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The Origo alcohol stove used to be one of the more popular stoves used in sailboats and on camping trips. Its lightweight frame and ability to run on most fuel types made it popular among camping and sailing enthusiasts. However, if you’re looking for a new stove for your sailboat or want to replace an old Origo stove, you’ll need to look for an alternative since Origo alcohol stoves have been discontinued.
Here are the best alternatives to Origo alcohol stoves:
- Propane stoves
- Trangia alcohol stove
- Portable butane stoves
- Propane/butane dual burner
- Kenyon alcohol stove
- Kerosene stoves
- Electric stoves
- Induction cooking stoves
This article will look at these alternatives in detail and discuss the pros and cons of each. It will also answer common questions related to alcohol stoves and how to select the best alternative to an alcohol stove.
Here is my complete Must-have catamaran sailing gear list!
1. Propane Stoves
Propane stoves are a popular alternative to alcohol stoves and are perfect for sailboats. Propane is also heavier than alcohol and burns with a hotter flame, making it a better option for cooking on boats or camping trips. If you’re tired of waiting forever for the food to cook on alcohol stoves, then consider replacing it with a propane stove.
I really like the solution of using gas in a sealed container so I don’t have to pour alcohol into the burner and risk spilling.
However, you’ll need to take certain precautions when using propane stoves. Propane is a heavier gas and may be dangerous if not used with the proper safety features. Apart from the risk of exploding (if the canister itself gets too hot), you’ll also have to take care not to leave the stove on when sleeping to avoid gas leakage problems (I usually get a gas alarm installed).
With the correct safety installations on your propane stoves, you can often resolve these issues. Installing a remote solenoid shutoff system will give you more control over the stove, resulting in a safer cooking atmosphere. Most propane stoves will come with this switch installed, but you can always install it afterward as well.
However, even though propane burns well, it still carries more risk than other alternatives and has long been out of popularity.
2. Trangia Alcohol Stove
If you prefer to stick with an alcohol stove but can’t get your hands on an Origo stove, the Trangia alcohol stove is a suitable alternative. The latest models have more features than the outdated Origo stove. While it’s more of a hiking stove, you can use it on sailboats, road trips, or camping as well.
Alcohol stoves can get messy sometimes since you need to refill the burner with liquid fuel.
The Trangia alcohol stove is made from solid brass and weighs around 110 grams (3.88 oz), making it more robust than most Origo stoves. It’s also noiseless, making it perfect for boats and camping trips. What’s really nice about these stoves is that they have a longer burn time than other alcohol stoves. They also allow you to store alcohol fuel inside the burner.
However, they’re still alcohol stoves and burn slower than many gas or electric stoves. They also have less fuel efficiency than most Origo stoves, and the flame goes out quite easily. Despite this, many people still like these stoves because of their ability to burn on various fuel types, including alcohol, spirits, methanol, and ethanol.
I have used many of Trangias gear, and I think they are good quality and usually worth their price.
3. Portable Butane Stoves
Portable butane stoves have since replaced most propane stoves as a safer alternative. Butane is also easier to transport and less hazardous to use than propane, making it ideal for camping, boat trips, and road trips.
If you’re looking for an immediate alternative to your Origo alcohol stove, this portable butane stove is a great choice.
Butane stoves also burn faster and hotter than alcohols and spirits, making them a more popular option for cooking during camping. The best butane stoves come with safety features, such as an automatic gas valve that shuts off when the gas pressure is too low or high.
If you’re worried about the safety of propane stoves, a butane stove is a great alternative.
However, butane gas is also more expensive than propane and can be potentially hazardous. You’ll still have to transport the gas carefully, make sure the safety controls are set and check the stove frequently to check whether the flame is still burning or not. Nevertheless, it’s still a suitable alternative to older propane stoves.
