Thursday, 28 January 2010

How to Choose Corn Stoves For Your Home

The ancient people burned wood. They did it for thousands of years without considering whether it's good or wrong to deplete the forest. Then people learned to use coal, oil and other fossil fuels. They did it for ages and only recently started to think about the consequences. What if our ancestors were told that it is possible to burn food without actually harming the nature? Burning food? Although it may sound terrible, shelled corn is a great bio-fuel that is cheap, easily accessible and safe for the environment.

The concept of corn stoves is quite old. The first examples were built by handy farmers themselves closer to the end of 19th century. The first heating device of such kind was allegedly the result of maize overproduction when it was discovered that dried seeds - or shelled corn - burn nicely and provide heat similar to that of wood logs. The idea became popular during the years of Great Depression.

Yet it was not before 70s of the last century when corn stoves hit the mass production. Other similar products joined - barbecues and water boilers.

The main perk of using such heating devices is obviously money saving. You will spend on average $3,000 to $3,300 each season burning fossil fuel oil and only $1,500 to $2,300 burning shelled corn. Another benefit, which is not less important, corn stoves are sources of pure green energy. Maize is grown on fields, it helps filtering the air naturally, plus maize seeds doesn't produce carbon monoxide and nitrous compounds when burnt.

How to Choose Corn Stoves?

There are corn stoves, water boilers and barbecues or grills available for sale. The first is used to provide heating for home during the winter season. Water boilers are used to produce hot water or even to be incorporated into the central heating system of a home. Corn Grill is a good way to start your own green energy campaign by test-driving maize kernel energy. It is a great alternative to the conventional grills that burn wood, coal or even consume electricity. Your friends will love to come to your open-air parties.

Corn Stoves Checklist

* Start with measuring your house's square footage or cubic footage. You will need this number when approaching your dealer. Too small a stove will make you freeze while an enormously big one can waste your money and overheat your home.

* Choose a dealer carefully. See if you can find a neighbor or relative who has already used similar heating equipment and ask for a feedback.

* If you choose to buy your stove from an online shop or eBay, you are likely to save money but be careful. Consult the dealer before you pay the money. Is he going to provide you with after-sales support, can he provide instructions on installing, or maybe he even installs it for free.

* Check if you are able to source cheap shelled corn in your neighborhood and that you are capable of storing kernel properly. It takes a dry and clean room to store it; you cannot afford the dampness to spoil your burning agent.

* Make sure that the features of the device are explained to you - there are several types of heating devices - some can use mixed source of energy that also includes wood pellets, some can strictly not.

* Check the feed system. How often will it be necessary to fill more maize into the hopper? How long can device burn unattended before feeding new portion in?

* Does it have any warranty? It is extremely important, especially if something goes wrong.

If you are ready to advance into the new environmentally friendly technology, a green energy heater will be a great purchase for you. Although it can be quite expensive (prices range from $500 to $3,000) you'll save money on fuel, help protecting the environment and show good will to your community.

Monday, 25 January 2010

Making the Most of Wood Burning Stoves

Interior design is changing and, if you ask me, it's about time. We're abandoning the cheap 'MDF' approach and instead opting for something a bit more classical and few things say 'classical' than solid good old fashioned wood burning stoves.

Stoves have been at the heart of the English home since time in memoriam. In ancient times they were the place where the family gathered for warmth and heat. During those cold winter months it was the lifeline for all families. Not only could it be used for cooking, but providing heat to the entire room.

These days we have central heating and a whole array of modern cooking appliance. We do not need them in the way our forebears did, but somehow a place feels much more like home with a warm wood burning stove at the centre of the living space.

What makes wood burning stoves so essential to my eyes is that they epitomize what I see as central to good old English design. They look solid and dependable - the real beating heart of any self respecting home.

They come in a number of different designs. Traditionalists will probably prefer a classical effect, but there are plenty of companies who can provide a more up to date and contemporary solution. Whichever way you go the most important thing is to make sure they are compatible with your existing design. A classical design, for example, may not fit well within a clean and contemporary environment.

If you're commissioning a specially designed stove, then it makes sense to have a consultation to work out what would work best - both from your design needs and functionality. Because, let's not forget, these are first and foremost functional items and this aspect should not be forgotten.

Like it or not utility bills are set to rise, so every household is looking for ways to reduce their energy outlay. Wood burning stoves can provide a good ongoing source of heat and reduce your reliance on your gas supplier. The benefits of that will never have been felt more keenly than this winter as home owners find themselves on the end of some quite demanding gas and electricity bills.

So as we increasingly look for ways to lighten the load on our wallets, it seems certain that more and more people will be turning to traditional, old fashioned methods, to heat their homes. The good old stove is making a come back.

Monday, 18 January 2010

What to Look For in a Propane Camp Stove

Propane camp stoves are an important part of every camper's gear, so getting the right one the first time can mean the difference between great cooked meals and something, well, less than great. There are a few things to think about when you're shopping for your camping cooking equipment. There are a couple of factors that will really make a difference in your final choice.

Is It Durable?

You're camping, so of course, you are going to want to choose a propane camp stove that is long lasting and safe. It won't do to be out in the middle of nowhere and find that your stove doesn't work because of that little spill you took while carrying it. One of the ways to do this is by shopping online for a little bit before you make your choice and read some of the consumer reviews. This will give you a good idea of how others who have actually purchased the camp stove you're considering like it. You'll get hints like how long it cooks on a single tank and how well it holds up in weather and how durable the product is.

How Easy Is It To Carry?

