stove thread

Guest · Jul 18, 2011

I haven't used an oven in a van, nor a microwave (yet), so I can't respond to that. Although my van comes with a three burner range that runs on propane that works wonders in the van. It does however warm up the van so in the summer, it doesn't get as much use.

VanFan · Jul 18, 2011

There are lots of different ways to approach the desire for an oven, so it would help if you can narrow things down a bit.  For instance, what types of things would you like to prepare?  Are you cooking for one, or to share with a group?  What types of fuel would you have available and consider using? Of course, if you'd rather not limit the field starting out, that's fine too, but be prepared to explore lots of possibilities, most of which will only work well for some things some of the time.  For us, the hardest thing is choosing which options/equipment to have on board at any given time. Vickie

MargaretA · Jul 18, 2011

VanFan said:
There are lots of different ways to approach the desire for an oven, so it would help if you can narrow things down a bit.  For instance, what types of things would you like to prepare?  Are you cooking for one, or to share with a group?  What types of fuel would you have available and consider using?

Well, I *can* say I'll be cooking for one, but about the other questions - I don't even know what kinds of fuel are available. I thought the only options were electricity and propane. Right now, because I live in an apartment, I have an unlimited supply of electricity, which means I can use my microwave and toaster oven - and breadmaker - as much as I want. But it's starting to sound like I'll have to find other ways to prepare meals if I want to live in an RV or van - which is a pretty scary proposition for a non-cook like me. Meg

Bear · Jul 18, 2011

Hi Meg, like you I used to think a toaster oven would be a good solution but the folks here explained that the electrical pull wouldn't match my situation. a friend bought me this so I use it because it is both an oven and stove, and I hope to adapt it to larger fuel tanks than the little green ones when I need to: <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/im..._image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen" target=_blank target=_blank>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/im..._image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen</A> that said, if I was just starting out without a generous friend I would seriously consider solar ovens and dutch ovens as less expensive/more eco friendly solutions - there are links for these on the website - each has drawbacks (time) but that's what I'd suggest looking into

dragonflyinthesky · Jul 18, 2011

Wow Bear, thats incredible, Ive never seen anything like it.  If I was going to cook a lot outside I would get an adapter to hook it to the large propane tank.  I would have loved it years ago cooking for 2 kids and 2 adults.  Stovetop cooking leaves a bit to be desired if you have to do it all the time.

johnny_canuck · Jul 18, 2011

I use a Trangia Swiss Army stove. Holds 3 ounces of methyl hydrate. Burn time is 20 minutes. Heats 16 ounces of water to a rolling boil in 9 minutes. Four scrambles eggs and bacon too. These cost about $12. each. The fuel is cheap and available in any hardware stove. Methyl hydrate is shellac thinner. Burns clean. No soot.   Buy a folding stove at walmart. $8.

MargaretA · Jul 19, 2011

Bear, that looks just like a regular stove and oven, removed from a cabinet. It looks really big, though - too big for me I think, even if I could afford it (there's no price or other information on that page, just pictures). Does it run on propane? And do you have to use it outside? Actually, never mind; it wouldn't fit very well in a van anyway. Johnny, I'd never heard of methyl hydrate but when you said "shellac thinner" I started to get nervous; I usually stay away from that kind of stuff because of the fumes and toxicity. I did a bit of research and according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcsscreston.ca/MSDS/MSDS1/RECOCHEM/METHYL HYDRATE.pdf">this page</a>, it's considered "highly toxic" both in the US and Canada ("DANGER! POISON. FLAMMABLE. VAPOUR MAY CAUSE NEAR INVISIBLE FLASH FIRE. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. DO NOT ingest. Avoid breathing vapour or mist. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling") . This is not something I'd want anywhere near me, let alone food I'm cooking. Dragonfly, I'm with you; I really don't know what to do with a stove. That's why I asked about ovens. I guess I'll look into Dutch ovens (which I don't really know anything about) and solar (which I know just a little about). They might work as long as I can get used to how long they take to cook things. That would be a real challenge for someone used to using a microwave all the time <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Thank you all for your suggestions. Meg

johnny_canuck · Jul 19, 2011

Sometimes referred to as methyl alcohol. Sure don't wash your hands with it. Sure don't use it as an inhaler. No fumes when burned. It is not oil based like kerosene. Used in school labs. Here in Canada it is now made from natural gas. Check out Youtube videos where people have made their own backpacking stoves and use MH. It is also used in fondue burners. Oh yes you can use a fondue burner (the one with the screen and fiberglass insert to make a stove). Good burn time. I won't use propane in an enclosed vehicle.   If methyl hydrate is not your cup of tea use 90% rubbing alcohol. Not 70%. To much water in it.   Check out my thread Simple Survival Expedition for a few ides on small light weight stoves.

johnny_canuck · Jul 19, 2011

Just found this:   "OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians about the potential danger of poisoning from the ingestion of methyl hydrate, a liquid used in gas-line antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Methyl hydrate is also used as fuel for fondue sets."   So don't drink it <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/bawl.gif">.   Buy fondue fuel. It's the same stuff. Looks like it's OK to heat your fondue with.WARNING: Prolonged exposure to life may cause death. <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif">

