Liquid Fuel Stoves
Not sure what type of stove you need? Visit the camp stoves page to learn which type of stove is best for you.
When it comes to camp cooking it's hard to beat the versatility of liquid fuel stoves. They are a bit bulkier than Canister Stoves but the range of fuel options more than make up for it. And when it comes to liquid fuel stoves you can't beat MSR.
MSR WhisperLite
Fuel Type: White Gas
The MSR WhisperLite has been around for decades and is the best selling liquid fuel stove on the market. It is reliable, durable and easy to use and features a wide and stable cooking platform. The separate fuel tank allows the stove to be wrapped by a windscreen efficiency and protection. The WhisperLite stove is very easy to clean and maintain in the field. Note that the refillable fuel tank is sold separately from the stove.
MSR WhisperLite International
Fuel Type: White Gas, Kerosene and Unleaded Auto Fuel
The MSR WhisperLite International is lighter and more packable than the WhisperLite, and also has the ability to use kerosene and unleaded auto fuels, making it a good option for places where white gas is not available. The WhisperLite International is extremely easy to clean and maintain in the field.
MSR WhisperLite Universal
Fuel Type: White Gas, Kerosene, Unleaded Auto Fuel and Isobutane-propane Canisters
Similar to the WhisperLite International, the WhisperLite Universal can also burn white gas kerosene and unleaded auto fuel. But the Universal has the ability to use Isobutane- propane canisters (typically used by canister stoves), making it one of the most versatile stoves available. The WhisperLite Universal is also extremely easy to clean and maintain in the field.
MSR DragonFly
Fuel Type: White Gas, Kerosene, Unleaded Auto Fuel, Diesel, and Jet Fuel
The MSR DragonFly stove is a top of the line multi-fuel, self-cleaning camp stove that has very precise heat adjustment for excellent simmering capabilities. Combined with very wide supports that can hold large pots, the DragonFly is a very good option for those who want to cook complex meals or cook for a group. The DragonFly is designed so that is can be completely cleaned and maintained in the field.
Increase Performance
If you want to increase the performance of these stoves, a windscreen is an excellent way to protect the flame and focus the heat from the flame onto the cooking pot. Check out the MSR Windscreen and Heat Reflector or the MSR XPD Heat Exchanger. You can also fashion your own out of heavy duty aluminium foil.
NOTE: It is extremely important to make sure that the windscreen does not trap the heat from the flame around the fuel canister as is extremely dangerous and could cause the canister to explode. For this reason, it is unpractical to make a windshield for canister stoves as the fuel canister is directly under the pot and acts and the base of the stove. However, liquid fuel stoves or other stoves that have a fuel line that separates the burner from the fuel tank allow the use of a windscreen to greatly improve the performance of the stove.
Thanks for a great look at liquid fuel stoves. I have a Dragonfly and a 1983 Coleman single burner Naptha stove I use when motorcycle camping.
I carry the stove, an MSR fuel bottle and a stacking rectangular mess kit which holds all my stuff in an Aerostich tank pannier.
I like the Coleman better, although it’s a bit heavier/larger than the Dragonfly.
MSR and Jetboil are really worth to look on? Can you give a brief comparison on MSR vs Jetboil because I am little confused which one to consider.
I have an article on best dehydrated meals to eat during motorcycle camping the meals I shared are completely vegetarian and really healthy. If you found this article helpful then I love to have a link for this on your website so that your readers can eat something healthy on their next adventure ride.