Multi-Fuel Camping Stoves — When Gas Isn't an Option

Beyond Gas: Stoves That Burn Almost Anything

Gas stoves are brilliant for 90% of UK camping. But when temperatures plunge below freezing, when you are travelling to countries where EN417 canisters are unavailable, or when you simply want a stove that works regardless of fuel supply, multi-fuel stoves become essential. These are specialist tools for serious outdoor users, and understanding them opens up camping possibilities that gas-only stoves cannot reach.

What Is a Multi-Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove burns liquid fuels — typically white gas (Coleman fuel), unleaded petrol, paraffin (kerosene) and sometimes diesel or aviation fuel. The stove has a pump-pressurised fuel bottle connected by a hose, and interchangeable jets optimised for different fuel types. Some models, like the Primus OmniFuel II, also accept standard EN417 gas canisters, giving you gas convenience when available and liquid fuel versatility when it is not.

When Multi-Fuel Makes Sense

• Winter camping: Butane stops working below about 1°C. Propane canisters are heavy. Liquid fuel works at any temperature — you are burning it, not relying on canister pressure.
• Expedition and remote travel: In developing countries, EN417 canisters may be impossible to find. Petrol is available literally everywhere on the planet.
• Extended trips: Liquid fuel is cheaper per litre of boiling water than gas canisters, and refillable bottles eliminate canister waste.
• Scottish winter: Highland conditions in January can be genuinely extreme. Multi-fuel stoves are the standard choice for winter Munro-bagging.

Top Multi-Fuel Stoves

Primus OmniFuel II

The gold standard. Burns white gas, petrol, diesel, paraffin and gas canisters. The multi-jet system swaps quickly, and the wide pot supports handle large pans. Output is around 3,000W — enough for fast boiling even in wind. It comes with a pump, fuel bottle and windshield. Weight is around 450g (stove only). It is not cheap (£150+), but for genuine versatility it is unmatched.

MSR WhisperLite Universal

MSR's answer to the OmniFuel. It burns white gas, petrol, kerosene and EN417 gas canisters. The WhisperLite name has been trusted by expeditions for decades. At around 340g (stove only), it is lighter than the Primus. The shaker jet system is field-cleanable without tools — a significant advantage on long trips where maintenance access is limited.

Primus Eta Spider

A more affordable multi-fuel option that burns white gas and EN417 canisters (not petrol or paraffin). The heat exchanger base improves efficiency by about 20% compared to conventional designs. Good for three-season UK use where you want liquid fuel capability without the full expedition specification.

Using Multi-Fuel Stoves: Practical Tips

• Priming: Liquid fuel stoves require priming — preheating the fuel line so that liquid fuel vaporises before reaching the jet. This involves burning a small amount of fuel in the priming cup. It takes 30-60 seconds and produces a visible flame. Practice at home first.
• Maintenance: Multi-fuel stoves have more moving parts than gas stoves. Carry a maintenance kit with spare jets, O-rings and a cleaning needle. Clean the jet after every 5-10 hours of use.
• Fuel choice: White gas burns cleanest and requires least maintenance. Unleaded petrol works well but deposits more carbon. Paraffin is the dirtiest but most globally available. Diesel works in emergency but clogs jets faster.

Should You Buy One?

For summer 2026 UK camping, a gas stove from Campingaz, Coleman or Jetboil covers nearly all scenarios. Multi-fuel is an investment for campers who venture into genuinely challenging conditions or travel internationally. If that describes you, the Primus OmniFuel II or MSR WhisperLite Universal are both excellent choices.

Browse gas and multi-fuel options in our camping stove collection and keep your fuel supply stocked via our gas and fuel range.