Types of stoves – There are gasoline, kerosene, propane, butane, and alcohol. There are also some “multifuel” stoves, which are purported to burn a number of different liquid fuels. These may not put out as much heat as those designed to burn white gas (naptha) only.

Gasoline stoves are the most reliable of the pack, especially in bad weather. And gasoline has the highest heat output of all stove fuels. Generally, gasoline stoves accept only “white” gas or Coleman fuel (highly refined forms of naptha). It’s not safe to burn leaded gasoline in them. An important distinction must be made between additive-free white gasoline-which is difficult to obtain-and additive-packed automotive unleaded gasoline, which is available at every gas station.

Kerosene has about the same BTU rating as gasoline, but it is less volatile. Where a gasoline stove will explode, a kerosene stove will simply burn. However, kerosene stoves are smelly, and they must be primed. Nonetheless, they are very safe and are grand for camp cooking.

Butane cartridge stoves are easy to light, flame control is very good and as simple as turning the knob, but butane stoves put out little heat. The colder it gets the less flame it manage.

Propane is relatively inexpensive and it puts out good heat. Its big drawback is in the packaging. The heavy steel cylinders that contain the gas are not fine in the packsack of a hiker.

Blended fuels. Some manufacturers blend butane and propane for better cold-weather performance; however, their heat output is still well below that of stoves that burn white gas.

Alcohol stoves are safe and reliable. Just light, the burner and you are ready to cook. Alcohol stoves are slow to heat, however. Most require ten to fifteen minutes to boil a quart of water! Sterno is a form of alcohol that comes in a can. Sterno puts out enough heat to warm food but not to cook it.