These lightweight mini camping stoves are easy to make and a great addition to every backpacking kit. I have built and tested different versions and this is my favorite design.

This video shows a similar construction and the little stove in action.

I have slightly changed the building process. It takes me around 30 minutes to turn a can into an alcohol stove.

The Material - Just one can is needed for this design. I collect, rinse and recycle cans I find lying around. I clean up the neighborhood and get the main material for free.
I tried different soda cans and I prefer building my stoves with sleek cans (200/250ml or 6.7/8.4 Fl Oz). The top and the bottom made from a slim can will have a good fit.

The tools – a pair of sturdy nail scissors, a piece of sandpaper, a marker, a pin, a piece of aluminum corner guard, some sticky tape and a measuring tool like a ruler, a set square or a tape measure. A sewing needle can be used instead of a pin. The second pair of scissors is optional.
Combined, they make a lightweight and multipurpose kit that fits into every backpack and makes it easy to build alcohol stoves anywhere.

First I use the nail scissors to cut out the top of the can.

The edge will be a little bit jagged. I use sandpaper to smooth it out.

Next I use a pair of scissors to punch a little hole into the middle of the can and cut it in half. This doesn't have to be pretty.

I place a marker on top of some pieces of wood or one thick book and keep it steady. By slowly turning and pressing the can against the pen I get a clean and even mark all around. I mark the top at 5 cm (2") and the bottom at 4,8 cm (1.9"). The height of the finished alcohol stove will be around 5,5 cm (2.2").

Now I cut the top and the bottom down to the right size.

The result will look something like this.

Next I need to divide the circumference of the can into 16-18 sections.
I wrap a piece of tape around the top and mark the overlap. One mark at the beginning and one at the end. The Α and the Ω of the sticky tape. I take the tape off and stick it down on a flat surface. I measure the distance between Α and Ω and divide it into equal sections. I put the tape back on and transfer the sections.

I mark the individual sections on the can and dent the aluminum with the corner guard. A tissue paper placed between the rim and my fingers prevents a cut.

This is what the finished top will look like.

Now I combine the top and the bottom.

In the last step I use a pin or a needle to punch a little air hole into the top. It is a little safety feature. If the top gets covered, the hole will enable the flow of oxygen and regulate the pressure inside.

Finished and ready for adventure.

A quick burn test. I am pretty pleased with this one.

Fail! Aluminum isn't always aluminum. The top of this stove melted during the burn test and stank up my kitchen. I always crack a window and keep the room proper ventilated when I am doing a quick test. Because of noxious fumes alcohol stoves are best used outdoors.

Disclaimer: Build and use an alcohol stove at your own risk! Handle and use your tools and flammable substances safely. Use caution and common sense. If you have a tendency to hurt yourself or to damage things, don't try this at home or outdoors !

Please visit this page for more info on how to safely use an alcohol stove !

Send me an email if you do have a question or build an awesome little alcohol stove and want to share the result:
team ⓐ heldenstuff . red
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