Sterno / stove

[Ad Astra]

Been experimenting with ultralight ways to cook real food, not just boil water for a Mountain House. That's easy.

Liking alcohol stoves for weight and simplicity. Problem is, my awesome White Box stove is basically the first stage of an Apollo rocket. Burns with a silent roar, boils any amount of water, and is gone. Problem is, it can't simmer. Don't want hard, half boiled rice!

Thinking a can of Sterno can be used to simmer things. I have a modified Sterno stove a buddy gave me; it has a bottom added to make it a biofuel stove as well.

Sterno is weird stuff. You can at least extinguish the can flame by blowing hard enough, apparently. Nothing is going to put out that White Box stove once lit!

I did boil cold water by getting the can close, and waiting a loooooong time.

Does anyone use Sterno seriously, and have any tricks?


AA

 

[simon1]

Not much experience on Sterno here, although I do have the fold-up stove and a can that's in the backpack behind the seat of my truck. I usually just build a fire, and the Sterno can is good for getting wet wood going. A regular candle also works on wet wood.

If you want to simmer just put the pan over a few hot coals.

SWMBO used Sterno all the time keeping the buffet food warm when she worked at a restaurant.

 

[Ad Astra]

Mike; thanks.

Seems like you can spoon the stuff out and light it, for more control over the heating. Weak napalm, basically.

This other biofuel stove shows a plate for such ...

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71WiyJn7GgL._SL1500_.jpg

AA

 

[Deltaboy]

I used time working the buffet line back in College. 2 per a serving tray

You could also try Tea Light Candles .

 

[Macfrommichigan]

If you are not backpacking, the one burner Coleman propane stove works fine. If you are backpacking, check out the stoves at REI.

 

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If you are not backpacking, the one burner Coleman propane stove works fine. If you are backpacking, check out the stoves at REI.

I've got a Trangia - and one of those hot cartridge bottle stoves, too. Just looking for options.


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[Bhugo]

Sterno is a pain. Good for heating stuff up. It’s not hot enough to cook efficiently.

 

[emt88]

I really like using my Emberlit as long as there's no burn bans in the area. Higher or lower heat is just more or less wood.

 

[Raissermesser]

Here's a stupid question from a non-backpacker: How about a "hobo stove" made from something like a can, and charcoal or wood?

 

[Deltaboy]

Here's a stupid question from a non-backpacker: How about a "hobo stove" made from something like a can, and charcoal or wood?

Make them from a #10 food service can . Google them there are more ways to make them than I can list.

 

[Ad Astra]

Here's a stupid question from a non-backpacker: How about a "hobo stove" made from something like a can, and charcoal or wood?

Not stupid at all ,those are reinvented as biofuel stoves lately.

Avoiding smoke, in this case.

AA