In real life it would be pretty easy for everybody to reach a consensus that:

- Every design has advantages and disadvantages.
- No one design is best for every use.
- Different people have different personal preferences.
- Any stove will be unsafe if used stupidly.

On the internet? Massive uncontrollable flamewar. Alcohol stoves are definitely unsafe on bike forums. I look forward to an "alcohol stove" sticky thread like the one for bike helmets.

Just wanted to add, to #224 (! this thread really is getting a bit long in the tooth, as some others are also feeling), that I have seen people, including Btazilian Indians, who had such skills and facility with small fires, and cooking with small fires, who make me see these as a more viable option, at least in many camping situations, used responsibly.

I can see why some people have such an apprecation for no-cooking-required approaches, which can involve better foods and meals than most people realize.

The whole stove thing can get to be a bit much. Or, as Carla Bruni might put it, 'A Lot' -- just after singing Tres Noir: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0rHRHICHCU


(if that doesn't work, it's 'Ullman as Carla Bruni' at www.youtube.com )

keepin it simple

Good reminder on the o-rings.

In the interest of balance: I've never had a problrm with them. I had a similar incident to yours, though, invloving an alcohol stove -- a similarly close call that almost cost me my house and surrounding forest.

It's probably wise to use any fire in an amply sized non-combustible area.

This thread has run its course. Time to close it.