View Full Version : What to expect from a Trangia
Uncle Alvah
04-10-2008, 17:33
I'm curious as to how capable the alcohol fueled Trangia stoves are.
Are they merely good for heating water for tea or coffee, soup perhaps?
Or will they actually put out enough heat to cook up some meat or someting similar for one or two people?
BorderReiver
04-10-2008, 17:42
I've used mine for everything and found it works fine. May not be as fast as the modern turbo powered gas jobs but it gets the job done.:)
Scruff cooked a full on meal with his when he came to the local woods, both The Ratbag and myself can tell you that it was fantastic one pot cooking. Trangias, in fact any outdoor cooking system, are a different type of cooking to what you do at home with your four, easily heat controllable hobs. You can still turn out decent food with a bit of thought though. To cater for larger numbers, buy the Trangia billy which contains the whole cooking unit inside and has a lid too. You can turn your small one/two man trangia 27 into a veritable kitchen!
Uncle Alvah
04-10-2008, 18:01
a different type of cooking to what you do at home with your four, easily heat controllable hobs.
Indeed, the stove would be expected to serve to some degree"in house" during power outages(very frequent here) as my stove proper is electric.
I had pondered a Coleman duel fuel, ideal for the house perhaps, but it's rather large for an outdoor kit, and a tad spendy to boot.
What to expect from a Trangia?
Whilst I admit to being biased, I would probably say: smelly kit, burnt food, and a desire to buy something - to quote the old British Gas Creature Comforts advert - a bit more 'turn-off-and-on-able'.
They are only good for kicking across the campsite. Absolutely pants, and no mistake.
Why anyone perseveres with these things, God only knows...
('INCOMING!!!' :eek: )
British Red
04-10-2008, 18:16
It just takes a modicum of skill and cooking ability Mikey. They are vastly more reliable than silly wasteful polluting things like gas canisters (no-one who actually cares about the planet uses them surely?). Far lower "tech" than all that silly pumping rubbish (and regularly "failing" rubbish) that goes on with liquid pressure stoves.
PS - if you can't cook on a Trangia, God help you on an open fire.
Maybe get a nice big gas one would be right - and a caravan to go round it? Sound easier for the culinarily challenged who just burn stuff :D
Folks learn to cook on what they have and use. I'm not really a fan of the Trangia, certainly not enough to think it worth the effort of carrying fuel when there is any possibility of using a fire, but they do come tiny and lightweight.
I much prefer the old Aladdin stoves, much more stable, better fuel storage, and they allow one to force the pressure so that it takes account of height if need be.
I do care about the planet, I make great efforts to do so, but I do use gas canisters..........and I take them home and they are put to the recycle bin, I checked, our system handles them just fine. :approve: No fuss, no bother, under a £ each and they burn full out for 2hours each. That's a lot of cooking :D
We get out a lot, I know it's a fair bit easier for us up here, not trying to rub noses in it, and usually we just have a fire.
RikUK is the one who really knows his stoves Uncle Alvah, I'm sure he'll be able to advise on what might suit you best.
cheers,
Toddy
I reckon they are a versatile bit of kit, the aluminium Swedish Army ones are compact and lightweight - the lid doubles as a bowl, small saucepan or cup while the billy can be doubled as a pot over the fire - saves bringing loads of different pots and pans.
Sure it takes a long time to boil but who cares? I am in no rush when I go out and tend to stick to simple meal solutions like boil in the bag, soup, rice, all of which can be heated up easily. Saying that I have just replaced the burner with a stainless Tatonka one which heats up (and cools down) much quicker. Trangia now also produce a very good multi fuel burner which I have heard is compatible with the setup.
The Joker
04-10-2008, 18:33
I sort of agree with Mikey.
I used a Trangia for ages and I have to say I think the amount of fuel you need just to cook for a weekend is ridiculous.
Mine is well and truly redundant now.
But as you've prob read loads like em so its what floats ya boat really.
I will now post a quick recipe, it is basically the one that Scruff used to cook on his trangia. Not a hint of meths was tainting the food, and it was delightful. If I have it slightly wrong, then it is because the Scruffy one is a master at his game and I am a mere impersonator when it comes to this menu. I just ate it tonight for my tea, the garlic bread is probably doable on the trangia although I don't know how. Rice can be substituted with pasta and parts can be left out. It is a great recipe and is definately a one pot-er.
Most of the ingredients can be found in your local Lidl for pennies, and will make a sastisfying meal.
