What is canned heat and how is it used?

Canned heat is gelled alcohol fuel stored in small metal cans, used for indoor cooking or warming food during power outages. It burns cleanly and safely when used with proper ventilation and compatible cooking equipment like Sterno stoves or wire racks.

Can I use canned heat indoors?

Yes, some types of canned heat are rated for indoor use with proper ventilation. Always read the label to confirm, and ventilate your space while cooking to ensure safety.

How do I ignite and extinguish canned heat?

Use a match or lighter to ignite the gel directly in the can—hold it for a few seconds. Never blow on the flame to extinguish it. Instead, smother the flame by placing the lid back on once the can has cooled.

How much canned heat do I need for emergency cooking?

To boil two cups of water three times per day, you’ll need approximately 3 ounces of canned heat daily. That equates to about 3 cans per week or 12 cans per month.

What type of equipment works with canned heat?

Canned heat works best with folding camp stoves, Sterno stoves, or wire racks under cookware. It should not be used in charcoal grills or solid-fuel stoves.

How should canned heat be stored?

Store canned heat upright in a cool, dry place away from heat, food, and chemicals. Avoid garages that get hot. Dispose of dented or damaged cans, and check for degradation if stored long-term.

What is the shelf life of canned heat?

Most canned heat products have a shelf life of up to 10 years if stored properly. However, shelf life can vary by brand, and long-term performance is not always guaranteed—check product labels for specifics.

Using Canned Heat as an Alternative Fuel Source

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How to Use Canned Heat for Cooking & Warmth

When the electricity goes out, it’s important to have alternative indoor cooking fuels ready to go. Canned heat fits the bill very nicely. It has proven to be a very popular fuel source for emergency prep because they are easy to store and easy to use. These cans are filled with denatured, gelled alcohol that burns slowly and directly from the can itself. It’s basically a disposable version of the alcohol burner. It does not cook as fast but it's still worth utilizing.

Some canned heat products can be safely burned indoors, although proper ventilation is always recommended to ensure safety, while other types of canned heat require adequate ventilation. Read the can carefully before purchasing, so you know what you are getting. To play it safe, always use proper ventilation when you are using canned heat indoors.

How to use canned heat

All it takes is the strike of a match or the use of a lighter to start the can’s heating cycle. You may have to be patient, briefly holding the match or lighter to the wick (usually only a few seconds) to ignite properly, rather than holding it for an extended period. When ignited, a very hot blue flame is produced that is hot enough to boil water. It's also great for cooking food slowly or keeping food warm.

More cans mean more heat and more water that can be boiled at one time. However, be aware that manufacturers do not recommend using more than two cans at a time.

What equipment should I use with canned heat?

Canned heat can be used in folding camp stoves, sterno stoves, and other smaller portable-type cooking equipment. It should not be used in appliances designed for solid fuels, such as wood stoves or charcoal grills, as this can be unsafe. Sterno Stoves come with instructions on how to use canned heat. Follow the instructions for the best results. You can also use regular pots and pans if you place them on top of a wire rack just above the flame.

How much do I need?

Popular brand names include but aren't limited to: Sterno, Safe Heat, ThermaFuel, and Heat Cell. Actual burn times vary by product and can range from as short as 45 minutes to as long as 9 hours per can, according to manufacturer specifications. To get an idea of what is needed to boil water, here is how much jellied alcohol is needed to bring two cups of water to a boil, three times per day:

per day: 3 ounces | per week: 3 cans | per month: 12 cans

PROS

Rated for indoor use when used with proper ventilation
Burns odorless, safe, and clean with no residual soot
Lightweight, dependable
Stacks and stores neatly
Great for those living in apartments that lack lots of storage space

CONS

Creates a flame that goes straight up - making frequent stirring when cooking or heating up food a must to prevent scorching
May not burn as hot as some other alcohol-based fuels, potentially requiring a longer cooking time; results can vary based on product formulation

TIPS

If you want to try canned heat before buying larger quantities, individual cans are available at camping stores.
Try using a lid or 2 cans at a time for faster results. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the number of cans to use simultaneously.

Use Requirements

Use adequate ventilation if used indoors.
Use caution as the flame may be almost invisible in some brands.
Do not blow on flames to extinguish them. Rather smother the flame with the lid instead.
The can must completely cool down before replacing the lid or it will be difficult to take off the next time you want to use it.

Storage Conditions

Do not store canned heat in a hot garage.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Store upright, away from heat sources.
Dispose of any dented or damaged cans.
Store away from food.
Do not store together with oxidizing, acidic, or alkaline (caustic) solutions or materials.

Shelf Life

Shelf life varies per brand - commonly ranging up to 10 years; however, check the manufacturer’s label as “indefinite” shelf life is not guaranteed due to potential degradation over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using canned heat as emergency fuel.

What is canned heat and how is it used?

Canned heat is gelled alcohol fuel stored in small metal cans, used for indoor cooking or warming food during power outages. It burns cleanly and safely when paired with proper ventilation and compatible gear like Sterno stoves or wire racks.
Can I use canned heat indoors?

Yes, many canned-heat products are rated for indoor use with proper ventilation. Always read the label and ventilate your space while cooking.
How do I ignite and extinguish canned heat?

Light the gel with a match or lighter held to the surface for a few seconds. Never blow it out—smother the flame by placing the lid back on after the can cools.
How much canned heat do I need for emergency cooking?

Boiling two cups of water three times per day requires about 3 oz of canned heat daily—roughly 3 cans per week or 12 cans per month.
What type of equipment works with canned heat?

Canned heat pairs best with folding camp stoves, Sterno stoves, or wire racks under cookware. Avoid using it in charcoal grills or solid-fuel stoves.
How should canned heat be stored?

Store cans upright in a cool, dry place away from heat, food, and chemicals. Avoid hot garages. Discard dented or damaged cans and inspect long-stored cans for gel degradation.
What is the shelf life of canned heat?

Most canned-heat products last up to 10 years if stored properly. Shelf life varies by brand; check product labels for specifics.

Storing Canned Heat for Emergency Fuel