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Prepping Tools and Gear Discussions (incl. reviews) => Cooking and Hydration => Topic started by: TACAIR on June 25, 2021, 12:01:46 PM

Title: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: TACAIR on June 25, 2021, 12:01:46 PM
People might turn their nose up at anything marked as "Sterno'.

This is a shame, as this little cooker, with a minor modification is quite the piece of (car) kit.

First, the video that caught my attention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RutNj_DUm5k

Mr. Cook has a massive number of alcohol related cook system tests, it makes for a fun channel to binge watch on a rainy day...  Boiling water in just a tad over 4 minutes is Jetnoil territory and a fraction of the cost. 

My own testing mirrors Mr. Cook's results.  So for summer, it keep the SI, Trangia burner and a bottle of HEET (yellow bottle) in a bag, in the back of Das Auto.  Just the thing for a fast brew when traffic is stalled and there is no real place to turn around///

Like this
(https://www.adn.com/resizer/uImgDRbwZYWn7HM9M2umByf_uLg=/1200x0/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/adn/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/24064859/IMG_7084.jpg)

after a bad accident, the traffic can be tied up for one to several hours.  Always my plan to pull off to the side and have a cuppa and a biscuit.  Helps pass the time...

In winter, the Svea 123 is sitting in the back.  Fuel sits in a small MSR bottle.




Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Blast on June 26, 2021, 09:45:38 AM
Whoa, I've never seen the Sterno Inferno! *gets glares from pile of other camp cookware*
-Blast
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: sheddi on June 27, 2021, 11:39:58 AM
I agree with Blast, I've never seen one of those before, thank you!

I see they're $32 on amazon.com which seems a pretty good price. Unfortunately they're £46 (about $64) on amazon.co.uk which is well into Jetboil-clone territory. (I've got a Fire Maple FMS-X1, I'll put a post on here about it eventually.)

Sorry for getting off the topic of the Sterno Inferno! Maybe we need a thread for Jetboils and copies?
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Nyte on June 27, 2021, 05:27:21 PM
Quote from: sheddi on June 27, 2021, 04:32:33 PM

Also, sorry for getting off the topic of the Sterno Inferno! Maybe we need a thread for Jetboils and copies?

Sounds like a great idea.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: boskone on June 27, 2021, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: Nyte on June 27, 2021, 05:27:21 PM
Quote from: sheddi on June 27, 2021, 04:32:33 PM

Also, sorry for getting off the topic of the Sterno Inferno! Maybe we need a thread for Jetboils and copies?

Sounds like a great idea.
Done. (https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=227.msg2155#msg2155)
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 05, 2021, 12:00:19 AM
  :tickedoff: They are out of stock right now, which I learned trying to purchase one a couple of days ago at their site or through Amazon.

Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 18, 2021, 02:33:49 PM
Quote from: sheddi on June 27, 2021, 11:39:58 AM

I see they're $32 on amazon.com which seems a pretty good price. Unfortunately they're £46 (about $64) on amazon.co.uk

Think I finally snagged one. Should arrive tomorrow. Will believe it when I see it though because it's been an illusive little purchase.
Sterno Inferno site: $29.99 Out of stock
Amazon here: $32.94 Out of stock
ebay: $80something Not interested

Kept cruising for sight of one since this thread dropped June 25th. Friday I went through the rounds again and found just 1 in stock Amazon. $39.94.  Ordered without confidence of getting it.

Kept watching tracking. No movement until an hour ago. Now 'says' it's shipped and I get it tomorrow.

Here's the interesting thing though, also as of an hour ago, Amazon is listing the Inferno as if it has a good supply of them, and they're now $46.94.

Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 20, 2021, 12:16:40 AM
It arrived today.  :smiley_clap:

It didn't come with sterno. The instructions said (just like this->) ONLY (<-) use with 7oz can of sterno. The box it came in says "Use sterno 7 ounce cooking fuel for best results". I called my walking distance Ace Hardware to see if they had 7 ounce cans. Nope.