One Chorizo, labelled (in Lidl) Dualano Paprika-Salami, sliced
One onion, finely chopped. Two if you choose small red onions
A couple cloves of garlic, finely sliced
Celery, one clump or whatever it comes in! Chopped into chunks
Two tins of chopped tomatoes, Lidl stock them branded as Nostia chopped tomatoes
Rice/pasta to serve three/four
Water for the rice
What to do:
Light your Trangia, get the pan good and hot. (The large Trangia billy that is available is good for a large group. You will have to significantly reduce the portions if you cook in the tiny pots!) Bung in the chopped onion and sliced chorizo. The natural fats in the chorizo will leach out to fry the onions. A small splash of water can help release the oils faster.
Bung in the sliced garlic, give the whole thing a stir. By now you should be saying "If you could only smell this!" in a Ray Mears stylee! :D If the heat is too much, bung the simmer ring on. Sweat it all off a bit, which means heat it but don't burn it from what I can gather!
Chop the celery up into half inch pieces. If you're young, try a centimetre and a bit! Stickj it in the pot and don't worry if you don't like celery. I loathe it, but it tastes fantastic in this recipe. If you have a lid for your pot, stick it on and let it sweat a bit more.
Bung the tins of toms in. If you have taken some fresh toms along too, bung 'em in. They can only add to the overall texture of the meal. The small cherry toms are quite nice in there (I hate fresh toms too, but they work in this recipe just fine!). Sweat it again!
You can add any spices you wish here. Whatever is in your camp kitchen, so a dash of tabasco, a few dried chillis maybe, some black pepper if you like. Salt is a good thing to add if you've been tramping around all day to replace lost salts. Sweat it like a POW!
Next bit is where Scruff lost me. He bunged uncooked rice into the pot with everything else and added some ratio of water. He knows what he is doing, 'cos it was awesome grub. I cheat and bung a bag of precooked rice in! Either that, or make the rice/pasta seperately and bung it in when it's cooked.
Stir it up, scrape it off and serve it to the drooling imbeciles that are your fellow camp mates. They'll think you're the best chef since HFW (!) and you'll have gained immortality through your expertise with a small metal cooker and some meths! I speak from experience (At the drooling imbecile end of the spectrum! :D)
If you don't like it, enjoy your Wayfarers Sawdust in Sawdust Sauce!
The round sets are good because they include all you need for 2-3 people. Alcohol doesn't put out so much energy as gas, or so quickly, so you have to leave your pan on the stove for a while if you want your steak to sizzle as it hits the pan, but it will get there eventually. The steel sets can be used for baking, rather effectively IMHO. And it's nice to have a separate kettle exclusively for boiling water.
The Army version (kidney shaped cross section) is a bit pants, frankly. The odd shape means half the flame spills out the sides and the windshield is crap. There is a built in bail arm to hang the pot over a fire, but three bulldog clips and a piece of wire transform a round pot for similar use. And even the alu ones are heavy. The only saving grace is that everything, including fuel (plus maybe food, if you pack carefully) packs inside.
I've got a Jetboil. For boiling water quickly it's hard to beat. But all it can do is boil water, in "personal" quantities. Low fuel consumption too. Which I think makes it environmentally friendly. I can't tell you how much wood I used to boil a kettle the other day. Then there's the time aspect, and the need to extinguish the fire with (carried in?) water.
I'd recommend a trangia though, or better still a stainless steel Chinese copy. Good for baking, boiling, frying (at a push, and use plenty of fat, or a proper fry pan) and all warm at the same time. A bit safer for kids too, I think, than pressurised systems.
The time factor doesn't bother me though. Outdoors life for me is all about slowing down, letting go of the rush around rat race attitude of normal daily life. If it takes a little longer to cook over an alchohol flame, then start cooking twenty minutes earlier. I find that cookery can become a social event in the outdoors anyway, so to me it is a bonus!
I have several meths burners and as has already been said they take some getting used to, but that could be said for any stove on the market.
With a little practice you can cook some great meals.
Rice & pasta can be brought to the boil, taken off the stove and left cooking in the hot water whilst you cook in the second pan.
Or you can cook a one pot meal as Spamel has detailed above (which sounds great, so I'm going to give it try - thanks Spam!)
My main meal concoctions usually revolve around pasta...
Make up half a packet of tomato & basil soup as starter. Drink it from your mug whilst using the pan to cook the rest of the soup, with about half the normal amount of water so that it thickens up.
Add some herbs (garlic / chilli / Italian herb mix for me) and chunks of salami.
Add pasta to cook in the "sauce".
Eat and enjoy.
In the second pan (whilst eating your pasta) make custard and add an individual apple pie / chocolate roll etc.
Two pans... three coures...Done (as Gordon would say!)
Simon
Don't thank me, thank Scruff! Who, incidentally, makes the bestest bannock ever!
alpha_centaur
04-10-2008, 20:33
I reckon they are a versatile bit of kit, the aluminium Swedish Army ones are compact and lightweight - the lid doubles as a bowl, small saucepan or cup while the billy can be doubled as a pot over the fire - saves bringing loads of different pots and pans.
