled and connected to the burner by a hose. It’s possible for these stoves to keep working well in the cold because you can pressurize the fuel within the bottle. This type of stove works best all year and for cooking with a lot of people.

Optimus Svea 123

Many people agree that the Seva 123 is one of the most reliable stoves ever made, and they’re right. They don’t break, and most of them are still around in some form, whether they’re broken down or brand new in the box. The fact that the Svea is still on the market after more than 50 years shows how well-made it is and how loyal its customers are. Since mine is an older Optimus type and doesn’t have the aluminum cup, I can’t say how well it works. I still like to bring this stove on day walks to cook ramen noodles or Meso soup. The older hikers will also compliment you on it.

MSR XGK-EX

This lightweight liquid fuel backpacking stove is great for quickly cooking and boiling water. The stove is actually pretty low, but can be used to cook eggs and pancakes. After connecting the fuel line and threading the pump into the bottle, it is ready to light. Even though it doesn’t have a lighter built in, it never has any trouble lighting it with a match. You can slightly change the heat, but this stove won’t simmer. The main purpose of this stove is to boil water, you can use it to cook pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Using white gas, it took about 9 minutes for 2.5 liters of water to boil in real life. This is pretty close to the times quoted.

MSR DragonFly

This MSR Draonfly model has been around for a long time. It’s tried-and-true adventure stove. It can use fuels including, white gas, jet fuel, diesel, kerosene, and gasoline. It will work at any temperature and any height. This stove works perfectly in temperatures below -30° C. It boils a liter of water in less than 4 minutes and melts snow very well. There is a big pot stand on the stove that makes it easy to use big pots and pans.

MSR WhisperLite Universal

Finally, a stove that can burn both liquid fuels and cylinder gas. MSR calls it a hybrid. It not only burns these fuels well, but it also simmers! By changing a few parts with the included tool, the stove can be set up to burn the different fuels in just a few minutes. It’s a great choice for people who want a stove that can be used all year, in different conditions, with different types of fuel. It gives groups of people more options by letting them use more than one fuel type. It also helps people who are traveling abroad and may not be able to easily get certain fuels or whose availability may not be clear. It can burn White Gas – Tank gas without lead – Kerosene Canister gas—(standing or lying down).

Primus OmniFuel

The only thing that makes this stove less than perfect is that it has a roarer burner, which means that the jet of fuel hits a metal curved cover on the way up and spreads out onto the pan’s surface. It’s pretty much perfect other than that. The pump shaft is made of metal, not plastic. Many people I know have broken MSR pumps and sometimes had to buy a whole new pump unit. A few times I’ve stood on this stove, the legs have just bent back into place.

Coleman 533

Coleman is one of the great options available. It can be used a lot when camping to make coffee and easy meals. It’s simple to light the stove. When the stove is full, the tank needs to be pumped often until the fuel is gone so that there is more room for air. The control for the flame doesn’t work extremely well. It’s tough to find the “sweet spot” for low heat. If you don’t keep an eye on it, the flame will turn yellow and the stove will shut off. Because it doesn’t take up much space over the burner, a full big coffee pot can be unstable. However, if you watch out, it heats water quickly, and coffee is ready in no time.

MSR WhisperLite

When folded up and held in the hand, it appears bigger. It looks like it’s about 20 years old? Is that too much of an emphasis? There is only a local Seattle phone number on the yellowed directions, which are for an old address. Aluminum bottles with no name or branding on them, and a yellowish plastic pump. Its hose become rigid and crack over time, and the other rubber and leather parts start to break down.

Comparison Table

Stove Model	Fuel Efficiency	Boil Time	Weight	Price	Ease of Use	Price Reference
Optimus Svea 123	High	Average	Heavy	High	Moderate	＄129
MSR XGK-EX	High	Average	Heavy	High	Moderate	＄209
MSR DragonFly	High	Fast	Lightweight	High	High	＄190
MSR WhisperLite Universal	High	Average	Heavy	High	Moderate	＄200
Primus OmniFuel	High	Average	Heavy	High	Moderate	＄200
Coleman 533	Moderate	Average	Heavy	Low	High	＄110
MSR WhisperLite	High	Average	Heavy	High	Moderate	＄135

Tips to improve fuel efficiency of liquid fuel stoves

Liquid fuel stoves are a reliable outdoor cooking tool, but how to maximize their fuel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure cooking results is a concern for many outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some practical tips and tricks:

Cookware selection:

When choosing a cookware, you need to pay attention to the diameter, material, and shape of the pot bottom. The diameter of the pot bottom should match the size of the burner flame. A pot bottom that is too large or too small will reduce thermal efficiency; the pot bottom material should be a thick-bottomed metal pot, because it has better thermal conductivity, can absorb heat faster, and improve efficiency; and the shape of the pot bottom is recommended to be a flat bottom, because they have a larger contact area with the burner and higher thermal efficiency.