I have 5.99 ounce can so googled if that size was okay or just a recommendation. No joy finding anything definitive. I did find one non-youtube reviewer who used the 5.99 size.

Cleaned the pot, filled it with water to the 8oz mark, covered it with foil instead of the plastic lid, dropped in my 5.99 oz sterno, and lit the fire. Water boiled at 7.57 mins.

Poured water out, cooled the pot, filled to 16oz mark, foil covering, and started again. Water boiled at 14.12 mins.

Can I presume that in the cold it would take longer?

Then poured out 8oz of the boiling water and put it back on to boil. It's a given it will cook ramen so instead I added half a cup of shell pasta. Cooked just fine, so I added defrosted scrambled eggs. (I keep a stock of them frozen) Then I added some canned green beans and dehydrated onions.

Then various spices.

When everything was have-to-blow-on-to-eat hot I snuffed the sterno, removed the pot, (handle stays cool) added olive oil... and fell in love with this little cooker.

Then I made rice. I boil rice anyway and pour off excess water when done. (normally 10-12 minutes) So I gave that a try using 1/3 cup rice in 12 ozs of water. 21.25 mins for a big helping of rice. (if I have the fuel to spare of course) I added Braggs Liquid Aminos seasoning, jalapeno hot sauce, and cashews.

The options for hot water based disaster 'hot' meals using canned and dehydrated, some fresh, preps seem limited only by what I have, probable exceptions being dried beans, raw meat, stuff like that.

My questions are:
- Is it safe to use the 5.99oz sterno instead of the 7oz? The smaller one locks into place, no scooting of off center seating.

- Is it safe for the stove to cook these simple watery foods?

- Does the sterno can have to be cool before I fit the lid back on?
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: sheddi on July 20, 2021, 03:16:09 PM
Quote from: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 20, 2021, 12:16:40 AM
It arrived today.  :smiley_clap:

Yay!

QuoteCleaned the pot, filled it with water to the 8oz mark, covered it with foil instead of the plastic lid, dropped in my 5.99 oz sterno, and lit the fire. Water boiled at 7.57 mins.
Poured water out, cooled the pot, filled to 16oz mark, foil covering, and started again. Water boiled at 14.12 mins.
Can I presume that in the cold it would take longer?

Well it's no speedster but it gets there, that's the important thing. And it's faster than hexamine, and fast enough that you won't get too bored waiting.

Yes, it will be a bit slower if it's colder (not least because the water will be colder to begin with) but if you're using it in an apartment all the heat will help keep you warm.

It will also be slower outdoors and slower again if there's any breeze.

QuoteThen poured out 8oz of the boiling water and put it back on to boil. It's a given it will cook ramen so instead I added half a cup of shell pasta. Cooked just fine, so I added defrosted scrambled eggs. (I keep a stock of them frozen) Then I added some canned green beans and dehydrated onions. Then various spices.
When everything was have-to-blow-on-to-eat hot I snuffed the sterno, removed the pot, (handle stays cool) added olive oil... and fell in love with this little cooker.

Then I made rice. I boil rice anyway and pour off excess water when done. (normally 10-12 minutes) So I gave that a try using 1/3 cup rice in 12 ozs of water. 21.25 mins for a big helping of rice. (if I have the fuel to spare of course) I added Braggs Liquid Aminos seasoning, jalapeno hot sauce, and cashews.

The options for hot water based disaster 'hot' meals using canned and dehydrated, some fresh, preps seem limited only by what I have, probable exceptions being dried beans, raw meat, stuff like that.

Your recipes all sound delicious!

QuoteMy questions are:
- Is it safe to use the 5.99oz sterno instead of the 7oz? The smaller one locks into place, no scooting of off center seating.

- Is it safe for the stove to cook these simple watery foods?

- Does the sterno can have to be cool before I fit the lid back on?