Sure it takes a long time to boil but who cares? I am in no rush when I go out and tend to stick to simple meal solutions like boil in the bag, soup, rice, all of which can be heated up easily. Saying that I have just replaced the burner with a stainless Tatonka one which heats up (and cools down) much quicker. Trangia now also produce a very good multi fuel burner which I have heard is compatible with the setup.
Or make your own burner out of a couple of old drinks cans and they're really fast the secret is "use the lids and if you want a cup of water only boil a cup of water" and they're not really that much slower than a gas stove.
I have used everything from an old primus stove to the jetboil system and use whichever one I feel like carrying.
Tor helge
04-10-2008, 20:33
I sort of agree with Mikey.
I used a Trangia for ages and I have to say I think the amount of fuel you need just to cook for a weekend is ridiculous.
Mine is well and truly redundant now.
But as you've prob read loads like em so its what floats ya boat really.
I must say that I agree with both Mikey and Joker. While some people like the Trangia (or any alcohol burner), I don`t use them. They are fine when camping besides your car in summer, but don`t worth sh*t in the wild in winter.
It is open fire or kerosene pressure stove (very bomb proof type, not the failing type:) ) for me.
I must admit I own an army Trangia, but I only bought it because it was so cheap:o .
Tor
A pot cosy is the ideal companion for a trangia. They're very easy to make from bubble wrap or a foam mat, if you don't want to buy a commercial one. They're very effective and save a lot in fuel.
I like my army trangia, but I haven't used it in ages. I think I like the flexibility of using wood or alchohol with it. Trangias have been around for many years, if they were crap people would have stopped using them by now. They have their niche, fuel is easy to find for them, they work well in areas where open fires are not allowed, minimal flame signature so good for tactical military use and they have no complicated moving parts to fail and make no sound when in use. i fail to see why people dislike them so much!
I'd recommend a trangia though, or better still a stainless steel Chinese copy.
IMHO you are better staying away from the cheap copies on the market.
The burners clog up and take an age to "prime".
They just don't have the long life of a proper Trangia.... one of mine was bought for ,me as a 12 year old Scout and is still going strong 26 years later, and still getting a regular outing despite haveing several stoves to choose from.
As for ease of use, both of my kids (8 & 10) can unpack, set up, cook safely and pack them away. No fussy bits, no pressure vessels to check etec etc.
Simon
but don`t worth sh*t in the wild in winter
I have used mine year round without any problems (apart from the time my "mate" forgot to clear the snow and put a heat shield down. It buried itself really well!)
Sure there are drawbacks, but with practice and a little planning they can be overcome.
e.g.
When its cold out, I carry my meths on my person rather than in my pack - makes lighting it a lot easier.
Pour a little meths into the groove around the burner and it helps to "prime" the stove faster.
Simon
You can always chuck your Nova burner in instead of the meths burner. Weight must be a minimal increase and you get a storm proof, self contained cook set. And for those who say aluminium will give you trench foot or whatever (!) you can get the pots in various finishes so they are spot on IMO.
Intertidal
04-10-2008, 23:13
I've had a Trangia (3 actually) over the last 20-odd years. Before that I used my parents Gaz (super-bluet) stove, which was useless in any breeze. The initial attraction of the trangia was that they have their own windshield, are very stable, and the meths fuel is pretty clean compared to parafin or coleman fuel, and evaporates if spilt.
Downsides - meths is pretty poor fuel, so they drink a bit. In addition, if you're in the mountains and need to melt snow - they're cr@p! Finally, the all alloy construction doesn't like seawater so for coastal folk and sea-kayakers like me, they are not perfect.
Nevertheless I still like 'em, but I've also got an MSR dragonfly for long trips and winter/alpine stuff when snowmelting is essential.
Should've said too there is very little to go wrong with a trangia and it all packs up in a tidy bundle - made a bag for mine.
N
Chainsaw
04-10-2008, 23:48
Used one last weekend on a 4 day canoe trip down the spey, used it far more than my whisperlite and about the same as my ghillie kettle. Utterly reliable and quite adjustable. Cooked everything from pasta to steak, peppers and mushrooms to custard. My whisperlite burner even fits in the pot beside the meths burner. I like 'em :D
Cheers,
Alan
I've got a Swedish army kit and simply love it, although I did buy the Tatonka burner from Lurch cos it has a longer burning time. I've cooked boil in the bag ratpacs, and fresh pasta, I've used it to fry breakfast sausages, eggs, and bacon, and made bannock on it. I've never tasted fuel on the food and found that a bottle of meths will last me a full weekend no problem. I have also used the pots on a fire and found them great. I have other types but tend to use the trangia for simplicity, no working parts to go wrong. As Toddy mentioned we are lucky up here in that we can have fires in many places but it is always good to have the security of a backup, and for me that is the Trangia.