If you are the type of camper who drives up to your spot and unloads your gear out of a vehicle, then you won't have to worry much about how easy your camp stove is to carry. On the other hand, if you do any kind of hiking to your camping destination at all, you are going to want to make sure that your cooker is easy to carry and lightweight. You might also want to see if it has a feature where you can attach it to your pack with little or no issues, so that you don't have to have your hands full the whole time you're supposed to be enjoying the trails. So in this case choose one that fits your hiker needs and expectations. You want one that will outlast you on trail.

When you're choosing a propane camp stove, it can feel as if you're faced with so many decisions, but by taking your time, shopping around and checking out other customer reviews, you can make sure that you get a safe, long lasting and portable camping burner that meets all your needs.

Thursday, 14 January 2010

3 Types of Portable Solar-Powered Camping Stoves and Its Advantages

The presence of portable solar-powered camping stoves during outdoor activities has proven to be beneficial due to the following reasons: portability, convenience, economical, environment-friendly, and safe.

Solar energy is electricity generated from sunlight. It has various applications such as in agriculture, lighting, vehicles, and more. The invention of solar camping stoves has brought about myriad of advantages. Below are some types of the solar stoves namely:

Sport solar oven

Practicality makes this solar cooker advantageous as compared to others. The outer casing, which is an insulating plastic, is made of lightweight and resilient materials. It is versatile because it can be used for roasting, baking, cooking any type of food. Made from fiber glass, its insulation material keeps moisture away while cooking. Although insulation is good, it allows sunlight to pass through the lid and facilitate cooking. With its no-tip-over design, stability is not a problem at all regardless of the surface level.

Sun oven

As a solar appliance, it has a built-in thermostat and collapsible reflectors that is capable of generating as much as 360 - 400 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Baking, steaming, and boiling are just some of its functionalities. The external features are presentable because it is covered with black enamel and weighs 21 pounds. Its foldable legs make it very handy and transferable.

Solar Grill

This is a build-your-own solar grill that uses an old satellite dish and scrap metals. It is a dual cooking device, which uses fuel and solar energy. It is capable of performing any cooking method such as baking, broiling, stewing, frying, and boiling. Since the power comes directly from the sun, it is considered environment-friendly due to absence of harmful chemicals in the air.

Advantages of a portable solar-powered camping stove

Portability

Most of the camping stoves are designed for easy transport; thus, portability is one of its characteristic features. In addition, it has collapsible legs that make it easier to carry and store.

Convenience

You won't be having any problem with fuel shortage when using solar-powered stoves. Instead, you are even helping in the conservation of energy.

Economical

Since the sun's energy is for free, absolutely there is no need to purchase fuel and wood to generate heat or electricity. All you need to do is to save energy by trapping the rays on a solar panel where it can be stored. This would mean a lot of savings on the part of the consumers.

Environment-friendly

Without the use of fuel, there are no apparent contaminants such as carbon monoxide can harm the air. No soot formation is also noted because of the absence of combustible chemical, which is fuel.

Safe

Using solar camping stoves, accidental spillage of fuel and danger of catching fire are less likely to happen because the only source of heat is the sunlight.

Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Portable Gas Stove

The description portable gas stove is normally used to identify the camping stoves. While these would be offered with a individual burner, they might also be purchased with two or more burners. One of the larger portable gas stoves may also be big enough to be towed behind your car or truck.

The stoves could also run off of several variety of fuels. While some may operate off the butane, propane or LP, several might operate using the natural gas. Others of the portable stoves could run off kerosene and unleaded gasoline. While several will be viewed as a camping stove, there can become the time if the power would be out that you could need one. The gas grill you keep on your porch for your bar-b-q are also viewed to be the portable gas stove.

The stoves used at the campfire could be considered to be the portable stove. This campfire stoves would feature the fire off the earth. This would produce for a securer campfire during drought. These may be switched off immediately using the knob. Many of a drought regions that has prohibited all outdoor campfire sites might allow for the use of the portable gas stove. Be responsible to learn with forestry service rangers and local authorities to make sure the use of a portable gas stove is permitted in each region. Simple and convenient to operate, there will be no demand of wasting time to locate dry wood to burn along with lugging this back to your campground. No demand to bring the heavy charcoal. Camping out is just not be the same with out a campfire. Many of the camping stoves will have a matchless lighting system.

Many of the superior manufactures would offer wonderful accessories and some stove components to assist in creating one of the camping along with outdoor adventure more gratifying. With totes and covers, extra canisters and gas cans, camping is easier to move around and then truly more portable. With a outstanding number of the parts for one of the portable stoves like the burner bowls, trays, gas stove burner along with virtually everything which could possibly ever require replacing, the portable stoves will last a long time with limited maintenance and care.

Those portable stoves which we use to perform our outdoor grilling has become a part of a outdoor life style. Along With the great variety of designs, styles and materials to select from, your portable stove would be more similar to a good piece of furniture than merely the smaller rolled around item you place charcoal in. Along With different selections to choose from, a gas grill has become a wonderful way to help with your healthier way of life to cook. Using a selections of various burners and grills to choose from, now your whole meal can be prepared on a portable gas stove.

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Are You Looking for Prices on Pellet Stoves?

You are thinking of alternate ways to heat your home that are environmentally friendly, energy efficient
and add charm to your home. Pellet stoves are the answer to all of the above. For just pennies an hour, a pellet stove
can deliver deep, penetrating warmth that provides independence from high heating bills while emitting almost no wood smoke. With tremendous flexibility in installation and sizing, pellet stoves are a sophisticated choice for convenient heat that helps protect the environment and does not break the bank. Prices on pellet stoves can vary depending on make, model and heat output. Installation costs are another factor to consider when deciding on this efficient way of heating your home or workshop.

