Paint can heaters are easy to make and inexpensive, while providing a great source of heat for warmth or cooking. Alcohol burns clean with no dangerous fumes. This being said, I would still never use a heater of this type in a confined space without ventilation, such as a closed car. I would never use one in a car during an emergency since there is an open flame, and while the alcohol is absorbed and cannot spill, an open flame is always a concern when natural gad could be present.
You will need:
· A new paint can with a lid. Found wherever paint is sold. In an emergency a #10 can will also work.
· 1 roll of inexpensive toilet paper.
· 1 quart bottle rubbing alcohol.
· Metal rack such as a cookie cooling rack or a rack from your oven(smaller is better).
· Cast iron pot or pan.
· Oven mitts to handle heater/stove or pot. Heat resistant surface
Build your heater
· Remove the cardboard roll from the center of your TP.
· Squash the toilet paper and force it into the paint can.
· Pour entire bottle of alcohol over the paper when ready to use.
Use during a power outage, when camping or stranded during winter.
Using Your Paint Can As A Heater
· Pour alcohol into the heater just before using.
· Place on non-flammable surface.
· When you need heat simply light the alcohol.
· The alcohol will burn but the toilet paper will not.
· When the alcohol is gone cover with the lid, wait for the heater to cool down, and add a new bottle of alcohol. It is now ready to go again.
· If you should need to put out the fire before the alcohol is gone cover with a tight lid.
· To relight pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the top of toilet paper. The stove will not need an entire bottle to reuse unless the stove has gone out on it’s own.
· Keep away from children and pets.
Using Paint Can As A Stove
· Pour alcohol into the heater just before using.
· Place on non-flammable surface.
· Get a grate or a cake cooling rack.
· Place rack on top of the can.
· Place a pot on the rack and you are ready to go.
· Light stove.
Fire will be very hot so all foods will need to be closely watched. Use a cast iron pan or pot for the best results.