BRS-8 Multi- Fuel Stove - Oh Boy, This is NOT Good

[@nobodynever7884]

I love how people make videos of something without ever having tried them out once.

[@g4ry]

I had the same stove. Since, I have bought the MSR Simmerlite, Whisperlite Universal, XGK Ex, and 2 Dragonflies... Each of which is 10 times the stove that piece of junk was. Still, it did the job for many (budget) camping trips. Looks like the one you have is in desperate need of a good cleaning.

[@VictorCopeland]

Hi Ernie, Thankyou for looking at liquid expedition stove, I know you mostly use Iso-butaine or alcohol stoves. I've used MSR Dragonfly and Primus stoves so was keen to try the similar looking BRS-8. I was looking for a multi fuel stove and this is achieved by virtue of changing out the jet nozzle for one of a bigger or smaller hole. As sent, the stove came without some key nozzles, namely the one for petrol (unleaded gasoline) which is the easiest fuel to find and principle reason to take a liquid fuel stove. The BRS8 also burns alcohol, nicely, but at a furiouse rate. I did try he stove of canister fuel. A smaller jet is required or else consumption is very high, and frankly a lightweight canister stove provides greater flexibility of two burners, rather than take the heavy BRS8 on canisters. Apart from being a cheap stove at 50% of the MSR, it has little going for it. The BRS8 suffers from not having two valves (like MSR Dragonfly and others) so the fuel supply adjustment is always nearly a minute behind new setting. The weak point is the pump which is a poorly interpretation of an old Primus pump. The BRS8 copy has the pump in the center of the bottle rather than being angled, so it cannot pickup fuel from the sidewall of the bottle. So it cannot access all fuel and cuts out unless the bottle is angled steeply, rather than lay flat. It does copy the Primus bottle flip to eventually clear the fuel line with compressed air, however as Ernie illustrated, this is not clear or marked on the bottle, hence the starting issues. To start, put a teaspoon of fuel out, close all valves and light. Just before the flame dies, open the valve slowly, to allow the jet to keep pace with the amount of fuel. Your aiming for a consistent, steady blue flame. This occurs faster when enclosed by a windscreen and a pot on top. The spitting is too much pressure introducing air bubbles into the liquid fuel in the line, where the air expands faster than the fuel. That said, the flame pattern was greater on one side, indicating a partially blocked jet, a common issue in burning too much fuel inefficiently in starting a liquid stove. Anyways, nice to see mountaineering and paddle expedition stoves being tested, not just light hiking stoves.

[@paulbirch7635]

I was about to write the same thing, but I think you summed it up nicely! I think the BRS8 is advertised to run alcohol on some sites as well (I would advise against it, if you are not aware how and in what ways alcohol can compromise your stove). To me it looks like your stove is getting too much fuel through the nozzle, e.g. the nozzle is too big for a good air to fuel mixture. I would guess that the stove is probably set up with a nozzle designed for gas canisters or alcohol rather than white gas, in combination with a partially clogged jet.

[@mastabas]

Great info!

[@VictorCopeland]

@paulbirch7635 Hi 👋 Yes I purchased from Aliexpress. I did eventually get the jet nozzle for Petrol, as a separate order with duplicates. I've only used the stove in initial buyers test mode, not on camp. Would I trust or take it on expedition? obviously if my only one, but so far , it just doesn't give the quality feeling I have from my MSR Dragonfly.

[@elizabeththompson4424]

those older stoves all had that same burner Optimus, Svea, MSR... that thing looks like it needs a repair kit... nozzle needs cleaning those burners can be tricky but when they work they're great I love my Optimus 8R & Svea 123

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Dr. Ernie for the review. I've never had this much trouble with white gas stoves, but then I've only used Coleman and SVEA brands.

[@cofinblood2000]

I learned to use iquid fuel stoves in scouts some 50 years ago. We ran them on Paraffin, There is an art to it some times, preheating is really essential. And they can spit a bit on full throttle, best to dial them back a bit, until they are fully warmed up. I still have my old Primus brass stove, fully functional., a bit smelly, but, its the nature of the beast.

[@awatt]

Me also.