4. Propane/Butane Dual Burner
Since propane burns longer than butane and is more affordable, many people still prefer it as a suitable alternative fuel. However, propane stoves don’t have the same safety features as butane stoves. The propane/butane dual burner solves this quite nicely and is an excellent alternative to old-fashioned Origo stoves.
The stove settings are designed to support both propane and butane without causing pressure or leakage issues. It also comes with the safety features of the latest butane burners. So, if you prefer using propane for cooking but want more safety assurance, this burner is ideal.
5. Kenyon Alcohol Stove
While Origo alcohol stoves have since been removed from the market, you can still find other alcohol burners, such as the Kenyon alcohol stove. This stove is one of the best alcohol stoves still in production and makes cooking a breeze. Since it runs on alcohol and most spirits, it’s suitable for longer hiking or camping trips.
It’s also a lot safer than many older Origi stoves, making it a better option to use on sailboats and indoor scenarios. The alcohol burns more slowly than many fuel types and is easy to store and carry.
If you’re planning to stick to an alcohol burner, the Kenyon burner should be your first choice.
However, remember that it contains the same downsides as other alcohol stoves. The fuel doesn’t have the same heat as gas stoves, and burning spirits require more ventilation. So, unless you have experience using alcohol burners, this may not be the right alternative for you.
6. Kerosene Stoves
It’s no secret that many older boats still use kerosene stoves. These stoves are one of the oldest burners but have never gone out of popularity. Whether you’re looking for a burner that runs on cheap fuel or you need a lightweight stove for your next camping trip, a kerosene stove is one alternative to consider.
Pressurized kerosene stoves are also more reliable and don’t pose the same health risks as non-pressurized ones.
These stoves also produce a decent amount of heat and can be used for quick cooking. Kerosene fuel is also much cheaper than gas and easier to store.
However, there’s a reason why kerosene stoves are no longer popular. These stoves often don’t have the same safety features as the latest gas stoves and are more toxic. There’s also the risk of them exploding, especially if you have an older wick stove.
7. “Old School” Electric Stoves
If you’re willing to invest more in your cooking setup, you can get a suitable electric stove. Some electric stoves run on batteries and can be used in camping or hiking expeditions. Suppose you’re looking to replace the Origo alcohol stove in your boat. In that case, you can create a proper electric stove setup instead.
Electric stoves are safer and more efficient than gas or alcohol stoves.
They are also a suitable alternative in the long run. Electric stoves also apply consistent heat, and there’s less chance of burning the food with these stoves.
However, you’ll need electricity to run them- something not always available during travel. Electric stoves are also more expensive and heavier (at least 20+ pounds) than gas alternatives, which is why they are rarely used in camping or hiking.
8. Induction Cooking Stoves
Lastly, let’s look at induction cooking stoves.
These stoves represent the latest cooking technology, are the easiest to use, and are also more energy-efficient.
They are a type of electric stove that uses an electromagnetic field to heat plates. You can then use this heat for cooking food.
What makes these stoves truly unique is their energy efficiency. Induction cooking technology is rated as the greenest way to cook. It also carries fewer safety hazards than any other alternative. Unlike traditional electric stoves, you can easily find a portable induction cooking stove for campings, road trips, or boat trips.
Portable induction cooktops can run on batteries and have smart settings that allow you to cook a range of foods. Whether you need to boil water or cook a stew, these stoves have enough power to get the job done.
Best of all, they are much faster than other stoves, including gas stoves!
The only downside is that they are more expensive than any other alternative on this list. You’ll also need to get special pots for induction cooking since regular pots won’t heat up in the same way. If you’re willing to spend extra on a modern alternative to the outdated Origo stove, an induction stove is the ultimate option.
Here are three portable induction stoves (available on Amazon.com):
- NuWave PIC Gold Portable Induction Cooktop: This stove has precise temperature control, advanced induction technology, and many safety cooking features.
- Amazon Basics 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Burner: With overheat protection and other safety features, this is one of the more affordable and safe induction stoves.
- Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop: This is the ideal portable stove with the latest temperature control systems and a fast heating function. This stove is also more efficient than many other electric stoves and can run longer on batteries.
The “new” inductive ones are great; I use them every day. You’ll need some decent batteries, at least 200ah of Lifepo4, and some nice solar panels to charge them. The stove is cheap and very lightweight. But they will draw at least 1000w, so it’s no joke on your battery consumption.
What Happened to the Origo Alcohol Stove?
The Origo alcohol stove was discontinued due to safety concerns and the lack of demand for alcohol stoves. Many older boats still have these durable stoves, but most of them are a few decades old. It’s now impossible to get a new Origo alcohol stove.
However, you may find a second-hand Origo stove on eBay or Amazon and some vintage cookware sites. If your stove has broken down, you can also find parts to repair it. However, it’s much better to either get a newer alcohol stove or invest in a gas burner or portable electric stove instead.
How Does an Alcohol Stove Work?
An alcohol stove works using a simple burner design where the alcohol is poured into a central burner. The alcohol is then lit, and the flames are moved in a certain direction. The alcohol itself doesn’t burn in an alcohol stove. Rather, it’s the fumes that burn.
Alcohol stoves are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Since they run on most types of alcohol, they are suitable for camping and hiking. Some pressurized alcohol stoves combine alcohol and air for a stronger flame since regular alcohol stoves can be inefficient for cooking.
Are Alcohol Stoves Any Good?
Alcohol stoves are good for hiking, camping, or boat trips. They’re lightweight, and the alcohol fuel is safe and easy to carry. These stoves can be messier than gas since you will have to pour liquid fuels from the canister into the burner.
Also, it’s helpful to consider that alcohol and spirits are more widely available than gas or electricity when camping. Many of the top alcohol stoves can run on alcohol, a range of spirits, and even rubbing alcohol! So, even if you’re looking for a backup camping stove, an alcohol stove may be your best choice.
While it’s true that they produce less heat than many gas stoves, they are perfect for heating water and even cooking some meals. You can use pressurized alcohol stoves for cooking meals since they burn with more energy than regular alcohol stoves.
If you’re going camping or need a lightweight stove for your boat, an alcohol burner is a great option to have.
Which Alcohol Stove Is Best?
The Trangia alcohol stove is best for camping, hiking, boat trips, and other outdoor adventures. It’s made from solid brass, burns with a noiseless flame and allows you to store alcohol inside the burner.
The Trangia alcohol stove is also lightweight and has the capacity to burn most alcohol and spirits. Unlike other alcohol stoves, it’s still in production and can easily be found on the market. If you’re looking to stick with alcohol stoves, this is a great option.
Are Alcohol Stoves Safe To Use Indoors?
Alcohol stoves are safe to use indoors as long as you follow the correct safety procedures. Always make sure that there’s enough ventilation, even when indoors. Also, place the alcohol stove on a flat surface and be gentle when it’s burning.
In addition, be careful not to spill alcohol or spirit when using this stove. Spirits are highly flammable and may cause severe burns if not handled carefully. However, alcohol stoves are still safer than propane or Butane stoves for indoor use.
Since alcohol doesn’t freeze at 30F, beware in cold temperatures since you can easily get alcohol on your hands and attain frostbite.
Will an Alcohol Stove Boil Water?
Alcohol stoves will boil water, although it may take a while. Alcohol burns much slower than gas and usually cannot be used to cook effectively (smaller burner size). However, they’re perfect for boiling water and can come in handy in warming food as well.
Final Thoughts
While Origo alcohol stoves have been discontinued, there is a range of alternatives to choose from. Whether you prefer a high-burning propane stove, a safer gas butane burner, or an electric alternative, there’s no shortage of choices for you when choosing the best camping stove.
If you want to stick with alcohol stoves, you can always get a modern pressurized alcohol stove from a different brand since new Origo stoves are no longer available. However, always follow the correct safety recommendations to avoid health and safety hazards when using these stoves.
