A New Breed of Alcohol Stoves: Tinny works his Voodoo
Being the insatiable inventor he is, Tinny (the guru of alcohol stoves at minibulldesign.com) has taken his craft to the next level. He's graduated from the familiar soda-can contraptions many of us are familiar with to actually machining his own machinations from raw aluminum stock! His latest design, the Voodoo, is the world's first adjustable-flame alcohol stove with a remote fuel source. After selling out it one day, it's fast becoming the iPhone of the alcohol stove world!The Voodoo is truly a work of art and has conquered many of the problems dissidents of alcohol stoves site (lack of flame adjustment, running out of fuel, etc.); however, is it antithetical to the KISS principle that we love about alcohol stoves? When an alcohol stove design becomes this elaborate, is it tantamount to a canister stove? Or, is it a necessary step in the evolution? I'd like to hear what you think.
For more info on the Voodoo Stove, check out Tinny's Blog.
A New Breed of Alcohol Stoves: Tinny works his Voodoo
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
March 27, 2009
Rating:
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
March 27, 2009
Rating:
20 comments
I would have never thought of that layout. That actually probably works best and might keep fire hazards to a minimum.
When glancing at this stove, it looks awesome. I was a little apprehensive at first with the whole silicon tube, but Tinny quickly proved that it wasn't a problem. The only thing that this stove needs is some trail testing. I'd like to read some reviews of people actually using it on a hike and how it preforms before I'd buy it. Other than that, it's a great stove (but the name could use some work).
SL-
The original name was "Sputnik" which I actually like better. You're also right about the trail testing--that's something I'd like to see. Maybe I'll get one and do a review. Looks like a great design but you never know until you put it into practice. I do think Tinny did a good job of keeping the cost down. There must be a lot of work that goes into milling just one stove!
Jason, I don't think this stove is too complex. It's a style of burner that has been used for years in other endeavors.
Model steam trains, for instance have used the system since the 1930's. Here's a muliple burner model
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kNHtSrjd8c&feature=related
If you are going to use bullet casings, make sure they are spent ;-)
I actually think it's simple, clean, light, versatile, and well suited to the task. Tinny has a winner, and I think he'll come up with more variations as he goes along his path.
I guess the only reservation I have is that we haven't seen data yet on whether the stove is more or less efficient than current technology.
All good points Larry. Tinny always finds a way to improve his designs. As for efficiency, it seems like most stove designers (include me among the guilty) give specs based on "kitchen" tests rather than field tests so I am especially curious to see how this one performs in the field. OK, you just convinced me to buy one and do a review! Damn you Larry! ;)
Yeah, well, get in line....
Hey Jason,
How heavy is it?
Mack--I think it's 1.5 oz but I could be wrong. The original info was deleted.
I think it looks great, I guess it's every stove builders dream to be able to use raw stock rather than recycled materials where the designs are restricted to what can be found and/or modified.
Regarding stove performance I'd suggest that there are 2 things to consider, speed and efficiency.
Has anybody used this stove and reviewed it. I am up for the challenge. Let me know how to purchase one and I'll review the heck out of it.
Jeremy Adley posted some results on the MBD blog for the new stove.
Jason
Your tea light stove is the ultimate KISS stove and I am thinking of moving to that stove when I am out by myself... Very simple and easy... I am going to buy a VooDoo asap, love the look of it and all and I am a constant new gear geek... But I do agree about KISS... I do see the voodoo stove going places....
I just got an email from tinny yesterday. The Voodoo weighs 2 oz.
Keith
I purchased a Voodoo #1. It is light and works well on the trail. I like it. 2 cups of 55 degree water in a MBD 2 cup Fosters pot boiled in 10.5 minutes. I used a basic windscreen and the air temps were in the mid 50s. Used about 3/4 oz of fuel. I admit that I have not figured out the best wick height yet but it is really easy to move up and down even in use. This presupposed you have pliers on your knife for doing it simply.
All this said, I also have several of Tinny's other stoves plus the new White Box Solo. I like MBD Elite and the Solo better for their simplicity but my Voodoo will get good use. Difference being you can use the beer can pot with the Voodoo and not with the others.
Rich-
That's excellent feedback about the Voodoo--thanks! I'm with you, I love the Elite too but am impressed with Tinny's ingenuity on the Voodoo. That guy deserves a Nobel Prize in stove design!
Just a quick update on cooking time. I made a mistake on my first post and I am sorry. 12-13 minutes is what I have now gotten on average for boiling 2 cups of water under similar conditions stated. Still very efficient stove and I now confirm mastering the wick height and using it for baking cornbread. Great stuff.
I couldn't leave the testing alone Jason. I guess my first 10 minute boil was not a mistake though I could not repeat till today.
I boiled 2 cups of water in a MSR Titan Kettle using SLX Denatured alcohol in 8:40. Temp of air and water 75 degrees. No Wind but windscreen used. I kept the wick as high as it would go and under the kettle and kept he fuel as high as it would go without spilling over and starting a fire. I did have to babysit the entire time so will not be the norm but some good results for Tinny.
Gorgeous!
Good post Chris and i couldn’t agree more..... esta web
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