Multi-Fuel Stoves

Recent Multi-Fuel Stove Reviews

Coleman 533

Rugged stove that works well under all conditions. Easy to use but can be finicky in adjusting the flame. My Coleman 533 is about 30 years old.  Used frequently on camping trips to perk coffee and cook simple meals.  Lighting the stove is easy.  If the stove is full, frequent pumping is necessary until fuels burns off to maintain a larger air volume in the tank.  The flame control does not work all that well.  The low heat "sweet spot" is hard to find and if you don't monitor it, the flame… Full review

Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove

Burns fuel, lacking functionality. Got er about 2 years ago. Used couple dozen times as secondary stove to mainline MSR Dragonfly (make tea/coffee while dinner/breakfast cooking idea). Realised my GSI outdoors cup is too narrow for the 3 pegs and sat funny/tipping over while brewing. Also did not like the large potfuls of hard earned chow sitting on 3 pegs just threatening to tip over if you but lapsed on your attention once. So, to the drawing board. Tools: pencil die grinder with cutoff wheel,… Full review

MSR DragonFly

The best and the most reliable backpacking stove I've ever used. Every year, the trails I haunt beckon me to pack the K2 Longbed and get away from civilization once more. Each time I go off into the wilderness, I pack the MSR Dragonfly. It's the same one I purchased in 1993, and the same stove that consistently works without fail, heats up my tea, and makes one-pot cooking a delight.  Full review

MSR DragonFly

This is a stable and reliable stove for base camp cooking or backpacking. I have used a number of MSR stoves over the years (Whisperlite, XGK, XGK EX, and the Dragonfly); they have all been reliable performers. The O-ring at the fuel line interface with the pump has always been the failure point…I replace it annually with an inexpensive O-ring from the hardware store. After 10-15 years, the pip on the pump’s NRV (non-return valve) gets hard; I just buy a new pump. Operating this stove is straightforward…pump… Full review

Coleman 533

A review eh? Well. These can be very tricky in a backpack, as liquid fuel carry is, and has always been, an issue. You gotta love these stoves to really contend with them. Now, on the other hand, gasoline is plentiful, and most people cannot refill butane/ propane cans, so when you're out of fuel, you will need to find a store, burn wood, or eat cold food. Gasoline is everywhere. These stoves are at a disadvantage in terms of pack space, weight, and fuel safety...their day has come and gone. However,… Full review

Optimus Polaris Optifuel

Well built. Needs an additional silencer cap to achieve its potential. I bought this recently as an alternative to my Coleman 442 and to replace a Primus Omnilite.  I tested it with its normal flame spreader boiling half a litre of water with canister gas, white gas, and kerosene. Apart from being very loud, which I expected, I found the performance on canister gas disappointing. It took a full minute longer than the other fuels to boil half a litre, and simmer control was poor, having a tendency… Full review

MSR DragonFly

Replaced my great WhisperLite that got destroyed getting caught up in a dog leash and went on a good run. I considered getting another but starting looking at the DrangonFly due to greater control of the heat After a few years @10, found the pump rather came apart and in contacting MSR wanting to purchase another pump they graciously replaced the entire pump assembly..that was about 15 years ago. That is such great customer service. About 20 years ago they did the same on my MSR water filter so… Full review

MSR DragonFly

Could be better; I'll give it 5 stars if MSR fulfilled the frequently asked requests. I will not rephrase all of the greatness of this stove like all those above reviews. I will save time by reviewing the uncovered review. I have finally read all the reviews and comments about MSR Dragonfly in Trailspace and voted up all those reviews. I bought the MSR Dragonfly in used, mint condition like new. I've modified the fuel line connector to be able to use a Lindal type adapter. And I chose to use the… Full review

MSR XGK-EX

I've had mine for many, many years. Used it for trips all over the world. I can make it simmer (it's an acquired skill). I've burned almost every flammable liquid in it. Easy to use, maintain, and rebuild in the field. I bought it at REI many, many years ago and It's been with me on bicycle trips all over the world for durations of a few days to 11 months. I've rebuilt it multiple times and it keeps on working.   It has burned almost every flammable liquid that I found along the way (white gas,… Full review