Comparison: Best Fuel For Multifuel Stove (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When choosing the best fuel for a multifuel stove, factors like availability, burn efficiency, and environmental impact play pivotal roles. Options such as white gas, kerosene, diesel, and wood each offer unique advantages and trade-offs, depending on your outdoor conditions and preferences. This comparison explores key considerations—including performance in varying weather, ease of use, and sustainability—to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize quick ignition, long-lasting heat, or minimal environmental footprint, understanding these differences ensures you select a fuel that aligns with your camping or travel needs.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for lightweight design:
MSR WhisperLite International Compact Multi-fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove -
Best for hybrid fuel:
MSR WhisperLite Universal Compact Hybrid Fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove -
Best for dual burner:
Coleman 2 Burner Dual Fuel Compact Liquid Fuel Stove -
Best for fuel canisters:
12 Butane Fuel GasOne Canisters for Portable Camping Stoves -
Best for high power:
Roamix 54 -
Best for dual fuel:
SHINESTAR Dual Fuel Stove with Butane & Propane Compatibility -
Best for fuel versatility:
Optimus Polaris Optifuel Stove -
Best for cold weather:
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel for Jetboil Camping and Backpacking Stoves -
Best for best overall:
MSR XGK-EX Multi-Fuel Mountaineering Expedition Stove -
Best for precision control:
MSR Dragonfly Compact Liquid Fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove
Product Comparison: Best Fuel For Multifuel Stove
Lightweight design
MSR WhisperLite International Compact Multi-fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove
MSR
- Multiple included fuel injectors allow the stove to burn white gas, kerosene, or even unleaded auto fuel
- Lightweight stainless steel legs are stamped to offer excellent stability and weight savings
- Compact design folds small and fits inside most MSR pots
- Self-cleaning Shaker Jet technology and one-piece leg assembly allow fast cleaning and maintenance in the field
- Includes fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and PFAS-free stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included)
- Made in the USA. Minimum weight 11.2 oz (0.32 kg). Size 4 in W x 4 in L x 6 in H
Hybrid fuel
MSR WhisperLite Universal Compact Hybrid Fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove
MSR
- Lightweight aluminum mixer tube, extra-stable stainless steel legs and refined design keep weight to a minimum
- Patent pending AirControl technology creates the optimal fuel/air mix for top-notch performance with canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline
- Canister liquid feed delivers better cold weather and low-fuel performance with a more consistent output over the life of each canister. Canister stand included
- Liquid and canister fuel couplers pair with fuel-specific jets for quick and easy transitions
- Self-cleaning Shaker Jet technology and redesigned leg assembly facilitate fast cleaning and easy maintenance in the field
- Includes fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and PFAS-free stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included)
- Made in the USA. Minimum weight: 11.2 oz (0.32 kg). Size: 4 in W x 4 in L x 6 in H
Dual burner
Coleman 2 Burner Dual Fuel Compact Liquid Fuel Stove
Coleman
- One 7,500 BTU burner and one 6,500 BTU burner
- Runs on Coleman Fuel or unleaded gas
- Boil a quart of water in four minutes
- 2 Burner, 14,000 BTU Cooking Power
- Limited Lifetime
Fuel canisters
12 Butane Fuel GasOne Canisters for Portable Camping Stoves
GasOne
- 12 Butane Fuel Canisters
- New & Sealed
- Cartridges Automatically Reseal when Removed from Stove
- Notched Collar for easier Alignment to Stove
- For Use with Butane Backpack Camping Stoves
High power
Roamix 54,500 BTU Multi-Fuel Portable Camping Stove – 16,000W Collapsible Windproof Burner with Fuel Canister Adapter & Carrying Case for Outdoor Cooking, Backpacking & Emergency Use
Roamix
- 【High-Performance Camping Stove】– Delivering an impressive 16,000W (57,500 BTU) heat output, this powerful stove ensures rapid boiling and even cooking, perfect for outdoor meals, from quick breakfasts to gourmet feasts.
- 【Versatile Multi-Fuel Compatibility】– Designed to run on butane, propane, and isobutane, this stove adapts to any adventure, whether you're camping in the mountains, hiking remote trails, or preparing for emergencies.
- 【Lightweight and Portable】– Weighing just 1.6 lbs, this compact, collapsible stove folds neatly into the included carrying bag, making it easy to carry and store for camping, backpacking, or survival kits.
- 【Durable Construction for Outdoor Use】– Built from premium materials, this rugged stove withstands extreme conditions while remaining lightweight enough for easy transport.
