Hello, I am interested in obtaining a No. 2 stove. There have always been some available on line and the itch must be scratched soon. My main use is for making coffee in a percolator that we take on group trips. It is about 2 gallons or about 8 litres.The base is 12-14 inches (30-40 centimeters) The stove I am eyeing is a petrol model with a silent burner. My questions include; is this unit up to a 2 gallon boil and 20 minute perk (simmer) ? Is it an easy light or a preheat monster. Does anyone have accurate dimensions and weight? I certainly am not taking it backpacking but will be walking with it for a fair distance. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks
hello Paul, I own a couple but they are both out in the shed.....and it's cold and dark here. I will check tomorrow if no one has replied with the required info' I find them easy to prime and give out a lot of heat but I have never tried boiling two gallons, just a few pints. They simmer fine in my opinion. At a guess they are around 12" square and 5-6" deep when packed. Around 10lbs in weight? Regards, Alan
Paul, Allan isn't a mile out - - - they (No2 mk2) weigh just over 10 lbs (5 kg), 9" square (230 mm), X 5" deep (127mm). I find them to light easily & have a reasonable output (Ross may well tell you they aren't too good) , but, I suspect you would be asking a bit too much of it with a vessel that size. You would also need a mule to carry it.
Thanks guys, it's only 8PM in NewYork City and I,m surprised to find people up over there. OK, the output may seem low to you , but I can boil the pot in 20-25 minutes on a propane suitcase so I'm thinking pressurized gas has to be better. but the dimensions make it sound like i am coming close to being over the tank, something i don't want. I will contine to ponder.
Paul, Here ya go! No2, No12 and the Heinze Bund (German Army) stoves. I think the No12 may be the one you are looking for. The video will explain it all little better. Click on the large video frame and a second window will open. I shot the stoves in the dark with a Hipolitio 350cp lighting the scene. But, I wanted the flames to be a little more pronounced. Geezz, I think I am a little weirded out by what I have done. :o Chuck [
Paul B, I would go for something like an Optimus 45, these are classic 3 leg brass stoves and will heat your 2 gallons no problem and simmer away easy enough, plus they break down into a tin for travel http://
Amazin', video with audio, thanks to all. I will consider a No 12 but it does not show up as often as the # 2's. I am also going to get a friend to compare the bigger single burner Coleman's. We do make a good stove on this side also. However the stability is a factor. Thanks again
I find the No 2 an interesting stove. But.... not a very powerful one. Why not try a Coleman Suitcase kind of stove? Lots of power, and easy to control. And... there is always the 111, The Optimus 45, Primus No 1 and 5 and so on. All of these are a much better chouce than the No 2 Brittish. Its heavy, not enough power, and lots of parts which can go wrong.
I would go for an Optimus 45, the British Antarctic Survey still use it in the field to melt ice, so it should be fine for 2 gallons of water