The pellet stoves range in cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Where you want to place your stove in your home will depend on a few factors. Venting is a main consideration and can be a budget breaker. You may be lucky enough to be able to cut into an existing ducting system or chimney so costs will be at a minimum. You should also consider the cost involved with fire proofing the area with special building materials to ensure safe operation of the stove. Therefore, prices on pellet stoves depend on all these factors not just the initial investment of the stove.

Prices on pellet stoves also have to include fuel costs. Pellet stoves burns compressed wood or biomass pellets to create a source of heat for residential and sometimes industrial spaces. By slowly feeding fuel from a storage container (hopper) into a burn-pot area, they create a constant flame that requires little to no physical adjustments. The trend to move toward biomass stoves or pellet stoves began in 1973 during the oil crisis causing the for creation of the first pellet stoves.

In todays market, pellets run an average of $150.00 per ton. To heat the average home you would require between 4 to 5 tons of pellets during the winter season. This number will vary depending on your location in the United States. The internet is a great resource to find pricing in your area. You can also find price calculators so you can compare your fuel costs to that of pellet burning.

Remember when you are looking up prices on pellet stoves to think about the other costs involved with your purchase. Your local retailer will be able to guide you through this purchase and advise you of reputable technicians that can assist your with installation and maintenance.

Monday, 11 January 2010

What Are Pellet Stoves?

With the continued use of oil, electric and natural gas, prices have been gradually increasing, which explains why many individuals and families have been looking for an alternative for either their primary or secondary sources of home heating. Gaining in popularity are the specifically sought after pellet stoves. Manufactured as either fireplace inserts or stand alone units, these hot burning stoves have been standing out above all of their more traditional alternatives. As these stoves burn biomass, they have been recognized as environmentally friendly. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and are sure to fit any room and any budget. You will be able to choose an either top-fed or bottom-fed style, depending on what your preferences might be. Additionally, pellet stoves can usually be found sold at reasonable prices.

If you currently own a wood burning fireplace, you will need to bear in mind the kind of mess this can create. Carrying cumbersome loads of wood into the house is not only messy, but can also sometimes be quite strenuous and inconvenient. It might therefore be easier for you to replace your wood burner with a pellet stove that will only burn biomass. New pellet stoves burn lightweight pellets, which are made of corn and wood shavings. As these tend to burn and produce far more heat than a traditional fireplace, it might then take less time for you to heat your home. Burning pellets is also considered by many as a cleaner means for heating your home, however, you might still find some residual ashes or clinkers that you will need to remove about once per week. This will nonetheless amount to less work than removing ashes at each use for a wood-burning stove.

Available in a variety of styles, sizes and price points, there are many to choose from no matter how tight your budget might be. You will easily be able to find pellet stoves that will fit any existing fireplace. Simply have an installation contractor build the stove in for you. Due to the specific design and complex nature of a pellet stove, it will be highly recommended to purchase a maintenance and service agreement from the manufacturer. Then you will be able to have peace of mind that should anything go wrong, you will simply be able to make a phone call and have a licensed professional make the adjustment or required repair. Check out all the available options today, and find out for yourself what so many families have already discovered. A pellet stove can indeed be the best choice for an alternative source of heat.

Sunday, 10 January 2010

3 Basic Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Backpacking Stove

In choosing which backpacking stove to bring, consider the size, portability, fuel to be use, and the design.

Camping is not complete without the food. To make hot and fresh meals possible, you need the perfect stove to bring during your backpacking experience. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing the right backpacking stove to bring.

Size and portability

Before choosing the desired backpacking stove, think on which kind of trip you are planning to go to. Try to estimate where would you most likely be cooking your meals and for how many people you will be cooking for. Also take note on the level of difficulty of the dishes to be prepared. Backpacking stove are available in different sizes fit for various occasions from lightweight stoves to multi-burner platforms. If you are going on a rugged hiking trip, better bring a compact and easy to carry stoves. For a short backpacking trip, you can consider bringing the larger stoves. For convenience during the whole trip choose a stove that is easy to store and can be disconnected from the fuel supply. Also consider the ones that needs assembling or collapsible for easily storage in the vehicle and while hiking.

Fuel to be used

Focus also on the different fuels used for backpacking stoves. Propane and Butane gases are clean-burning and easily ignited. Flames produced can be adjusted easily but are more expensive than other fuel types. Kerosene are cheaper and easier to find than Propane gases. It yields a higher temperature output however it emits gaseous odor that might affect the taste and smell of you dish. White gas is another fuel that burns easily, it's clean and the spilled fuel evaporates quickly. It's effect for any weather conditions, but it not always easily available in contrast to Kerosene and Propane. Denatured alcohol is a renewable fuel source which has low volatility. It burns silently and steadily but has minimal heat production and cooking time make longer requiring more fuel. It's environment-friendly but it's not recommended when cooking for many.

Design

For convenience, also select which design is the most comfortable for you. Once you've decided on the size and fuel type to be used consider the features of the stove. Take into consideration the difficulty of it's set-up. Check for the durability of the design whether it can endure any type of location. Pay attention on the knobs and switch whether they are easy to use or cannot be easily broken. Choose also the ones that are easily to clean and has basic maintenance procedures that you can do by yourself.