If the 5.99oz can locks into place, and it isn't any taller than a 7oz one, I think you'll be fine.

I think it should be safe cooking wet foods.

I don't have a lot of experience with gelled alcohol (it's not that common over here, outside of food service) but generally there's no problerm with putting a hot lid on a can, just don't burn yourself.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Nyte on July 20, 2021, 05:16:39 PM
It looks like fuel can be had for about $3 a can for the ~6 oz can.  I wonder how many boils you can get out of one.  I say boils for ease of comparison to camp stove cannisters.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 26, 2021, 11:05:48 PM
"Alice Cooksey was with her,
coaxing water to a boil on a Sterno kit."


Seriously, I have no knowledge on the history on Sterno. Never thought about it. Don't even remember why I had two cans of it.


The above quote is from the 1959 book Alas, Babylon written by American writer Pat Frank (the pen name of Harry Hart Frank).

And it is said to be one of the first apocalyptic novels of the nuclear age. 1959.

Plus it has remained popular more than half a century after it was first published, consistently ranking in Amazon top si-fi list.


My appreciation for sterno cooking just took a leap!
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Brekar on July 26, 2021, 11:49:15 PM
Sterno stoves are great during a cold day when you need something hot to eat or drink, especially if its the only way to heat the aforementioned items. My first usage of a Sterno stove came about about many moons ago during a cold winter snow storm on a west bound locomotive. We were pushing our way through the snow towards Parsons, Kansas and it was the type of cold that made your teeth ache and your ribs hurt. I was a new guy and was bitching about how it must be nice for the Canadian train crews, since their locomotives come with built in coffee pots. Now the normal way something is heated in a locomotive is 1 of 2 ways. 99.99% of the time it is aluminum foil and the sidewall heaters, i.e. wrap your burrito/sandwich/etc in aluminum foil and set on the sidewall heater with the heat on full blast, periodically checking to ensure it's not burning. We'd even heat soup in the can that way, but you had to be careful, you had to crack the can open so it wouldn't explode while heating, but not crack it to much that you'd lose all of your soup if you hit a something, usually a weird dip in the rail, or the occasional cow. The lucky .1% will be lucky enough to have an old locomotive with a built in hot plate in the nose of it. Those were awesome, but so rare I've only seen 3 in my entire career...

The old hoghead I was working with told me to stop bitching, to keep an eye on the rails and to use the horn on all crossings, he'd be right back. He then went down into the nose of the locomotive and came back with an old, beat up Sterno stove. He lit it up, put on an old beat-up pot, put some water in it, and about 10 minutes later proceeded to make the best damn hot tea I've had to date. It was some kind of loose black tea that he put into small reusable cheesecloth type bags to steep, and sweetened it with a bit of honey. It hit the spot and made our long ass night a lot better. Up until he retire about 5 years later, every time it was cold out and I pulled him as a hoghead I'd call him up and make sure he was bring it with him. To this day I think about getting myself a set up similar, but since I'm now taking the local only jobs, and not having to leave town for several days at a time, I've yet to drop the hammer on one...

Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on July 27, 2021, 08:09:52 AM

https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/31930-Cooking-with-sterno
(cut and spliced to give the gist of post)
"I have been using this as my primary [camp cooking] method since the early 70s.  I saute, sear, pan fry, heat, boil, simmer. Saute green onions and shallot. Brown ground Italian sausage. Boil water for pasta."

That post was in 2008 and using to sterno 'folding stoves' but I can easily adapt this to the Inferno.

A YouTuber mentioned cooking cut potatoes so I figure fresh root veggies work well. Also all squashes. Maybe all veggies and some fruits. I cooked white rice. Also quinoa. Because of faster cooking times lentils & split peas. Scrambled eggs with spinach & tomatoes. Boiled eggs too. Ground raw meats. Fresh fish too? Toast bits.

