Stoves... which fuel do you prefer?

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Everything about the Wallas is great except it's price. The single burner is over $800. The only way I could see buying one is burying the cost in a whole new boat were it doesn't look so bad.

There is a competing stove/heater, the Toyo brand, but I am still struggling to find a place in the US that sells them.

[Tom Spohn]

Duane,
The Toyo site you referenced shows distributors in Alaska and California.

I was lucky with the Wallas in that the original owners shelled out for the stove.

[Schock Therapy]

My boat came with an old Kenyon pressurized oven/stove, but it wasn't installed. I decided to put it in and try it out since my plans for a propane system were put on hold. I cleaned it all out and tested it out...Holy crap did that beast ever flare up! I was afraid it was going to burn my headliner! Researched it more while looking for parts, and came across a guy who used to service them. He figures they are a major cause of boat fires. The wife is freaked, and so, the old beast is getting yanked again!

I'm glad to hear you guys like the Origo. I just found one at the local marine "junk" shop: a 4100 2 burner in excellent condition for $100cdn! Looks like it was used very little. The canisters have a couple of burned patches on the wool packing, but i don't think that is a big deal is it? I am going down to my boat tomorrow to see if it will fit, (it's the built in type) and if it does I'm gonna grab it! A new one goes for almost $500cdn!

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

The burned patches on the packing are normal. Sounds like you got a good deal. They are about as low tech as you can get. As long as the sliding covers seat tightly on the canisters and the springs under the canisters are still good it should work fine. That's all the moving parts.

[Schock Therapy]

AAAAAARGH!

I went back to pick it up today, and someone else had bought it 1 hour before I got there! And it went for $77! Ya snooze ya loose I guess!

You say there are supposed to be springs under the canisters? I don't recall seeing any. I actually wondered what kept the canisters from sliding around, because they were just loose inside. Perhaps it was cheap because it was missing parts. Thats what I'm gonna keep telling myself anyway!

Oh well, my old Kenyon oven is now in the same store for sale. Hopefully I'll get some cash towards a new one!

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

The canisters are located by some L angle sheet metal welded to the base. They have to stay perfectly centered under the burner openings. Under each is a spring of sorts, not a curly one, but a flat type that keeps the canister pressed up against the sliding flappers in the lid that are moved by the temp adjusters. In the off position these flappers completly seal the top of the canister. If you store the stove for a long time you should lift the top and put a rubber seal over the top of each canister then close it back up to eliminate any fuel evaporating.

[Captain Steve]

Ebay always has several, try http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... gory=26451

[Isabelle]

Our newly purchased 1988 26D came with a 2 burner Iwatani. I didn't know where to buy the fuel but happened to be shopping at Smart & Final last week and found it. They sell 4 in a package for around $8. Wasn't sure the stove even worked but took a chance and bought a package. Works and has auto-ignition so I don't have to fumble with a match or butane lighter. Tried it out this week-end on our sea trial and it works great.

[Randy Smith]

I use the Propane BBQ stove outside.....90% of cooking done outside of the boat....regardless of season...

Inside for coffee or a warmer to take the chill off, I use a little butane stove....clay pot for a heater.......

Here is why the butane stove.....I have discovered after 9 years of owning the boat, I do not need a dedicated stove in a Mac. I like to use it, clean it and put it away. Then I have all of my counter space. I used to have a dedicated propane stove, it was great, but it was always in my way.

I know about the heavier than air argument, but anything that burns is dangerous. I can't see alcohol burning(if it spilled), that bothers me....Regarding the propane and the butane....the canisters are pretty safe and I only have one in the cabin at a time.....When on board I am always vented and the air is moving.....the butane cannisters can't be bought just anywhere, but I buy enough and properly ration for what I am doing...again, it is the auxillary so I have not ran out yet.

[DLT]

Here's an idea:

What do those that know think about Sterno, and the like?

Its basically denatured alcohol, like the Origo, only smaller, cheaper, and more flexible.

Now, I'm not suggesting that this would suit anyone who does any real cooking.

But, for those of us who don't (and/or have a rail mounted BBQ) it seems like a decent compromise for those few times when you want to heat up a cup of coffee, or a clay pot for a radiant heater, in the cabin...

[Jeff Ritsema]

I'm with Tom. At this writing my Wallas stove is being installed. The duel uses of the stove and the burner were appealing to me, solving two issues since we spend some chilly times on the Great Lakes, spring and fall. I like the idea that it is outside vented and has a simple, universally available fuel. I spent about $1000, not 1500 for my single burner unit. I've had the origo stove and wasn't fully happy with the burner flame and heat, together with the priming of the stove is a bit of a hassle. The Wallas seems a better long term, though, admittedly more expensive alternative. I guess I'll find out soon how well I like it. mmmmm.
FWIW, Jeff.

[ESPERANZA]

I've got the little single burner Origo stove but have never used it. How much burn time do you get from a quart of fuel? Does it evaporate from the container if left unused for a week or two?
Dik...

[Chip Hindes]

Never measured the actual consumption, but a quart would have to last 4-5 hours burning time, anyway. I buy it by the gallon from Home Depot 'cause it's way cheaper that way, but we don't use it that much and a gallon lasts several seasons.

The stove came with a round rubber seal that you keep on the top of the burner pot when you're not using it, to prevent evaporation. If you remember to use it, a fill will last at least several weeks but will eventually evaporate. If you forget and leave it off, it will evaporate in a few days.

[Jeff S]

I use a single burner portable butane stove. I keep the stove in its case in storage on the boat. The fuel cans are small and fit in the fuel locker. I use it to cook outside because of the butane, but that doesn't bother me- I either use it above the companionway or on the seat. I also have a barbeque that is stored below, but I bring it up and mount in on a stanchion, the propane is kept in the fuel locker as well. When cooking a lot I have used both. The SeaBque is decent size and it has legs to be used ashore as well, which I have done a few times.

Jeff S

[Moe]

Good estimate, Chip. The Origo website says 4.5 hours at maximum heat.

Dik, you don't have to fill the canister for the stove to work. 8 ounces, or 1/4 quart, should be good for at least an hour's use at maximum heat. Using only what's required will reduce loss to evaporation.

The one thing you don't want to do with one of these is overfill. That greatly increases the probability of a fire.

--
Moe

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