The alcohol stove is really a great option for lightweight backpackers and has many advantages over other cook systems, but may not be suitable for every backpacker or situation.

 

If you are interested in a stove that runs on odorless fuel, need to carry as little weight as possible, like to go cheap as possible, enjoy recycling, strive to use eco friendly renewable fuels whenever possible, and/or require the ability to find fuel while walking across North America then an alcohol stove is for you. If on the other hand you need to be able to melt tremendous amounts of snow to stay alive, demand the luxury of a gas range while camping, need bombproof durability, and/or like monster truck nitro injected power in your stove then the alcohol stove is not for you.

 

Here’s a modified KISS (Komplete Individual Simple Stoves) synopsis on alcohol stoves:

 

Advantages

Lightweight – few ounces versus a pound or more

 

Simplicity – just add fuel and light a match – no pumping, priming or pre-lighting required

 

Reliable – many designs are fail-proof

 

Quiet – generally can’t be heard

 

Odorless – if you spill alcohol all over your gear, you won’t smell like a gas pump for the rest of your trip

 

Availability of Fuel – can be found at any hardware store or gas station (great for thru-hikers)

 

No Maintenance – no time or repair kit need for adjustments and cleaning

 

Safety – fuel not explosive and can be easily extinguished

 

Easily Transportable Fuel – don’t need a heavy metal container to transport fuel – a disposable plastic water bottle is more than ample

 

Low Cost – the cheapest around or even free (use common recycled items)

 

Eco Friendly – uses a clean renewable energy source

 

DIY (Do It Yourself) – Tools, metal and fire! DIY stoving is so satisfying that is has become it’s own hobby

 

 

Disadvantages

Reduced Output – about half the heat output per ounce compared to other liquid fuels (white gas, butane, etc) and not appropriate for groups, long treks (greater than a one to two weeks without refitting) or melting snow

 

Invisible Flame – refilling with fuel or handling the stove can be dangerous to those that depend solely on the sense of sight for evaluating dangers

 

Cold Sensitive – most setups depend on vaporization of fuel and may not work well in frozen environments

 

Lacks Brand Name – North Face wearing, Mountain House eating, Starbucks drinking, Honda Element driving “outdoors people” will refer to you as “ghetto” and/or “trailer park”

 

Durability – if you step on your stove made from pop cans, you might have to say goodbye to hot meals for the rest of your trip

 

DIY (Do It Yourself) – Many of the stove designs out there require you to fabricate your own setup which can prove to be challenging or inconvenient for many

 

Visit for more information: Zen Backpacking Stoves