Use of Fuels in Portable Stoves

Fuel Type Advantages Disadvantages

Methylated SpiritsLights relatively easyCommercially availableSpilled fuel evaporates

Flame at times can be hard to seeLower heat output than some other fuelsSooty when used with Trangias

Shellite

High heat outputSpilled fuel evaporates quicklyEasy to find in U.S. and Canada

Priming requiredSpilled fuel highly flammableHard to find in AUS

KeroseneHigh heat outputReadily available internationally

May produce sooty smokeRequires priming with alcohol

ButaneInstant high heat outputNo priming requiredNo spilling

Lower heat output than white gasCanister disposal requiredHigh costPoor performance in cold weather

PropaneBetter in cold than butaneLarger containers refillable

Limited availabilityHigh costCanister disposal required

AlcoholQuietClean burningReadily available

Lower heat outputLonger cooking time

Unleaded auto gasoline

InexpensiveReadily available worldwide

Dirty, sootyHighly volatile

Advantages and disadvantages of different liquid fuels

So what other type of stoves besides the Trangia are out there?

Pros – Extremely light Burns Hot – Very quick boil Handy disposable canisters Relatively cheap to buy & use

Cons – Uses fuel very quickly Affected by wind Non Recyclable fuel canister

Mountain Safety Research (MSR)- Pocket Rocket

Pros – Relatively light Refillable Fuel Bottle Fast boil & Cook

Cons – Fiddly at times Fuel line can get blocked Only Runs on Shellite You need a university

degree to light the darnthing!

MSR Whisper Light

Pros – Very fast boil & cook Can cook for a number of people easily Packs up small You look cool with the

best gear

Cons Expensive! Uses fuel quick Lots of parts

JetBoil Group Cooking System

Pros – Convenient and easy Readily available gas canisters Self lighting Relatively cheap & easy to buy

Cons – Very Heavy Not suited for

carrying

Gas Cartridge Stove