Fuel Choice for MSR Whisperlite International Stove

[ColoradoKid]

According to MSR, the Whisperlite can run on almost anything. Someone told me, "sure but don't use reg. gas as it will make a smoky mess on the pots". True or false? What about the lack of anything resembling a simmer control on the stove? I heard if you put a heavy can lid between the flame and the pot, it will control the simmer somewhat. Are these issues that this list could hopefully tackle or should it only be for TV series Mythbusters?

[cgarch]

I'll take a shot. I have one. It works best on white gas. When I used some 'unleaded' premium last year, the smoky nature of it was unpleasant. Given the option of lugging around a gallon of white gas, I could live with it. Things do come clean. I can't vouch for switching the jets to run on kerosene or diesel, not having even tried it. As for simmering, it is not going to be as good as your kitchen stove but it is sorta feasible - it is not the best. My preference is white gas stoves, but many dislike handling that gas. I dislike the hassle of propane/butane cartridges.  Everyone has an opinion on these items and you will eventually have to decide for yourself.

For the true light weight fanatic there are plenty of other options - alcohol stoves and the Nimble Will Nomad Stove come to mind. Not sure how well these stoves simmer . . .

[paddleboy17]

The Whisperlite International will burn unleaded gas.  I have never done so, but I understand that it is dirtier.   I think Novus designed a stove for unleaded gas.  White gas is supposed to be unleaded gas refined to a higher level.  As for simmering, you can sort of get by if you keep the pressure down and stir constantly.  I have a buddy that had a Dragonfly, MSR's answer to a stove that simmers.

Myself, I gave up on white gas stoves and switched over to an alcohol stove.  The BTU content of alcohol is lower than the BTU content of gasoline, so an alcohol flame is a better flame for cooking on.  Yes white gas will boil water quicker, but if you want to do anything else like cook then an alcohol flame is better for cooking.

I have a vererable Trangia stove, but I do not have a Trangia setup.  The Trangia does have a simmer ring, that will really drop the heat output down.  If you want to know more about alcohol stoves then we can discus that.

[rvklassen]

I'll take a shot. I have one. It works best on white gas. When I used some 'unleaded' premium last year, the smoky nature of it was unpleasant. Given the option of lugging around a gallon of white gas, I could live with it. Things do come clean. I can't vouch for switching the jets to run on kerosene or diesel, not having even tried it. As for simmering, it is not going to be as good as your kitchen stove but it is sorta feasible - it is not the best. My preference is white gas stoves, but many dislike handling that gas. I dislike the hassle of propane/butane cartridges.  Everyone has an opinion on these items and you will eventually have to decide for yourself.

For the true light weight fanatic there are plenty of other options - alcohol stoves and the Nimble Will Nomad Stove come to mind. Not sure how well these stoves simmer . . .

I was told by a touring couple we met on our last trip that regular unleaded burns more cleanly in these stoves than premium.  So save your pennies and don't use premium.  White gas will burn cleaner yet.  And Kerosene and diesel are more of a last resort, as they burn sootier than any form of gasoline.

[cgarch]

I should clarify that I only used the premium unleaded because that was what the brother-in-law had in the camp. Had I stopped at the pump I would have definitely used the cheapest grade available.

[cyclocamping]

Here is an article that explains all the different fuels and rates the cleanest, most efficient, most available etc., and there are several links to articles giving tips on how to use your stove while bicycle touring, how to choose a stove, fuel names in different languages etc...

Article: Understand the Different Fuels for Camping Stove

I hope this helps,

Happy tailwind

Stephane