For once, the Swiss made something way less complicated than it needed to be — a compact, easy to set up stove. If you're familiar with Sterno brand stoves, these are pretty much the same, but come with a really compact stand.
Setup is incredibly simple: Remove the lid from the can, pierce the top to access the fuel gel, and place the included stand on top so it elevates a small pot/mess kit cup on top. To snuff out the flame, simply place the cap back on top (use care around the flame, regardless of how it looks it can be very hot!).
In a pinch, the gel-based fuel can be used for getting a fire going as it's made to stay burning under pretty harsh conditions. It'll provide about 2 hours of heat (5800 BTUs!) when you need it the most. That's a lot of utility in something so small, especially in an emergency. Alco-gel stoves like this one are also very clean burning from a carbon monoxide standpoint, so you can also light it without too much worry in your car, tent, or indoor room if you're really in a pinch. Of course, be mindful of any flammable material around the stove.
A couple pro tips:
- Trading off heat output by cutting a smaller hole in the metal seal, you can extend the burn time if what you're looking for is heat rather than a flame for cooking.
- When the gel is empty, you can also fill it with denatured alcohol to make it a simple alcohol stove! no need to throw it away.
Specs
- Gel-based fuel mini-stove
- Includes mess kit cup stand
- Up to 2 hours of fuel — can be snuffed and relit
- Once empty, can be used with denatured alcohol
- 3" x 2" compacted, 3" x 3" when set up
- Weighs 7.1 oz.
Condition
M71 Stoves are unissued, and come in original plastic wrap from the factory.
