Camp Stoves · #8
Nova+
Optimus
Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
Multi-fuel European classic. Excellent build quality; ideal cold-country liquid-fuel option.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-fuel capability (white gas, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel)
- Bombproof, all-metal construction ensures extreme durability
- Consistent and powerful flame output in harsh conditions
- Excellent cold-weather and high-altitude performance
- Reliable and field-maintainable for long-term use
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than many canister stoves
- Requires priming and more complex operation than gas stoves
- Can be sooty if not properly maintained or fueled
- Initial cost is higher than many entry-level options
Best uses
- Expedition cooking
- Winter backpacking
- International travel
- Emergency preparedness
- Remote wilderness trips
Specifications
- Fuel Type
- Multi-fuel (liquid)
- Boil Time (1L)
- Approx. 3.5 minutes (white gas)
- Weight
- Approx. 430g (stove only)
- Output
- 2850W / 9725 BTU
- Burn Time
- Up to 2.5 hours (with 450ml fuel)
Pricing
Manufacturer list price · checked Jul 14, 2026
Prices move with sales and stock — confirm the live offer at the retailer below.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Expedition cooking, Winter backpacking, International travel, Emergency preparedness, Remote wilderness trips
Where to buy the Nova+
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Optimus Nova+ is a classic, field-proven liquid fuel stove that has earned its reputation in harsh environments. This isn’t a stove for the casual weekend car camper; it’s built for serious expeditions, remote trips, and situations where reliability trumps all. Its multi-fuel capability means you can run it on white gas, kerosene, diesel, or jet fuel – a significant advantage when resupply options are limited or unpredictable. While it may not be the lightest or most compact option on the market, its robust construction and powerful, consistent flame output make it a go-to choice for those venturing into truly demanding conditions. It’s a stove that demands a bit of familiarity with liquid fuel systems, including priming and maintenance, but rewards that effort with unparalleled performance when you need it most. We've seen these things still kicking after decades of abuse.
Who It's For
This stove is designed for the seasoned adventurer, the mountaineer, the long-haul backpacker, and anyone who routinely finds themselves in cold, high-altitude, or remote environments. Its multi-fuel flexibility makes it ideal for international travel where specific fuel types might be hard to come by. If you prioritize bombproof reliability and consistent performance over minimal weight or instant gratification, and you’re comfortable with the quirks of liquid fuel operation, the Nova+ is an excellent fit. It’s not for someone who just wants to boil water quickly on a picnic; it’s for someone whose safety or comfort depends on a dependable heat source.
Materials & Build
The Nova+ is built like a tank, and we mean that as a compliment. Its main components are constructed from high-quality stainless steel and brass, evident in its substantial feel. The pump mechanism, often a failure point in lesser stoves, is meticulously engineered for durability and efficient pressurization. The fuel line is flexible yet incredibly tough, designed to withstand repeated packing and unpacking without kinking or cracking. Every part feels precision-machined, reflecting its European heritage and commitment to longevity. This is gear you buy once and expect to pass down, not replace every few seasons.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Nova+ consistently delivers. Its preheating system is effective, and once primed, it throws a powerful, consistent flame that isn't easily extinguished by wind. The simmer control, while not as nuanced as some canister stoves, is more than adequate for melting snow or cooking complex meals. We've used this stove in sub-freezing temperatures and at significant altitudes, and it has reliably started and performed every time. Its wide pot supports accommodate larger cookware, adding to its versatility for group cooking. Don't expect instant on/off like a gas stove; there's a ritual to operating it, but that ritual translates to unwavering performance.
Weight & Packability
At approximately 430 grams for the stove unit itself, plus the fuel bottle, the Nova+ isn't winning any ultralight awards. However, for its capability and reliability, it’s a perfectly acceptable weight. It packs down reasonably well, with the legs folding inward, but it will take up a dedicated space in your pack. The fuel bottle is separate, meaning you can choose the bottle size appropriate for your trip duration. This isn’t a minimalist setup, but rather a robust cooking system designed for sustained use, where a few extra grams are a worthwhile trade-off for its unmatched durability and fuel flexibility.
Durability & Longevity
This is where the Nova+ truly shines. Its all-metal construction means there are very few plastic parts to crack or degrade over time. The self-cleaning needle system helps prevent clogs, a common issue with liquid fuel stoves. We've seen these stoves endure years of hard use, dropped, frozen, and covered in grime, yet still fire up reliably. With basic field maintenance, like occasionally cleaning the jet and checking the O-rings, the Nova+ can last for decades. It's a testament to good engineering and robust materials, making it a sound long-term investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
How we chose
We started with a long list of camp stoves that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Throughput and fuel economy
- Boil times, flow rates, and how much fuel or effort a real trip consumes.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Nova+ — frequently asked questions
- Is the Nova+ worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Camp Stoves. Multi-fuel European classic. Excellent build quality; ideal cold-country liquid-fuel option.
- What is the Nova+ best for?
- Best for expedition cooking, winter backpacking, international travel and emergency preparedness. Standouts: exceptional multi-fuel capability (white gas, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel) and bombproof, all-metal construction ensures extreme durability.
- What are the downsides of the Nova+?
- Heavier and bulkier than many canister stoves, Requires priming and more complex operation than gas stoves and Can be sooty if not properly maintained or fueled.
- What are the key specs of the Nova+?
- Fuel Type: Multi-fuel (liquid) · Boil Time (1L): Approx. 3.5 minutes (white gas) · Weight: Approx. 430g (stove only) · Output: 2850W / 9725 BTU · Burn Time: Up to 2.5 hours (with 450ml fuel)
- Who It's For?
- This stove is designed for the seasoned adventurer, the mountaineer, the long-haul backpacker, and anyone who routinely finds themselves in cold, high-altitude, or remote environments. Its multi-fuel flexibility makes it ideal for international travel where specific fuel types might be hard to come by.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Nova+?
- The Nova+ is built like a tank, and we mean that as a compliment. Its main components are constructed from high-quality stainless steel and brass, evident in its substantial feel.
Compare side by side
Put the Nova+ against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.