Best Alcohol Stoves in 2021

1. TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

4.6/5

2. Esbit Five Piece Lightweght Trekking Cookset with Alcohol Stove

4.6/5

3. Tangria 27-3 Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit​

4.6/5
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It is an endless list of stove choices for your backpacking trip, but if you are planning on going on a long hike where weight is an utmost consideration, an alcohol stove is your best choice. 

Alcohol stoves have been popular in ultralight backpacking, with their weight usually just around 1 lbs. Aside from backpacking, alcohol stoves have been go-to equipment due to their simplicity, portability, and durability. Alcohol stoves do not require a complex assembly but packs up a great deal of heat to provide for your outdoor cooking needs. 

Read on to learn more about the list we’ve prepared for the best alcohol stoves and why we have chosen them. There is also a buying guide in the article for other considerations you may need to look at before purchasing your alcohol stove.

How We Rated Best Alcohol Stoves?

  • Cooking Power

    Is it powerful enough?

  • Lifespan

    Is it build for years to come?

  • Portability

    Is it easy to carry?

  • Usability

    Is it easy to use?

  • Durability

    Is it sturdy enough?

  • Time to Boil

    Is it quick to boil water?

  • Cooking Surface

    Is it wide enough for your pan?

  • Wind Resistance

    Is it efficient in windy conditions?

How We Conducted Research?

  • 14

    Hours Researched

  • 16

    Products Evaluated

  • 5k

    Reviews Considered

  • 3

    Sources Researched

1. TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

The TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove came to the top of the list because it is compact, light and durable. The body is made of titanium making it lightweight and resistant to corrosion.

Weighing only 0.05 lbs it is ideal for long-distance hiking or ultralight backpacking. It is fuel efficient due to its design – double-walled with small holes on the top where vaporized steam travel up.

What we like:

What we don't like:

2. Esbit Five Piece Lightweght Trekking Cookset with Alcohol Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Esbit Five Piece Lightweght Trekking Cookset with Alcohol Stove

We picked Esbit Five Piece Lightweght Trekking Cookset with Alcohol Stove as best value, because this is a complete trekking gear packed in one set! The set includes two pots, a 985ml and a 470ml, stand for the pots and the alcohol stove system.

The lightweight pots are made from hard-anodized aluminum and hinge grips made of stainless steel making it ideal use for backpacking. The 985ml pot has volume indicator on the insides for convenient use.

The alcohol stove is a great piece on its own. The stove has a solid fuel base made of hard-anodized aluminum and a solid brass alcohol burner that has a screw top and gasket can hold fuel while on transport.

What we like:

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3. Tangria 27-3 Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Tangria 27-3 Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit

This Tangria alcohol stove kit with its proven wind-proof system will surely be the choice for cooks on the go or those who simply want a well-cooked meal while outdoors. The kit includes two 1L saucepans, 1 non-stick frypan and you can choose between a gas burner or a spirit burner to go with the kit. The pots both aluminum made, may look small but they can surprisingly cook for good for 2-3 persons.

The alcohol stove that comes with the set is built with durability and performance combined. It has a unique great base that acts as a 2-step windscreen and ventilation system. The lower base has ventilation holes that can be adjusted based on the wind condition and the upper base acts as a pot stand. This makes it compatible for a long cooking time even in windy conditions.

What we like:

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4. REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove with Aluminum Stand

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove with Aluminum Stand​

The REDCAMP alcohol stove is simplicity and efficiency packed in one. The set comes with the alcohol stove with sealing and fire cover that acts as variable temperature control. Compared with the FAMGEE Outdoor Mini, the REDCAMP alcohol stove has a foldable fire control handle for easier and safer flame control. The stove bracket that acts as base and built-in windscreen.

What we like:

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5. Famgee Outdoor Mini Portable Alcohol Stove Burner

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Famgee Outdoor Mini Portable Alcohol Stove Burner

The aluminum alloy bracket of the FAMGEE Mini Portable Alcohol Stove Burner is durable enough to hold pots. The bracket also acts as built-in windscreen to the brass stove. Compare to the rest of the burners in the list, the FAMGEE alcohol stove comes with a sealing cover and fire cover that comes with the stove. The sealing cover has an O-ring cap that prevents alcohol leak and allows the stove to be transported with excess fuel.