- 【Easy Setup with Simple Ignition】– Featuring intuitive controls and a hassle-free ignition system, simply connect your fuel, ignite, and start cooking in seconds—ideal for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Dual fuel
SHINESTAR Dual Fuel Stove with Butane & Propane Compatibility, Portable Camping Stove for Outdoor Cooking, Propane Adapter Hose and Carrying Case Included, 7800 BTUs Output
SHINESTAR
- Dual Fuel Design: Works efficiently with both 8oz. butane canisters and 1lb propane tanks (Note: Fuel is not included). Come with adapter hose to meet all your fuel needs
- High Heat Output: The sturdy aluminum single burner features a porous annular design that delivers up to 7800 BTUs, boiling 4 cups of water in just 5 minutes. Save time and fuel with high-efficiency heating
- Auto-ignition system: With a built-in automatic piezo ignition, start up easily without the need for matches or lighters. The auto-ignition is designed to ignite more than 10,000 times
- Safe to Use: The gas stove features cartridge ejection, safety lock, and auto shut-off for secure operations when cooking or boiling. These safety features ensure secure operation and prevent accidents
- Highly Portable: Includes black carrying case provides easy portability and storage during transportation, making it super handy for camping. The porcelain-coated grate is removable for easy cleaning
Fuel versatility
Optimus Polaris Optifuel Stove, Liquid or Canister Fuel type, Camping, Backpacking, Emergency Preparedness, Durable Metal Construction
Optimus
- The multifuel stove with its single jet technology delivers cooking performance with LPG, white gas, kerosene, diesel and jet fuel without having to change parts
- Integrated cleaning needle for quick and easy cleaning of the jet even during cooking
- Durable aluminum pump for all temparate conditions
- Flipstop pump assembly clears the buner of fuel and depressurizes the fuel bottle
- Integrated 4 season mode with using gas canisters increases heat output when the temperature drops or quicker boil time
Cold weather
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel for Jetboil Camping and Backpacking Stoves, 100 Grams (2-Pack)
Jetboil
- Jetboil's high-performance propane/isobutane 4-season fuel delivers high vapor pressure, improving your system's performance in cold weather.
- At 100 grams, this Jetpower Fuel canister contains enough fuel to boil approximately 12 liters of water. (2-pack, 100 gram canisters)
- Iso-butane provides more constant pressure as the fuel level gets low.
- The canister is easily recyclable with the use of a Jetboil CrunchIt (sold separately), which clips onto a carabiner or key ring.
- Jetpower Fuel is compatible with Jetboil's Flash, Joule, MicroMo, MightyMo, SUMO, and Zip camping stoves.
- The canister takes up minimal pack space at 3.5 by 2.8 inches (9 cm x 7 cm) and weighs only 7.02 ounces.
- For any adventure—from alpine expedition to a weekend trek—Jetboil offers a stove that will keep you fueled. When exploring the backcountry, a compact and efficient stove is fundamental, no matter the level of cuisine you want to create.
Best overall
MSR XGK-EX Multi-Fuel Mountaineering Expedition Stove
MSR
- Reliable design has been proven over 35 years in the most extreme conditions and is the stove of choice for mountaineering expeditions
- Multi-fuel design reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove
- Powerful flame melts snow and boils water superfast, boiling one liter of water in just 2.8 minutes (using kerosene fuel)
- Compact design is extra-stable and supports use of larger pots while retractable legs and flexible fuel line allow for storage in a 1.5 liter MSR pot
- Dependable design is easy to field maintain and Shaker Jet technology cleans the fuel jet with a simple shake
- Storage bag utilizes a PFAS-free DWR coating that is better for the environment and still keeps your gear dry
- Made in the USA
Precision control
MSR Dragonfly Compact Liquid Fuel Camping and Backpacking Stove
MSR
- Dual-valve design provides unrivaled flame control, enabling it to deliver precision simmer-to-boil-control
- Extra wide pot supports provide stability for pots and pans up to 10" in diameter, making this stove ideal for group cooking
- Efficient suspended burner cup design enables the stove to burn hot and strong while reducing the heat lost to the ground
- Compact design folds down to 1/3 of its working size and fits in a two-liter pot for easy storage
- Shaker Jet technology and smart engineering allow complete cleaning and maintenance in the field
- Includes fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. Stuff sack now includes a PFAS-free DWR coating that is better for the environment and still keeps your gear dry
- Made in the USA. Minimum weight: 14.1 oz (0.40 kg). Size: 4 in W x 4 in L x 6 in H
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What fuels are compatible with the MSR WhisperLite International?
It uses white gas, gasoline, and diesel.
Which stove works with both canister and liquid fuels?
The Optimus Polaris Optifuel Stove supports liquid or canister fuel types.
Is butane a recommended fuel for cold weather?
Butane performs poorly in cold conditions; white gas or propane is better.
Which MSR stove is designed for extreme conditions?
The MSR XGK-EX is built for mountaineering and harsh environments.
Does the SHINESTAR Dual Fuel Stove use canister fuels?
Yes, it works with both butane and propane canisters.
What fuel type is Jetboil Jetpower specific to?
It is designed exclusively for Jetboil stoves.
Can the MSR Dragonfly use propane?
No, it is designed for liquid fuels like white gas or kerosene.
Which stove offers hybrid fuel compatibility?
The MSR WhisperLite Universal supports canister and liquid fuels.
