GEAR GUIDE: Lightweight Alcohol Stoves

Gear Guide Criteria: These are the darlings of the UL and SUL world. The ultimate goal is a stove weighing nothing, with zero fuel consumption and a fast boil time. For this Gear Guide only stoves weighing less than 3 ounces (85 grams) will be listed. While both methanol and ethanol can be used, methanol is toxic and has a lower fuel value - although ethanol itself has only half the fuel value of canister and white gas fuels. There are some classical examples of the alcohol stove, such as the cat food can and the Pepsi-can, but brass and titanium have also been used. They come in several versions: Open Flame, Open Jet and Closed Jet (Pressurised). The stove may support the pot, or a pot stand may be required. Throttling is not normally possible. A windshield is almost always required.