Stoves can be your worst enemy out on the trail or your best friend. The difference
between the two is how much time you spend getting to know your
stove and its working parts. Look in the Care and Maintenance section
of the GearDoctor to get some ideas on how the two of you can spend
time together.
Stove Parts
Fuel Tank - Depending on the type of stove you have this can
be built into the stove or a separate component which may vary
in size and type. Propane canisters will serve as a fuel tank
all on their own for the duration of the fuel contained therein.
After the life of the canister has expired, you simply dispose
of it properly and replace it with a new one. Liquid fuel stoves
require the tank to be refilled and may be used over and over
again.
Pump - The moveable part of the stove which, in liquid fuel
stoves, pressurizes the fuel allowing it to be forced into the
generator.
Generator - The part of the stove that, when heat is applied to
it changes the fuel to a vapor allowing it to burn at a higher
heat level.
Jet - Fuel under pressure at the jet is pushed into the burner
and exposed to oxygen and heat which allows it to burn. The jet
controls the amount of fuel allowed to escape as becomes mixed
with the oxygen.
Burner - The working part of the stove that transfers heat from
the fuel to your pot or pan.
Flame Spreader - Situated just above the jet, the spreader
works to spread the flame in a 360-degree arc. This helps to disperse
the heat over the entire surface area.
Pot Supports - Wire supports that will hold the cooking pot
above the heat and support it from tipping.
Priming Cup - In liquid fuel stoves that require priming, a cup
is located beneath the burner so that heat can be applied to the
generator to turn the initial fuel into a vapor ready to burn.
Once primed the stove heats the flow of fuel as it burns.
Adjustment valve - The valve, located on either the tank or
the stove that allows for flame adjustment. Some stoves have very
good heat adjustment and others have basically an on/off valve.
Accessories
Windscreen - This can be placed around a burner unit to decrease
the amount of heat lost from wind and gusts.
Piezo Electric Igniter - Using electronic sparking to ignite
the stove’s fuel can save a lot of time and energy. Only useful
with propane and propane mixture stoves.
