How To Make Your Own Working Camp Stove

July 31, 2008 by Darren Alff

Soda Can Stove Finding the right stove for your bicycle tour can be difficult. There are dozens of different stoves to choose from and it seems as though each one requires a different type of fuel. That’s why, years ago, when I came across the designs for a working camp stove made out of two ordinary soda cans, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

Today, I have a short video for you where I am going to show you how to make your own working camp stove – perfect for your upcoming bicycle adventure. The best part about this stove is that its lightweight, easy to use, and runs off denatured alcohol (which can be found just about anywhere in the world).

Caution: Please be careful when making this stove. I don’t want you to hurt yourself, so please use common sense and don’t do anything stupid.

Once you’ve completed your stove (as per the instructions in the video above) you want to pour in your fuel. You can use denatured alcohol or a product called Heet.

Pour a very small amount into the center hole and light with a match. After a few seconds the fuel will disperse to the burner holes and you’ll be ready to cook!

Once the stove is lit, place a small pile of rocks around the stove and then place your cook pot on top of the rocks. Now you’re cooking!

How to cook with a soda can stove

Experiment with the amount of fuel it takes to bring water to a boil. Start with a single teaspoon, see how long the fuel lasts, and then work your way up from there. The more fuel you pour into your stove, the longer the flame is going to last. After a few minutes of experimentation, you will begin to discover just how much fuel you need to cook whatever meal it is you are trying to prepare. Be sure not to pour too much fuel into the stove, as the only good way to remove the fuel from the stove after each use is to let it burn itself out entirely.

Working Soda Can Stove

After the fuel has burnt itself out, be sure not to touch the stove for several minutes. The aluminum remains hot for a quite a while after use. Do not burn yourself!

Have fun, and stay safe!

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Comments

2 Responses to “How To Make Your Own Working Camp Stove”

Jon on August 2nd, 2008 7:27 am

Actually, you could “snuff” this out. Maybe get another can bottom to put over the stove while it’s cooking, and wait a few seconds while it starves for air. Granted, yet another something to carry, but you can put matches into it and stuff.

Also, I just saw a camp stove that works identically to this today. It’s called the “Trangia West Wind Stove” and seems to be Swedish. It’s close enough that I wonder which came first? The can stove or the Trangia? My bet is on the can.

-Jon
Rick on August 19th, 2008 6:05 pm

This is so cool Darren…
I plan on making one for myself….

Thanks

Rick