On a camping trip, always go for efficiency and practicality in choosing what to bring. With that, you can avoid minor problems while enjoying your camping experience.

Wednesday, 6 January 2010

The Benefits of a Soapstone Wood Stove

Soapstone is not only prized for it's beauty, it also has properties that make it a superior material for making wood stoves. A soapstone stove will not only last for a long time, it also radiates a more comfortable heat over a longer period of time.


Soapstone was created deep withing the earth under enormous heat and pressure. Under these conditions it gets forged into a very stable material that can withstand extreme heat. Unlike other natural rock soapstone doesn't deteriorate from the heat of a fire or crack from sudden heat changes.


Soapstone stoves are made with thick slabs of soapstone that directly line the firebox. This fire and heat resistant stone absorbs heat directly from the fire and radiates it into the room over a long period of time. A soapstone will absorb so much heat that it will keep radiating heat up to 12 hours after the fire goes out.


Soapstone is like a heat reservoir that will provide an even heat over time instead of the too hot one minute and too cold the next that is typical of traditional metal stoves. With soapstone you can sit next to the fire and feel a softer more comfortable heat that can last all night while you are sleeping long after the fire goes out. With a soapstone wood stove there is no more need to get up in the night to put wood on the fire.


A soapstone firebox creates a hotter burning environment inside the stove. Because of this the fire will burn the wood more completely so you will get more heat from less wood. This also results in a cleaner burn with less smoke.


Soapstone wood stoves are usually made from thick slabs of soapstone held together by an iron frame. The natural grain and surface of the soapstone contrasts nicely with the iron. This makes an stove that is as elegant as it is functional.


Soapstone will maintain it's beauty with very little maintenance. The natural grain of the stone can even become richer and more beautiful over years of exposure to the heat from the fire.


If you want a wood stove that is elegant, will provide a steady comfortable heat and will probably outlast your home, consider a soapstone wood stove.

Tuesday, 5 January 2010

All About Wood Stove Pipes

Wood stove pipes are an important factor in the installation of an outdoor wood furnace. It plays a big role in making sure that your unit performs well in the years that will come, so you have to choose a high quality product that will guarantee you superior performance.

There a number of products to choose from in the market today. If you want to make sure that you get the right one, there are considerations to be made. For instance, there are single-wall and double-wall stove pipes, and each type has their own pros and cons. You have to determine first what kind of outdoor wood stove you want to have installed, and this will depend on how much space you want to provide heat for. From there you can already determine other accessories and parts that you are going to need for the installation and maintenance of your unit.

Another thing to consider is of course your budget. If you have set a big budget for the installation of your outdoor wood furnace, then you can have more freedom when it comes to looking for the parts that you're going to need. After all, it's a good investment. However, if you have a set budget, there are still pretty decent wood stove pipes out there that won't be heavy on the pocket.

When it comes to choosing wood stove pipes, the price varies as their sizes and durability do. So you have to make sure that you got every other part right to make sure that the stove pipes will perform its best as well. For more options, check out different stores first, then browse online stores as well so you can have the best stove pipes that will last you for years. While there are a lot of quality brands out there, some are very expensive, so you want to look for something that's within your budget range.

Saturday, 26 December 2009

Building a Firewood Shed and Other Wood Stove Accessories

You may not think of a firewood shed as a wood stove accessory, but, in the big picture, it is one of most important. You might have the best gas chain saw, extra chains, sharpening tools, and fireplace tools, but if your wood is wet it will not burn.

The shed need not be fancy or expensive, neither does it have to be a messy pile of boards and tarps. You can buy ready made firewood racks, but they tend to be rather small and expensive. If you only use wood for taking the chill off or for the occasional atmosphere fire, then a small ready made one will work just fine.

Building your own shed can be a very satisfying project that can include other family members. Because it is a shed, not a kitchen cabinet, there is plenty of room for error and it will still work well. When small children are allowed to help Dad with such projects, the memories can last a lifetime. Hammering and sawing boards can be a great learning experience, and a firewood shed is the perfect kind of project to work on together.

It is important to decide on the size of the shed, which will be determined by how much wood you expect to use for the winter. In Vermont a typical house uses 5 cords of wood for the season. This is a lot of firewood, and it might be more than you are willing or able to build a shed for.

A full cord of wood is 4 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft., or 128 cubic ft. From this, you can calculate the size of shed you need. You can also use the basement, a garage, several sheds or one shed and several covered piles.

The wood needs to dry at least 6 months before burning. If the prevailing winds and weather tend to make the wood wet, you should consider adding at least a partial wall to the shed to protect the wood. The more air exposure the wood has, the better it will dry.

Other wood stove accessories you will need, if you are going to use a new or used cast iron wood stove or fireplace insert, would include a metal ash pan, shovel, floor protector, and stove top water steamer.

The dangers of using green wood are real and can result in a chimney fire. The moisture in the wood cause it to burn incompletely, which makes the wood smolder, rather than ignite. The gases emitted condense on the walls of the stove pipe or chimney and solidify as a coating of condensed fuel, just waiting to ignite.

If the chimney is coated with creosote and you have a very hot fire, or a lot of sparks and flames, the creosote may ignite into a torch like fire. This fire sounds like a rushing wind as it explodes in the chimney, and the temperatures can be high enough to actually melt stove pipe or adjacent combustible materials.

Sunday, 13 December 2009

Alcohol Camping Stoves Are the Smallest, Lightest and Easiest Backpacking Stoves Around

Alcohol camping stoves are the perfect choice for the backpacker looking for a small, lightweight, easy-to-use and inexpensive stove.

