How to Make a Penny Alcohol Backpacking Stove

If you're looking for an ultralight stove to include in your backpacking gear, the penny alcohol backpacking stove could be the one for you. Easy and inexpensive to make and convenient to carry, this can even be a fun project for a dull afternoon. You may well already have the supplies you need on hand.

Things You'll Need

• 3 12 oz. beer cans
• 1 wire coat hanger
• 1 foot of copper wire
• Large scissors
• Electric drill with 1/16 inch bit
• Needle nose pliers
• Primer fuel
• Penny

Instructions

1. Cut the beer cans into the following pieces: cut ½-inch from the bottom of one can for the top/base, cut a ¾-inch piece from the bottom of the second can for the burner, cut a 1¼-inch piece from the bottom of the third can for the fuel cup and cut a 1-inch section using the top band the top flat section for the simmer ring.

2. Drill three 1/16 inch holes in the center of the bottom of the burner and six 1/16 inch holes drilled evening around the outside of the can.

3. Use your needle nose pliers to space twelve small folds evenly around the top edge of the burner. Next, drill holes in the folds using the 1/16 inch drill bit.

4. Tap the burner into the fuel cup, stop when it hits the bottom.

5. Cut the wire coat hanger into two 4-inch pieces. Fold up each end 1 inch, forming three sides of a square. Wrap these pieces together the copper wire.

6. Place the fuel cup in the base, balanced on the coat hanger supports. Fill it with the fuel, cover the center hole of the burner with a penny, place the simmer ring inside the burner and then light your penny alcohol backpacking stove with a match. Balance your lightweight backpacking pot on the simmer ring and you're ready to cook.

7. Seal your stove with the top/base between meals to prevent fuel from spilling.