I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:
- White Gas
- Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
- Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor.
- White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
- If spilled, evaporates quickly, that said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
- Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)
- Propane Gas
- A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
- Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
- Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
- No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
- As you don't pour the fuel into the canister, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
- Performance degrades as the fuel is consumed since the pressure is released. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
- Fuel is more expensive.
- Kerosene Stove
- function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
- Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
- Relatively inexpensive fuel.
- Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
- Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
- Not Odorless.
- Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.
Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.
It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.
- In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
- Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) universal.
- US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
- US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
- In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
- 'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.