Anybody know what the lowest percentage of rubbing alcohol will work, similarly? Will 90% or 70%? Never tried anything like this.
Marine alcohol, sold in the paint section of Walmart, home despot, Lowers, etc. works great. It actually says it is for marine stoves as well. (http://theboatgalley.com/using-an-alcohol-stove/ ) .
Additionally, as the story notes, you can also use Heet brand gas line antifreeze. It’s basically just isopropyl alcohol.
If you want rubbing alcohol, go with the one that’s 90-91%. 70% doesn’t heat as well in my experience.
With all three, you have to be really careful not to get the alcohol or the soot in your food. US law requires denaturants, which are typically toxic. Likewise, methanol is also present in some of the available alcohols, which should also be kept out of your food.
It’ll work, but it won’t burn as hot or as efficiently. You’re spending energy turning water into vapor at the same time.
Really, though, a wood gas stove is much better because you’re always surrounded by fuel unless you’re at sea, which is where alcohol stoves are primarily used.