The absolute most basic way to heat food and boil water safely in a small indoor space. In other words, a perfect thing to have in your apartment. These are chafing-style cans from the classic Sterno brand. Each burns for more than 2 hours, and can be put out and reused until all fuel is gone. Burns cleanly and does not emit carbon monoxide or hazardous fumes. Also a good backup to other fuel and cooking solutions.
Sterno 20504 7-Ounce Entertainment Cooking Fuel, 6-Pack
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THE ESSENTIALS
Importance: Important, especially as a backup boiling and food-heating solution. Good for apartments and small spaces.
Bottom line: The absolute most basic way to heat food and boil water safely in a small indoor space. In other words, a perfect thing to have in your apartment. These are chafing-style cans from the classic Sterno brand. Each burns for more than 2 hours, and can be put out and reused until all fuel is gone. Burns cleanly and does not emit carbon monoxide or hazardous fumes.
Recommended for: Shelters, vehicle, go-bag.
No. of units recommended: At least 12 cans in your shelter.
You’ll also need: A lighter or matches.
Be aware: The cans themselves DO get hot, and you can't always see the flame itself.
FIELD NOTES
We've used these in our own kitchen, simply placing them on the stove burner and placing pots over them. To snuff out the flame, simply cover it with a plate or similar. You can relight them until all the fuel is burned out.