I've used a soda can stove for all my backpacking adventures since 2001.
During that time, I've burned many types of fuel because not all trail towns have denatured alcohol, the first choice and most efficient stove fuel.
Never burn Coleman fuel, or any gasoline based fuel in a soda can stove. It will blow up.
Second choice of fuel is HEET, a gasoline additive. This fuel can usually be found at gas stations, Walmart, or other convenience stores.
Baring that, 90% rubbing alcohol is good. Usually you will find a 70% rubbing alcohol. It works, but the lower percentage means there's more water, thus making it harder to light. Don't even bother using 50% rubbing alcohol. I've not been successful, regardless of how patient I've been.
In cold weather, or above 9,000 feet elevation, you may need to apply heat via cigarette lighter, to the outside bottom of the stove. This warms up the aluminum stove which helps it light. Warming the fuel also helps at high elevations. Do this by placing the fuel bottle inside your shirt, next to your body. Or, if you're in a hurry, pour a little fuel in the stove. Then, holding the stove with your thumb and index finger, apply heat via cigarette lighter for a minute or so.
Only use liquid fuels inside the soda can stove. If you need or want to use solid fuels, flip the stove over and use the concave section for Esbit or Hexamine tablets. You can ship these in the mail to towns along the trail. Buy Esbit at Campmor.com . Sometimes Walmart will carry the 24 pack of Hexamine tablets. You can find fuel tablets at Amazon.com also.
While hiking on the Colorado Trail, I had to use Coghlans Camp Fuel Sticks. They were somewhat sooty, but I was able to cook 12 meals with one package. The above video shows how to make your own, Homemade Fuel Sticks. Again, use these on the flip side of the stove.
Check out my January 23 , 2011 blog for another alternative solid fuel tablet you can make at home.
If you are buying a stove from someone, check to be sure its built in such a way(sufficient air holes in the circumference) to allow burning of various liquid fuels. Some dealers actually state they will only burn denatured alcohol. If this is the case, either carry back-up solid fuel tablets, or carry a cut-off soda can to burn other fuels. Both of these methods are less efficient. Or only use this stove for trips that don't require a resupply. Denatured alcohol is difficult to find in trail towns.
There are a lot of safety precautions that are fairly obvious with this stove as well as any stove.
*Always be sure the stove is out before adding more fuel. Check by placing your hand above the stove. You can't always see the flame.
*Always be sure the stove is completely out before packing it.
*Always pour the fuel in carefully, cap the fuel bottle and remove the fuel bottle from close proximity.
*Never cook in or near your tent or tarp tent.
*Have a pot holder and dry pot holder, bandanna or gloves in event something tips over.
*Do not allow children to use stoves without proper and complete supervision.
*Practice under ideal circumstances, in well ventilated area when you first build or receive your ultralight stove. Familiarize yourself with its use.
This is just a partial list of safety measures. Use common sense and err on the side of caution.