Okay, now I want two more Infernos so I can have a power outage one person helpings size three burner stove inside the apartment. 😱 Especially in a winter outage.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: TACAIR on August 11, 2021, 04:52:03 PM
The Sterno Inferno will work with the Sterno canned fuel..

It will work **better/faster**  with a Trangia burner running alcohol.    Any number of made burners will work as well.

Sterno does say to only use their canned heat product.  If you go 'off label' you do run a risk of damage to the little pot.  I haven't yet, owing to some care to ensure the pot has water....

You can take the Sterno heat product can and fill with a nonflammable filler (Fiberglas insulation, etc) and run yellow bottle HEET, if you don't already have one (or more) Trangia burners.  A .mil Trangia burner will fit as well.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on October 14, 2022, 04:07:00 AM
I pulled out my stereo camp stove again just to give it some air and a whirl.

My camping days are behind me so weight means nothing to me anymore, but come an electrical outage during the winter? I'm ready freddy!

I just love this thing. They are $53 now. But for home emergencies, vehicle, or driving to a fishing/camping spot? Perfect!

Oh yeah, I did have to use it... just cause it's so easy/fun. And one cup cleanup.  I made quinoa with mushrooms, curry, and brocolly. With just a palm full of instant potatoes to thicken the liquid a bit.

Yummmm
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: NapalmMan67 on October 14, 2022, 04:02:41 PM
So is this Inferno Kit still available?  I think I looked last time when this was first posted and could not find it anywhere, but my interweb search fu is not that strong.

I'd probably be more inclined to possibly carry a Jetboil or MSR stove though.    :-\
.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on October 15, 2022, 02:49:07 AM
Amazon says

"Currently unavailable
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock."

😒
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on October 24, 2022, 01:02:38 AM
My making of bread like substances has followed it's typical What if...? curiosity to making it in the cup that is part of the Inferno.

Another win! It was just flour, a bit of water and the juice from that 12 year old can of peaches.

Oiled inside the cup up more than half way, aluminum foil for the lid, lighted the sterno, let it heat until a drop of batter sizzled. When it began to smell like cooking bread I removed the cup and shook it upside down to see if batter would separate from cup. It did. Then I popped it back in the cup upside down, reseated the cup, and let it cook until it began to smell like cooking bread again.

A little later shook it out to check. Nope. Popped it back in awhile longer.

Took maybe 30 minutes± for a Cup O Bread.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Anianna on October 31, 2022, 10:15:33 PM
Boiling water with Sterno can be done in a pot or kettle with any portable camp stove, including the cheapy collapsible ones that work well in a go bag or for hiking gear where space is a premium.  An alcohol stove or other alternatives will just boil water faster. 

Be careful cooking with Sterno, though.  It is designed for keeping cooked foods warm like for catering and cafeterias rather than actually cooking food.  It takes longer to heat things up and may not reach a temperature that is safe for cooking a wide range of foods. 

The best way to cook with Sterno-type fuel cans is to first get water to a boil and either make soup or put your food in a bag to sous vide it in the water without it touching the water.  Sous vide takes longer to cook (like a crock pot), but putting the food in the boiling water ensures that it is at an appropriate temperature to be safe while it cooks.  You can cook or reheat pretty much anything via sous vide and then use the cook water to make a warm beverage to go along with your meal.  If you have Sterno in your preps, I suggest also having bags that you can use for sous vide that won't melt in your boiling water.  I believe you can also use a canning jar for sous vide, but I've never tried it personally. 
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: superduder on December 11, 2022, 02:40:42 PM
Hey, Someone finally posted the video where Hiram mentions me! :smiley_clap:
Seems like a decent enough cooker, definitely better than that old "sad iron heater" I used to have.
J
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on April 10, 2023, 01:40:17 PM
Looks like this is sold out everywhere.

Without going on a deep dive. Has anyone seen or read anything about an inexpensive alternative to the Sterno Inferno? Or is there a cheap Jet Boil alternative that could be used with an alcohol stove? 
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on April 10, 2023, 02:03:47 PM
Maybe make a base for something like this? Or find an existing alcohol stive base)windscreen? 

