Last Updated: July 12, 2022
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Best Alcohol Stove in 2023 [10 Options]

When you are getting all your gear ready for backpacking trips into the wilderness one essential piece of backpacking gear you have to pack is a camping stove.

Now, ultralight backpackers tend to prefer taking an alcohol stove with them on a backpacking trip since they are so portable and light compared to others and so simple and quick to use too.

All you have to do is take it out of your backpack, add your liquid alcohol (isopropyl alcohol like ethanol), light it up and get to cooking. There is no easier and lighter way to cook food on a backpacking trip than with an alcohol stove.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Alcohol Stoves


But, not all alcohol stoves are made equal and finding the best alcohol stoves on the market is going to take a ton of internet research, which is why we have done it for you. Join me as we run through the best alcohol stoves available so you can have the best alcohol stove for your camping needs.

Top Product Overview

Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove
Best For Portability
  • Super lightweight and portable
  • Utilizes a one-piece design
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TRANGIA Spirit Burner with Screwcap Versatile Easy to Use Alcohol Stove, 0
Best Of The Best
  • Incredibly affordable for the quality
  • Lightweight and portable
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REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking, Lightweight Brass Spirit Burner with Aluminium Stand for Camping Hiking, Silver
  • Compact and comes in a carry case
  • Can be covered for unused fuel
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Vargo Titanium Decagon Alcohol Stove - Lightweight and Efficient Camping Stove
  • Super lightweight and compact for portability
  • Will suit ultralight thru-hikers
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Esbit CS985HA 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set with Brass Alcohol Burner Stove and 2 Anodized Aluminum Pots, Grey, 985ml
  • Includes a full cooking set
  • Works with solid fuel tablets and isopropyl alcohol
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Portable Camping Stoves Alcohol Stoves Stainless Steel Lightweight Set Stove for Backpacking,Camping,Hiking
  • Holds more than enough fuel for a long burn time
  • Comes with a carrying case
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ALOCS Camping Cookware Set, 11 Piece Lightweight Camping Cooking Set with Alcohol Stove & Gas Stove Burner, Portable & Durable Camping Pot Camping Gear for Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Picnics
  • Quality build that lasts
  • Light considering the entire set
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Solo Stove Solo Alcohol Burner - Efficient Spirit Burner Cooktop with Flame Regulator | Camp stove with Fuel Storage Rubber Gasket
  • Lighter than most for portability
  • Comes with a simmer lid for temperature control
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Kuvik Titanium Alcohol Stove - Ultralight and Compact Stove for Backpacking, Camping, and Survival
  • Super lightweight
  • Very compact
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Evernew TI Stove DX Set
  • Multi-fuel versatility
  • Includes a stand, wind screen, turbo plate
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Best Alcohol Stove


Best For Portability

Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove

Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove

The Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove should be considered an ultralight alcohol stove as all alcohol stoves are lightweight. If you are into ultralight backpacking, this should be an alcohol stove you take a detailed look at.

This alcohol stove weighs in at just 1.6 ounces, so it really is ultralight and it manages to be so due to its simple design. The alcohol stove comes in just one piece with no stand or cover, and all you need to do is add your denatured alcohol fuel to it, light it, and wait for the flames to come out the side burner.

You can then add a frying pan or cooking pot directly to the alcohol stove and boil water, and cook food. It is quite a fuel efficient alcohol stove too and you can use solid tablets and wood with it too.

On the plus side, you can also buy a stand to increase the fuel efficiency of the stove and on the downside, it comes without a cover so any unused fuel needs to be burned or disposed of properly before you put it in your backpack again.

Pros

  • Super lightweight and portable
  • Utilizes a one-piece design
  • Durable titanium build
  • Very fuel-efficient
  • Good heat distribution
  • Works well with a larger pot
  • Wide stable flame
  • Can use other fuel types with it

Cons

  • Doesn’t include a cover

Product Information

  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 1.73 x 3.07 x 2.99 inches
  • Material: Titanium
  • Fuel Types: Isopropyl Alcohol, solid tabs, wood burning
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Best Of The Best

Trangia Spirit Burner

TRANGIA Spirit Burner with Screwcap Versatile Easy to Use Alcohol Stove, 0

The Trangia Spirit Burner is one of the most popular alcohol stoves on the market and for good reason as the smart but simple design makes life a lot easier on the trail.

This Trangia Spirit Burner is made in Sweden. It is lightweight, portable, and built from durable brass so you are going to have it for life. What makes this better than other stoves is that it comes with a screw-top cap with o-ring seals so you can store unused alcohol with ease.

You can also use the simmer ring to adjust the open flame from full to simmer which means you can boil water quickly (boil time of 8 mins) and lower the heat to cook different foods in pots and pans.

