I brought back an alcohol stove last month and had no problems. It was cleaned out very well, and the cap was off of the fuel container. At the airport I thought about mentioning that I had it and making sure it was OK, but instead I just left it in my checked back, taking the risk. It arrived just fine with no problems. Not sure if I was just lucky or what.

Maybe you can mail it ahead? Last year when I headed to France I had the stove mailed to me.