[@snipereyes101]

Hey Ernie I have the same stove and I haven't had any issues with it. It runs great. It does come with different nozzle one for white gas , iso butane and gasoline the other is for the diesel fuel. I almost think you have the incorrect nozzle on that stove. Maybe something you want to check before you send it back.

[@PAToph]

hey, would you know which one is which? mine doesn't have any marking

[@snipereyes101]

@@PAToph mine has a number 30 and a number 35 right on the face next to the jet so if you're a look down into your stove wipe off the jet or nozzle whichever one you want to call it and you should be able to find the number. Opposite side that has the the threads. Number 35 is what I use for white gas and isobutane fuel. The number 30 is for the diesel fuel. That seems to work fine for me. I no longer have my manual to refer to. Basically I believe the number is the drill size of used to drill the hole in the nozzle . So the one with the larger hole will be for diesel st then the smaller hole one would be for white gas and isobutane. I hope this helps you. I do know that depending on your manufacturing date. Some have a number one or number two on the nozzles. Once again just go from the diameter of the whole.

[@vgnparvez]

Smallest diameter is always being used for kerosene and diesel, medium for white gas and largest for propane. Only 2 sizes available for BRS 8, that means 0.30 for heavy fuel like kerosene and 0.35 for other light fuel.

[@Gstrowes]

I have a very similar stove, and I’ve never had anything like those problems lighting it. Maybe the jet needs cleaning?

[@jbates1463]

If you are asking us if we want you to review other liquid fuel stoves, The answer is absolutely yes!! MSR universal. Keep up the great work.

[@avadheshmalik]

Have been using this one (procured from a small shop at Leh, India ) since 2022. Apart from the minor build quality and material issues, has served me flawlessly on both unleaded Petrol ( we get 91 octane here in India by default) and canisters. In fact easier to setup and light than my Coleman Feather 442.

[@theoriginalrabbithole]

Awesome video, Ernie! 👍

[@andersjohansson3866]

Is it the same nozzle to all fuels ?

[@Alias000zeichensetzenohnekomma]

Hi, The pump with it stand ist fault. At first, sorry for bad english. At the beginn you where right, the stand is missing. Thats the source of fail. The Ventil must be at 12 o clock, so the inner fuelpipe is in fuel. When you unscrew the pump you will see the Pipe that collect fuel. When the stand ist there, the end of Pipe is down in the fuel. The Burner will work as you say. 20 pumps are fully ok when start. You need pump more after ignite and when the fuel in bottle go empty. When you see your video, you pump and try to ignite, when inner Pipe is at 9 Clock, after you let the bottle loose, the inner pipe is at about 10, 11 clock. So it cant sipp fuel, the burner cant start. The pipe must stay at 6 clock. Try it and i think you will have and loud but fast Burner.😊 With Regards Andreas

[@Alias000zeichensetzenohnekomma]

Sorry forget Something. To Turn of the stove. Turn the botte, so the inner Pipe is at 12 clock. Now it will suck only Air. After 30 sec. Ist will Go Out and no fuel in Tube. Wenn unscrew the Regulator be aware, IT will leek a little fuel

[@kenneth6731]

I own many stoves. This is a a BRS-8A. I bought the BRS-8B. It's even worse. Big mistake. Thank you, this is top shelf content.

[@StevenKeery]

It seemed the jets were partially blocked on the white gas. Yet it burned alright on the butane. Might you have impurities in your white gas causing the problem?

[@marcusramsauer1519]

Luv your work Ernie. I also have this stove. High pressure in the bottle makes it work a lot better. There are also different jets for the different fuels. One can even get cooking oil to create a flame and boil water (that is hard to start….lol).

[@kingsford73]

Multi fuel stoves are very useful but they do require regular maintenance, I've noticed this with my new trangia multifuel x2. Just this morning I went outside to cook and the jet was blocked, ironically my vintage primus 96 barked of first time. I also noticed they really like a good old preheat especially when using paraffin and the likes. Nice video.

[@GordLamb]

Hey Ernie! If you can get your hands on one, the Soto Stormbreaker is another multifuel stove (though only isobutane and white gas/gasoline, not diesel) but it's light years ahead. Would make for an awesome review. :)

[@speedygonzales9993]

Yes, either the Stormbreaker or the Coleman 533.

