Outdoor Cooking

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Buying guide

Liquid-Fuel-Capable Backpacking Stoves

Our pick

MSR WhisperLite Universal

Choose the MSR WhisperLite Universal when you want one backpacking stove that accepts both IsoPro canisters and several liquid fuels.1

Why this one

  • The MSR WhisperLite Universal accepts white gas, kerosene and unleaded auto gas alongside IsoPro, giving you more fuel options for a route with changing supplies.1
  • It comes without cookware, so you can use the pot that fits your meals instead of an integrated combined stove and pot set.2

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Before you buy: The WhisperLite Universal has no built in igniter, so carry a separate lighter or matches.2

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MSR WhisperLite Universal

The alternatives

Other contenders

  • MSR DragonFly

    Choose the MSR DragonFly when you need diesel or jet fuel compatibility and want simmer control for cooking beyond boiling water.37

For gentle simmering on a liquid-fuel stove

Simmer control lets you lower the flame when the meal calls for gentler heat.7 The MSR DragonFly provides simmer control for this use.7

5 models / at a glance

Key differences

Every specification ↗
MSR XGK-EX

MSR XGK-EX

Published weight · oz15.2 oz (Reported test result)6Lower preferred ↓

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Published weight (oz)
Boil time (min)
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Models in this comparison

MSR XGK-EX

MSR XGK-EX

Published weight
15.2 oz (Reported test result)6

Every specification for these products
SpecificationMSR WhisperLite UniversalMSR DragonFlyMSR WhisperLite (Classic)MSR WhisperLite InternationalMSR XGK-EX
Published weight11.2 oz114.1 oz811.5 oz911.2 oz1015.2 oz (Reported test result)6
Boil time3.5 min13.5 min (Test method: white gas; Workload: 1 liter)83.9 min93.5 min103.5 min (Test method: White gas)1
Fuel typeDual fuel1Liquid fuel3Liquid fuel4Liquid fuel5Liquid fuel6
Cookware includedNo2No8No4No11No6
Built-in igniterNo2No12No4No13No6
Fuel efficiencyNot publishedNot published1.5 L/oz1Not publishedNot published
Simmer controlNot publishedYes7Not publishedNot publishedNot published

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5 products

How they compare

Scroll the table to see every product and specification.

SpecificationOur pickMSR WhisperLite UniversalMSR DragonFlyMSR WhisperLite (Classic)MSR WhisperLite InternationalMSR XGK-EX
Published weight11.2 oz114.1 oz811.5 oz911.2 oz1015.2 oz (Reported test result)6
Boil time3.5 min13.5 min (Test method: white gas; Workload: 1 liter)83.9 min93.5 min103.5 min (Test method: White gas)1
Fuel typeDual fuel1Liquid fuel3Liquid fuel4Liquid fuel5Liquid fuel6
Cookware includedNo2No8No4No11No6
Built-in igniterNo2No12No4No13No6
Fuel efficiencyNot publishedNot published1.5 L/oz1Not publishedNot published
Simmer controlNot publishedYes7Not publishedNot publishedNot published

Sources

  1. cascadedesigns.com
  2. www.switchbacktravel.com
  3. cascadedesigns.com
  4. www.outdoorgearlab.com
  5. www.spelean.com.au
  6. www.outdoorgearlab.com
  7. www.outdoorgearlab.com
  8. cascadedesigns.com
  9. cascadedesigns.com
  10. cascadedesigns.com
  11. www.als.com
  12. www.campsaver.com
  13. www.treelinereview.com

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