Humpback
05-10-2008, 10:20
A pot cosy is the ideal companion for a trangia. They're very easy to make from bubble wrap or a foam mat, if you don't want to buy a commercial one. They're very effective and save a lot in fuel.
I'm interested in this. How do you use it re cooking times? Are there any specific www sites you would point me to on their use?
Alan
John Fenna
05-10-2008, 10:36
I have always thought of the Trangia as totally foolproof and an ideal fall back when you cannot have a wood fire for whatever reason.
When you can have an open fire then the pots work well on these as well.
OK meths is not as fast a fuel as some systems, but it does the job and is easy to come by in almost any country. The pots stack, the flame is adfjustable (ish) there is nowt to break or fail and there is good windshielding!
In emergency conditions you can even use Vodka or similar booze to fuel the stove!
Wood, meths, bio-alchohol, booze - a true multi-fuel cooking system!
Having said all this I also use a Jet-boil, standard gas stoves, Hobos and solid fuel stoves as well - all have their place.
But only if a real fire is not an option!
Having said all this I also use a Jet-boil
What on earth are you doing with a Jet Boil John, hope you got it free, if you want a little dinky water boiler, at least get the Primus ETA Express:rolleyes:
Trangia, well its all been said, bomb proof, 100% reliable, works very well in high winds, practise with the simmer ring on the burner to get at least a 45 minute simmer time, and you can easily fit an Omnifuel/Nova/Booster liquid fuel burner which gives you what IMHO is the best winter cooking system available. Model 27 is the smaller kit, the 25 the bigger one.
The army kit is OK for what it is, but its too small for making a proper meal like a hearty stew, and they don't burn as fast as a real Trangia and too heavy for what they are. You can use the army version over an open fire, but the real Trangia has a pot gripper and I've used the pans on a fire without problem (you can easily rig wire bales for the 25 or 27 pans)
Modified Trangia clone (Lidl, very good quality) using and Optimus 111T burner, knocks the socks off a Jet Boil :cool:
click image
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF3189.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF3189.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF3173.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF3173.jpg)
John Fenna
05-10-2008, 12:14
[QUOTE=rik_uk3;444925]What on earth are you doing with a Jet Boil John, hope you got it free,
QUOTE]
Cummon Rik - you know me!;)
Actually I find it a little more packable than your alternative - it fits in my daysack pocket quite tidy-like....:rolleyes:
[QUOTE=rik_uk3;444925]What on earth are you doing with a Jet Boil John, hope you got it free,
QUOTE]
Cummon Rik - you know me!;)
Actually I find it a little more packable than your alternative - it fits in my daysack pocket quite tidy-like....:rolleyes:
John, try and 'review' one of these, Luke has one, very good little gizzmo it is too, and its small enough for your daysack pocket (boils quicker than the JB too )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260294295644
John Fenna
05-10-2008, 12:44
[QUOTE=John Fenna;444933]
John, try and 'review' one of these, Luke has one, very good little gizzmo it is too, and its small enough for your daysack pocket (boils quicker than the JB too )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260294295644
Erm - looks good
But the Primus main dealers dont wub me and dont give me nice toys to play with...:(
Last year at Outdoor Trade Show the guy on their stand was so rude to be I binned all the press releases and catalogues from their stand in the nearest recepticle!
However - this year I found that Optimus are still in action - and some of their stuff has to be seen to be believed!:)
Remember the Svea and Hiker models?
And they do a Trangia adapter....
Primus - go whistle!:D
[QUOTE=rik_uk3;444943]
Remember the Svea and Hiker models?
And they do a Trangia adapter....
Primus - go whistle!:D
Got em all John;)
I think that Optimus is now owned by Silva?
I'm interested in this. How do you use it re cooking times? Are there any specific www sites you would point me to on their use?
Alan
It's all a bit trial and error really. The cosy is very effective at keeping the contents of a billy warm. I did an experiment somewhere, I'll find the thread. There wasn't any interest at the time. http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21769
Some info at: http://zenstoves.net/PotAccessories.htm
malcolmc
05-10-2008, 20:51
I'm curious as to how capable the alcohol fueled Trangia stoves are.
Are they merely good for heating water for tea or coffee, soup perhaps?
Or will they actually put out enough heat to cook up some meat or someting similar for one or two people?