US $21.15  25%OFF | Bulin 1.5/2.1l Outdoor Camping Traveling Hiking Heat Collection Pot Cooking Tablewarehttps://a.aliexpress.com/_m0ufeE

Screenshot_20230410_115610_AliExpress.jpg
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: flybynight on April 10, 2023, 02:21:39 PM
Quote from: Moab on April 10, 2023, 01:40:17 PMLooks like this is sold out everywhere.

Without going on a deep dive. Has anyone seen or read anything about an inexpensive alternative to the Sterno Inferno? Or is there a cheap Jet Boil alternative that could be used with an alcohol stove?
How about a wood gas stove ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0125U36Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://youtu.be/iaf6bynPvhQ
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on April 10, 2023, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: flybynight on April 10, 2023, 02:21:39 PM
Quote from: Moab on April 10, 2023, 01:40:17 PMLooks like this is sold out everywhere.

Without going on a deep dive. Has anyone seen or read anything about an inexpensive alternative to the Sterno Inferno? Or is there a cheap Jet Boil alternative that could be used with an alcohol stove?
How about a wood gas stove ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0125U36Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://youtu.be/iaf6bynPvhQ
You mean to put an alcohol stove into? I think the multiplier here is the fins in the bottom of the pot. 
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on April 14, 2023, 05:25:34 AM
Quote from: Moab on April 10, 2023, 02:03:47 PMMaybe make a base for something like this? Or find an existing alcohol stive base)windscreen?

US $21.15  25%OFF | Bulin 1.5/2.1l Outdoor Camping Traveling Hiking Heat Collection Pot Cooking Tablewarehttps://a.aliexpress.com/_m0ufeE

[url="https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=2506;type=preview;file"]Screenshot_20230410_115610_AliExpress.jpg[/url]
Just saw this stereo folding stove on Amazon for $20. Would it work? Amazon says there are only 9 left.

https://www.amazon.com/Sterno-70146-Outdoor-Folding-Stove/dp/B00OBA6X9M
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on April 14, 2023, 01:28:36 PM
Anything to hold an alcohol stove would work. But probably something more enclosed would be more likely to bring about the venturi effect. Or whatever makes the alcohol stove flare up into a big flame like that. Probably just one of those typical alcohol stove pots that double as a windscreen/stand.

Those can be had cheap from just about any source. Or made even cheaper.

Its the finned bottomed pot that is the real tech part of the equation. Cheapest source on those I've found are in aliexpress. They appear to be making them stand alone. Without the jetboil bottom. So I assume they work with just about any heat source. The fins providing quicker heating to the bottom of the pot.

But when that guy in the above video put an alcohol stove where the sterno was supposed to go it heated even faster. As the enclosed space and air intake in the bottom unit made the alcohol stove flame much stronger and higher. But since the sterno enferno is not available. I thought if you could find a fin bottomed pot like above and a similar bottom container for an alcohol stove. You'd have the same thing.

Maybe something like this.

https://makezine.com/projects/wood-gas-camp-stove/

This is a wood-gas stove. The principle is with the right holes in the can and a second van inside, the upward air ventilation double burns the wood you out in it. And creates a very high hot flame. Like a rocket stove. I used to make these out of food cans and sell them. There are several plans online. But the above instructions are the best can and holes choice.

Screenshot_20230414_111846_Chrome.jpg

If you made something similar and placed it under a fin bottomed pot I think you would have a similar or even better item than the sterno inferno.

It doesn't have to look that nice either. As ling as the cans fit the bottom of your finned pot your good to go.

They make stoves like these but without the inner can. I don't know how well they work. But looks very similar to the bottom stove holder on the sterno inferno.

