Methylated spirit, paraffin, white gas and petrol are the most common liquid fuels available. Meths is probably the safest and is used for Trangia stoves and the new breed of lightweight Cola-can stoves. Praffin tends to be messy and difficult to light whereby white gas is cleaner then petrol. White has and petrol burn hot and vociferously and are ideal for group cooking or winter expeditions.

Gas fuels are normally a mix of butane and propane which allows the stove to burn much more consistently than when the fuel was purely butane. Gas stoves come in a variety of designs including models that are extremely economic in fuel use at the cost of extra weight.

Multi-fuel stoves are ideal for travellers where it may be difficult o buy certain kinds of fuel. The downside is that they tend to be heavier than gas stoves and are often frowned upon by airlines.

These are fairly new to the UK market and have already developed a strong following. Not as lightweight as some meths stoves or gas stoves wood-burning stoves depend on a good supply of fuel, namely dry tinder. This isn't always easy to find, especially in mountanous terrain or in damp countries like the UK.

These are usually fired by butane/propane mix gas or methylated spirits. The lightest of all are the tiny Cola-can stoves, many of which are home-made. However, there are commercial models available. Such stoves require a pad to stand on and a wind shieldm to protect from draughts. Some also require an independent pot stand.