Aluminum can stoves are easy to make and great to have on hand. Whether you need to cook, boil water, or need a heat source; an aluminum can stove is a perfect little tool to have. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and even better it is small enough to fit inside a pocket so you can carry it around with you no matter where you go.

In order to create the aluminum can stove you are going to need at least one soda can, preferably two. Two works better than one because the bottom of the can tends to be easier to punch a hole through.

Step #1

Take your can(s) and cut out the bottom of the can leaving about one inch from the bottom. In order to make later steps much easier, cut the can as straight as possible. I recommend scoring the can with a razor first.

*Note: If you have two cans double this step.

Step #2

Take and cut off the top of the can leaving about one inch to the top of the can.

Step #3

You are going to make a tube out of the middle part of the can. In order to gauge how big your tube has to be. Place the tube on the inside of the bottom of the can. The grooves in the bottom of the can is where the tube will sit. So use it as your guide.

The middle part of the can is going to have about 2 inches left on it. Straighten the edges of the aluminum. Then take and cut two slits into the ends of the aluminum strip. One coming up from the bottom and the other from the top. That way you can connect the two pieces and create a tube.

Step #4

Once you have your tube, you will need to cut three tabs into the bottom of the tube. This will allow fuel to go to the edge of the can.

Step #5

Take a pin, tack, knife, nail, or whatever you have to puncture holes in the top part of of your stove. You will need about 8 holes in the can in order to make sure you get even heating.

Step #6

Take the tube and put it in the bottom part of the can, and then place the top part of the can on the top of the tub and press it together. A tight seal should be formed between the top and bottom.

*Note: if you are using two can bottom for your stove you are going to need to puncture several holes in the center of the top can in order to fuel the stove.

Step #7

Now you are ready to fuel the can. The best fuel for the can stove is denatured alcohol. It is cheap and can actually be made in the field if necessary. Also, you can use drinking alcohol such as vodka so long as it is 80 proof (40%) or above in nature.

A can stove is great for boiling water, cooking, or even just to get some heat. This particular design holds its flame for about 15 to 30 mins. It really depends on how much water is in your fuel. Any type of alcohol will work as a fuel source. I have even used alcohol prep pads to fuel these stoves for a short time.

Building an aluminum can stove is not only a great survival skill to have but it is pretty fun to make too. These small portable stoves are great for blackouts, backpacking, and even just for bug out bags. They are small and lightweight. Perfect for the survivalist.