What we like:

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6. Lixada Titanium Alcohol Stove and Rack Combo

4.7/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Lixada Titanium Alcohol Stove and Rack Combo

The Lixada’s titanium built provides durability that makes it an easy choice for outdoor alcohol stove. It is lightweight and compact that does not take up too much space in your pack. The cross stand that comes with the set is very easy to assemble and it blooms easily so food preparation takes very little time.

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7. Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove

4.7/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove​

The Bi-level jet system of the Evernew alcohol stove lets it provide a steady flame while in use. It has side holes both on the first and second level that ensures stable and efficient cooking in lesser time.

What we like:

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8. Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove

The foldable legs of the Vargo Triad multi-fuel stove provides stability and dynamic use. Legs can be folded in uneven areas for stability. Its titanium build ensures durability to withstand backpacking rugged demands. It is a multi-fuel stoves that provides ease of use without damaging the stove system.

With its titanium build, the Vargo triad may take longer time to bloom compared to its aluminum or stainless steel counterparts on this list. This however can be improved with a simple primer pan (you can make yours by cutting the lower part of an aluminum can), the Viagro triad blooms in only 10-15 seconds! The advantage of a titanium body is it cools down faster by a few minutes compared to its Tangria counterpart.

What we like:

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9. Keweis Portable Outdoor Mini Alcohol Burner Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Keweis Portable Outdoor Mini Alcohol Burner Stove

The Keweis is a simple alcohol stove that requires no fuss in assembly. It comes with a fire extinguisher with foldable hand for variable temperature control while cooking. 

This simple and inexpensive alcohol stove does not skimp on flame efficiency as it has holes around the stove body to ensure flame distribution.

What we like:

What we don't like:

10. Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove

This stove’s ventilation system is similar with the Tangria 27-3 Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit in our list. They both have an upper and lower level that serves as windscreen and ventilation system. The Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove, however is made from stainless steel, making it heavier than its Tangria counterpart. Also, the Tomshoo set does not include pots to complete the system.

What sets the Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove apart is it comes with a grill for outdoor barbecue feels.

What we like:

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Alcohol Stove Buying Guide

Stoves are essential gear on a backpacking trip. Ultralight backpacking, wherein equipment weight is put into consideration, requires a simple, durable, and functional stove that will meet the demands of the outdoors. Alcohol stoves are the go-to choice of long-distance, ultralight backpackers. Here are some considerations before buying your alcohol stove.

Why Choose an Alcohol Stove Over Other Stove Type

An alcohol stove is the best choice if you are backpacking or going on a trip where weight is an issue. Alcohol stoves are popular due to their lightweight material and simplistic design, you only need the stove and fuel, alcohol, and you are ready to go. The choice of the stove to use on your trip is highly situational, here are the different types of alcohol stove:

  • Open flame: This type is regarded as the simplest and most common alcohol stove type. Homemade alcohol stoves are usually open-flame because they can be easily made. From its name, it is open flame, which can be achieved by simply lighting alcohol on any tin material. This design, however, is also prone to fuel spills, recent products of this type now come with wicking material to prevent fuel from spilling. The Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove, is an example of an open flame stove which can be used on big, open areas where space and wind is not a problem.
  • Vertical flame: This type is most commonly called chimney-flame because of how it directs the flame upwards towards the pot, like a chimney. It has a wide base like an open flame and a smaller second layer that sucks the flame upwards. This type of stove where the flame is stable due to the second later chimney, like the REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove with Aluminum Stand has an adjustable flame output which will be convenient in rugged terrains and unpredictable rains.
  • Low-pressure side flame: This type has the flame on the sides of the pot through holes around the base. Side flame alcohol stoves, no longer need a stand since pots can be put directly into the stove. This type of stoves like the Famgee Outdoor Mini Portable Alcohol Stove Burner is recommended on unstable areas where a flat space to use a stand is a challenge.  
  • Pressure flame: This type uses vaporized fuel and shoots them through a center fuel port. The center fuel port is also where fuel is filled in. This type has a powerful flame as a result of the pressure flames from the vaporized fuel after combustion inside the stove chamber. The Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove  is an example of a pressure flame stove, due to its titanium build the fuel vaporizes efficiently making it more effective in high temperature places.

