[Sca-cooks] Camp Stove Advice?

[Laura C. Minnick]

Tara wrote:

> Caveat: Since you said you want to use it for coffee in the winter, do
> not use *any* campstove indoors, unless the space is extremely well
> ventilated.  Like, if you put it in front of an open window.

Yeah yeah yeah- we had this conversation last february, after the deaths
at Estrella (which were unrelated to cookstoves and were the result of a
misused tent heater) I wouldn't be surprised if Stefan has a bunch of
the discussion stowed away in teh Florilegium.

IMNSOHO, a Coleman campstove, used properly, is just as safe indoors as
the gas stove that half of us have in our kitchens right now. It is a
matter of scale and rational thought. You have to make sure everything
is hooked up properly, and that you aren't using it in an enclosed space
like a bathroom (though come to think of it, I once saw a plumber use a
propane torch in a bathroom with no ill effects). DON'T USE IT TO HEAT
THE ROOM! You wouldn't turn on your stove to heat the room, would you?
It is meant to heat cooking pots and such. Use it for that and you're
fine.

In many camping trailers, like the little one with two bunks in the back
that my folks had for awhile, tehre is a stove that is a glorified
Coleman stove- less safe, even, because there was an cupboard built in
over it and the work space is seriously cramped. They are used all over.

If you find your power has gone out, go ahead and set up your propane
stove. I would set in up on top of or near the existing stove. Make sure
that when it isn't lit that the gas is completely off- don't let it
seep. Use it only when actively heating your coffee or soup or whatever.
When the lights go on. clean it carefully and put it away.

Don't panic, use your head. You're usually ok.

'Lainie