This alcohol stove is very fuel efficient since it creates so much heat from its denatured alcohol fuel and you can store the liquid fuel you don’t use.

You might expect this alcohol stove to be more expensive than others but it is actually one of the more affordable alcohol stoves on the market. The only negative to this backpacking stove is that adjusting it to simmer mode is tough when it is hot.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable for the quality
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Comes with a flame regulator
  • Provides a lot of heat - up to 1000 watts
  • Heating water to boil takes just 8 mins
  • Very fuel-efficient
  • Comes with a sealed cover
  • Will store unused fuel
  • Durable brass build

Cons

  • Adjusting the simmer ring is tough when it’s hot

Product Information

  • Weight: 3.84 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.1 x 3.1 x 2 inches
  • Material: Brass
  • Fuel Types: Isopropyl Alcohol
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Best On A Budget

Redcamp Mini Alcohol Stove

REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking, Lightweight Brass Spirit Burner with Aluminium Stand for Camping Hiking, Silver

The Redcamp Mini Alcohol Stove is an incredibly affordable alcohol stove and one that will suit anyone looking for their first alcohol burner.

Built from a mixture of brass and aluminum, the alcohol stove comes with a burner, pot stand, flame regulator and a sealable cap. This means you can use it for a mixture of pots and pans, boil water quickly or cook food slowly, and store denatured alcohol fuel inside too so nothing is wasted.

All of this gear comes in a handy velvet carry case that makes packing and portability a lot easier, but in the world of alcohol stoves, you can really consider this to be lightweight.

Weighing in at 5 ounces, it is 4 ounces heavier than the lightest of stoves, so it is not going to suit ultralight backpackers who like to count ounces. It certainly could be lighter but it is fine for the occasional trip, as 5 ounces is still light.

Another thing about this alcohol stove is that it is not as durable as some others so you are going to want to treat it with care.

Pros

  • Compact and comes in a carry case
  • Can be covered for unused fuel
  • Comes with a pot stand
  • Works with different pots and pans
  • Adjustable flame regulator
  • Very affordable
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavier than others
  • Could be more durable

Product Information

  • Weight: 5 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1.8 inches
  • Material: Aluminum/Brass
  • Fuel Types: Isopropyl Alcohol
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Vargo Decagon Alcohol Stove

Vargo Titanium Decagon Alcohol Stove - Lightweight and Efficient Camping Stove

The Vargo Decagon Alcohol Stove is another incredibly basic ultralight option that will suit anyone wanting to travel as light as possible such as thru-hikers.

Its single-piece titanium build is as simple as it gets and you can rest assured that it’s not going to break, as it is tough as nails.

Like similar lightweight alcohol stove designs, the simplicity does come with some drawbacks. For example, there is no cap so you can’t store fuel, no stand to make it use less fuel, and no simmer lid to control the flame intensity.

That being said, this little spirit burner packs a punch and you can boil water in around 7-8 minutes depending on conditions. It has a slow burn to it for high fuel efficiency but without a wind guard you might struggle and it isn’t so effective in cold conditions either.

Overall, it is a solid burner and would suit someone who doesn’t go on trips every week, and does so in warmer weather conditions. If you would use your burner every week, I think the frustrations of this alcohol stove would get too much.

Pros

  • Super lightweight and compact for portability
  • Will suit ultralight thru-hikers
  • One-piece construction for durability
  • Boiling water is super fast
  • Burns long and is efficient

Cons

  • No way of storing leftover fuel
  • No flame control or simmer lid
  • More expensive than others
  • Burns slow in cold conditions

Product Information

  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 8 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
  • Material: Titanium
  • Fuel Types: Isopropyl Alcohol
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Esbit 5-Piece Lightweight Cook Set

Esbit CS985HA 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set with Brass Alcohol Burner Stove and 2 Anodized Aluminum Pots, Grey, 985ml

The Esbit 5-Piece Lightweight Cook Set, unlike other alcohol stoves, comes with everything you need to cook in the wilderness. With this set, you get an alcohol burner, a solid tablet burner, a stand, and two pots.

You can choose to use denatured alcohol liquid fuel or solid tablets as you need, and the stand ensures great heat distribution and fuel use efficiency too.

There is also a simmer lid included with a long handle so you can adjust the open flame and heat when you go from boiling water to frying meat for example.

The alcohol stove set also features a cap so you can keep any unused denatured alcohol fuel on the burner for your next cook-up so nothing is wasted.

The pots, pans, and stand are made from super light hard-anodized aluminum and the burner is made from brass. The materials are top quality, durable and last. All of these pack down inside each other too for compact storage in the mesh bag.

What puts people off about this set is the price and weight since it is heavy at 14.88 ounces when compared to others which are light at 1.6 ounces. But, you do get pots/pans and a lot more than just a burner.

