DIY Three-Way Coffee Can Stoves

A camping stove is a necessity for a backpacker, camper, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast. The stoves are often large and slightly bulky, which makes transportation difficult. A coffee can stove consists of just a few pieces and has multiple uses. Use the coffee can as a stove, water heater, and oven. The stove is lightweight enough for carrying everywhere on your trip, and uses readily available and inexpensive materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean and empty vegetable can
  • Can opener
  • 2 wire coat hangers
  • Wire cutter
  • Clean and empty coffee can
  • Tape measure
  • Black marker
  • Grinder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Poke two holes in the vegetable can with the can opener. Place the holes 2 inches apart.

    • 2

      Untwist one coat hanger, and trim to 12 inches. Cut the end of the coat hanger with the wire cutters. Push one end of the coat hanger through one hole in the can, and bend it up. Twist the hanger into a handle shape, and push the opposite end through the other hole. Bend that end up also, securing the hanger in the can.

    • 3

      Use the can opener, and poke one hole through the top edge of the coffee can. Move directly across the can, and poke a second hole. Poke two more holes between the two original holes, creating four holes evenly spaced around the can.

    • 4

      Set the second coat hanger on a flat surface, and untwist the edges. Measure the distance across the top of the coffee can, and cut two pieces of coat hanger long enough for the space. Push the coat hanger pieces through the holes and bend under, creating a platform for the vegetable can pot.

    • 5

      Draw a rectangle on the coffee can, which serves as the door. Move the grinder along the markings, and gently pull on the door until you bend the metal and it slides open. Poke at least four holes around the bottom of the coffee can.