Primus Omnifuel Stove Review
The Primus Omnifuel Stove has answered the question of “liquid fuel or gas canister fuel?” It provides both options and a number of other great features. On top of being able to use any fuel type on the planet, it is also bomber proof providing the confidence that this stove will last for years.
Setup and Design Features
A big benefit of gas canister fuel is the removal of many steps involved in priming liquid fuel. With canisters, you basically screw in the fuel bottle, turn the valves on and light up the stove.
Remember to change the jet nipple when changing between liquid and gas fuel types. Don’t forget to use the multi-tool that comes with the stove when changing fuel types.
The ability to simmer food with the Omnifuel is a big advantage over many competitors in this class. The secondary valve control at the stove is the simmer control and works very effectively. The stove is also super stable and very durable overall.
If you are interested in another completely different experience take a look at my articles on campfire cooking or links to wood burning stoves here.
6 Steps to Start the Omnifuel with liquid fuel
- Insert the Pump unit into the bottle
- Screw the fuel hose into the pump assembly
- Pump to pressurize the bottle (usually 20 pumps to begin with—Varies depending on how much fuel is in the bottle)
- Open the main fuel valve at the pump unit
- Open the second valve at the stove unit to prime the stove, then turn this off after a few seconds.
- Light the primed liquid and after you here a hissing sound, turn the valve back on to fire it up.
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The Omnifuel dimensions are 3.5” x 2.5” and it weighs 15.5 ounces. The fuel bottle comes with the stove and when added to the bag makes the overall size closer to 10” x 10” x 3”. It burns white gas, gasoline, kerosene, parifin, diesel, aviation fuel and additional gas fuel types including butane and propane. Take a look at the Primus website for additional clarification for additional fuel types or models available.
The stove will burn for about 3 hours on 20 ounces of fuel which puts it in the middle to upper part of the pack for efficiency of use. The MSR XGK will also burn multiple fuel types and had a number of similar features to the Omnifuel.
Comparison Information
The omnifuel is very comparable to the other stoves in the class for all key features including boil time and cost. It will boil a liter of water in about 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
There is a decent amount of maintenance required to keep the Omnifuel performing well. It is important to clean the jet nipple regularly and is especially important after using different fuel types. Easy to accomplish by unscrewing the nipple and using the wire tool to push out any build up of soot.
Although there are a few downsides to the Omnifuel as we have mentioned previously the key features including simmering ability and a multitude of fuel uses make up for it. It comes with a foldout wind guard that works effectively. It does not have an auto-ignition, but does include a carrying bag. Prices range from $135 to $195.
The Pros
- Stove uses liquid or canister gas fuel
- Simmer control availability
- Stable and Durable
- Brand dependability
The Cons
- It is loud
- Some concerns in wind
- Some maintenance required
Insider tip
Many of the liquid stoves are very powerful, but also very noisy. There are aftermarket modifiers you can purchase that will help minimize the noise. Take a look at Omnidawg or Quietstove to see how these devises reduced that airplane jet noise. If you want to avoid the black soot that is left after burning, try using canister fuel instead of liquid. When finished using the liquid fuel, turn off the valves and flip the bottle over to allow the fuel to drain before disconnecting the line.
Primus Omnifuel Stove Summary
Without question the versatility is the best and most mentioned feature with the Omnifuel. It made our Top 5 list because of the ability to use about any fuel that is out there and has the ability to rapidly boil when needed and simmer as well.
The simmering feature is one that many of the other top stoves don’t do well. If you can handle a little additional maintenance then the Omnifuel is likely the best stove for all around use.
Conclusion
I highly recommend the Primus Ominfuel Stove for all of the features mentioned above and the overall durability of this model. Take it out on your next trip and let me know which fuel type worked well for you.
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This is one reliable stove for us. If I want something boiled quickly and efficiently (using the windshield is important), I find this a great choice.
It is certainly not a quiet stove, and you know when its working, but if I had to boil up water for more than 2 people, then we tend to always use this stove. We do use both canister and liquid fuel, but find the canister just that bit easier (as I always forget to do the flip of the bottle with the liquid, which gets my husband a bit annoyed!!!!)
I tend to be the person in the family that does the annoying things as well. Thanks for the reminder on the windshield, which can be a critical component to having an enjoyable cooking experience. I hope you are getting a chance to get out camping this season. I am looking forward to hearing some great stories and connecting further down the line.
Before I used mine I’d read a few complaints about the windscreen failing because of repeated bending. When I recieved mine for Christmas I didn’t use it until I figure out a potential solution. I used the back of a dessertspoon to smooth out the creases that the windscreen had when it arrived, then wound it around the fuel bottle and held it in place with rubbery cord. I reckon it should last indefinitely.
regards,
brawd
Thanks for the tip. What’s your favorite Omnifuel feature? Have you tried other similar backpacking stoves?
After replacing 2 fuel hoses and found a work around how to fix this defect with a guitar string !! 🙂 ( http://www.spiritburner.com/fusion/showtopic.php?tid/28421 ) now there is new problem, a leak from the pump.
If you want to take the Primus Omnifuel for extreme conditions you must take with you 3 Primus Omnifuel stoves for spare parts.
The product has a poor engineering, too many parts, O rings, primitive filters, defect sweavel joint between the fuel hose and the fuel valve.
I am using Cleman stoves for 30 years and I have never found myself fixing the stove after every 2-3 working hours.
The guys in Primus, when are you going to improve this poor stove? this is only a stove not a nuclear missile !!
Great feedback Amit! I didn’t find these issues so I appreciate your comments. These are the types of comments that I love to see from the community. Keep in touch and let me know if you have any other concerns.