The alcohol camping stoves are very simple, they have very little moving parts, no jets or orifices to clog and clean. Alcohol is a renewable resource and is a non-petroleum based product. If you have a spill in your backpack, it will evaporate quickly, leaving no tell-tale odor. It's the perfect "green" fuel.

Ok, let's look at the pros and cons for the alcohol camping stoves...

PRO

1. Simple - No Pumping, Pressurizing, Priming or Pre-lighting.
2. Fuel - Renewable, Evaporates quickly, Burns clean (no soot), Not oily or smelly.
3. Lightweight - Can weigh as little as a few ounces.
4. Reliable - They light first time every time, as long as you guard your match against the wind.
5. Safety - Fuel evaporates quickly and will not explode (non-inflammable).
6. Fuel Transport - Easy; can be carried in a plastic bottle. Do not use an untreated aluminum bottle. If you're not sure, don't use it. See the note at the bottom of the page.
7. Fuel Availability - Everywhere; can be found in drug stores to hardware stores.
8. Noise - Very quiet and generally cannot be heard. This can also be a con.

CON

1. Noise - As I said above, being quiet can be a pro or a con. Pro in that it is quiet, but a Con because you sometimes cannot tell if you have a flame or not.
2. Flame - Alcohol burns clear (slightly bluish) and this makes it very difficult to see. Especially in the daylight.
3. Heat Output - Alcohol camping stoves put out about half of the heat per ounce other liquid fuel stoves produce, i.e. white gas, kerosene, Coleman style fuels, and butane or propane.
4. Group Size - A small group of 1 or 2, maybe 3, is best, because of the slower cooking time. This isn't really a con, but it is something to consider.
5. Cooking Time - Is slower because of the reduced heat output, but for 1 or 2 people it is just fine.
6. Safety - NEVER, NEVER fill the stove with more fuel while it is still burning or hot. This actually goes for ALL stove types.
7. Cold - Alcohol camping stoves are not very reliable in freezing weather. As the temperature drops, the evaporation rate of the alcohol drops. This makes them very hard to start. A work-around for this is to pre-heat the stove with a candle.
8. Durability - Since they are so small and lightweight, they can be fragile. They can be bent, crushed or destroyed easily without the proper care.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY): Alcohol camping stoves are perfect for the DIY crowd. The internet is full of instructions on how to make an alcohol camping stove.

FUEL

1. Isopropyl - NOT Recommended. This can be purchased from any drug store, but it will always have too much water mixed with it. It's never just pure alcohol.
2. Denatured - This fuel comes mixed with other poisonous chemicals. Many times the label will say that it is suitable for marine stoves. I would go with that brand. Another way to tell if the denatured that you have will be any good, is to burn some of it in a metal dish and check for any residue left behind. Do not use it if there is any residue.
3. Grain - Alcohol works well, but can be expensive. Stay away from the colored grain alcohols and go for the clear such as the Everclear brand. Keep in mind that you brought it to use in the stove and not to keep your belly warm. P.S. This is the only fuel than can be consumed by humans. ALL the others are poisonous.
4. Methyl - Other names are methanol, wood alcohol, methyl hydrate, liquid fondue fuel, gasoline line antifreeze. This is a highly poisonous fuel. However, methanol evaporates faster than ethanol at all temperatures and you would have a better chance of starting your stove in cold weather. Store this fuel and the stove that uses it from your food and pots.
5. Gelled Alcohol - Such as Sterno, Canned Heat, Jelled Alcohol. This is good for keeping food warm, but not for cooking. Not enough heat output.
6. Diethylene Glycol - Extremely poisonous and is Not Recommended.

Types of Alcohol Camping Stoves

1. Open Flame - This is the simplest of all the alcohol camping stoves. It's basically an open shallow metal container that you pour the alcohol in and you light it. The pot is sitting on a wire frame above the stove. They are simple to build and operate, but are not the most efficient with the fuel to heat ratio. However, they are a very reliable stove.
2. Chimney or Updraft - This style of stove utilizes the updraft created by the heat of the fire, up a chimney, to the top of the stove and heating the pot. It mixes the air with the fuel at the bottom of the stove to get a better controlled flame at the top. The pot sits on a stand above the stove. It has a good heat output and is very reliable.
3. Low Pressure Side Burner - This utilizes the low pressure draft created like the Chimney stove, but the pot sits directly on the stove. Same stove as the Chimney stove, just a different way of using it. It has good heat output and does not need a pot stand.
4. Open Jet - This stove works by vaporizing the fuel and shooting it out little jets. The fuel is poured in through the top center; it is very lightweight and will simmer, but is only good for small pots. You will need to have a pot stand to keep the pot off the stove.
5. Hybrid Side Burner Jet - This is like the Open Jet, but the vents are on the side. The pot sits right on the stove top so a pot stand is not needed.
6. Pressurized Jet - This is like the Open Jet stove, but the center is closed allowing the fuel gasses to build up pressure. It burns hot and does not allow for simmering. You will need a pot stand for this stove.

Points to Consider

1. Consider making an alcohol camping stove for yourself.
2. Are you going to be doing a lot of extreme cold weather cooking?
3. Burner style - You do not have to settle for just one style. You can have a different style depending on weather conditions and/or altitude.
4. Boil time to fuel usage ratio - This ratio is how long does it take to boil 1L of water to how much fuel is used. This is very important when you are determining how much fuel to carry with you.
5. Flame control - Do you want to be able to simmer or not?
6. Size of group - Remember that 1-2 people are best per stove.