I’m very happy with my Swedish Army SS version. It’s just the right size for boil in the bag meals, I’ve not tried it but I think it would take 2, and there’s just the right amount of hot water left for me (but probably not another) to have a brew or soup ;) , it's not quick, but then I’m usually doing something else whilst it’s brewing - it always takes longer when you watch it. Not so good for a fry-up, but then I shouldn’t be eating them anyway. :eek:
>>John, try and 'review' one of these, Luke has one, very good little gizzmo it is too, and its small enough for your daysack pocket (boils quicker than the JB too )
>>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...26 0294295644
But this is almost exactly like a JetBoil, just 50% more expensive. Both have the corrugated base plate thingmy. Both pack everything inside. The JetBoil boil time for a cup of tea is about 1 minute. Barely time to sort your tea bag about and find your biccies. Any quicker is a bit overkill. The only genuine advantage is the non stick coating.
ODOO.tv made a review. He concluded that the windshield wasn't very stable.
The only reason I don't take my trangia (copy; but very robust) out on solo trips is the bulk; it won't fit into a side pocket. Nor would the Primus, I think.
korvin karbon
05-10-2008, 21:25
primus to bulky. Jetboil for me and a coffee tin for open fires.
KISS is the word
Rothley Bill
05-10-2008, 21:36
I have both the civilian Round version with a kettle, 24 years old and on its 3rd burner, and the military version (new toy). They are fool proof in operation and whilst they do use a bit of fuel that just means your pack gets lighter. I have used mine over most of europe and up in the far north of norway.
For me the advantage of the army version is that I can use it over a camp fire without doubling up on pots.
An amazingly simplistic design.
Ramble over
>>John, try and 'review' one of these, Luke has one, very good little gizzmo it is too, and its small enough for your daysack pocket (boils quicker than the JB too )
>>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...26 0294295644
But this is almost exactly like a JetBoil, just 50% more expensive. Both have the corrugated base plate thingmy. Both pack everything inside. The JetBoil boil time for a cup of tea is about 1 minute. Barely time to sort your tea bag about and find your biccies. Any quicker is a bit overkill. The only genuine advantage is the non stick coating.
ODOO.tv made a review. He concluded that the windshield wasn't very stable.
The only reason I don't take my trangia (copy; but very robust) out on solo trips is the bulk; it won't fit into a side pocket. Nor would the Primus, I think.
No, the ETA Express is only about £10 more, and it all packs away in the mug you get. Me, I don't much like either of them, they are not really a cooker, just water boilers, very limited IMHO
There are some good Trangia clones about, the Lidl version is very good and I have others which work well, but the pans are not as robust.
Minotaur
06-10-2008, 01:55
Finally found the gas conversion.
It depends what you want to do with it.
For general use there is nothing better.
It just takes a modicum of skill and cooking ability Mikey. They are vastly more reliable than silly wasteful polluting things like gas canisters (no-one who actually cares about the planet uses them surely?). Far lower "tech" than all that silly pumping rubbish (and regularly "failing" rubbish) that goes on with liquid pressure stoves.
PS - if you can't cook on a Trangia, God help you on an open fire.
Maybe get a nice big gas one would be right - and a caravan to go round it? Sound easier for the culinarily challenged who just burn stuff :D
What a load of preachy rubbish.
I'm a fan of the trangia for what they do, Lord knows I've enough of the damned things. They do what they say on the tin, they make stuff hot - eventually. Nothing more.
It just takes a modicum of skill and cooking ability Mikey. They are vastly more reliable than silly wasteful polluting things like gas canisters (no-one who actually cares about the planet uses them surely?). Far lower "tech" than all that silly pumping rubbish (and regularly "failing" rubbish) that goes on with liquid pressure stoves.
PS - if you can't cook on a Trangia, God help you on an open fire.
Maybe get a nice big gas one would be right - and a caravan to go round it? Sound easier for the culinarily challenged who just burn stuff :D
My liquid fuel stoves don't fail Red, if you do own any and are unsure how to use or maintain them, drop me a PM and I'll help you out;)
British Red
06-10-2008, 12:04
Okay Rik - if you can find a way to stop the pump failing on an MSR Dragonfly I'd love to hear how! I've had two of those plasticcy bits of junk just fail to make pressure due to to "plastic fatigue" - put me right off them to be honest. I've heard of many others who had to replace the whole pump. I have heard that they've improved it now, but having my stove fail on me twice means I have lost all confidence in the thing - it now sits unused in a stuffsack.
Red
Okay Rik - if you can find a way to stop the pump failing on an MSR Dragonfly I'd love to hear how! I've had two of those plasticcy bits of junk just fail to make pressure due to to "plastic fatigue" - put me right off them to be honest. I've heard of many others who had to replace the whole pump. I have heard that they've improved it now, but having my stove fail on me twice means I have lost all confidence in the thing - it now sits unused in a stuffsack.
