The nuances of using burners in road conditions and long journeys force users to carefully choose such devices. The principal choice is the type of fuel on which the device operates. In the old days, tourists were forced to make decisions in favor of gas, gasoline or firewood, thus agreeing with all the pros and cons of a particular type of fuel. Today, a multi-fuel burner allows you to combine the advantages of previous models, working on gas and gasoline, depending on conditions. However, the difficulties of choice still remained. And in this category of burners there is a classification, not to mention the fact that different manufacturers produce models with unique sets of characteristics.
Features of a multi-fuel burner
The structural features of such models are due precisely to the possibility of working on liquid fuel and gaseous. The main difference is the presence in the configuration of interchangeable nozzles that provide operation on one of the available types of fuel. Based on this, we can conclude about the universality for which a multi-fuel burner is especially appreciated in difficult operating conditions in isolation from civilization. It should be understood that such burners are more expensive than liquid or solid fuel. Again, this is affected by the complexity of the design. But all the initial one-time costs can be compensated in the future, since the possibility of using different types of fuel allows optimizing fuel costs, not to mention the heating efficiency per se.
Varieties
There are several ways in which devices of this type should be divided. To begin with, it should be borne in mind that not all multi-fuel burners in their functionality correspond to specialized liquid-fuel analogs. That is, most of them cope with gasoline and kerosene, but not all models “eat” diesel, diesel fuel and alcohol. Further, it is important to consider the power of the device. There are three categories of burners that differ in this indicator. The first is represented by low-power versions - their potential is not more than 1,500 watts. This is enough to provide food for 1-2 tourists. Models of the middle category in power reach 2,500 W, and the most powerful devices have 2,500 W and higher. The latter are suitable for serving large groups of people.
Catalytic multi-fuel burners with the possibility of electric ignition also showed themselves well. They are usually used both as a heater and as a traditional burner. A feature of such models is the absence of a flame with a high degree of fire safety.
Model by Primus
Primus, a fairly well-known company in Russia, offers a good OmniFuel model. The device is equipped with three nozzles, each of which has holes of different diameters. So, the smallest insert has 0.28 mm holes and is designed to work with kerosene and diesel. The nozzle with holes of 0.37 mm is designed for combustion of gasoline and “white gas”, and the nozzle of 0.45 mm allows you to work with propane. In practice, the OmniFuel multi-fuel burner performs well, providing fast heating. There are also almost no problems in maintenance - for example, the tasks of cleaning fuel line blockages are conveniently solved by a special valve stem. The operation takes no more than 2-3 minutes.
Burner from MSR
The manufacturer has been producing burners for more than 20 years, so in terms of reliability, acquiring the MSR WhisperLite Universal model will be a good solution. Also, the device is easily disassembled with ordinary pliers and has a small weight, which is convenient in the campaign. Among the latest technological innovations that the MSR multi-fuel burner has acquired, it is worth noting the Shaker Jet system. Thanks to it, the process of cleaning nozzles is simplified. The fact is that the cleaning time takes no more than a minute, while there is no need to remove it, and sometimes extinguish it.
But there were some cons. Difficulties can cause manipulation of the cable in the highway. For this task, it is advisable to provide a special tool, which, unfortunately, is not included with this burner.
Multi-fuel burner Kovea
The Korean manufacturer also presents high-quality models to Russian tourists, including Booster +1. When you familiarize yourself with this burner, a worrying aspect will be revealed - the manufacturer recommends using the device either for gas or for refined gasoline. But this is nothing more than advice, since the model also consumes good gasoline well.
In general, the multi-fuel burner Booster +1 shows itself as a real tourist assistant. It can be seen that it was developed specifically for hiking tasks. This, in particular, is evidenced by the convenient bag in the kit and the small size of the device itself. However, in terms of cleaning, this option is a bit upsetting. There are no problems with the procedure for eliminating blockages, but the formation of raids is quite intense. However, this largely depends on the quality of the fuel itself.
Burner accessories
The presence of a burner is a good help in organizing life outside of civilization. To increase this advantage will allow additional accessories. First of all, this is a pot for the burner, which should be selected according to the condition of conforming to the shape and power of the apparatus. Be sure to provide for a regular lighter. Although almost all burners are equipped with piezo ignition, it is simply necessary to have one more means for activating combustion in stock. Experienced tourists understand how important wind protection is. This also applies to the burner, the flame of which in the open air has to be surrounded by special elements in the form of plates. It’s not necessary to do it yourself - manufacturers offer such devices as accessories.
Reviews
Technological progress, which captures all industries, could not ignore multi-fuel burners. Reviews of most models confirm the successful development of this segment. Positive opinions usually affect design, usability and a wide range of assistive devices. The negative reviews include the capriciousness of many burners when working with low-quality fuel. Of course, it is advisable to use precisely refined fuel, which is what the manufacturers mention in the instructions. But, in marching and extreme conditions, such a choice may not be.
Conclusion
The domestic market offers many “omnivorous” burners for every taste. Along with the power and nuances of fuel consumption, many are worried about cost issues. Obviously, it is not worth saving on such equipment and it is better to immediately contact well-known brands, among which are the mentioned manufacturers. However, the budget segment offers good solutions for several thousand rubles. These include, for example, a Chinese multi-fuel dual track burner. The model has everything you need, providing acceptable combustion of fuel with a decent thermal effect. Of course, in more expensive models you can also find exclusive holders with handles, and their sizes are more solid - but, in this case, you will have to prepare the amount more seriously. By the way, the fashion for large units is gradually leaving, leaving a place with almost miniature, but functional burners.