DIY Coffee-Can Heater

Keep warm over a portable open flame.

- Thomas C. Tabor

My outdoor experiences are frequentlyplagued by extreme cold, and onmany of them, I’ve feared my aching fingers will become frostbitten. Some of those instances have occurred in elevated blinds and treestands while hunting deer and other game, awaiting a duck or a goose to set its wings while hunkered in a ground blind around a marsh or grain field, and other times when I’ve simply been working outside in harsh conditions. Obviously, we all attempt to dress appropriately for the weather, but sometimes that alone isn’t adequate protection from winter’s frigid bite.

To shield my fingers and hands from the cold, I’ve tried many styles of commercial handwarmers, including both disposable and rechargeable units. Mostly, I’ve found these products quite useful. In fact, because of their convenience, I frequently stuff a few in my pocket when I head afield. Still, when this style of handwarmer is compared to heat generated by a real fire with open flames, most would agree it falls a bit short.

Collecting firewood and starting a fire isn’t always practical, but I believe I’ve found a way to harness the benefits of fire without the hassle of building one. Constructing a very simple-to-build, alcohol-based can heater is a great way to create a heat source, and possibly best of all, the flame produced by this heater is essentially smokeless and odorless.

Only a Few Components are Necessary

The parts needed to construct your own can heater are very simple, common items that most people use routinely around their home. At the heart of the unit is a small metal can, preferably with a removable plastic lid. A metal coffee can with a capacity of 13-16 ounces and with a diameter of about 4 inches is perfect, but other sizes may work as well.