Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

  I was thinking about alcohol fuels and wondering what are
the differences between denatured, rubbing, and potable
alcohol fuels.  I found this site (below) to provide an
interesting start.  I have all three but have only used
rubbing and potable alcohol as fuel. I've also used Sterno
but think of it as belonging to a different category.

https://theprovidentprepper.org/best-alcohol-cooking-fuels-for-campers-and-preppers

  My chief concerns are carbon monoxide, soot, and unpleasant odors. 
For a starter, I've read that denaturing substances can include
methyl alcohol.  That does not sound good.  I'd appreciate
other opinions on which is safest, cleanest, and odorless.

Thanks,
Wayne

Rubbing alcohol gives you a ton of soot, don’t even try it... Denatured alcohol burns my eyes in some burners. My personal favorite is Everclear.

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 I use Denatured alcohol and it does stink. I'm going to pick up some Everclear. Where is it found, a liquor store ?

I just use Denatured Alcohol and don't find it to smell any too bad at all, but then only use it well ventilated. I'd use Everclear if it were reasonably priced and I could get it at full strength, but out here on the Left coast, you can only get it up to 151 proof I think, and even that has to be smuggled in from Nevada. Price wise it is vastly more expensive also. I guess that is one advantage to living in the Corn Belt!

Meanwhile, here in Kaliphony, I even have to get my DN smuggled in, so I guess there is some satisfaction in burning that anyway .... ;c)

I should add that the brand DN that I try to get smuggled in for me is specifically formulated as Marine Stove Fuel, as is stated on the label. I used to use a fair amount in some of my backpacking stoves as well, and don't I wish that I still could now!!!

Quote from: Nick on May 03, 2021, 05:32:21 pm

Rubbing alcohol gives you a ton of soot, don’t even try it... Denatured alcohol burns my eyes in some burners. My personal favorite is Everclear.

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 I use Denatured alcohol and it does stink. I'm going to pick up some Everclear. Where is it found, a liquor store ?

Yes, at the liquor store. I use both 151 and 190 proof depending on how much flame the burner puts out.

I use bio ethanol. There is no noticeable odor and the soot emission is very limited.