Yes, we can setup alternative means of power sources to cope with power outages but while having a nice cup-e the thought came to mind to construct the most cheapest, economical and environmental means to cook water or food.
It was time to go back to my childhood days. When I was a youngster I was given a small alcohol stove by my aunt who was at the time already deep in her 80's. I would then lite this little stove and enjoy watching it burn. We would many a time make a cup of coffee on the "stoep" with this little genie stove. I preserved this little stove for many years and I still have the stove. The sad part is that rust moved in on this stove. Herewith photos of the genie stove now over a 100 years old.
(Click on images for larger view.)
I pondered on the idea and decided to build a little alcohol stove to use when going camping, in emergency situations, when power outages occur or just for the fun thereof. The aim of the project was to build a small mobile stove for not more than R10.00 or if possible for mahala (free).
I am not going to go into detail here how I constructed this stove as the Internet literally have hundreds of ideas on how to build an alcohol stove. Here are a few photos of the stove and accessories that I build in about 3 hours.
Finally: I already made coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage in a pan on this little marvel at a fraction of the cost that a gas stove would cost. It is furthermore a clean burning stove that is easy to carry around and I can literally use it anywhere at any time of day. I say bring on power outages anytime. It is great to be prepared and to enjoy a cup-e coffee anywhere/anytime.
I am currently experimenting with other alcohol stove designs and will post the results images and videos as I construct them and test their effectiveness.
- MSBWX