Usage tips:

Before cooking or boiling, preheat the pot with a low fire to improve thermal efficiency; then adjust the flame size according to the cooking/boiling needs, try to make the flame completely cover the bottom of the pot to avoid heat loss; use a windshield, which can effectively reduce the impact of wind on the flame and improve combustion efficiency; finally, when boiling water or food, remember to cover the pot, which can reduce heat loss and shorten the boiling time.

Fuel selection: Using high-purity fuel can improve combustion efficiency.

Clean the stove regularly: Regularly clean the carbon deposits on the burner to maintain a good combustion state; regularly check the nozzle to ensure that the nozzle is not blocked.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Liquid Stove

Fuel efficiency: For a certain amount of fuel, how much water or food can you boil?
Controlling the Flame: Can the flame be changed? How well did it work?
Boil Time: How long does it take for water to boil in a safe place?
Ignition: How easy is it to prime or light? Does any of the built-in igniters always work well?
Setting up: How simple is it to set up and fill the stove? Does it have a liquid fuel backpacking stove maintenance kit?
Wind: Does the stove stay lit when it’s windy? What effect does wind have on cooking time?
Cooking: How well does the stove let you boil, cook, fry, bake, etc.?
Stability: Does it feel safe and stable with a pot or like it could “noodle-dumper”?
Easy to pack: How well does the stove store and pack away?
Comfort: Do the parts and features work the way you want them to? Often enough?

Liquid fuel backpacking stove with preheat function are the mainstays of wilderness cooking. These are the stoves that professional guides construct and use for a variety of activities, such as winter ski touring, mountaineering, long-term distant excursions, and extended outdoor education programs.

FAQ

What is the difference between white gas and gasoline for a liquid fuel stove?

White gas and gasoline are both commonly used fuels in liquid fuel stoves, but they have different properties that can affect performance and safety.

White Gas

Pros:

Higher octane: Burns cleaner and performs better.
Less volatile: Less likely to evaporate quickly, easier to store and transport.
Less toxic: Less harmful to the environment and human health.

Cons:

Higher cost: Often more expensive than gasoline.

Gasoline

Pros:

Lower cost: Often more affordable than white gas.
Widely available: Easier to find at gas stations.

Cons:

Lower octane: May result in incomplete combustion and reduced performance.
More volatile: More likely to evaporate quickly, more difficult to store and transport.
More toxic: May be harmful to the environment and human health.

How do I prime a liquid fuel stove?

Before filling the gas stove with oil, you need to make sure the fire is completely extinguished and let the stove cool down sufficiently. At the same time, choose a well-ventilated outdoor place away from fire and flammable materials.

Find the fuel cap on the stove, which is usually a threaded cap. Use a wrench or coin to carefully unscrew the fuel cap, align the nozzle of the fuel can with the fuel hole, and slowly inject fuel. Be careful not to overfill it, leave a certain amount of space to prevent fuel from overflowing. Then tighten the fuel cap to ensure a good seal to prevent fuel leakage.

After filling the oil, you need to carefully check all parts of the stove to ensure that there is no fuel leakage.

Note: Do not fill oil and use the stove indoors or in a tent.

What is the best way to prevent a liquid fuel stove from clogging?

Use high-quality clean fuel that is free of impurities and contaminants. Avoid using fuel that contains additives or additives that may cause clogging.
Clean the stove regularly, especially the burner head, fuel filter and fuel lines.
Store the stove in a clean, dry place. Avoid storing it in high humidity areas or where it may be exposed to dust or dirt.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Excess fuel can overflow and cause clogging. Strictly follow the instructions for stove maintenance and cleaning. If you encounter problems that you cannot solve, seek help from professionals in a timely manner.

Can I use a liquid fuel stove indoors?

No, you should never use a liquid fuel stove indoors. Liquid fuel stoves are intended for outdoor use only. It is important to follow safety guidelines and use outdoor equipment only in appropriate environments.

How do I choose the right liquid fuel stove for my needs?

First, you need to clarify your needs. If you are backpacking, prioritize stoves that are fuel-efficient and lightweight. If you are camping, you can choose stoves with more power or more versatility. Then, according to your budget, compare different models of fuel stoves and choose the one that suits you.

Well-known liquid fuel stove brands:

MSR: Known for its high quality and efficient stoves.
Primus: Offers a range of stoves that meet different needs.
Optimus: Known for its durability and versatility.
Kovea: Provides compact and lightweight options.

The above mentioned are all-time great stoves in this category. They burn steadily and efficiently, and many of them can now burn other fuels besides the common white gas without requiring disassembly.