[@GordLamb]

@@speedygonzales9993 100% .. I own both and they're both friggin' excellent. :) I use the 533 car and canoe camping and the Stormbreaker winter backpacking or at high altitude. Neither have ever failed me.

[@speedygonzales9993]

@@GordLamb 👍👍👍!!!

[@jhippl]

I love my nova and all the optimus stoves

[@emeryz10]

Thank you Ernie

[@Simple_But_Expensive]

I have used white gas stoves in the past. They should start much easier and without all the leaks. That thing was a firebomb getting ready to set a forest fire.

[@mdenny6044]

For my money it’s the MSR Whisperlite Universal. WORKS GREAT EVERY TIME. love your channel.

[@C.Earl77]

Thanks for the video!! I have this same stove. I got it on a whim and quite honestly I totally wasted my money, If I had to do it all over again I would have just passed it up but hind sight is 20/20, and I will stick with my Optimus Polaris for multi fuel option. Again thanks for the video!!!

[@ostekuste3646]

I only paid about that much for my MSR Whisperlite, and it has none of these issues. Won’t use isobutane but has never been fussy to use.

[@AndrewNesterenko]

Perhaps you had some crappy gas in it? That was way too hard to light.

[@avadheshmalik]

I would agree. I have been using unleaded (91 Octane) in mine for more than 2 years now. Runs with a clean blue flame without much issue. Had to clean the nozzle a couple of times with the wire device provided.

[@markmartello]

Thanks Doc.

[@scrum5atk1]

Hi Ernie, I would like to see a test of an msr ngk (think that right) Please

[@wordpress4373]

there is 8A version , would this be better?

[@Simple_But_Expensive]

Have you ever tested an Optimus Svea stove? Used one for a 7 day solo in Desolation Wilderness. Only complaint was that the smell made me nauseous. Started storing the stove in a ziplock and the problem went away.

[@thomasmusso1147]

It appears that it needs some serious maintenance. Also, that White Gas was very reluctant to light up .. worth taking a look at that too. I'll stick with my Optimus 8R Hunter and Camping Gaz Bluet 206 Gas Stoves, thank you. Had them since the 70's and both have never let me down.

[@GordLamb]

To me it almost looked like there was some residual diesel (or maybe water?) in the line from the original owner. Even stale white gas should ignite super easily. And agreed 100%; that stove was in desperate need of a rebuild.

[@adama1294]

This needs some maintenance. Got a clone APG and seems to be good even if I haven't used it much as it is in my emergency bag.

[@HighFuel90]

The best white gas stove on the market is from soto. No soot or preheat with flair up. They burn at double the pressure so they are a little fuel hungry and they are overly complicated but no doubt the next generation of white gas.

[@rickybritton7212]

Hello Brother Ernie, I thought that was a very interesting review, I Bought a New MSR Dragon Fly about 1 year and a Half, I never used it, I put it out in my Tornado Safe Shed, I had to buy the expetion kit, to be able to have the Different Jets for the Deseal. Feul. And the Kersean. And the jet Feul, and it also had all of the part's replacements, forgive me I haven't really looked at which Jets I have, it should be all of them. I had to order the Expetion kit from MSR. I couldn't find it anywhere else. I have been wanting to pull the Trigger on that Company for along time, I still probably will, I should of done it 2 and a half year's ago. You know the saying 2 is 1 and 1 is none. I hope I called my MSR The right name, It might be Dragon Fish instead of Dragon Fly, It is so Hot today in MO, I don't like opening the Door on my 8x10 Tornado Safe Shed, when it is so Hot, the Hot air can warm up inside, so very fast, So Thank you for taking your Time out and doing a amazing job, showing the Pros and Coms. I am still willing to Order that Stove from Alliexpress, I have never had a problem ordering from them, across I wish it was a American Company, But I know that The Chinese people are Created from the same Heavenly Father I was created from. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick and God Bless you 🙏 and your family and God Bless America 🇺🇸 🙏 and God Bless all of the Great Veterans and First Responders

[@BluegrassBushcraft]

It took so long the first light because it had to push all the air out of the line. My opinion is it would burn much better if it still had the legs for the fuel tank. It should be elevated for proper fuel and air mixture. Great video. Thanks for sharing and God bless.

