Spirit burner Article no. 602500

The burner is the heart of our stoves and the spirit burner has been with us since the first Trangia stove was introduced in the ‘50s.Small details have changed over the years, but the size remains the same. If you have an older burner, it will still fit today. The burner is easy to use due to its simple construction. It has no loose parts that can break and is completely maintenance free. What really sets the burner apart is that it gets better with age. Inside the burner is a cotton wick, which means that the burner may need to be burnt-in a few times before it reaches full effect, but then it will last many years!

Which fuel should be used?

The spirit burner is intended for alcohol based fuels only (such as methylated spirit and Bio-ethanol). Alternative safe fuels are other alcohols based on Methanol or Ethanol e.g., Surgical Spirits or Wood Alcohol. Bio-ethanol of different brands has become common to use worldwide. A minimum of 70 % alcohol will work. Ethanol will give the best effect and you can find it as pure as 96%. The disadvantage is that it gives more soot than methanol. Methanol gives you less soot but it creates toxic fumes, so be careful.

Brands of suitable spirit fuel varies around the world. In Sweden we recommend using T-Tenol from the brand Kemetyl as a first choice. In Sweden you can find fuel at for example: Outdoor shops, petrol stations, grocery stores, hardware stores, Jula, Biltema, ÖoB, Clas Ohlson and many more. For more information about fuel, please see our fuel list where you can search by country. (Links at the end of page)

Examples of fuels in different countries:

USA — Heet

Oil based fuels must never be used in this burner. Never use gasoline or other petroleum based fuels as this may result in serious injury and damage the wick inside the burner. Example of oil based fuels are: Gasoline, diesel, kerosene or lamp oil.

Fuel Consumption

Fill the spirit burner to max 2/3 of the burner, which is approx. 100 ml. The fuel sinks away and is sucked up by the wick when filling. 100 ml burns for approx. 25 min. 1L of water takes about 10 minutes to bring to the boil (this may vary depending on weather and fuel quality).

How much fuel do you need?
It can be difficult to calculate how much fuel you will need on your trip. With the above information in mind, you should also consider:

• How many people will you cook for?
• How many meals should be prepared?
• What kind of food are you going to cook…freeze-dried or fresh food?
• The weather matters; what are the temperature and wind predictions?

Pro Tips!

  • Place the stove in a protected position from the wind, to save on fuel
  • Cook something at home before you head out for the first time, and you will get an idea of how much fuel you will need
  • If it’s cold outside, it’s good to keep the fuel and the burner warm, e.g. by keeping the fuel bottle and the burner close to the body in the inner pocket

Fill the spirit burner safely with a Trangia fuel bottle, the unique design of the safety cap allows you to pour the liquid without removing the cap.Never pour directly from a can.

How to use the spirit burner

Remove the lid and simmer ring, fill the burner with spirit fuel, max. 2/3 of its height (approx. 100 ml). Place the burner in the lower windshield of your Trangia stove – or one of the other stoves in which the burner can be used – and light. It takes a minute or so before the burner reaches full effect.

How to use the simmer ring?
The burner is mostly used without the simmer ring, but if you want to simmer or just keep warm, you need the simmer ring to regulate the flame. Place the simmer ring with the lid open on the burner. To extinguish the flame, close the brown lid completely and put it on the burner. Use the tools you have on hand to put on/remove the simmer ring, such as the handle or a fork. Also read our guide Use & care. (Links at the end of page)

The spirit burner works in all weather conditions. However, in slightly colder climates, from about +5C, the Winter attachment with Preheater is recommended for better effect (artno 500021)

The spirit burner can be used in:
• All Trangia stoves 25 Large + 27 Small
• Trangia Triangle (Art.no 400333)
• Open spirit stove (Art.no 100230)
• Mini Trangia (Art.no 100285)

Mini Trangia

Can a Trangia stove be used indoors?

  • Camping stoves are designed for outdoor use. If you do need to use your stove indoors, for example during a power outage, please take note of the following. Also consider following local regulations, laws and injunctions that may apply in your country.
  • Read the user instructions carefully and make sure you know how to use it outdoors.
  • Make sure the space you are in has good air circulation. Avoid small spaces with poor ventilation. In an apartment, it is enough to have a window ajar
  • Make sure there is free space above and around the stove so that nothing can catch
    alight.
  • Place the stove on a fire-safe surface, such as a baking tray. Never leave a lit stove unattended.

Pros & cons

+ No cleaning or maintenance
+ No parts that can break
+ Quiet! Easy to use
+ Climate friendly

- Should cool before refilling, beware of spillage

- The fuel can soot depending on quality

- Difficult with effect in cold degrees

- Slightly longer cooking time

FAQ Trangia spirit burner
What can I light the spirit burner with?

You can use matches, a lighter or fire steel. A tip is to use a stick that you dip into the fuel (which you filled in the burner), light the stick and bring it back to the burner.
Can I use both spirit burner and gas burner in my Trangia stove?

Sure! If you have bought a stove with, for example, an spirit burner, you can buy an extra gas burner and alternate.
How do I clean the Spirit burner?

Normally, the burner is maintenance-free. If you happen to get food or dirt on the burner you can rinse/wipe it with water. Soap impregnated  steel wool can be used to polish the exterior. Allow to dry thoroughly before use. The O-ring in the lid can dry up and may need to be replaced after some time.
Can I save fuel in the Spirit burner for another time?

Fuel can be stored in the burner for the next day’s cooking at the campsite. Otherwise, it is better to pour it back into the bottle, or burn it up. Never store fuel in a burner that will be packed away as it may leak! Since fuel contains water, your burner will corrode if you leave fuel in the burner for a long time.
How do I fill the spirit burner?

Fill the burner with a maximum of 2/3 spirit, about 100 ml. Use Trangia’s fuel bottle with safety cap for safe filling. Never add spirit to the burner until the flame is completely extinguished and the burner has cooled off enough so that you can hold it in your hand.
Why is my spirit burner sooting?

The quality of spirit fuel of the different brands varies and some soot more than others. One can try diluting with 10-15% water to get a better combustion. Tenol (swedish brand)  that we recommend soots the least.
Can I use gel or tablets in my spirit burner?

No, the Spirit Burner has a wick inside it and needs liquid fuel to function properly.

Specifications

Check out our other guides
Use & care

Use & care

|Bowen Byers
Simple and safe cooking outdoors. How to use and take care of your Trangia stove so it lasts a lifetime … or three.
All about our burners

All about our burners

|Bowen Byers
The burner is the heart of our stoves. There are 4 different burners in our range
Material guide

Material guide

|Bowen Byers
What is it made of? Where does it come from? How to recycle?