Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol stoves are a popular choice for backpackers due to their lightweight, low-cost, and simple design. They are typically made from recycled cans, such as tuna or cat food cans, and can be easily assembled with a few simple tools. The stove is fuelled by denatured alcohol, which can be purchased or made from ethanol or methanol. It is important to take safety precautions when using an alcohol stove, such as clearing a safe cooking area and ensuring the stove has cooled down before refilling or touching. The stove should be filled halfway, and the fuel lit carefully as the flame can be invisible during the day. The simmer ring can be added once the stove is hot, and the stove can be extinguished by covering it with a pot or pan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Denatured alcohol, HEET, Everclear, ethanol, methanol |
| Burn time | 10-15 minutes for half a stove of fuel |
| Fuel adjustment | Adjust the amount of fuel to suit your purposes and situation |
| Lighting | Use a lighter; in daylight, listen for a small 'puff' as the vapour ignites |
| Safety precautions | Clear a non-flammable surface, keep a full bottle of water nearby, ensure food, pots, pans, utensils and accessories are in easy reach |
| Fuel bottle | Wide-mouthed bottle or funnel |
| Altitude | Inefficient at higher elevations |
| Durability | High for titanium, lower for softer metals like aluminium |
| Pot | Place directly on the stove or on a pre-made stand |
| Cozy | Lightweight foil or closed-cell foam for insulation |
| Fuel availability | Denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) found in hardware and camping stores |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the stove is cool before refilling
It is imperative that you exercise caution when refilling your closed backpacking stove with alcohol. One of the most important safety precautions is to ensure that the stove is cool before attempting to refill it. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:
Allow Adequate Cooling Time: After using your stove, give it sufficient time to cool down. Do not attempt to refill it immediately after use, as the stove will be extremely hot. Wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure that the stove has reached a safe temperature.
Check for Warmth: Before handling the stove or attempting to refill it, touch the exterior of the stove with the back of your hand to feel for any residual heat. If the stove still feels warm, it is not yet cool enough, and you should give it more time to cool down.
Ventilate the Area: Ensure that the area where the stove is kept is well-ventilated. An open space with good airflow will help dissipate heat more effectively. Avoid placing the stove in a confined or enclosed area while it is cooling down.
Avoid Direct Contact: Even if the stove appears cool to the touch, avoid direct skin contact with any part of the stove, especially the areas where fuel is stored or burned. Use gloves or a cloth to handle the stove if necessary.
Refill in a Safe Environment: Choose a safe and well-ventilated area to refill your stove. Avoid refilling near open flames, hot surfaces, or any sources of ignition. Always treat the fuel with respect and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
By following these precautions, you can ensure that your closed backpacking stove is adequately cool before refilling, reducing the risk of injury or accidents. Always prioritize safety and give your stove the time it needs to cool down properly before handling or refilling it with alcohol fuel.
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Pour denatured alcohol into the main opening
To fill a closed backpacking stove with alcohol, you must first ensure that the stove is cool. Refilling a stove while it is still hot can damage the rubber seal in the cap, resulting in a leaky burner. Once the stove has cooled, you can carefully pour denatured alcohol into the main opening. Denatured alcohol, or methylated spirits, can be purchased at most hardware and camping stores. It is also known as HEET, which is commonly used as gas line antifreeze.
When filling the stove, it is important to fill it only about halfway. This will give you a burn time of around 10 minutes. As you become more familiar with your stove, you can adjust the fuel level to suit your specific needs. However, always be cautious when lighting the stove as the flame is nearly invisible in daylight, and the vapourised gas can ignite with a small "puff".
If you are having trouble lighting the stove due to the fuel level being low, try holding the stove at a slight tilt with your non-dominant hand to bring the fuel higher up the side of the stove. Then, light the fuel at the high edge. Additionally, on cold mornings, you may need to bring the flame of your lighter closer to the fuel for successful ignition.
It is important to note that ethanol, a common component of denatured alcohol, is drinkable but should never be consumed undiluted. Always dilute ethanol to a maximum proof of 150 before considering it safe for consumption.
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Fill the stove halfway for a 10-minute burn
Filling a closed backpacking stove with alcohol is a simple process, but it requires caution. To achieve a 10-minute burn, fill the stove halfway with denatured alcohol. This is the recommended starting point, and as you become more familiar with your stove, you can adjust the fuel level to suit your needs. Lighting the stove can be challenging, especially in daylight, as the flame is nearly invisible. To light the stove, you may need to tilt it slightly and bring the flame of your lighter close to the fuel. Be cautious, as the stove can be dangerous if not handled properly.