Guest · Jul 19, 2011

Hi all, I find that using alcohol as a fuel is fine if you are super careful....the flame is hard to see or invisible so if you have spilled some inadvertently and it catches fire, you can have a real dilemma...you may not know it until it either burns you or something else flammable. It has been used for ever in boats but so has diesel fuel. The only reason is that propane is heavier than air and if there is a leak it will settle in the bilge. I am puzzled why folks are afraid of using propane in a rv or van since it has been used as a fuel in rvs since it was invented. It is perfectly safe if used properly. Especially so if used in the small disposable containers with a proper stove.... I have owned RVs that had an oven and I used them so seldom that they were not worth the space they take up. I would remove the stove, use the space for storage and install a two burner propane stove top if I had another RV. There are many ways to use a stovetop oven if you really need to use an oven.... A solar oven is just a fun novelty unless you live in the desert where you can use it often. I don't know about others, but i find that during and after every spell spent in my van, I jettison more stuff... trinkets, single use items and novelty items have no place in my van....esp. so if I were fulltiming. My idea is to simplify, simplify, simplify....but that is just me. Saying that will make some people uncomfortable so will say again..my opinion for me only. I am currently gearing up for some extended travel and time with my motorcycle/sidecar rig. I am paring down from what I usually carry...anything not used last time gets left out, except for tools and spare parts I know are hard to find and may shut me down if one goes bad. The trip will be in Mexico where there are few old Honda Goldwings around. That said, I will come home and cross a bunch of things off the list and add one or two...it always happens like that... As my wife says regarding world travel...all you really need is a credit card and Passport. Anything else is crap you have to pack around with you. Safe travels.... Bri

Guest · Jul 19, 2011

Here's a better link to that stove/oven <A href="http://www.campchef.com/outdoor-camp-oven-2-burner-range-and-stove.html" target=_blank>http://www.campchef.com/outdoor-camp-oven-2-burner-range-and-stove.html</A>

johnny_canuck · Jul 19, 2011

Or this:   The 1600 Single Burner CookMate Portable Stove uses the Safe-FlameÃ¢Â„Â¢ Non-Pressurized Canister System with a large capacity of 1 1/4 quarts of Alcohol. This needs No hose, No pumping, No preheating. Environmentally Friendly Fuel using grain based alcohol. 6800 BTU of heating - can boil 1 quart of water in 8 minutes. Stainless Steel long lasting construction - Dimensions 5 3/8" H x 9 5/16" W x 10 5/16" D. Weight 7 lbs 5 oz.   <DIV>Alcohol heater, Portable heater</DIV><DIV>  <DIV style="tab-interval: .9618in" class=O v:shape="_x0000_s1026"><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">This portable heater provides a safe, pressure free source of heat that  doubles as both a stove and heater. ItÃ¢Â€Â™s small light efficient heater but  with lid removed can be used as a stove. Perfect as a backup in a boat, recreational vehicle or home. This portable heater is an excellent addition to any household emergency provisions. </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1"></DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1"> This portable heater features the non-pressurized fuel canister system, which absorbs and holds approximately 1.2 liters of alcohol fuel.  The unique design prevents fuel from leaking out, even if it's turned completely upside down. Ultra-reliable and environmentally friendly, this  non-pressurized canister system, eliminates the pumping, priming, hoses and valves of pressurized systems.  </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1; mso-line-spacing: '100 50 0'"></DIV></DIV></DIV><DIV>  <DIV style="tab-interval: .9618in; tab-stops: .5208in" class=O v:shape="_x0000_s1026"><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Features & Conveniences: </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢ Doubles as stove Ã¢Â€Â“ just remove the lid </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢Carrying strap Ã¢Â€Â“ for easy transport </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢ Ã¢Â€Â¢Non Pressurized Canister System -  NO Hoses, NO pumping, NO pre-heating </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Environmentally Friendly Fuel Ã¢Â€Â“ We recommend grain based alcohol </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1"> Large Capacity  Fuel Canister Ã¢Â€Â“ 1.2 liters (1 Ã‚Â¼ Quart) of Alcohol </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢5200 BTU of heat Ã¢Â€Â“ Boils 1 quart of water in 9 minutes </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢Aluminum Construction Ã¢Â€Â“ Long lasting with continual use </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Dimensions Ã¢Â€Â“ 11 3/4Ã¢Â€Â H x 11 1/2Ã¢Â€Â W </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1">Ã¢Â€Â¢Weight Ã¢Â€Â“ 5 lbs. 3 ozs. </DIV><DIV style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1; mso-line-spacing: '100 50 0'"></DIV></DIV></DIV>

VanFan · Jul 19, 2011

MargaretA said:
Well, I *can* say I'll be cooking for one, but about the other questions - I don't even know what kinds of fuel are available. I thought the only options were electricity and propane. Right now, because I live in an apartment, I have an unlimited supply of electricity, which means I can use my microwave and toaster oven - and breadmaker - as much as I want. But it's starting to sound like I'll have to find other ways to prepare meals if I want to live in an RV or van - which is a pretty scary proposition for a non-cook like me. Meg

