Comparison: Best Fuel For Multifuel Stove (Updated | Nov 24th)

Multi‑fuel stoves are designed to accept liquid fuels such as white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel, as well as gaseous fuels like butane, propane, and isobutane. For high‑altitude or cold‑weather camping, an isobutane‑propane blend provides reliable vapor pressure. If you need quick ignition for wood or pellets, fire‑lighting pellets can be used as a starter but not as a primary fuel.

Meeco’s Red Devil fire‑lighting pellets ignite instantly and burn cleanly with no ash, making them ideal for starting wood or pellet fires, but they are not meant for continuous stove operation. Bio‑ethanol fuels like Smart Fuel are eco‑friendly, produce no smoke or soot, and can be poured directly into ethanol burners, but they require careful handling to avoid spills on hot surfaces. Choose pellets for quick starts and ethanol for a green, indoor‑safe flame.

Standard 8 oz butane canisters lose vapor pressure below 0 °C, which can cause poor performance in cold conditions. Blends that include isobutane or propane, such as the Hotdevil 100 g canister, maintain higher pressure and work better at altitude and low temperatures. For winter camping, opt for a mixed‑fuel canister or carry a white‑gas liquid fuel as a backup.

Always store fuels in a cool, ventilated area and keep caps tightly sealed to prevent leaks. Liquid fuels like bio‑ethanol should never be poured onto a lit fire and must be allowed to cool before refilling, as highlighted by Smart Fuel’s safety warnings. Gas canisters with self‑sealing nozzles, such as Gas One’s 12‑pack, reduce accidental release and are safer for transport.

Isobutane‑propane blends in compact 100 g canisters (e.g., Hotdevil or Jetboil Jetpower) provide high vapor pressure and consistent output, delivering roughly 2–4 hours of cooking per canister at moderate heat. Butane‑only canisters are cheaper but burn faster in cold weather. For the longest run time per gram, consider a mixed‑fuel canister that balances cost and performance.

The pellets are formulated as fire‑lighting aids and are excellent for igniting wood, coal, or pellet stoves, but they are not designed to feed through a stove’s fuel injector or burner system. Using them as a primary fuel in a stove that expects liquid or gaseous fuel could clog the system and damage the unit. Reserve the pellets for starter use only, and switch to the manufacturer‑recommended liquid or gas fuel for regular cooking.

Isobutane blends deliver higher vapor pressure at lower temperatures, which translates to steadier flame and quicker boil times in cold environments. Pure propane maintains strong pressure in very cold weather but can be harsher on delicate stove components due to higher heat. A blend gives a balanced performance, offering propane’s cold‑weather reliability with isobutane’s smoother burn.

Bio‑ethanol fuels like Smart Fuel are made from recycled ethanol and burn to produce only CO₂ and water vapor, resulting in minimal soot, smoke, or lingering odor, making them a greener choice for indoor use. Gas canisters and liquid white‑gas have a higher carbon footprint and generate greenhouse gases when combusted. If low environmental impact is a priority, opt for certified recycled ethanol or consider using sustainably sourced wood with fire‑lighting pellets.