Efficient Available Fuel Stoves

[Outsider]

Having the option to use fuel lying about - downed wood, pinecones, leaves, grass, other debris etc. to boil water and cook seems quite useful. Useful both in extended exploring, as well as emergencies. Added advantages are no charring of the ground site as in campfires, not having to lug in/out fuel containers, usage economy, low-tech (read less likely to fail) etc.

Of course a trace from the burnt fuel is left behind, but seems a temporary disruption of the environment

There has been some previous discussion on Kelly Kettles, which work well. http://www.kellykettle.com/

You may want to look into the larger Thermette option too. They come in at least 2 sizes - .5 gallon and 2.5 gallon. The smaller is 3lbs. and 15" high. Comes with a cooking ring to set on top - allows placement of pots/other containers for cooking.

http://www.thermette.com/index.htm

A little pricey perhaps.

Outsider

[Wldrns]

Having the option to use fuel lying about - downed wood, pinecones, leaves, grass, other debris etc. to boil water and cook seems quite useful. Useful both in extended exploring, as well as emergencies. Added advantages are no charring of the ground site as in campfires, not having to lug in/out fuel containers, usage economy, low-tech (read less likely to fail) etc.

Of course a trace from the burnt fuel is left behind, but seems a temporary disruption of the environment

There has been some previous discussion on Kelly Kettles, which work well. http://www.kellykettle.com/
r

I've been using the Kelly Kettle for over 3 years now with much success. Since I dehydrate/rehydrate my own food, all I need is boiling water. I can get 3 cups boiling in about 4.5 minutes in my KK. It is a little bulky, but it doesn't weigh much, and an infinite fuel supply weighs zero, especially handy on longer trips.

I experimented with making a pot holder on top to capture all the "wasted" heat. It worked ok to securely hold the pot, but the problem is the water in the KK starts boiling before there is enough time to do much with anything in the pot on top. A case of being too efficient.

[the_swede]

Has anyone tried one of those Pocket Rockets made by MSR? My friend just bought one and it's very lightweight, relatively cheap and it boils FAST!

[redhawk]

You might also check the Sierra Stove out.
Do a google

[redhawk]

Has anyone tried one of those Pocket Rockets made by MSR? My friend just bought one and it's very lightweight, relatively cheap and it boils FAST!

But it doesn't simmer.

[Outsider]

You might also check the Sierra Stove out.
Do a google

Apparently it can function without the battery/motor/fan, but much less efficiently. Therefore, slightly higher tech than the other two, putting it lower on my priority list.

Several accessories at added cost.

http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/zz_sierra.php

http://www.zzstove.com/

Would be good to compare these stoves in a field trial.....

Outsider

[Outsider]

I experimented with making a pot holder on top to capture all the "wasted" heat. It worked ok to securely hold the pot, but the problem is the water in the KK starts boiling before there is enough time to do much with anything in the pot on top. A case of being too efficient.

Yes, it makes sense to try to use that escaping heat, as well. And, yes, rapid boiling can be an issue!

The thermette allows disconnection from the fire base, so the water can be poured off, and then the cooking can resume.

This is the sort of gear to look for - simple and efficient. No recurring costs. I suspect the price of commercial fuel of all sorts is only headed up and up.

[redhawk]

Apparently it can function without the battery/motor/fan, but much less efficiently. Therefore, slightly higher tech than the other two, putting it lower on my priority list.

Several accessories at added cost.

http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/zz_sierra.php

http://www.zzstove.com/

Would be good to compare these stoves in a field trial.....

Outsider

I have a stove that burns twigs and stuff and it has a plastic tube with a metal tip that inserts into a hole in the stove to use lung power to get it burning hot.

Don't know the name of it. Might be a "zip" stove.

Hawk

[Little Rickie]

I've been using the Kelly Kettle for over 3 years now with much success. Since I dehydrate/rehydrate my own food, all I need is boiling water. I can get 3 cups boiling in about 4.5 minutes in my KK. It is a little bulky, but it doesn't weigh much, and an infinite fuel supply weighs zero, especially handy on longer trips.

I experimented with making a pot holder on top to capture all the "wasted" heat. It worked ok to securely hold the pot, but the problem is the water in the KK starts boiling before there is enough time to do much with anything in the pot on top. A case of being too efficient.

I've looked at these on line and like the idea but I would like to see one live in action before purchasing one.

I guess you can't use them in the Eastern High Peaks Zone.

[coolrobc]

But it doesn't simmer.

depends on the wind, but I've gotten it low enough to simmer.

[Wldrns]

I've looked at these on line and like the idea but I would like to see one live in action before purchasing one.

The KelleyKettle does work as advertised. It is lifted off from the base firepan for pouring, but if there are very many remaining burning twigs they tend to make it difficult to replace the kettle securely back on the firepan. You would also have to replace any water poured out, as you should not burn without water inside. This process would interrupt any cooking you are doing with chimney heat.

[jan]

I've had an MSR Pocket Rocket for a couple years and it simmers just fine. It will boil water really fast, but wind can be an issue. Easy enough to solve with a little thought about stove placement or a wind screen.

Jan

[ken999]

http://www.littlbug.com/?gclid=COO5kvS-kpACFTH9IgodGGU_OQ

http://www.trailstove.com/

[ken999]

http://www.kifaru.net/stovspex.htm

http://www.kni-co.com/

http://www.fourdog.com/page2.html

[redhawk]

I've had an MSR Pocket Rocket for a couple years and it simmers just fine. It will boil water really fast, but wind can be an issue. Easy enough to solve with a little thought about stove placement or a wind screen.

Jan

My mistake then. I was under the impression that it was only one setting.

Sorry.

hawk