Note: Aluminum: "SIGG, one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of reusable aluminum bottles, actually lines their aluminum with an FDA approved coating that prevent toxins from leaching." According to Elizabeth Borelli of Nubius Organics.

Monday, 7 December 2009

Camping Stoves - Come on Baby Light My Fire

Whoever invented camping stoves should be awarded a knighthood in my own humble opinion. On our first camping trip I almost lost my entire family to starvation after I insisted that camping was about getting back to nature, remarking on the fact that I had never seen or heard of camping stove trees in the wild.

Armed with enough matches to build an entire generation of matchstick men, we embarked on our journey with full stomachs and a cold bag full of uncooked food ready and waiting to be introduced to a roaring campfire.

I can safely say that there was a lot of roaring but can confirm that the only fire within our vicinity was the one in our empty bellies. After several hours of failing miserably to get the campfire lit the only thing that was smoked in our camp was us.

I am now a fervent advocate of camping stoves. Our stove has changed the way we feel about camping. We now enjoy tasty, healthy and cooked food around our campfire.

Camping stoves are very reasonably priced, and are easy to research and find online.
There are however some simple considerations to bear in mind when deciding which one is right for you.

Fuel Source:
Different makes and models use different fuels. Decide on the fuel that you are most comfortable with. What weight you are happy to carry around and how easy it will be to buy extra fuel in your camping vicinity if you run out. The most popular and convenient is white gas.

How many people will you want to cook up a storm for? You will need to decide how many burners you require, or what size grill will accommodate your needs if that is the route you are taking.

Weight and Size:
Take a moment to consider how far you will be transporting your camping stove off road. If you will be eating within a short distance of your auto then this will not be such a major consideration. However, of vital importance is the ability to actually fit your camping stove into your mode of transport. My first choice had to be returned for this very reason.

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Tips on Buying a Good Camping Stove

In order to choose the best camping stove, it is advisable to take into consideration several important factors such as the size and weight of camping stove, the type of camping activity, the type of fuel, and the brand of the camping stove.

They are essential during a camping trip. Therefore, it is helpful that you choose for the one that suits you best.


Size and weight

Its size and weight of can make or break a camping experience. If you're camping by yourself, or there's only two or three of you, then a huge camping stove is not a good idea. For a camping party of less than three people, choose one that's compact and lightweight. This would mean that you would not be burdened with your camping stove whether you're traveling to or from your campsite or having to deal with worrying about leaving some items behind because there's no more room since you've got a huge camping stove with you.



Type of camping activity


If you're camping with your friends, and if you are a rather large group, then it's best to invest in a two-burner stove. These types of stoves allow you to cook two types of food at the same time, cutting the time needed to cook enough food for a large group. If you are on your way to a beach camping trip, then a combination of a stove and grill is your best option, especially if you're planning to do some grilling.


Type of fuel

There are fuel options, these are white gas, propane gas, unleaded gas, kerosene, or butane. However, most camping experts would recommend the use of either propane or white gas.

White gas (also known as Coleman fuel) produces most heat; it is also more environmentally friendly since it burns cleanly and does not have any odor nor does it affect food taste. Propane gas is more easy to use, but it can weigh heavier than white gas despite its simplicity. It is both easy to operate and to ignite. It has also proven of its good performance in warmer temperatures at lower elevations.


Brand

When searching, it is best to check the brands that are well-known for making quality products. This ensures good performance from your camping stove as opposed to the risk of buying lesser known and cheaper brands. Although branded camping stoves might be more expensive, some of them also give you a warranty. It is important, and choosing the wrong one could lead to disastrous events; a proven track record in quality and performance is important, so it's best to do your research once you've narrowed down your choices based on the criteria given above.

Friday, 30 October 2009

Backpacking - Top Tips on What to Look For in a Backpacking Stove

As there can be many options when it comes to buying a backpacking stove so many backpackers get confused in choosing the best stove. It is an extremely useful item so making the correct choice is key so follow these great tips to realize the options that are available.


When it comes to choosing a backpacking stove the first thing you should consider is choosing a stove that actually satisfies your backpacking needs. A huge bulky stove is no good for backpacking but in contrast, a stove that is too small isn't much use either as it will be too small to prepare your food. Although you should consider your own requirements when you are choosing one, there are a few basic points to bear in mind that every backpacking stove should have.


A backpacking stove needs to be durable and sturdy. It is much safer to have a sturdy stove. Look for features like strong legs as you may not always have smooth ground to set up your stove. You should be able to stir a pot without it tipping over.


Choose a stove that is easy and simple to use. Look how easy it is to set up and fold up once you have finished using it. It should fold up to be very compact so it can fit in your backpack without taking up too much room. Observe how easy it is to connect up to your fuel and disconnect afterwards. Fully read the instructions and understand how to vary the heat. There are stoves available with built in wind screens - this is something you may want to consider as it is a brilliant help in windy weather so that your stove stays lit throughout your cooking.

Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Wood Burning Stoves - Which One is the Right One For You?

There are hundreds of different wood burning stoves available to you. How do you decide which on is the right one for you. Here are some of the very basic things that you need to consider before you buy.


The very first thing to figure out is whether you are going inside or outside. Which ever you choose there are distinct advantages to both.


If you go outside then you will be keeping the mess of the wood and smoke outside of the house. The down side is that you will have to run plumbing from the outside of the house to the inside. With many wood burning appliances the size and weight of the stove will make it almost impossible to get it inside the house.


