Non-Pressurized Alcohol Stove

[SEMIJim]

The boat we're buying has a pressurized alcohol stove. Despite the fact it's in great condition (with a little cleanup, and I mean very little, it could probably almost pass for brand new), our surveyor recommended we replace it. He described the operational ins-and-outs of pressurized alcohol stoves--incl. their propensity for catching things on fire . He recommended we replace it with an unpressurized alcohol stove that he said works like a Sterno can. (He mentioned a model name, but I can't recall it.)

What are these, how well do they work, and what do they cost?

Thanks,
Jim

[SailorMitch]

My previous boat had an Origo pressureless alcohol stove and it worked very well. It is much safer than the old style pressure stoves. Lots of places sell the Origo. Check for a price here on Sailnet (radical thought I know.)

[sailhog]

Semi,
Defender has one on sale...
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|694|319792&id=60320

[wind_magic]

Bad joke here, but I post it because it is interesting.

Here is the non-pressurized alcohol stove that I use camping.



And instructions on how you make it from Pepsi cans.

Wiki Beverage Can link
Pepsi Can stove w/ instructions

[sailhog]

Wind Magic,
I was wondering myself why a nonpressurized alcohol stove costs $200+... It must be the advanced technology. Wait, no, it must be something else...

[TrueBlue]

We had a boat once with a Kenyon, two burner, pressurized alcohol stove - and aside from the pump to pressure and burner preheating rituals, I actually liked cooking with it. It was much hotter than the non-pressurized versions and fairly easy to use.

I think the reported flare-up problems are a result of users uneducated in the proper use. The most important tip is to first fill the burner cup, shut the valve, and THEN light the alcohol until it burns out. Then turn the jet back on and ignite. If you preheat with the valve open - you'll have a towering infernal.

There's nothing like propane though - gas rules.

[cardiacpaul]

"True-er" words have not been spoke(n).

Get familiar with the ritual and you can use it for years to come.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by SailorMitch

My previous boat had an Origo pressureless alcohol stove and it worked very well. It is much safer than the old style pressure stoves.

Ah, that sounds about right. Thanks!

Originally Posted by SailorMitch

Lots of places sell the Origo. Check for a price here on Sailnet (radical thought I know.)

Not a radical idea at all. But if they have it, they're doing a damn good job of hiding it, as I can't find it. A A search on "origo" didn't turn it up, nor did manually digging-down to galley stoves.

Jim

[tdw]

Jim,
If you do anything more than stay on board once in a blue moon or want to boil water for tea or coffee then throw the bugger overboard and get gas. Properly installed its as safe as anything else and you will not grow old waiting for the water to boil.
Both my last two boats came with 'alcohol' (we call it metho down here) stoves and they were jettisoned right quickly.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

We had a boat once with a Kenyon, two burner, pressurized alcohol stove - and aside from the pump to pressure and burner preheating rituals, I actually liked cooking with it. It was much hotter than the non-pressurized versions and fairly easy to use.

Fair 'nuff.

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

I think the reported flare-up problems are a result of users uneducated in the proper use. The most important tip is to first fill the burner cup, shut the valve, and THEN light the alcohol until it burns out. Then turn the jet back on and ignite. If you preheat with the valve open - you'll have a towering infernal.

Very well. I planned on giving the Kenyon that's in the boat a chance, first, anyway. I'm sure we'll find more than enough to spend our money on, without having to make stuff up .

Thanks for the tip!

Jim