"Turret" Preheater Pot Stand for Alcohol Stove

video "Turret" Preheater Pot Stand for Alcohol Stove

My preheating pot stand design, for homemade drinks can alcohol stoves

Made from 2 standard food tins
Primes the stove with a tealight in the base
and holds the pot!

Advantages
No messy priming pan to set your sleeves on fire
Sturdy construction; more stable than wobbly bent-coathanger types
Flame pattern fits most pot sizes
Ideal for emergency home use, eg in the event of a power cut

Disadvantages
Jagged edges - be careful when cutting cans!

Notes
When the burner is lit and fully hot, the tealight can be blown out.
(250ml water: 6 min boil time)
Ideal for simmering or cooking.

Or the tealight can be left burning, for a faster boil.
(250ml water: 3 min 30 sec)

LittleMonkeyMojo says: Feb 2, 2012. 8:27 AM

I'm curious how you came to the optimal height of 35mm for the stove? I've seen taller and I've seen shorter and I'm curious if it's just how you've done it or if you've tested taller and shorter designs and found that 35mm was somehow better or more efficient, etc.?

Thanks.

JohanJShaw (author) in reply to LittleMonkeyMojoFeb 5, 2012. 12:52 PM

Hi, I had a stack of burners 35mm that I had made, and kind of built the stove around that size. When I got it to burn clean, I left it there. I found jet size/number and getting air to the flame more important than height, or you get get smelly fumes and soot!

I believe that shorter = higher pressure, hotter flame, and faster fuel consumption; taller = lower pressure, weaker flame, and the fuel will take longer to burn. There are plenty of YouTube vids with experiments of this.

I still want to build a bigger version of this stove, with a taller burner, and some more wind protection. Thanks for your interest!

kingsmanname says: May 25, 2011. 7:39 PM

I'm Guessin Your Not From The US? Ha This is probably one of the best designs Ive seen on here as far as preheating/potstands go. It looks decently easy and you were very detailed. One question I have though is, how well does it work as far as a wind guard? Great job. Love to see more ideas. A++

JohanJShaw (author) in reply to kingsmannameMay 27, 2011. 9:47 AM

I am from the UK - what gave it away? Ha! In answer to your question, it can be blown out by wind, as the burner jets are quite close to the top cutouts, but I would always carry some foil as windguard material (when outside, not on my tabletop). You remind me of an idea I had to improve the top section. I will test it - so watch this space. Thanks for your appreciation!

kingsmanname in reply to JohanJShawMay 27, 2011. 5:07 PM

Yup! I was thinking, could you make the top taller so the flame always stays lit inside due to the little more space for it to burn? Or make the top holes smaller? Or just make a little shield that slides in the tabs that're sticking up so it blocks wind in one direction or more. That way a windguard may not be needed? Idk, just putting my thoughts in. Thanks for the reply. Its nice to see active positive people on here.