Even with the empty canisters (which can be punctured and recycled, BTW), canister stoves are a lot lighter and easier to use than liquid fuel.

In most winter situations, folks are going more and more to an inverted canister stove, which solves the problem that most isobutane/propane canister stoves don't work below 20*F. However, if you're in an area where temps go a long way below zero (I'm thinking of Jack London's "To Build a Fire"), liquid fuel is better.

Having once had a Whisperlite that turned into a flaming torch, I will no longer use liquid fuel. However, our winter temps here in western Oregon are usually no lower than +10-15*F. And I generally avoid winter camping.