DIY Alcohol Stove Build From Squirt Cheese Can - MYOG

See how I build a high performance alcohol stove from a squirt cheese can. These cans are a good material because they are 3x thicker than a beverage can so the stove is stronger. I think the thicker material is much easier to work with.
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[@markcummings6856]

That’s the neatest thing since sliced bread. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidcushing6379]

Thank you Tom! Great step by step instructions.

[@techguy9023]

The Fancy Feast stove is made with a piece of tomato paste can and a Fancy Feast cat food can ( or Vienna Sausage can) and either some fiberglass tape wrapped around the piece of tomato paste can or a piece of carbon felt. Put the tomato paste can with both ends removed into the cat food can after wrapping it with fiberglass tape for a wick. Works well. I used the fiberglass tape as the wick. It doesn’t need a holder for the pot. The pot sits on top. Make a small hole near the top edge of the tomato can to prevent the pot getting stuck to it. Costs almost nothing if you have some fiberglass tape. Cheaper than carbon felt.

[@tomlovesdiy]

Haven't made one but have seen a few TH-cam videos. I like the simplicity; no stand required. When I worked on my stove, my goal was to reach theoretical optimal efficiency, make it super rugged, small, light and easy to use. I believe I achieved the goals. I calculate efficience at about net 50%. Most of the stoves/burners are around 30% based on boile and burn times shown in the tests. I bought some carbon felt - yes its pricey. Might try incorporating it into a cheese can stove. Thanks for the comment!

[@melissahoffman4687]

If you save the rest of the can it will make a great DIY windscreen with airholes from a hole puncher.

[@tomlovesdiy]

Good idea. Unused can pieces just go to the recycling center. Re-using is better! I usually use aluminum flashing for windscreens. Check out my video Alcohol Windscreen and Pot Stand. thanks for commenting.

[@NewHampshireJack]

Your windscreen with integrated pot stand video popped up in the suggestion box. Watching that, prompted me to check out your channel and content. Here I am at video #1 and very impressed. Many items are not available here in SE Asia where I began early retirement eleven and a half (11 1/2) years ago. When you do find a desired product, VAT, and import taxes may well put the item out of reach for many. That is especially true for those who want to equip all members of a large family. DIY skills are mandatory! We are watching from our "secret retirement location" in Bulacan province, on Luzon Island, the Republic of the Philippine Islands. Our next step, whack that subscribe button

[@tomlovesdiy]

Hey Jack. Luzon is a long way from NH. Appreciate your comment. Although I don't need to DIY for financial reasons I do need to because DIY is in my DNA. Even so, I understand that for a lot of people it's DIY or nothing. If you ping me at [e-mail], I'll reply with the template for the windscreen. Thanks for your support.

[@Sokol10]

It's a variation of the classic double wall stove, that's follow Trangia TB25 burner design - minus the cloth wick around the outside of the inner wall.

[@tomlovesdiy]

Yes, all double wall burners have the same basic design. Mine are unique only in the material I use (Easy Cheese cans) and the outstanding performance. Much better than Triangia!

[@barrykelly2722]

Great! Now I have to pee!

[@dtsiegler]

facts

[@markflick1641]

Isn’t the rubber or plastic plug in the bottom an issue with heat ?

[@tomlovesdiy]

Not an issue. The bottom of the burner doesn't get hot.

[@chrisbush714]

How do you cover the big hole at the top? I imagine that is where you put the alcohol in at?

[@tomlovesdiy]

Chris. Good question. Yes. Alcohol goes on the center hole. A coin works. Also one of those round punch-outs in metal electrical boxes. Put in the alcohol then cover before I ignite the primer fuel. I epoxy a small neodymium magnet to the bottom. It holds the punch-out securely. If the center hole isn't covered, you get a slightly faster boil time but less total burn time. Thanks for your comment and substituting.

[@chrisbush714]

Thanks!@@tomlovesdiy

[@harleyrdr1]

So ANY cylindrical can will work. What makes this any different? You can do this with any can. This is ridiculous.

[@tomlovesdiy]

What makes it different? Let us count the ways. It's more efficient, smaller, and stronger than beer can stoves. Easy to make. They boil fast and burn clean with denatured alcohol. The single-wall version is ultralight. Other than that, they are pretty ordinary.