If you go inside, then you have the mess of the wood and sometimes smoke when you load the stove in the house. The plumbing part will be made easier. If you are going with a hot air wood furnace then you will almost have to go inside, because there are not very many good options to get hot air into the house from the outside. Simply getting the wood furnace into the house can be very difficult because of the physical size and weight of the unit.


As you begin to think about which wood burner you are going to buy, you need to narrow the basics down first. Will you be using hot air or hot water? Are you going inside the house or outside the house? Are you hooking to a central heating system or just heating an area? And maybe, you need to question whether wood is the primary fuel that you want to burn? Wood pellets, corn, sawdust, or coal may also be viable options.


Searching for the right heating for your home can be a difficult process. Make sure that you explore all of the many options that you have to make sure that you purchase the right wood burning stove for you home.

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Shopping For a Woodstove: Features to Look For

If you're like millions, and are desperately searching for an alternative heating source to oil for this coming fall/winter, then you've probably considered investing in a wood stove. In my opinion, they're great! They're economical, energy-conscious, aesthetically charming, and most effective. But, if you are in the market for one for either, the first time or the first time in a long time; you'll need to know all the contemporary features that woodstoves now offer. Below, is a quick reference guide on the most important features to look for in a new wood burning stove for your home.

· Material

There are three basic materials that your new woodstove can be made from: welded steel, soapstone, and cast iron. Starting with the most basic, welded steel is the least aesthetic and consequently the cheapest of the three, so if you are looking for purely functional: this is your best bet. Cast iron is probably the most popular and prevalent among homeowners, because it is functional, beautiful, and moderately priced. Soapstone is what is regarded as the Cadillac model of woodstove. It has a very different, yet pleasing look to it; and offers the same top-notch efficiency and functionality as well.

· Catalytic or Non-Catalytic Combustion

Basically, catalytic combustion wood stoves use a technology where the exhaust gasses are developed through a filter of sorts, outside of the main firebox; to produce a long, steady heat output. Non-catalytic, on the other hand, produces its combustion or heat in the firebox and uses something called a baffle to divert gas; and pre-heated air to produce a more powerful, shorter-term (yet efficient) heat output. You'll find in shopping that the higher-end models typically use catalytic technology, but this is not necessarily the best choice; as manufacturers are swiftly switching to production of non-catalytic-most probably due to efficiency and emissions standards.

· Heat Output

If this is your first time shopping for woodstoves, you may have no idea what kind of heat power your house will need. Typically, an average-sized medium home needs 5,000-20,000 BTUs per hour to keep itself warm continuously; but of course this depends whether you have a catalytic or non-catalytic wood stove, and the more specific size of your home. It's always best to ask what the manufacturer or store recommends for your given square footage home.


· Heating Capacity

When it comes to how much home a given wood stove will heat, knowing your home's square footage can be helpful but should not be paramount when deciding what size woodstove you will buy. For example, perhaps you have a large home with a lot of square footage, but it's broken down into lots of small spaces. In this case, buying a large capacity woodstove will not necessarily serve you well. This being said, here is a general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the size of your woodstove: small stoves will heat a large room or small house, medium wood stoves will heat a medium-sized home, and large woodstoves will best heat a larger home or one that isn't well insulated (an older home typically).

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Choosing a Stove for a Green Kitchen - Energy Star is Just a Start



Have you made a commitment to live greener? Many people are working toward becoming greener in their everyday lives in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut back on their carbon footprints and save money. As part of that effort, green enthusiasts have turned their attention to their kitchen habits. While there are many small steps that people can take to go green in the kitchen, one big step is replacing that old kitchen stove with a more energy efficient model - one that suits the way you cook and reduces the amount of energy that you use to put food on the table.

When it comes to choosing greener appliances, most homeowners rely on the Energy Star rating. Energy Star is a government certification program that labels appliances that are energy efficient. It's so successful that it's become an international standard. Choosing a stove that has an Energy Star is the most obvious choice when buying a new stove, but it doesn't really do much to narrow your choices down. There are other choices you can make that will affect how much energy you use and how much carbon you save.

Electric or Natural Gas

The first question most cooks ask themselves when choosing a new stove is "electric or gas"? There are points in favor of each choice. Gas is obviously a fossil fuel, which is a limited resource, but until we switch over to renewable energy sources to generate electricity, most electrical power is generated in coal-burning power plants. As long as that's the case, a gas stove and an electric stove are pretty similar in terms of carbon footprint.

Advantages of Gas Stoves

Gas stoves offer many advantages for cooks. They include:

* Easier and more accurate temperature control
* Instant-on heat
* Instant adjustments in temperature when you lower or raise heat
* No heat waste when cooking is done

Advantages of Electric Stoves

Electric stoves also offer many advantages for cooks and in energy efficiency.

* Burner elements sized for cooking utensils
* Easy to clean, especially glass cooktops
* Electric stoves offer additional cooking modes - convection, fan, microwave, etc

Of course, there are drawbacks to both electric and gas stoves as well. Electric stoves with glass cooktops and induction elements, for instance, require the use of real metal cookware - glass pots and aluminum pots won't work right because the heat from the induction element won't transfer properly. In addition, the cookware used on a glass cooktop must be perfectly flat or much of the energy used for heat will go to waste.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Choosing a Kitchen Stove

* When choosing an electric stove, choose the stove with the most efficient heating elements possible. Cooktops with induction elements are the most energy efficient, followed by halogen elements and finally electric coil elements.
* Gas stoves with electronic ignition use 40% less gas than those with a pilot light. - Choose a model that you'll be happy with for at least a decade. The longer you use your new stove, the longer it will stay out of the landfills.
* An electric stove with an oven that has convection and microwave options gives you more flexibility in energy use.
* Read the Energy Guide label to compare one stove with another when making a choice for a green kitchen stove.

