Looking for new liquid multi-fuel stove for camping/hiking

Valid thoughts. For me, it is really about the right tool for the right job. The Soto Muka has its place but, simmering is NOT it. The Optimus Polaris has its place and dual fuel doesn't hurt either. The Soto Windstopper does as well, especially for speed and convenience and even more so with a little wind. Which gets me to the Trangia and similar models which have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

 

Denatured is my preference over Heet. I have Heet, but do not use it.

 

Walmart has HEET on clearance at the end of winter. Last I bought was at ~$1.50/12oz. Still using it.

 

$1.97 around me.

 

@Sidney Post heet it’s for us “Californians” who doesn’t have access to denatured alcohol.

 

California doesn't allow denatured alcohol?

 

No, it’s been banned.
I’ve seen some stores sells “camp stove alcohol” but it’s ridiculous priced. REI used to sell it, I could not find it anywhere now.

 

Hardware stores have something. (?) Someone here said 'what it was called' was NOT on the banned list.
Sorry, cannot recall the thread.

 

Did a search for more information and got something for the humor thread.
This person calls isopropyl alcohol Vodka.
There went my trust of the internet for information.

Is denatured alcohol legal in California? - Daily Justnow

 

@snwcmpr , sorry idiot is typical of California!

Wouldn't go out drinking with him, good way to end up kissing earthworms!

Murph

 

Wow! I can drink (tax paid) alcohol in wine, beer, and liquor, and smoke marijuana in California but, I can't buy stove fuel, paint thinners, or similar products!

Sort of like the places that ban Natural Gas appliances and wood burning fireplaces/stoves. Makes me glad I live in the MidWest!

~$33/Gallon for HEET in that perspective doesn't see as bad. What would a Gallon of Everclear cost? Locally, 1.75L costs $18 plus sales tax.

Makes me glad liquid fuel stoves are widely available. Propane options still aren't applicable for most though unless you are car camping from an excessively large vehicle or a travel trailer. I guess $2/12oz for Heat for an Alcohol stove isn't too bad though for a cup of coffee or tea long the road on my motorcycle parked at some scenic sight.

 

@Sidney Post
>>>>>Sort of like the places that ban Natural Gas appliances and wood burning fireplaces/stoves. Makes me glad I live in the MidWest!

Wood burning chimneys are actually restricted and you can only burn wood in those days where EPA let you do it. I meant in low air polluted air because we live in a Valley, the big Central Valley from Bakersfield to Sacramento.

everclear it’s $20 a bottle at local grocery store

 

Yeah, a renewable fuel is banned. Not a fossil fuel. Something that can be made at home quite easily.

 

Are you saying that you can buy everclear in CA?

 

@snwcmpr local Walmart has it

 

There seems to be a vogue for ethanol-burning fires for ambience. Is fuel for these (typically bio-ethanol) available in California?

 

@Scrambler i have not seen anything here. I’ve just came from a sportsman store and all was available was Coleman fuel and kerosene. They even had alcohol burner for sale (esbit) but no alcohol :’(

 

@Pancholoco1911
Just to be sure that we are on the same page.
190 proof drinking alcohol is available.
But, denatured alcohol is not?

That makes no sense at all.

 

Remembering our discussions of some time ago, "Denatured alcohol" was banned in California as a prohibited solvent. So it could no longer be marketed in the usual way. But it still can be sold as 'stove fuel'. The result being that the much-reduced market calls forth a much higher price.

I think 'everclear' has always been sold as beverage alcohol, not as a solvent, so it hasn't fallen under the restrictions.

 

Still ridiculous. Whatever way you want to look at it.