Red
Simple, throw it in the bin, the plastic pumps are well known for failure, the newer ones are better, but stick to a Primus or Optimus for real reliability and performance
British Red
06-10-2008, 13:30
mmmmm
You can see why after a costly investment in pumps I just plain don't trust them now though. The nice thing with a Trangia is it really can't go so wrong it doesn't work at all
Thanks for the help on the "how to maintain them" though :D :D
Red
mmmmm
You can see why after a costly investment in pumps I just plain don't trust them now though.
The MSR is well known for having a crappy pump.
The optimus or primus models are extremely robust. The older stoves particularly, are almost indestructible. They rarely need more than a polish and a new pump leather to put another 20 years of life into them.
As rik has shown, it's fairly easy to put a cheap, old optimus stove into a trangia windshield to make a fairly cheap, powerful, controllable, efficient and relatively lightweight stove.
Trangias are fine, they are simple and light, but they are very limited. They lack power and are not very efficient. If you understand their limitations and use them accordingly, they are great. But if you want to melt snow and cook chilli and rice for 4 people, you are going to be thirsty and hungry. Sometimes you just need 10,000 BTU's.
I know rik doesnt like em cos they are not very versatile (which is absolutely true), but the jetboil has it's uses too. A couple of weeks ago we were at a battle re-enactment and I brewed up while standing chatting to a couple of folks (standing room only in the crowd). I was holding the jectboil in my hand for the 3 something minutes it took to boil 2 mugs of water. The brew kit was packed away back in my daysack before we had finished the brew. For an on-the-fly brewup, they are unbeatable.
Minotaur
06-10-2008, 15:36
mmmmm
You can see why after a costly investment in pumps I just plain don't trust them now though. The nice thing with a Trangia is it really can't go so wrong it doesn't work at all
Thanks for the help on the "how to maintain them" though :D :D
Red
Red is right, that is one of the other big things with them, they are almost impossible to break.
John Fenna
06-10-2008, 15:41
I have used Trangias, burning only meths - no fancy rigs - on exped for numerous years.
These expeds ranged from Hungary, Croatia, Ghana, Morrocco, to South Africa and the stoves were issued on a basis of 1stove (large round civi model) to 3 or four persons.
The meals tended to be simple pasta and sauce type afairs, sometimes rice, sometimes scrambled eggs.
The pans fared equally well on open fires - when we would do more adventurous meals as we could grill meat etc as well as use the pots and pans. The pans can fake up a pretty good oven for bread rolls as well.
I never had a stove fail
I quite like Trangias as a foolproof (almost - there was the time a twit from Guildford spilt burning meths over the floor of a school we were in, and tried to put it out with water...) robust, simple and effective cook system that works even when having been bashed, battered and soaked in river rapids. Or halfway up a mountain in the rain. Or burning "non aproved" spirit (moonshine). Or in ideal circs on the odd occassion life has been good!
It is a pity that they take a while to cook a full meal - but that gives you time to relax!
I like 'em for their simplicity and robustness, not their speed!:rolleyes:
Andy2112
06-10-2008, 16:02
I have used Trangias, burning only meths - no fancy rigs - on exped for numerous years.
These expeds ranged from Hungary, Croatia, Ghana, Morrocco, to South Africa and the stoves were issued on a basis of 1stove (large round civi model) to 3 or four persons.
The meals tended to be simple pasta and sauce type afairs, sometimes rice, sometimes scrambled eggs.
The pans fared equally well on open fires - when we would do more adventurous meals as we could grill meat etc as well as use the pots and pans. The pans can fake up a pretty good oven for bread rolls as well.
I never had a stove fail
I quite like Trangias as a foolproof (almost - there was the time a twit from Guildford spilt burning meths over the floor of a school we were in, and tried to put it out with water...) robust, simple and effective cook system that works even when having been bashed, battered and soaked in river rapids. Or halfway up a mountain in the rain. Or burning "non aproved" spirit (moonshine). Or in ideal circs on the odd occassion life has been good!
It is a pity that they take a while to cook a full meal - but that gives you time to relax!
I like 'em for their simplicity and robustness, not their speed!:rolleyes:
I agree with John's comments, i have had mine over 20 yrs but converted it to gas, recently got the army version and will be trying it out very soon. Unbreakable but batterable.
iv got a SS Swedish army trangia and am growing to love it, although i am thinking of replacing the original burner with the tanoka which is more fuel efficient. i dont think its a problem being a little slow, just be more organised. if your going backpacking etc. when you stop to set up camp get a meal on then let it cook while you set up camp. in the morning do the same, get breakfast on while you pack up and if your just camping and not on the move whats the rush??
also i find you dont have to constantly watch over it because the more gentle heat cooks your food evenly so you dont have to stir it all the time to stop food sticking as with high power gas stoves
pete
>>the jetboil has it's uses too. A couple of weeks ago we were at a battle re-enactment and I brewed up while standing chatting to a couple of folks...