Non-cooking just may be the way to go.  If you will have access to stores where you can get small quantities of fresh foods, you can reduce the need to store perishables and cook.  The Tuckerbag blog has some great ideas! I was thinking mainly of electricity and propane as fuel, but wood, charcoal and the sun are possibilities, too.  I also like denatured alcohol, but as Brian said, you must be very careful with it.  Sterno is a pricier, smellier option, but it does work for warming things up.  I have never used a flame in the van, BTW, but some people do.  I often use both an alcohol and a butane stove outside. But you said oven, right?  It really depends on what you want to fix.  If it's frozen pizza or the like, I don't have a clue other than a toaster oven which does require an electrical hook up. If you'll be driving a good part of the day, some things might come out pretty well in a 12 volt lunch box oven (Roadpro makes one available at truck stops), but you will need to keep the engine running or your battery will run down pretty quickly.  Others here have actually used one.  I haven't.  I have baked potatoes wrapped in foil in a small crock pot while driving, but don't usually keep it on board. Personally, I find dutch oven cooking to be difficult in small portions.  I do have a 2 qt. DO with feet that I bake in occasionally, though.  If you're fooling with charcoal, you can bake some things in tuna cans, foil, etc. or use a "personal" dutch oven made from metal pie and/or cake pans.  These work pretty well for biscuits and the like.  You can also "bake" on top of a simple stove in one of these, or simply using a pan and lid.  (My favorites are biscuits and personal pizzas.) For warming things up, a lady on another list shared this simple, effective method with me and it works very well:  Place food (leftover or whatever) in a small, open canning jar.  Place the jar in a pan either on a metal trivet or on top of the ring from the jar lid.  Add an inch or so of water to the pan; cover and heat, stirring occasionally until warm.  Save the water for cleanup, which will be minimal. Vickie

VanFan · Jul 19, 2011

Bear said:
a friend bought me this so I use it because it is both an oven and stove, and I hope to adapt it to larger fuel tanks than the little green ones when I need to: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/im..._image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/im..._image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen</a>

That is a sweet unit.  You just almost caught me running out to Moby and measuring the back door area.  Thank goodness I'm broke, 'cause I really can't spare the room.  (Although...  Let's see.  No need for a stove box; cookware goes in the oven.  Hmm...  Must... resist...  LOL!) Vickie

polecat77 · Jul 24, 2011

I have 4 ways of cooking 1.) coffee can which uses twigs or a roll of TP soaked in 70% Acl  use a board to snuff out cost: $1 per week. 2.) small grill that uses charcoal cost: $15 to buy after that $4 per month for charcoal Can be snuffed out too. 3.) single burner propane hooked to a 5lb tank Cost: $30 to buy $10 to fill about once a month. Can be used for heater in the winter 4.) If your driving wrap stuff in foil and place on manifold. Old truckers trick. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> I don't have 1 yet but they make a 12v lunch box oven. That can be bought at truckstops, just remember you need to use oven bags. Or the steam will shorten the life of them. Had 1 when I drove truck.

polecat77 · Jul 24, 2011

As for MH fuel the best to use is gas line anti freeze  it's 100% MH

gipsyweaver · Aug 5, 2011

I plan on a 2 burner propane stove as my primary means of cooking, I've used one a lot while camping, and I already use a French press for my coffee. Has anyone else used a thermos bottle for cooking? It's a fuel-saving way to have some longer cooking foods like rice. You need a really good insulated bottle of some sort, with a liner that can be easily removed for washing. Bring water to a boil. Measure the oats or rice or whatever into the bottle along with salt if you use that while cooking. Very carefully, pour in boiling water, and seal quickly to retain the heat for cooking. To do this, obviously you'll need to figure the right proportions of grain and water in advance so you just have to pour the water, unless you like the risk of trying to measure boiling water. Don't fill all the way, most foods expand a little. Once you're sure it's sealed tightly, swirl it to mix the contents. Mix oats up at night so it's ready in the morning, or if you're making rice for supper, mix it up at breakfast time so it's ready then. This saves a lot of money on fuel, especially if you make enough for a couple of meals at a time, and you can heat up water for cooking and coffee at the same time. You'll probably have to experiment a little to work things out exactly, though.

myvangoghs · Aug 6, 2011

I have a creme brulee blow torch, is there any reason I couldn't use that in my van for melting cheese and toasting things?  I'm not going to make cupcakes with it though.  LOL!

dragonflyinthesky · Aug 6, 2011

myvangoghs said:
I have a creme brulee blow torch, is there any reason I couldn't use that in my van for melting cheese and toasting things?  I'm not going to make cupcakes with it though.  LOL!

Ummmm, I love creme brulee.

sl1966 · Aug 9, 2011

myvangoghs said:
I have a creme brulee blow torch, is there any reason I couldn't use that in my van for melting cheese and toasting things?  I'm not going to make cupcakes with it though.  LOL!

<div> </div><div>Still, my money is on the torch making that cupcake over an easy bake oven any day!</div><div> </div>

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