How Long Does An Alcohol Stove Burn?

Are you planning a camping trip and wondering how long an alcohol stove burn?

Generally, two ounces of alcohol will burn for 10-15 minutes, of course, depending on a number of factors, which I go into detail down below. The lifespan of the fuel in an alcohol stove can vary widely depending on the type of stove, weather conditions, and the type of fuel used. 

If you’re new to camping or backpacking, you may not be familiar with alcohol stoves. These compact and lightweight stoves are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts because they’re easy to use, affordable, and burn clean.

They’re also a great alternative to traditional stoves that require heavy fuel canisters. But how long does an alcohol stove burn, and what factors affect its burn time? We’ll answer these questions and more in this article, so keep reading to find out.

What is an Alcohol Stove?

If you’re an avid camper or hiker, you’ve probably heard of an alcohol stove. It is a portable stove that uses alcohol as fuel to produce a flame for cooking. Alcohol stoves are lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

An alcohol stove typically consists of a few basic components: a fuel reservoir, a burner, and a pot stand. The fuel reservoir is where the alcohol is stored, and it is usually made of metal or plastic. The burner is where the alcohol is burned to produce a flame, and it is usually made of metal. The pot stand is where the cooking pot is placed, and it is usually made of metal or wire.

Alcohol stoves come in different designs, but they all work on the same principle. The fuel is poured into the reservoir, and the burner is lit to produce a flame. The flame then heats up the pot stand, which in turn heats up the cooking pot. Alcohol stoves are designed to burn cleanly and efficiently, producing a steady flame that can be adjusted to control the heat.

Alcohol stoves are versatile and can burn different types of alcohol, including denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and rubbing alcohol. The burn time of an alcohol stove depends on the type of stove, weather conditions, and the type of fuel used. Generally, two ounces of alcohol will burn for 10-15 minutes. However, some stoves can burn for up to 25 minutes with 1/2 oz of fuel.

Types of Alcohol Stoves

If you’re planning a camping or backpacking trip, an alcohol stove can be a great option for cooking food and boiling water. Alcohol stoves are lightweight, compact, and easy to use. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of alcohol stoves on the market.

1. Trangia Stove

The Trangia Spirit Burner alcohol stove is a popular choice among backpackers and campers. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. The Trangia Spirit Burner can boil a liter of water in about 8 minutes depending on weather conditions and the fuel used. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for those on a budget.

One downside of the Trangia stove is that it can be affected by wind. To combat this, you may need to use a windscreen to help shield the flame. Additionally, the Trangia stove can be a bit difficult to light, especially in cold weather.

2. Solo Stove

The Solo Stove is another popular option for backpackers and campers. It’s a bit more expensive than the Trangia stove, but it’s also more efficient and can boil water faster. The Solo Stove is designed to burn wood, but it can also be used with alcohol.

One of the benefits of the Solo Stove is that it comes with a built-in windscreen, which helps to protect the flame from wind. It’s also very lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry.

3. Evernew Stove

The Evernew alcohol stove is a bit more expensive than the Trangia stove, but it’s also more efficient and can boil water faster. It’s made from titanium, which makes it very lightweight and durable.

One of the benefits of the Evernew stove is that it comes with a built-in windscreen, which helps to protect the flame from wind. It’s also very easy to light and has a stable base, which helps to prevent spills.

How Long Does an Alcohol Stove Burn?

If you’re planning a camping trip or just want to cook outdoors, you may be considering using an alcohol stove. One of the most common questions people have about these stoves is, “How long will it burn?” The answer depends on several factors.

Factors that Affect Burn Time

The burn time of an alcohol stove can be affected by several factors, such as:

• Weather conditions: Wind, temperature, and humidity can all affect the burn time of an alcohol stove. In windy conditions, the flame may be blown out, and in cold conditions, the fuel may take longer to vaporize.
• Altitude: At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower, which can affect the burn time of an alcohol stove. The fuel may take longer to vaporize, and the flame may be weaker.
• Type of stove: Different alcohol stoves have different burn times. For example, the Solo Stove alcohol stove can burn up to 20-25 minutes with 1/2 oz of fuel, while the Esbit alcohol stove can burn for up to 12-15 minutes with 1/2 oz of fuel.

Average Burn Time of an Alcohol Stove

On average, an alcohol stove will burn for about 10-15 minutes with two ounces of alcohol fuel. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

To get the most out of your alcohol stove, it’s important to stir the fuel occasionally to ensure that it burns evenly. It’s also important to keep the stove simple and not overload it with too much fuel.

When using an alcohol stove, it’s important to remember that the fuel is highly flammable. Always use caution when handling the stove and fuel, and never leave the stove unattended while it’s burning.

When you’re finished using the stove, make sure to extinguish the flame by gently replacing the cap over the flames and smothering them. Do not blow on flames to extinguish them. Smother them with the cap and allow them to cool completely before tightening.

Different Types of Alcohol for Stoves

When it comes to using an alcohol stove, the type of alcohol you use can make a big difference in how long it burns, how hot it gets, and how much soot it produces.

Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol is a type of alcohol that has been treated with chemicals to make it unsuitable for drinking. It’s a popular choice for alcohol stoves because it burns cleanly and produces little to no soot.

Denatured alcohol typically has an alcohol content of around 90%, which makes it a very efficient fuel source. However, it can be difficult to find in some areas, so you may need to plan ahead if you want to use it for your stove.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is another common choice for alcohol stoves. It’s readily available in most drugstores and has an alcohol content of around 70%.

While it burns cleanly, it does produce more soot than denatured alcohol, which can be a downside. Additionally, rubbing alcohol can be more expensive than other types of alcohol, so it may not be the most cost-effective option.

Trangia Spirit Burner

The Trangia Spirit Burner is a popular alcohol stove that is designed to work specifically with a type of alcohol called Trangia Fuel. Trangia Fuel is a type of alcohol that is specifically designed for use with the Trangia stove, and it has an alcohol content of around 90%.

It burns cleanly and produces little to no soot, making it a great choice for backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

White Gas

White gas, also known as Coleman fuel, is a type of liquid fuel that is commonly used in camping stoves and lanterns. While it’s not technically an alcohol, it can be used as a substitute in alcohol stoves.

White gas burns very hot and produces a lot of heat, which can be great for cooking food quickly. However, it also produces a lot of soot and can be more expensive than other types of alcohol.