[@Nowhere888]

I like my Jolmo Lander Canteen Cup Stand Stainless Steel Stove for G.I. Style Canteen Cup. The stove fits right around the outside of a GI canteen. I can use solid fuel stove tablets, GI trioxane tablets, wood or an alcohol burner. My buddy from Europe tried these high tech gas stoves and they didn't work on the Appalachian trail with me. The Euroweenie would up using my GI canteen cup and stove since his expensive Eurotrash stove didn't work.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Hey Ernie - thanks for doing this and still putting it out, pretty disheartening when things go this bad, clearly made more difficult for you as not a new stove just loaned. Just had a look and you haven't done a review of the Soto Muka stove. I've had a Muka for a while now but only used it a couple of times, seems a very good petrol stove tho, hardly any sooting, worked well for me so far and as someone who motorcycle camps i makes sense to use a stove that runs off petrol. Thanks again, Mike

[@johnvidal70]

I think your problem was you were trying to use the iso butane jet for white fuel, if you use the right jet it works much better then in your demonstration. Those two fuels use different jets that should be included with the kit.

[@milesrobertson6882]

Get the MSR Reactor. I’ve had mine for around a decade. It’s a beast!

[@9abe9]

To me, the magic of those is being able to run on virtualy anything, including ethanol, but for this, you have to have a specific jet burner. Those usually come with 2 or 3, for butane, gasoline, diesel and alcohol! Also, O bought one, a chinese one, and it ran great. Ethanol is very cheap here. But the gaskets suffered from the ethanol and now it is leaking. I need to find the gaskets which work with alcohol, whose name I forgot, but it is hard to find the right size

[@orraman5427]

If you like the sound of a V-1 when you're cooking this is the stove to buy.

[@hammockdweller]

Looks like a copy of the Optimus Polaris Optifuel stove.

[@covenantking]

I think we can say the OP is a way better stove, if Ernie wants to spend the bucks…

[@willvandermeer4733]

Can you do a review on the Chinese lso 618 / lso 619?

[@db6283]

Thanks for the demo. Don't think I would buy one.

[@kiwideann5632]

This looks like an almost direct copy of my Optimus Polaris, multi fuel burner

[@kiwideann5632]

I tried looking. Have you had a look at the Optimus Polaris stove? It has none of those issues you mentioned. No left over fuel in the tube, true multi fuel, single jet for all. I’m in missouri so not far from you. I can Send you mine to review if you like as they are kinda pricey.

[@LeopoldElwes]

Hello from Vorarlberg Austria 🇦🇹 Please review any multi-fuel stove from Primus! It would be great to hear your feedback 👍 Kind regards Leopold 🤗

[@INURIA]

If you see the flames "spitting" it should be clear to everyone that it is a problem with the nozzle. Multi-fuel stoves require regular maintenance, which includes cleaning the nozzle and allowing enough air to flow into the fuel hose after use so that the fuel can evaporate and no residue sticks up the fuel hose. This clearly looks like an application error on your part, not a defective device..

[@vishkum2ru]

Review Trangia X2 multi fuel and SOTO muka . Also Bulin and Fire maple has some liquid fuel options, i wonder if they are better than BRS.

[@kazbekgt]

Something goes wrong. I have a similar stove, and it's works correctly.

[@MrTangent]

fyi, 1. white gas is basically unleaded gasoline (just purified a lil). 2. that stove needs cleaned. 3. valve for isobutane stoves is called a lindal valve. Good review, but man that thing is clogged.

[@natea1042]

Incorrect. White gas is essentially pure naphtha and is created during the beginning of crude oil refinement. Gasoline is further refined naphtha with a bunch of stuff added in like Naphthalene, Paraffin, Alkene etc.. This creates a big difference in the octane rating as well with pump gas at 87 and white gas at 50 (the lower the number the easier and cleaner the fuel burns).

[@MrTangent]

@@natea1042 Exactly what I said essentially. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Saltfly]

Seems like the jet is clogged. Maybe clean it if it came with a tool. Looks like you’re dealing with someone else’s crappy maintenance.

