alcohol stove question

youstolemybeer

Hi, was just wondering what type of alcohol does everyone use for their alcohol stove. I use yellow HEAT found at the gas station

Stodge

De-natured alcohol is what the stove makers (at least the one I had) call for.

MDboater

Everclear grain alcohol for dual purpose functionality.  However, we rarely used the alcohol stove.

jhofmann

You mean you used it for medicinal purposes?

MarkB

You should use de-natured alcohol, found at most marine supply stores, camping stores and RV stores.  You want de-natured as it does not give off smoke which will be harmful in an enclosed environment.

MDboater

Denatured alcohol is ethanol with chemical additives, often methanol, to dissuade consumption.  Grain alcohol (such as Everclear) is just ethanol.  Full combustion of alcohols produce carbon dioxide and water.  Partial combustion of alcohols produce carbon dioxide and water as well as carbon (black soot) and carbon monoxide.  Ethanol has a higher energy content than methanol and isopropyl alcohol but a lower energy content that propanol.  If you use Everclear for fuel  then be sure to use the 95% ABV (190 proof) version now sadly prohibited in some states.  

Dream_Inn

Everclear also works very well on cleaning electronic boards.  Evaporates quickly with no residue.