Gas One Camping Stove - Wood Stove Stainless Steel Portable Stove with Alcohol Tray Potable Wood Burning Stoves for Picnic BBQ Camp Hiking with Grill Grid https://a.co/d/3GbbKog

Screenshot_20230414_113413_Amazon Shopping.jpg

So if you put the above under the below. You'd have a sterno inferno. Assumimg the bottom mated with the pot correctly. And if you used an alcohol stive instead of sterno you'd get those better boil times like the guy in the above video.

Screenshot_20230410_115610_AliExpress.jpg

Both of those bottom stoves (the homemade or store bought) with an alcohol stove would allow you to heat or cook with any other type of pan, pot or cup as well. You wouldn't be limited to just the finned pot. So if you wanted to use a frying pan you could. Or just your canteen cup.

Likewise if you ran out of alcohol you could just use wood.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: tirls on April 14, 2023, 01:46:30 PM
I use an Evernew Ti DX stand. It's not very efficient and a bit fiddly in wood burning mode, but I can use wood, esbit, and alcohol with it. It fits inside my cocking pot for storage and only weighs 55g. Its enough for  boiling water at least.

(https://www.walkonthewildside.de/8843-large_default/evernew-ti-dx-stand-for-alcohol-stove.jpg)
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 12, 2024, 10:47:21 PM
drat and double drat.

Rereading this thread again. ('cause I just luv mine)

Checked Amazon for current prices. Wasn't able to find one at all.

Went to the internet to see where they might be if someone wanted one.

eBay only.

? May be discontinued now ?

Mine is an absolute treasure.  It's sad to think that might be the case because to think that anyone like me who will never again need anything more than a power outage or emergency evacuation cooker will never have the, and I mean it, 'joy' of comfort owning of this lovely little piece of emergency equipment.


If member ever spots one, other than on eBay, please do update this thread.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: majorhavoc on January 13, 2024, 07:17:01 AM
Quote from: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 12, 2024, 10:47:21 PMdrat and double drat.
Rereading this thread again. ('cause I just luv mine)
Checked Amazon for current prices. Wasn't able to find one at all.
Went to the internet to see where they might be if someone wanted one.
eBay only.
? May be discontinued now ?
Mine is an absolute treasure.  It's sad to think that might be the case because to think that anyone like me who will never again need anything more than a power outage or emergency evacuation cooker will never have the, and I mean it, 'joy' of comfort owning of this lovely little piece of emergency equipment.
If member ever spots one, other than on eBay, please do update this thread.
Specifically the Sterno Inferno?
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 13, 2024, 01:39:31 PM
Well, yes I guess. I'm sentimental for news about it's possible extinction, as in do I own one of last that was ever made?

HOWEVER, now that your question is asked....

I also see wisdom evolving the thread into...

...is there another company that has taken on the mantle of making a specifically sterno burning cooker setup almost just like it that people in my personal demographic could tuck away nicely in a kitchen cabinet for emergency outage, or grab it with a hand full of cans of stereo sitting in the under the sink cabinet and Go in an short term emergency evacuation.

What do you think?
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: majorhavoc on January 13, 2024, 01:43:35 PM
Quote from: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 13, 2024, 01:39:31 PMWell, yes I guess. I'm sentimental for news about it's possible extinction, as in do I own one of last that was ever made?

HOWEVER, now that your question is asked....

I also see wisdom evolving the thread into...

...is there another company that has taken on the mantle of making a specifically sterno burning cooker setup almost just like it that people in my personal demographic could tuck away nicely in a kitchen cabinet for emergency outage, or grab it with a hand full of cans of stereo sitting in the under the sink cabinet and Go in an short term emergency evacuation.

What do you think?
I did a quick search on eBay and came up dry.  Also confirmed what you said about it being unavailable on Amazon.  I'll post if I find anything that looks promising on AliExpress.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 02:21:31 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 13, 2024, 01:43:35 PM
Quote from: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 13, 2024, 01:39:31 PMWell, yes I guess. I'm sentimental for news about it's possible extinction, as in do I own one of last that was ever made?

