Alcohol Stove Evaporation Solved

[Shangie]

On our previous boat we had an Origo alcohol stove and did not suffer the frustrating evaporation issues we had experienced on the Kenyon due to the flame control mechanism slipping to open while underway. I had to find a solution since I did not want to store or use more fuel than I had with the Origo. Now, when not in use, I place a small silicone pot lid over the burner component and under the cooking grate. The silicone pot lid does not slip holding the levered mechanism in place. I think I purchased it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. This worked like a charm even though I do not use the lid as a pot lid. We were out for six nights this past week and I used half the alcohol I used on previous trips even though I used the stove daily. The stove itself works fine for our needs and I am able to turn out some pretty nice one pot meals, understanding that it takes more time than a conventional cook top. That extra time has never been an issue for me and I just make sure I keep the door and many windows open since the fuel creates condensation and of course the cooking creates odors. So far, with several trips of five nights or more and many more weekenders, odors and condensation have not been an issue. We do now have a Magma Kettle grill so I will see what I think of cooking on it for our upcoming week on Puget Sound. And a note on silicone pot lids: If you use one, be careful when you lift it from a boiling pot. Because they are flimsy, they naturally bend and this can cause hot steam that would normally be contained by a hard surface to escape and burn you.

 

[Snug21]

Clever! Would you mind sharing a picture of the lid you’re using? I understand it’s positioned under the grate, but where is it relative to the sliding disc that slides over the burner and controls the size of the flame?
Thanks!

 

[Shangie]

Hello- I will try to post a picture as soon as I can get to the boat. I place it directly over the slider mechanism that covers the burner. The lid I use is a Charles Viancin Silicone Lid | 6" Sunflower. I think the Daisy design on that brand would also work because I think the bulk of the center round handle creates additional pressure when placed between the grate and the burner. Used half the alcohol for the same amount of cooking - I cook a lot on the wee boat. Again, I really don't like to use these as actual pot lids because they are floppy and so when you pick them up they cave in which immediately allows steam to escape right onto your hand and OUCH..... They are however greats lids for preventing splatter in the microwave.