Methylated spirit stoves (like the classic Trangia) are a popular backup cooking option for van life.
Verdict
An excellent backup stove for van life. Not a replacement for a gas hob, but a great lightweight option for hiking days away from the van.
How They Work
You pour methylated spirit (meths) into a brass burner, light it, and it burns with a clean blue flame. One fill (60ml) burns for about 12-15 minutes — enough to boil 500ml of water.
The Trangia System
The Trangia 27 cookset is the classic. £55-65. Includes two pots, a frying pan, wind shield, handle, and burner. Everything nests together. Weight: 1kg. Stows in a small space.
Pros
- No gas canisters to buy or dispose of
- Burner is silent (compared to gas roar)
- Works at any temperature (gas struggles below freezing)
- Simple and reliable (no moving parts)
- Meths is cheap (£3-4 per litre from hardware shops)
Cons
- Slower than gas (12 min to boil vs 4 min on gas)
- Meths flame is invisible in daylight (burn risk)
- Soot can build up on pots
- Cannot simmer easily
- Not suitable as a primary cooker for full-time van life
Running Cost
£3.50 of meths lasts about 2-3 days of cooking for one person. Cheaper than gas canisters but slower.