Make & Durability

The demands of the outdoor is heavy on your cooking tools. Your choice of stove need to withstand rugged handling and unexpected drops and abuse most especially on long hikes, where weight is highly considered.

Alcohol stoves are popular due to their low weight, usually made of lightweight materials like aluminum, stainless steel or titanium. These materials are lightweight but also passed the hardwearing demands of backpacking.

Look out for moving parts, the less the better. Moving parts, like stove legs should have sturdy mechanism for a more durable build.

Surface Area

Different stove types have different flame dispersal patterns. Concentrated, upward flame for vertical type and a more dispersed flame for side flame.

For wider pots, it is better to get the low-pressure side flame type. Both the Tangria 27-3 Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit and the Tomshoo Portable Camping Stove are best for wider pots.

The holes on the side will ensure a dispersed flame and will make heating a wider pot more efficient. A concentrated vertical flame like the TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove , will heat narrower pots efficiently.

Design & Stability​

The demand for stability in an alcohol stove is higher than other stoves due to its open flame mechanism in all its design type. A solid base will provide both stability and security when used. A flat base will prevent accidental knock over that may cause fuel spillage.

Stands are essential to maximize burning capability. Pots should be positioned right on top of the flames’ “hot spot.” Stands also provide added stability to the stove to keep a safe distance from the stove to the pot. Some stove are usually sold with integrated stands with them.

Fuel Efficiency

To avoid moving parts, alcohol stoves usually cannot store left-over fuel. This is why some call alcohol stoves as “fuel hoggers”.

Look for alcohol stoves that are portable and has the capability to either store left-over fuel or is designed to be able to transfer left-over back to your fuel bottle. Like the Esbit Five Piece Lightweght Trekking Cookset with Alcohol Stove 

Multi-functional alcohol stoves are also fuel efficient. They function on different types of fuel without doing damage to your stove. You can alternate between wood and alcohol without sacrificing your cooking time.

Alcohol Stove Accessories

Alcohol stoves are usually offered individually. Common accessories that would make use of alcohol stoves easier are: 

  • Windscreen: Used to protect the flame of the stove from sudden gust winds for efficient fuel consumption. Made of aluminum or stainless steel for portability.
  • Alcohol bottle: Spill-proof liquid container for easier transport alcohol. Take a look at Vargo Alcohol Fuel Bottle .

FAQ

• Are Alcohol Stoves any Good?

– Alcohol stoves are best used for ultralight backpacking where weight is of great consideration. They are simple and fool-proof stoves that can withstand demands of outdoor trips.

• How to Use an Alcohol Stove

  1. Before starting, make sure to find a place that is stable, free of debris or anything that can catch fire and has safe wind projections.
  2. Put in fuel (makes sure not to fill up to the brim) and put the lid back on.
  3. Light the fuel. Before putting the pot on wait for the flames to bloom and come-out of the “jets” or “holes” in either the sides or top depending on the stove.
  4. To extinguish the fire after cooking, snuff out the flames. This can be done by cutting the oxygen of the flame and wait for it to die out.

• Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol in an Alcohol Stove?

– Yes, you can. It is not recommended because it can be messy to use and takes a very long time to heat up. It can be used as a spare because it can be easily acquired . The higher the isopropyl content (99%), the faster for it to burn.

• Can You Burn Vodka in an Alcohol Stove?

– Yes, you can. But it will not get you to cook anything. Most vodka are too weak to burn.

• What Kind of Alcohol Do You Use on an Alcohol Stove?

  1. Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is the most efficient alcohol fuel but also the most expensive type. Ethyl alcohol burns easily because it contains a high calories per gram rating.
  2. Methanol or methyl alcohol has a fewer calories per gram than ethanol. Meaning you would need more to get the same amount of cooking compared to ethanol. It is commonly known as “HEET” as the popular brand for methanol.
  3. Denatured alcohol is mostly made up of ethanol with added methanol as “denaturing agent.” The higher the ethanol content the better it is for fuel use. Denatured alcohol with higher ethanol content usually produces soot while burning. This can be managed by adding little water to the fuel and gradually add more depending on the soot level.
  4. Isopropanol or Isopropyl alcohol is not really recommended as main fuel to use in alcohol stove, though it is a great alternative. It is not recommended due to its sooty texture when heated.