HOWEVER, now that your question is asked....

I also see wisdom evolving the thread into...

...is there another company that has taken on the mantle of making a specifically sterno burning cooker setup almost just like it that people in my personal demographic could tuck away nicely in a kitchen cabinet for emergency outage, or grab it with a hand full of cans of stereo sitting in the under the sink cabinet and Go in an short term emergency evacuation.

What do you think?
I did a quick search on eBay and came up dry.  Also confirmed what you said about it being unavailable on Amazon.  I'll post if I find anything that looks promising on AliExpress.
I'll check aliexpress too. I saved a couple kettles with thise fins.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 02:40:03 PM
I don't recall if anyone compared the temp of alcohol vs sterno. But any of these pots could be used with either. But a couple need a base for the sterno can or alcohol stove. But many options are available on aliexpress.

Basically the Sterno Inferno is a cook pot with a finned bottom. And a tall cylindrical base with vent holes top and bottom. Again, the base could hold either sterno or an alcohol stove.

This first one packs nice. But I think they all do.

Check it out! $20.99 30%OFF | Alocs CW-S10 CWS1 Outdoor Heat Exchange Camping Cooking Pot Cookware Folding Handle For Hiking Backpacking Picnic https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqgTxhK

Screenshot_20240113_122524_AliExpress.jpg

Below one works with propane and sterno or alcohol. But needs a base for the sterno/alcohol.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $36.50 25%OFF | Bulin Outdoor Camping Picnic Portable Gas Stove Pot Windproof Cooking System
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKEmHBq

Screenshot_20240113_123923_AliExpress.jpg

Below needs a base as well.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $20.71 25%OFF | Bulin 1.5/2.1l Outdoor Camping Traveling Hiking Heat Collection Pot Cooking Tableware
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrMik7S

Screenshot_20240113_122740_AliExpress.jpg

Screenshot_20240113_122800_AliExpress.jpg

I'll look for bases.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 03:12:35 PM
I found the Sterno Inferno here. In stock $45. But not sure its a real site.

https://www.haikyr.shop/ProductDetail.aspx?iid=691070077&pr=44.88

Screenshot_20240113_131048_Amazon Shopping.jpg

Here is an interesting possible base. Not sure it fits though. It would replace the red bottom. And hopefully mate with one of the pots in my previous post.

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https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKBQs32

Screenshot_20240113_130702_AliExpress.jpg

Here's the measurements for the above bottom 5.11 inches. The red cookpot in previous post is 5.394 inches. Which makes the bottom about a quarter inch smaller than the red pot. Seems doable. Or you could maybe find a can that is 5.394 inches across. And simoly put your own holes in it.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: flybynight on January 13, 2024, 03:28:59 PM
Sterno Inferno has been discontinued online1. Sterno has no plans to re-activate this product1. The product stopped production about a year ago or so2. You will not be able to find Sterno Inferno at major retailers and stores with a good web presence such as Amazon, Moosejaw, and REI2. However, you can find them locally in smaller hardware stores, particularly if they do not ship items2.


Results from a search on Bing
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 13, 2024, 04:07:04 PM
Thanks friend @flybynight

Goodbye you little Last of the Stereo Infernos. 😓
Daniel Day Lewis will play you in your movie.


Your 'thread will carry on'


Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 04:29:10 PM
Quote from: Ever (Zombiepreparation) on January 13, 2024, 04:07:04 PMThanks friend @flybynight

Goodbye you little Last of the Stereo Infernos. 😓
Daniel Day Lewis will play you in your movie.


Your 'thread will carry on'



I would do a saved search on ebay with notifications. One will come up eventually.