Pros

  • Includes a full cooking set
  • Works with solid fuel tablets and isopropyl alcohol
  • Packs down small for easy packing
  • Comes with temperature control
  • Includes a cap so remaining fuel can be stored
  • Large and small pot/pan included
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • Quite a heavy package (but it does have pots)
  • More expensive than others

Product Information

  • Weight: 14.88 ounces
  • Dimensions: ‎6.5 x 5.38 x 5.13 inches
  • Material: Brass/Hard anodized aluminum
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol & solid fuel tabs
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Out-D Stainless Steel Alcohol Stove

Portable Camping Stoves Alcohol Stoves Stainless Steel Lightweight Set Stove for Backpacking,Camping,Hiking

The Out-D is one of the more versatile alcohol stoves out there while still being simple and basic. What sets this apart from other alcohol stoves is the built-in stand that comes with it and it is multifunctional too.

You can use the stand as legs on the bottom to ensure the stability of the burner on uneven ground. The top of the stand opens above the burner and is textured to grip a pot or pan. The top of the stand is on springs so it can handle a heavy pot.

How much fuel you can fit in this open flame alcohol stove is quite amazing, up to 100 ml, so it can keep burning for a long time, which gives the opportunity to cook for longer.

But, don’t add too much fuel to these burners as while they do come with a cap, it doesn’t seal well enough to store it without leaking. The cap is handy for putting out burning fuel though and enclosing the smell.

These alcohol stoves work best with denatured alcohol but you can use cheaper alcohol too, so don’t worry about the extra costs that come with denatured fuel.

Being built from stainless steel, this alcohol stove is heavier than others made from titanium or aluminum but stainless is a great, durable material that lasts. Weighing in at over 8 ounces, it is slightly heavier than others but worth it in our eyes.

Pros

  • Holds more than enough fuel for a long burn time
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Handy stand for stability and a pot/pan
  • Packs up small
  • Durable build and material that lasts
  • Good value for the quality
  • Cap for putting out the open flame
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Cap isn’t well-sealed for fuel storage
  • Heavier than others

Product Information

  • Weight: 8.7 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4 x 3.6 x 3.5 inches
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Fuel Types: Isopropyl Alcohol
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Alocs Camping Cookware Set

ALOCS Camping Cookware Set, 11 Piece Lightweight Camping Cooking Set with Alcohol Stove & Gas Stove Burner, Portable & Durable Camping Pot Camping Gear for Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Picnics

The Alocs Camping Cookware Set is a full cooking set that has everything you need when camping with 2 or 3 people.

The 9-piece set includes an alcohol burner, 1.7L pot, 1.4L pot, 7.5″ fry pan, universal lid, pot gripper, windbreaker, camping pot stand, and a mesh carry bag. See it has it all!

The entire set is built to pack down into itself to a tiny size of 8.4 x 8.4 x 4.3 inches and in the carry case, it is easy to pack. Although it is a bit bulky overall compared to a solo stove and with a weight of over 2 lbs, it is best shared between 2 of you rather than just one.

The burner is super easy to use, just add it to the stand and the wind guard and light it up. The stand ensures maximum efficiency and heat while the wind guard makes it easy to cook no matter how cold or windy it is out there.

All the components are made from high-grade aluminum and the alcohol stove is made from brass so this is a set you can expect to own for a long time.

Pros

  • Quality build that lasts
  • Light considering the entire set
  • Comes with everything you need for 2/3 people
  • Packs down very small
  • Includes a carry bag for portability
  • Burns efficiently
  • Provides a lot of heat
  • Works in all weather conditions

Cons

  • Bulky for a backpack
  • Slightly heavy when not shared

Product Information

  • Weight: 33.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.4 x 4.3 inches
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol
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Solo Stove Alcohol Burner

Solo Stove Solo Alcohol Burner - Efficient Spirit Burner Cooktop with Flame Regulator | Camp stove with Fuel Storage Rubber Gasket

The Solo Stove Alcohol Stove comes with everything you could want from a stove. Built from brass, it will handle any adventure plus it is super light and compact for portability.

The alcohol stove comes with a simmer ring which has a long handle that lets you adjust the temperature it burns at, so you can control cook times and don’t have to use boil-only ingredients all the time.

You also get a cap with this alcohol stove so you can quickly extinguish the vertical flame and it has an O-ring so you can seal up any leftover alcohol and use it next time.

Once lit, this little stove really gets going as the burner holes have great ventilation. This means you can boil a liter of water in 5 minutes but it will burn more fuel because of it. You can also pair this alcohol stove with the Solo Stove Lite Wood Stove so you have multiple options.