When lighting the stove, listen for a small 'puff' sound, indicating the vaporized gas has ignited. Once ignited, quickly remove your hand. It is important to note that the adhesive on the high-temperature tape may catch fire, especially during the first few uses, but this is normal and nothing to worry about.
To maximize burn time and fuel efficiency, consider using ethanol or denatured alcohol, as they burn most efficiently and for a longer duration. Additionally, protect your stove from wind by using a foil windscreen, and keep your pots narrow to conserve heat. Limiting simmering can also help extend fuel usage. Always be mindful of safety precautions when using an alcohol stove, such as clearing away flammable materials and having a full bottle of water nearby as an emergency fire extinguisher.
The amount of fuel and burn time are closely related. A half-full stove will typically burn for 10 to 15 minutes without a simmer ring. With a simmer ring, the same amount of fuel can last for up to two hours, making it a more efficient option for simmering food. The type of alcohol fuel used also impacts burn time, with ethanol and denatured alcohol offering longer and more efficient burns compared to isopropyl alcohol and methanol.
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Use a wind break for safety and efficiency
Using a windbreak is essential for safety and efficiency when using a closed alcohol backpacking stove. Here are some tips for utilising a windbreak effectively:
Firstly, always opt for a manufacturer's windscreen designed specifically for your backpacking stove model. This is crucial for safe use in windy conditions. Some stoves, like the Sgt. Rock's Ion stove or Mark Jurey Penny Stove, have windscreens that can be attached to the stove. Alternatively, you can create your own windbreak using a disposable cake tin by cutting off the top rim and bottom, resulting in a durable windscreen. Thicker-than-foil aluminium is a good choice as it holds up better if the edge comes into contact with the flame.
When setting up your stove, look for a location that offers a natural windbreak, such as a tree or boulder. This not only makes cooking easier but also safer. Additionally, ensure your stove is on a flat, stable surface, and always clear the surrounding area of any flammable materials.
A well-fitted wind screen can dramatically increase efficiency. Make sure the wind screen is close to the sides of the pot to optimise performance. Additionally, a heat reflector can further enhance efficiency and safety. Cut a heat reflector from thick aluminium, such as the material used for oven trays, to a diameter that matches your wind screen. This will increase efficiency by reflecting heat back towards the pot and away from the ground, and it will also reduce the risk of starting a fire.
By following these guidelines and utilising a windbreak effectively, you can improve both the safety and efficiency of your closed alcohol backpacking stove.
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Use a simmer ring to adjust the flame
Using a simmer ring is a great way to adjust the flame on your alcohol stove. It can help you achieve a lower heat but efficient burn. Before using a simmer ring, it is important to wait until your stove is fully warmed up. This usually takes a minute or two after the stove has been lit. If you try to put a simmer ring on immediately after lighting the stove, you might snuff out the flame.
The trickiest part of using a simmer ring is placing it on the stove. It is quite similar to a game of ring toss, where you try to drop the simmer ring onto the top of the stove. Move the simmer ring as close to the stove as possible, and then drop it into place. The simmer ring will most likely bounce off at an angle, so you will need a stick or utensil to nudge it into its correct position. You can also use the spoon you've been stirring your meal with to shift the simmer ring, although the food on the spoon might burn onto the ring.
There are several ways to create a simmer ring. You can cut a narrow band from a soda can, slit it so it fits over the stove, and cover all the air intake holes. Alternatively, you can cut a soda can into a one-inch strip, slit it, and place it over the stove. You can choose to leave one hole open or cover them all. Another method is to use inverted muffin liners with half of their bottoms removed, which allows for infinite adjustment by rotating the top tin.
The simmer ring can also be used as a cheap funnel to recapture denatured alcohol when pouring leftover fuel back into your fuel bottle. However, it is important to ensure that the fuel is completely evaporated before placing it near an ignition source.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure the stove is cool. Then, pour denatured alcohol into the main opening, filling it about halfway for a 10-minute burn.
Denatured alcohol is a good option as it is widely available in hardware and camping stores. Other options include HEET, Everclear, and ethanol.
It is recommended to let the stove burn itself out. Some stoves come with a simmering ring that can be used to safely extinguish the flame.
Wait a few minutes after the flame goes out. The stove will still be hot during and immediately after burning, so be careful not to touch or move it.
Always clear a safe cooking surface free of flammable materials and locate a natural windbreak. Keep a full bottle of water nearby as an emergency fire extinguisher and ensure all cookware and utensils are within easy reach.
