[Sca-cooks] Camp Stove Advice?

[Elaine Koogler]

We actually have two stoves.  One is a large, two-burner affair...it's not a
Coleman, but a more substantial one that we bought at BJ's.  That's the one we
use for actual camping trips, and for Pennsic.  However, we have also one of
those table-top butane burners that are used in Japanese restaurants for
things like sukiyaki.  It is fairly small, and the top does fold over into the
body of the stove.  And we know it's safe for indoors.  We also take that one
to events where we know we won't be doing any major cooking...like the
upcoming Kingdom Crusades.  We'll probably eat in the restaurant there, so
really only need a way to make coffee or other warm drinks.

Kiri

Tara wrote:

> I disagree.  Stoves that are designed for outdoor use are not as
> leak-proof as things that are approved for indoor use.  If you're
> keeping the flame fairly low, I've found that the flame goes out easily
> and I often don't notice until I smell propane.  If you're keeping the
> flame high, I've found that ie often draws propane through the valve too
> quickly, causing the valve structure and attached hose to freeze.  This
> Is Dangerous.  It could easily crack.  Camp stoves are simply *not*
> designed for safe indoor use.  This does not mean that all propane
> powered items, such as blowtorches, are dangerous.  The "tent heater"
> that went up in flames last year was designed for indoor use, but it was
> used incorrectly.  I'm not a reactionary "Oh my god, don't ever use
> propane in the house" person.  But, there is a reason why some things
> are rated for indoor use and others aren't.
>
> -Magdalena
>
> "Laura C. Minnick" wrote:
> >
> > 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
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