Gas vs. Alcohol Stove: The Surprising Truth for Outdoor Enthusiasts
When people talk about camping stoves, most immediately think of screw-on cartridge gas stoves. They’re widely used, burn hot, and bring water to a boil quickly. No wonder they’re the first choice for many outdoor beginners. But: Anyone who’s traveled with a modern alcohol stove like the FeatherLight 700 Kit quickly realizes — a lot has changed in recent years. And not just beginners; experienced trekking fans and ultralight pros are rediscovering the quiet alcohol stove for themselves.
Quieter, lighter, more stable
While gas stoves emit a noticeable hissing sound, an alcohol stove operates almost silently. No sizzling, no whooshing — perfect for those who want to unwind in nature. Cooking becomes a calm routine, not an acoustic disturbance. Especially during early mountain tours or nighttime camps, this is a real advantage.
On top of that: The FeatherLight 700 has an extremely low center of gravity. The pot sits directly inside the integrated windscreen, making the whole system tip-proof and stable. Unlike many gas stoves, where stove + cartridge + pot form a wobbly setup, everything here stays exactly where it belongs.
Fuel? It doesn’t get easier than this.
Another huge advantage of alcohol stoves: You can get the fuel (e.g., ethanol or denatured alcohol) worldwide at supermarkets, drugstores, or hardware stores — no hunting for special cartridges or adapters. If you travel by plane, go trekking abroad, or simply want to stay flexible, this gives you a big edge. No lugging around extra cartridges, no airport guessing games: Just fill your bottle and you’re ready to go.
And the performance?
Yes, a gas stove usually boils water faster. But the difference is smaller than many think: Our alcohol stove takes just a few minutes longer to boil a cup of water — and does s without noise or complicated technology. For trips with 1–2 people, that’s more than enough. And those who take their time cooking will soon appreciate the difference.
Safe, even when things get tricky
Alcohol is easy to extinguish and doesn’t continue burning explosively like gas. And thanks to the FeatherLight 700’s design, the stove can’t just tip over. With a gas stove, a fall can lead to a dangerous fire — especially on uneven ground or if you’re not careful while stirring.
What our customers say:
“Looks like my JetBoil is going to take a back seat.”
“I couldn’t be happier — I cooked potatoes with sausages yesterday, everything hot in 2 minutes. And: much more stable than my old gas stove!”
Conclusion: The alcohol stove is back — and better than ever
Whether it’s your first time cooking outdoors or you’ve spent countless nights under the open sky — a modern alcohol stove is a simple, safe, and ultralight alternative to the gas stove. It saves weight, avoids loud noises, and offers flexibility when traveling.