Surely the JetBoil loses out on authenticity.
I feel the comments on melting snow are quite ridiculous! We're in Britain for crying out loud, when do we ever get snow?! :rolleyes: As I said before, Scruff cooked a fantastic meal for three on a trangia and it could have been a bigger meal if required. Not knowing how to use the stove and then putting it down and saying it is inadequate speaks volumes for the skill of those people. Read the manual, try it out a bit more often than once a year and you may start to get on with it. If it is such a crap design, why is it still going strong all these years later? Face it, you don't know how to use it, it's as simple as that. No need to run it down though.
As to the pumps that Red had problems with, plastic isn't reliable I agree. Saying that, my Optimus Nova Plus needed modification from new to stop the leather cup from pulling over the securing nut. For an item that is supposed to be top of the range, I felt that the price of a small washer to stop any fault occuring is a small price to pay myself, let alone for the company that makes the thing. I wonder how many people sent theirs back when the pump failed, for a full refund and to never buy Optimus stoves ever again?
British Red
06-10-2008, 19:59
Interesting views all. I do and will refute the view that Trangias are not controlable or that they burn food. I do accept that they aren't as quick as some - although in my experience the "after burner" cookers have as much control problem as a Trangia (if not more). I will also concede that if melting snow is your bag then you probably want something pretty intense.
All of that said, these days, reliability is it for me. Having dumped a load of cash on a very expensive stove and had pumps fail on me, I hope my reasons for being "pump averse" are clear - personal experience says pumps can and do fail. I will buy the fact that others can be serviced etc. and are perhaps more reliable than the truly godawful experiences of pump stoves I have had but, ultimately, its just "more to go wrong" in my book now.
Its quite possible to cook a very acceptable lemon chicken and basmati rice, beef tortillas (including fresh tortillas) etc. on a Trangia. Although I will say buy the non stick pans if possible - makes a huge difference. In the UK, whats the rush? If it takes a few minutes, its time to prep the ingredients and soak up the scenery.
As for chilli and rice - the right way to solve it is of course a "camp cook off" :D. Chillis from scratch naturally ;)
Red
I wouldn't be able to cook a bannock on my Optimus Nova Plus, it doesn't go low enough and it has quite a good flame adjustment. No, my money is on open fire then trangia/hobo stove.
Bernie Garland
06-10-2008, 20:35
Well i was on the Mors course with Red and saw what's possible to cook on a trangia,day one Red collected crab apples and blackberrys on a walk, we got back and he knocked up a batter and cooked pancakes on it,before any one knocks them get out with Red and see whats possible.Red cooked all his meals and sometimes Graham shared with him,and all there meals where cooked quicker than mine, and ours where on my open fire barbi arrangement
Bernie
Did it cope with melting the snow Bernie!:rolleyes:
:lmao:
Bernie Garland
06-10-2008, 20:51
Did it cope with melting the snow Bernie!:rolleyes:
:lmao:
Not a lot about to be honest Spam,but if there was,id have listened to Red, and asked him if there was any chance of chillie and rice for four,:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Bernie
British Red
06-10-2008, 21:19
Not a lot about to be honest Spam,but if there was,id have listened to Red, and asked him if there was any chance of chillie and rice for four,:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Bernie
Aaah chilli is a doddle - my favourites are something Chinese probably - lemon Chicken - Shredded chilli beef and carrots - stuff like that.
I remember BB knocking up a Chinese meal from entirely fresh ingredients over an open fire using a belt knife - from using a peeled branch as a rolling pin to using a ziplock bag to coat meat pieces in cornflour (that was transported in old body shop mini shampoo bottles - as was lemon juice, soy, etc.).
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1110/999790575_d151c9db41_o.jpg
Anything is doable on the fire or trangia - from a banquet to a decent bannock (this one had wild cherries and brown sugar)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2918987777_4dd3731b94.jpg
Chillis is my speciality however - 16 has been my largest to date but I have bigger pans now (although none that fit on my Trangia :D)
Red
Bernie Garland
06-10-2008, 21:22
Aaah chilli is a doddle - my favourites are something Chinese probably - lemon Chicken - Shredded chilli beef and carrots - stuff like that.
I remember BB knocking up a Chinese meal from entirely fresh ingredients over an open fire using a belt knife - from using a peeled branch as a rolling pin to using a ziplock bag to coat meat pieces in cornflour (that was transported in old body shop mini shampoo bottles - as was lemon juice, soy, etc.).
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1110/999790575_d151c9db41_o.jpg
Anything is doable on the fire or trangia - from a banquet to a decent bannock (this one had wild cherries and brown sugar)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2918987777_4dd3731b94.jpg
Chillis is my speciality however - 16 has been my largest to date but I have bigger pans now (although none that fit on my Trangia :D)
Red
But some people get out and try things Red,unlike popping down the backyard and playing.