[@neemancallender9092]

painful to watch 1. clean the jet hole with a pricker 2. Check you have the correct jet hole for gasoline (kerosene takes a larger jet hole) 3. preheat with alcohol (not gasoline) 4. when preheated let in the pressurized gasoline

[@skylerphoenix8880]

Earnie you’re down south, so liquid stove testing purpose is limited when you’re not in the snow. But it would be interesting to see you compare with your SVEA and see if there’s any reason to switch away from it.

[@charlespolk5221]

Yes. More MSR stoves. And is there such a thing as a solar stove?

[@Bucky1836]

Yep can make em out a tin foil carboard box and a sheet of glass but not real backpackable

[@waynetherrell8253]

This looks like a cheap knock-off of the Optimus Polaris "Optifuel" stove. I have used my Optimus for over 5 years now. Works fine with White gas, unleaded, diesel, kerosene, iso-butane, and with an adapter--propane. The optimus is equipped with a built-in jet cleaner and you don't have to change jets when you change fuels. The MSRs I looked at back then all required changing the jets. It was loud and did not simmer well until I swapped the flame spreader featured in some you-tube videos. This made it into my go-to stove, except for when cooking for 4 or more. "Buy once, cry once" has really worked for me in this.

[@michaelmaybury210]

Wrong fuel jet had the same problem

[@steamboatmodel]

The Jet needs cleaning on that stove. I have had one for close to 15years now boil times normally four min.

[@joemama22]

Boil time is irrelevant. How much fuel does it use?

[@bobinmontana777]

Nope, my white gas days are are far behind me. Ernie, have you tried the pill bottle stove?

[@gedeon2696]

I've a 1998 Primus Himalaya MFS. True "muti-fuel" stove. Also newer models of both Primus and MSR multi-fuel stoves are far better [reliability, long life] ! The problem [for me] with 'cheap' chinese clones is the lack of SAFETY VALVES on them.

[@a.b.4824]

Good review as always Ernie. That stove didn't impress me a bit. Also, multi-fuel capability is overrated imho. Anyway. Better buy a Soto Muka. It doesn't leak, primes in seconds, has an astonishing fine simmering capability and is sooooo easy to use, just one knob. Worth the bucks.

[@billb5732]

Wow, it's a good thing you rehearse these vids before you start recording. Imagine what a mess this would have been without the rehearsal?

[@Murgoh]

I have one of those, the build quality is not great but mine works much better than yours both on liquid fuel and gas so I think there's something wrong with your example. Haven't used mine much after getting my Svea 123 though, the Svea is just so simple and reliable I usually end up taking either that or a gas canister stowe. I use fuel meant for small engines like lawn mowers etc. The best way to extinguish this is to turn the bottle the other way so the fuel pickup is up so the fuel line gets purged of fuel so there's no spill when detaching the fuel line.

[@VictorCopeland]

Or don't disconnect the line. I use a 350ml fuel bottle, so everything fits in a small draw string bag, with no leaks.

[@clarencesmith2305]

I would like to see you or someone like you do a review on an MSR international stove using isobutane, white gas AND kerosene.

[@MichaelR58]

Good review, thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@DavidHooverJr]

Thanks, Ernie. That stove appears too complicated for this South Louisianan Boy.

[@twhite19782012]

Optimus Polaris or any of the MSR liquid fuel stoves would make for an excellent stove to review!

[@latigomorgan]

I can't help but wonder if this is why Self Reliance Outfitters quietly removed their multi-fuel stove from their website? It was very similar, and knowing how Chinese manufactured products are, was probably made in the same factory. I was saving up to buy one, but then they were gone as if they never existed - not even the option to backorder one, or be notified when back in stock.

[@vicselixir]

I think the fuel bottle needs to be up right It looks like my self reliance outfitters stove

[@waynetherrell8253]

No, the fuel bottle is used lying on its side.

[@vicselixir]

@@waynetherrell8253 okay this is the one I have used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpmTemmcmsd9d7c

[@UncleTrapperMedia]

My 25 yr old Pimus omni fuel has a fuel tank with pump and also screns onto iso butane tanks all day long. Let me know, I'll do a video to show you

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Primus omn knock off, you shouldn't just turn off the stove when using liquid fuel but invert the bottle and let it burn out which can take quite a while, with practice you can do this before the boil so not to waste fuel. The Primus Omn burns much much cleaner when using either Aspen4 or fast panel wipe.

