We teach you what you need to know to be comfortable and confident in the woods and more self-reliant at home
Building a Penny Soda Can Stove
You will need:
Three soda cans
A small bit of fiberglass
insulation
Scissors
A thumbtack
Sandpaper
(1) Empty the contents of two of
the soda cans.
(2) Measure up 1” from the
bottom of the can, mark with
permanent marker.
HINT: When marking
can, hold pen in a
stationary position on a
stable surface (perhaps a
board) 1" above the bottom
of the can and spin the can.
Cut around can on line with
scissors.
(3) Smooth edges with
sandpaper.
(4) Turn one cut can over
onto the bottom of the full
soda and twist lightly to
slightly stretch and smooth
the inside upper edge of the
cut can.
(5) Place a small amount of
fiberglass in the smoothed
cut can. This is now the
bottom of your stove.
(6) Use thumbtack to
puncture several holes in
the center bottom of the
second cut can. These are
the holes that you will use
to fill your stove and is
the top.
(7) Turn this cut can over
and carefully fit inside the
bottom of your stove. Use
care, this needs to be a
smooth fit.
(8) Firmly press these two
halves snugly together.
(9) Use thumbtack to pierce
evenly spaced holes around
the rim of the top of your
stove. Experiment with
the size of the holes,
smaller seems to give a
better burn.
The fuel in this stove must
be heated in order to begin
the vaporization process
before lighting the flame.
Place your lighter under
your stove and heat the fuel
for a minute or so.
Another way to heat the fuel
os to place the stove in a
shallow container, pour a
small amount of alcohol in
the tin then light it.
It should burn out within 2
minutes.
Light the vapor on top if it
is not already lit.
Place a penny on the center
hole to allow more pressure
to build up within the stove
and force the flames out
farther from the outer
holes. Place your pot stand
over your stove (you can
make one of these by bending
a wire coat hanger) and cook
your dinner.
DONE!!
Never use this stove for cooking
inside your tent. And obviously, the
stove will be HOT after use. Be sure
to let cool before touching it. You
assume all risks associated with the
construction and use of your own
stove.
If you are looking for an
economical, lightweight stove to
cook simple meals, or even to use as
an emergency back-up stove, you have
found it. An alcohol burning stove
just might be YOUR best stove.