Pros

  • Lighter than most for portability
  • Comes with a simmer lid for temperature control
  • Burns hot and boils water quickly
  • Includes a cap to store unused fuel
  • Compact and small for packing
  • Durable and long lasting

Cons

  • Fuel is burned quickly
  • Not so efficient

Product Information

  • Weight: 3.5 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 1.8 inches
  • Material: Brass
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol
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Kuvik Titanium Alcohol Stove

Kuvik Titanium Alcohol Stove - Ultralight and Compact Stove for Backpacking, Camping, and Survival

The Kuvik Titanium Alcohol Stove are another fantastic option for anyone looking for a lightweight and streamlined option that will last.

Weighing in at just 2.3 ounces, it is one of the lightest stoves featured in the article and it comes with a stand for a pot/pan too, which others do not. Despite this, it is incredibly compact and small enough for any backpack.

Once the flames get going, the alcohol stove will boil water super quickly and if you fill the stove with fuel it will give you a long burn of 20 minutes.

The only thing missing is that there isn’t a cap to store any unburned fuel with so be careful about pouring too much in.

Pros

  • Super lightweight
  • Very compact
  • Comes with a pot stand
  • Boils water quickly
  • Long 20 min burn when full
  • Durable build
  • Great price for the quality

Cons

  • No cap for unburnt fuel

Product Information

  • Weight: 2.3 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1.75 inches
  • Material: Titanium
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol
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Evernew TI Stove DX Set

Evernew TI Stove DX Set

The Evernew TI Stove DX Set is the most expensive stove in the article and it doesn’t even come with a set of pots/pans, but it is made from super high-grade titanium and features amazing heat technology.

The design of the stove features a bi-level jet system that creates a strong and stable flame to ensure great efficiency and cooking times. It also comes with a stand, windshield, and a turbo plate which makes it easy to use and you can get a great flame going in freezing temperatures too.

All of these components slot together very nicely in a compact manner and the whole thing only weighs 3 ounces, so you can for ultralight backpacking without any worries.

The only negative to this alcohol stove, bar the high price, is that the stand can bend when pushed from the side but this is what you get when you want it to be low in weight.

Pros

  • Multi-fuel versatility
  • Includes a stand, wind screen, turbo plate
  • Very lightweight for all the components
  • Easy to pack and carry around
  • Boils water very quickly
  • Turbo plate increases efficiency
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Stand could be stronger
  • No cap for leftover alcohol storage

Product Information

  • Weight: 3 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.4 x 2.8 x 3.3 inches
  • Material: Titanium
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol, solid fuel
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What To Look For In The Best Alcohol Stove

Why Choose An Alcohol Stove Over A Canister Stove?

The main reason people choose alcohol stoves over canister stoves is that they are much lighter and convenient to pack. You don’t have to carry around bulky and heavy fuel canisters or gas line antifreeze for extreme temperatures.

You do have to carry fuel but a bottle of alcohol is much lighter than canisters which is why they are the preferred backpacking stove.

Our Favorite Alcohol Stoves

The best alcohol stoves for portability are the Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stoves. Weighing just over 1 ounce with a tough single-piece titanium build it burns very efficiently and boils water quickly. You can also use multiple fuel types with it and even big pots too.

Sale
Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove
  • Cross Stand: 1.12" x 3.75", Wt: 0.5 oz.
  • DX Stand: multi-fuel versatility (wood, solid fuel, and alcohol). Dimensions: 3.26" x 2.36" (upper), 2.36" x 1.97" (lower). Wt: 1.83 oz.

The best alcohol stoves around are the Trangia Spirit Burners in my opinion. These stoves do it all from being durable and portable to come with a flame regulator and a cap that seals in unburnt fuel. You can boil, fry, long-cook, and save any fuel you didn’t use for later plus it is super lightweight and durable.

TRANGIA Spirit Burner with Screwcap Versatile Easy to Use Alcohol Stove, 0
  • Weight: 0.24 lbs
  • Packed dimensions: 2.85 x 1.75 Inches

The best alcohol stove, if you are on a budget, is the Redcamp Mini Alcohol Stove. It is not only very affordable but also burns hot, comes with a flame regulator for temperature control, a cap to store fuel, and a stand for your pot/pans. The only downside to the affordability is that it is a bit heavier than others and it isn’t so durable but it does have a 1-year warranty.

REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking, Lightweight Brass Spirit Burner with Aluminium Stand for Camping Hiking, Silver
  • Material: Aluminium alloy stove stand and brass stove, the base with wind screen which can keep the stove stable and support pots and pans.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Weighs only 5oz /145g, this mini camping stove comes with velvet bag, lightweight and easy to carry, can be stored in your rucksack when going camping, backpacking or any outdoor activities.