Hi all, complete novice here, know next to nothing about stoves. I have a mobile home and would like to avoid using gas if possible. I saw a no. 12 army stove advertised locally, and was wondering about it, so i had a read about them here and decided to sign up. I know it will run on diesel, is diesel okay to burn indoors, or is gas the only thing thats safe to use indoors? obviously I'll have to sort some ventilation in any case, but maybe someone can fill me in please. I'd like to use diesel, as that would mean carrying only one type of fuel. kind regards, ned.
Hi Ned, welcome to the forum. The Army use them indoors and inside vehicles on diesel but you must have good ventilation, both for health and smell. Also, be aware that Army No 12s are LOUD and spare parts are not easy to find. If you do get one, there is plenty of info here on repair and maintenance. Regards, Terry
If it's a stove for the home you require, I'd try putting a wanted ad on here for a no.5. I occasionally use mine in the kitchen - the electric glass sheet that the Mrs thinks is a hob I find fairly useless.
Hi Ned, Welcome aboard. You'll probably get a variety of opinions on the No.12 stove. I'm in the supporter camp and I really rate mine. Others have had problems. It seems the original quality assurance/control from the manufacturer leaves something to be desired, plus of course, being an army stove, what sort of life it led if it's used (even some unused versions appear to have been used for stove strip down and repair practice leaving not in the best of condition). So getting a good one might be a bit of a lucky dip even if "unissued". As a fan of the stove I hope that provides a balanced view! As to burning Diesel, that is what they are designed for and I believe people here have done that successfully (I've not used Diesel, only paraffin). However, I'd take the view that unless the stove is kept in tip top operating condition there's always the risk that burning Diesel will be a smelly option. This is generally true of all Diesel stoves that are used for cooking, although others here might be able to suggest marine stove alternatives that are geared towards a more permanent installation. Gas, as in Calor (we have American members who refer to gas as petrol so just avoiding potential confusion) is safe as long as it doesn't leak, so again it's all about keeping the apparatus all in good condition from bottle to burner. My own personal preference would be for paraffin. It's pretty much non-flamable without a wick or being vapourised (as in the No.12), and not as potentially smelly as Diesel. I've happily demonstrated this to over officious camp site attendants at music festivals (where gas is sometimes allowed but liquid fueled stoves aren't) by pouring a small amount in my hand and then putting a match in the liquid - all that happens is the match goes out. I then ask them if they would be happy to apply a match to a leaking gas cannister? I usually get to use my stoves. The other alternative is to have a look round the Stove Reference Gallery (click from the front menu after you login) and see if anything else might be suitable (such as a dual burner for example), although dedicated Diesel stoves will be few and far between. Paraffin really opens up your options here. Some of the stoves in the gallery will be pretty rare these days in terms of trying to get hold of one, but others can be commonly available via ebay. Have a look around and come back with questions on suitablity/availability and you'll get a load of opinons to choose from. Cheers, Graham.
Thanks guys for all the replys guys. Tetley, if this is the no.5 you are referring to its a bit too big for my needs. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/British-A...573&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=2&sd=130761420659& Its for a campervan and normally I'm only feeding myself. Weight is also a consideration because I'm trying to keep the whole lot under 3.5 tons. The 12 looks about right sizewise. I've read some threads on here, regarding them being used for training. I honestly dont know if that is the case with the one I'm looking at. Thats good news about it being possible to use diesel indoors. it is quite a smelly fuel
Wasn't me it was Tetley. By No5 he was referring to the size of stove made by many manufacturers. If you look in the Sweden section of the Stove Reference Gallery you will see that most manufacturers made a 'No5' - Primus, Optimus, Radius, Svea etc plus others. In the confines of a camper I would be tempted to go for a stove with a silent burner (not possible on a No12 unless you buy a very expensive converter cap). Try a search on YouTube and for Army No12 and Primus No5 or similar to compare noise levels. Terry
Ned I am sure that tetley was not talking about an army field kitchen number 5. I think he was talking about a standard number 5 pressure stove, maybe like the one shown here. But it runs on paraffin (kerosene) and so would not suit you. Photo by 'Viscara'
A fella posted a lot of comments on my little youtube No12 video and told that you can now buy all the spares direct, they are selling to Joe Public. Ned the No5 is smaller than the 12, in my opinion the No5 are still doing what they were designed for that is domestic cooking.
Hi, Ned, Welcome to CCS! Sweet Bride and I use several stoves indoors, when needed, and sometimes just for fun. One of our most favorites is an old Primus #5, which was made in 1934, and still cooking up some outstanding fare today!! I believe that kerosene is a much better option than diesel, which can be VERY VERY SMELLY in a home cooking situation! Also, if you give a #5 a tune-up and get it running as it was designed, there is really no smell at all, other than the food you are cooking. The #5 is powerful, and simmers like a real champ. If you are dead set on using diesel, than I don't know what to suggest, as except in an emergency, I rather loathe that fuel for use in stoves! Just my two cents..... Good luck on your decision, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Just to clear up any confusion, I meant a Svea no.5 or similar. As others have mentioned, it's powerful enough for a big pot, simmers beautifully & is almost silent. As an additional bonus - due to their weight and unpackdownabality, most campers & backpackers wouldn't consider one so they're available very cheaply. Mine was £3, but I recall Wim buying one for 3euro. https://classiccampstoves.com/posts/230356 If me and my 8 year old son cook at home, it's on this rather that the fitted 'leccy hob.