Remember, though, that the most efficient stove in the world is only as efficient as your cooking habits.

Monday, 7 September 2009

How to Choose Corn Stoves For Your Home

The ancient people burned wood. They did it for thousands of years without considering whether it's good or wrong to deplete the forest. Then people learned to use coal, oil and other fossil fuels. They did it for ages and only recently started to think about the consequences. What if our ancestors were told that it is possible to burn food without actually harming the nature? Burning food? Although it may sound terrible, shelled corn is a great bio-fuel that is cheap, easily accessible and safe for the environment.

The concept of corn stoves is quite old. The first examples were built by handy farmers themselves closer to the end of 19th century. The first heating device of such kind was allegedly the result of maize overproduction when it was discovered that dried seeds - or shelled corn - burn nicely and provide heat similar to that of wood logs. The idea became popular during the years of Great Depression.

Yet it was not before 70s of the last century when corn stoves hit the mass production. Other similar products joined - barbecues and water boilers.

The main perk of using such heating devices is obviously money saving. You will spend on average $3,000 to $3,300 each season burning fossil fuel oil and only $1,500 to $2,300 burning shelled corn. Another benefit, which is not less important, corn stoves are sources of pure green energy. Maize is grown on fields, it helps filtering the air naturally, plus maize seeds doesn't produce carbon monoxide and nitrous compounds when burnt.

How to Choose Corn Stoves?

There are corn stoves, water boilers and barbecues or grills available for sale. The first is used to provide heating for home during the winter season. Water boilers are used to produce hot water or even to be incorporated into the central heating system of a home. Corn Grill is a good way to start your own green energy campaign by test-driving maize kernel energy. It is a great alternative to the conventional grills that burn wood, coal or even consume electricity. Your friends will love to come to your open-air parties.

Corn Stoves Checklist

* Start with measuring your house's square footage or cubic footage. You will need this number when approaching your dealer. Too small a stove will make you freeze while an enormously big one can waste your money and overheat your home.

* Choose a dealer carefully. See if you can find a neighbor or relative who has already used similar heating equipment and ask for a feedback.

* If you choose to buy your stove from an online shop or eBay, you are likely to save money but be careful. Consult the dealer before you pay the money. Is he going to provide you with after-sales support, can he provide instructions on installing, or maybe he even installs it for free.

* Check if you are able to source cheap shelled corn in your neighborhood and that you are capable of storing kernel properly. It takes a dry and clean room to store it; you cannot afford the dampness to spoil your burning agent.

* Make sure that the features of the device are explained to you - there are several types of heating devices - some can use mixed source of energy that also includes wood pellets, some can strictly not.

* Check the feed system. How often will it be necessary to fill more maize into the hopper? How long can device burn unattended before feeding new portion in?

* Does it have any warranty? It is extremely important, especially if something goes wrong.

If you are ready to advance into the new environmentally friendly technology, a green energy heater will be a great purchase for you. Although it can be quite expensive (prices range from $500 to $3,000) you'll save money on fuel, help protecting the environment and show good will to your community.

Tuesday, 25 August 2009

Three Popular Stoves For Heating Your Home

It is incredible how stoves have become the consumer's choice in recent times. With the rise in energy and home heating costs, it is hardly surprising that this has happened, in my opinion; I am surprised that it hasn't happened sooner!

So, what is the best stove to buy?

Well, this is entirely dependent on your heating requirements and style choice - what I mean; is that it is personal preference that plays the major key.

In this article I will be discussing three of the popular stoves presently available, although I will say this with a pinch of salt, as we are in the Christmas period now and the availability of stoves has become somewhat scarce. With this said; many of the less popular stoves are still available, so if you are able to compromise, then getting a stove before Christmas could still be possible.

First Choice

The AGA, Little Wenlock Classic Multi-fuel Stove in Matt Black; possesses the perfect blend of new and old, by combining state-of-the-art design with traditional beauty.

With a nominal heat output of 4.7kW and a dedicated pre-heated, secondary air supply, makes this stove a fantastic choice for any home!

This Little Wenlock can be installed with a top or rear flue, has one of the most effective airwash systems available and this coupled with it's interchangeable wood burning plate and built-in ash pan, offers you one of the most efficient wood burning stoves available on the market.

Second Choice

The Huntingdon 25 available from Stovax, is probably one of the smallest stoves available from the Huntingdon range of Stovax stoves, but provides much of what the larger models offer.

This Huntingdon is ideal for burning wood logs, smokeless fuels or peat briquettes and has been designed to suit both the décors of a country cottage and a contemporary living space.

Third Choice

The Firefox 5, available from the Gallery Collection of fireplaces, is a fantastic choice! Perfect for any living space, this product can be suited to both traditional and contemporary settings.

The Firefox 5 has a controllable heat output up to 5.5kW and has an authentic cast-iron construction. With its secondary airwash system that helps to maintain cleaner glass panels and aids in the combustion ability and its flexibility with fuel source (suitable for burning wood, peat, coke, coal, anthracite and smokeless fuels), makes this choice, a great choice for all!

As a final point; whatever stove you choose, it is important to always work with responsible, professional and reputable fireplace suppliers and installers.