[@m.hernandez1404]

That's the last we saw of Ernie.

[@gearhead-do1xh]

Thanks for the review Ernie. I have both the MSR Dragonfly & Simmerlite which would be great to see a review from you on as well as the msr Wisperlight universal. The Optimus Polaris is another cool stove. 🏕️

[@twhite19782012]

Optimus Polaris is 100 X better than this Chinese clone! As well as ANY other MSR liquid fuel stove!

[@kevincooper8666]

Looks like a rip off of the Optimus polaris with built-in flaws pay the dollars get the best peace of mind is priceless

[@rreybier]

Try laying the bottle the other way , gravity is vertical , think before loosing your time

[@davekoch259]

You sure made that look hard.

[@betterarmed]

I wanted to say It ain’t got no gas in it. But boy, this had too much gas in it lol

[@troyjenkins3886]

I reckon it has to much gas in it.mmmm hhmmm

[@betterarmed]

@@troyjenkins3886 Fabulous

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Lighting it gave me a PF of 5 and im not even close to it!😂 Concept is good, execution wasn't too great!

[@chado_outdoors]

No, don't waste your money on other fuel stoves. The Whisperlite is the only liquid fuel stove anyone needs!

[@Jakelol1980]

I think i will stick to my two Optimus Polaris 😂

[@pedroclaro7822]

Among all the knockoff multifuel stoves this exact version looked the worst to me, and it was automatically removed from the list. Honestly Id be willing to buy you a different version for you to test if you’d send it back to me after a while.

[@JudgeD-hc9vw]

Dam be careful with a china stove. I have a mulitifuel MSR thst sounds like sn F18, and a newer Colemsn One, i think, which is multifuel. Content with what i have, for life. Advice for leftover fuel in the fuel line. When you are finished using the stove, shut off the main supply line, and let it burn itself out. No fuel in fuel line.

[@ZAMOLXEDARK]

had a similar stove for 18 years 🤔 definalty Something wrong with this one .. my bet woud be a dirty nozle. ..been there..

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

Either the stove needs a good cleaning, a good tune-up, or you need to learn how to use this stove. Since it was used, it could have been in disrepair. I find it difficult to believe that this fairly demonstrated this stove.

[@troyjenkins3886]

I dont trust unreputable stoves companies.I mean they can be cool but it looks like part of the pyrotechnics show from one of the old hard rock bands back in the day🤘😅

[@speedygonzales9993]

They sent you a FAULTY one.

[@petemainacc]

Too much trouble, too many sensitive parta that could fail. No way I would event use something like this. If low temperature is the problem, I would pick a twig stove every day.

[@joker2100]

Why do you primarily review stoves on your channel? I know you've looked at other pieces of gear, but why the strong focus on them?

[@ericjanssen3335]

Now we know why the follower sent it to you. Cheap repairman. 🤣

[@Thereal111t]

That’s a problem child for sure

[@jazbo4173]

I think this just a bummer stove.

[@Vincent-bw8vv]

Man this thing is absolutely unusable...at least using liquid fuel

[@Skcoop03]

So is this just a stove review channel now?

[@terrym1065]

NO!

[@lutzmix]

üben, üben, üben 😅 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHbKoJmHnKqjaac

[@P373RV2]

I understand alcohol stoves, woodstoves, canister stoves, but these overcomplicated and dangerous and expensive pieces of crap i never understand. Why would you use such shit? Loud. Ineffective. Expensive. Dangerous. Need i go on?

[@benturner1410]

Terrible knock off of an Optimus Polaris.

[@dannybeausejour5008]

stop being scared you need to soak the wick let it burn hot when the wick starts to die down then turn the knob use your head follow the steps and stop shitting yourself

[@kwolekw]

That thing belongs in the recycle bin. It's a piece of junk and dangerous. Get rid of it.

[@luckychap7646]

What a dumb way to use a multifuel stove, READ de instructions of any multifuel stove cause almost all of them work the same way.

[@justsayin7704]

You're kidding, right?! Your video just proved that stove is a piece of $#!π and that nobody should buy it.