If you have ever wanted to make your own stove this is your chance at an easy stove for day trips, hiking, or to cook after the zombies arrive. With all the trash that tends to be anywhere in the world you should be able to find some type of can that can be used to make a simple stove. To make this stove you will need two cans of the same size. Even though most cans look like they are the same size there is a small difference between brands so if you can find tow of the same kind it would be best. The fuel used for this type of stove can be any type of denatured alcohol that is over 60% alcohol. If you use 60% rubbing alcohol you will get a sputtering burn and a cleaner burn with a higher percentage of alcohol. I typically use the bottles of HEET used to treat gas tanks. They are inexpensive, and as long as they are sealed will last for years until an emergency. Typically a stove will burn for 10-15 minutes on one ounce of alcohol. Which if you have a full bottle will give you at least 160 minutes of burn time total. Just remember to let the stove cool down in between adding more alcohol. I did some testing with different pin hole sizes for the burner, and didn’t get too much variation on the burn time.
Items needed to make a can stove:
- utility knife
- two aluminum cans of the same type
- thumbtack or something of similar size to use to poke holes through the can bottom
- needlenose pliers









These are very simple stoves to make and cost very little. They are surprisingly durable considering that they are made out of aluminum cans. I have used them for cooking many times while out in the woods. The only thing you will need is a way to keep your pan above the stove. Two flat rocks side by side work very well to rest a pan on. If you would like to see one burning you can go to this you tube link. There are many variations to making this stove. I have tried several of them and they all work well. This version is the easiest to light out of the ones I have made. But if you make one try different hole sizes and designs until you find one you like.
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