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For a while now I've been less interested in my gas stove. The waste bothers me, the noise, the inconvenience of cold starts etc.
I got a fuel burner but I'm not familiar with it and the couple.of times I've used it my pots been a sooty mess.
Its bio ethanol I've been trialling but I was advised to add some water to the fuel which may reduce the sooty deposit.
I'm concerned about range anxiety with liquid fuel.Â
If I was to fill a half litre bottle with bio ethanol how much h water should I add?Â
I use meths rather than bioethanol, although I might give it a try when the current tub runs out. There can still be an issue in cold weather but it will light, keep it warm and its great. I used to add 5-10% water but I dont think it made much difference to the soot and seemed harder to light in the cold don't bother now.
Range anxiety is reduced compared to gas as you can see how much you have and soon get used to how much you need. Also you can top up the container rather than take either a chance- or a spare. I tried one of the gas transfer adapters but they were not great IMO
I use a Trangia and clikstand for most of my back/bikepacking needs. I love the silence, and the fact the fuel is fairly safe to transport. Wiping the bottom of the pot is easy, just use some grass or a used teabag mostly. I'll use a butane stove if I have to fly anywhere as it's easy to find, and my most white gas stove in winter if I want to melt snow, but alcohol stoves are great if you're not in a hurry! As above, I don't find adding water to make much difference to cleanliness.