There are a few on google that show in stock. You could do a search of the sites to see if they are legit.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: majorhavoc on January 13, 2024, 04:36:50 PM
Quote from: Moab on January 13, 2024, 02:40:03 PMI don't recall if anyone compared the temp of alcohol vs sterno. But any of these pots could be used with either. But a couple need a base for the sterno can or alcohol stove. But many options are available on aliexpress.
Basically the Sterno Inferno is a cook pot with a finned bottom. And a tall cylindrical base with vent holes top and bottom. Again, the base could hold either sterno or an alcohol stove.
This first one packs nice. But I think they all do.
Check it out! $20.99 30%OFF | Alocs CW-S10 CWS1 Outdoor Heat Exchange Camping Cooking Pot Cookware Folding Handle For Hiking Backpacking Picnic https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqgTxhK
Screenshot_20240113_122524_AliExpress.jpg
Below one works with propane and sterno or alcohol. But needs a base for the sterno/alcohol.
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $36.50 25%OFF | Bulin Outdoor Camping Picnic Portable Gas Stove Pot Windproof Cooking System
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKEmHBq
Screenshot_20240113_123923_AliExpress.jpg
Below needs a base as well.
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $20.71 25%OFF | Bulin 1.5/2.1l Outdoor Camping Traveling Hiking Heat Collection Pot Cooking Tableware
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrMik7S
Screenshot_20240113_122740_AliExpress.jpg
Screenshot_20240113_122800_AliExpress.jpg
I'll look for bases.
The smaller of those two red ones is 5.4" in diameter.  A Sterno can is 3 3/8" diameter so it will easily nest in either size.  The critical piece that's missing is a stand to hold the pot at an efficient height above the lit Sterno can.  Preferably something to integrates snuggly with the heat-exchanger base of the cooking pot. 

Sterno probably stopped making the Inferno because there wasn't sufficient demand.  Most folks interested enough in a lightweight, packable cooking system are probably looking for something even more efficient, like isobutane or white gas. 


Seems like the Inferno wrung as much efficiency out of a Sterno gelled alcohol canister as possible.  Plus, there's a lot to be said for a product that you're familiar with and has served you well, as it has for Ever.  In an emergency, that's more important than an overly complicated device that might be theoretically more efficient, but harder to use. 
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 13, 2024, 04:54:24 PM
I wonder how hard it'd be to make a homebrew version of the Sterno Inferno.

Also, another source might be thrift stores or garage sales. I find camping stuff all the time at the various thrift stores I shop at in Odessa (usually it's Ozark Trail tents and the like. Nothing super fancy or expensive.), so maybe that'd be an option for a used Sterno Inferno.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 05:20:59 PM
I don't know how much more efficient the finned pot over a non finned pot would be. But I'm sure someone has tested it.

As to the fit of the bottom to the pot. I don't know how much difference that might make. As long as its flat I would think you could still create enough of a draw to efficiently use sterno or alcohol. 

The one below - if you could find a can the same size as that internal lip around the fins - that would work.

Screenshot_20240113_151126_AliExpress.jpg

But this one below would be a tighter fit. If you could find a can the inside diameter of the outside diameter of the bottom of the pot. This one is expensive though. 

Screenshot_20240113_150946_AliExpress.jpg
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: Moab on January 13, 2024, 05:24:13 PM
This one would mate with thered funned pot. 

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https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKfnXss

Screenshot_20240113_151956_AliExpress.jpg

$18 plus $20 for the red pot = $38.
Title: Re: An overlooked piece of kit - the Sterno Inferno
Post by: TACAIR on March 12, 2024, 08:30:42 PM
Wow, had no idea the Inferno had gotten so expensive!

I bought one at the jumble store on Base (thrift store) almost >NIB< -- just no box for $10.  

These work nearly as fast as a Jet Boil at a faction of the cost.  

I do have a Jet Boil - a gift.  I like the Inferno and Trangia burned - cheap ass fuel and no noise.   I measure in a 1 oz jigger of fuel and let it rip - hot water in a jiffy.

Otherwise, at these price points, a GSI 1 L pot and a homemade stand + Trangia burner might be a better price choice.

Tacair