Mystery Package

10/17/2012

I arrived home today with a package that I picked up from the Post Office only to find a box that had been delivered by FedEx. Since I was expecting some items that I had ordered from Amazon I was not surprised. At least not until I opened it!

The invoice on the box Said it was from:
    Distribution Center
    4000 East Highway 6
    Spanish Fork, UT 84660
and it wad addressed to me at my home address.

Inside was a can resembling a paint can, only half as tall, with the label STOVE IN A CAN. It had some heft to it as I picked it up and begin to examine it.

I do not recall ordering this, nor being offered it to review, and I have no clear idea of who arranged to have it sent to me!

Well, true to my nature, I could not stand not knowing anything about this product. Locating a web address, I was soon perusing their site to see what it was about.

http://www.stoveinacan.com/

I watched their video,

and then watched an independent review

and another

Hey!
Wait!
They sell 3 sizes? A quick look at their products page and it appears that they must have dropped the smaller sizes.

Here is the Shelf Reliance video

Okay, enuff of the videos, I had to see the contents for myself!
The lid came off easy enough, prying gently with the back of my knife. On top of the fuel “cells” was the instruction manual. I had to dump the cells out as there was not enough room to lift them individually. Out came 4 of the fuel cells leaving behind the cook ring and the fuel ring

What! No Matches?
Hmmmm… more cost cutting measures maybe?

The cooking ring was a bit reluctant to come out but soon gave way to my superior talent and intellect. Not intending to use it right away, I left the fuel ring inside. Now the lack of matches might be a bit of a hinderance to some, but like a Boy Scout, I am always prepared (sometimes).

My Impressions?
It seems to be a sturdy product that will serve nicely for the tasks of boiling water for purification and cooking your dinner, maybe even using the same fuel cell. It would be good to put in the trunk or storage area of your vehicle for an emergency source of heat and cooking/boiling. It does however put off Carbon Monoxide gas so it would be ill advised to use it as a heat/cooking source in an enclosed area.

The fuel cells are sold in packs of 6ea. for $22.99, or in larger quantities.
The stove itself costs $29.99.

Personally, I think it is a bit overpriced. Also, due to it’s size, it is not something I would consider lugging about in a BOB/GHB. Too heavy and too bulky. As a reserve cooking source for the home, it would be okay for Spring/Summer/Fall use where you could set it up outside, but for Winter storms that knock out your power, I believe a Butane stove to be a better choice. Nothing like cooking your Rice and Beans in a snowdrift eh? Or when the wind is howling about stealing the heat right out from beneath your pot. The can and cook ring could be used with some other fuel source once you have used up your fuel cells. In a true emergency, you won’t be buying replacement cells soon.

Since I do not know who this came from, I can not thank them for it. I will most likely buy a 6 pack refill and put it with my emergency supplies. Overall, I give it 3 out of 5 stars

http://www.stoveinacan.com/