Bernie
One of the Trangia billy cans might be a sound investment Red, you can easily cater for four people with one, and you could knock up far more exciting meals than a chilli.
bikething
06-10-2008, 21:32
..... and you could knock up far more exciting meals than a chilli. I dunno, I've some fairly exciting chillies in my time :eek: :censored:
:p
British Red
06-10-2008, 21:33
Aaah I'm not averse to "playing" myself if all else fails - its not a competition at days end!
I guess all I meant to say is that I can knock out what I consider a decent meal on a Trangia - from scratch - not "rat pack" stuff. The same clearly applied to your "monster grill" - I have to say the chops you had on looked really good!!
For me - its about being able to rely on your kit - then learning to use it well. I have been in terrains where the Trangia wouldn't be first pick for me. But if we are talking "worldwide equipment" then we should talk equally freely about other equipment thats suitable to those terrains - from firearms to survival kits. If we are talking "in the UK you are never out of cellphone range" then I suspect a Trangia is just fine :D
Red
Seems to do plenty of people just fine.
Except those that want to melt the polar ice shelfs!
:lmao:
Bernie Garland
06-10-2008, 21:37
A couple of weeks ago we were at a battle re-enactment and I brewed up while standing chatting to a couple of folks (standing room only in the crowd).I .
Not dressed as Hitler were you.brewing up for your staff:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Bernie
British Red
06-10-2008, 21:43
I dunno, I've some fairly exciting chillies in my time :eek: :censored:
:p
Aaahnow that I can connect to.
When you cannot count the number of scotch bonnets on one hand - you just know its going to clear your sinuses!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2919057677_355d258595.jpg
Red
Surely this is a horses for courses debate?, use what you are comfortable with, it's the same as in so many things, what works for one doesn't work for the other?, personally i prefer the open fire, but that's not always possible, in which case my Swedish Army Trangia or a gas burner gets used depending on the location and circumstances im in.
As so many have said previously on this thread, whats the rush?, you are out there to enjoy the surroundings, so what if takes an extra 10 minutes to cook some food, surely that's 10 more minutes of quality time to be had?:D
bikething
06-10-2008, 21:49
- you just know its going to clear your sinuses! it wasn't my sinuses I was worried about :aargh4:
What to expect from a Trangia?
Well I guess there's 2 main possibilities :
A few not very good meal and relegate to slow boiling in the bag or very simple meals and the expense of another cooking system.
Learning to adapt your cooking skills to an acohol stove, some very good meals and years of reliable service.
British Red
06-10-2008, 21:52
it wasn't my sinuses I was worried about :aargh4:
Brings a "hole" new meaning to "afterburner" :D
British Red
06-10-2008, 22:47
A couple of weeks ago we were at a battle re-enactment and I brewed up while standing chatting to a couple of folks (standing room only in the crowd). I was holding the jectboil in my hand for the 3 something minutes it took to boil 2 mugs of water. The brew kit was packed away back in my daysack before we had finished the brew. For an on-the-fly brewup, they are unbeatable.
Nearly (but not quite) as efficient as a thermos flask then Martyn? ;)
Red
Not dressed as Hitler were you.brewing up for your staff:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Bernie
No.
I was Ghengis Khan. ;)
I feel the comments on melting snow are quite ridiculous! We're in Britain for crying out loud, when do we ever get snow?!
Well I think your comments about my comments are even more ridiculous. So nah, nah, na nahhh na. :rolleyes:
Bernie Garland
06-10-2008, 23:27
No.
I was Ghengis Khan. ;)
Soz mate but you can't blame me for having a pop,all the best.
Bernie
Did it cope with melting the snow Bernie!:rolleyes:
:lmao:
Climb down from up yerself spam, my eyes are watering from the strain of just watching. :rolleyes:
British Red
06-10-2008, 23:41
No need to become personally offensive Martyn - you began by dismissing my opinions and you are entitled to just that - my opinions are just that - my opinions - yours are just that - yours, A little gentle poking of fun at one another is acceptable - but there is no call for personal abuse.
Please lets all accept a little "fun poking" but sheer rudeness is uncalled for
Red
Climb down from up yerself spam, my eyes are watering from the strain of just watching. :rolleyes:
Have you picked your teddy back up yet Snowy?
Have you picked your teddy back up yet Snowy?
No, I'm too preoccupied watching the Curly, Larry & Mo bushcraft show. :rolleyes:
It's not bushcraft, it's skill sets!
:D
I like scotch bonnets ,you get the benefit of them twice.Once on the way in and once on the way out!!!
korvin karbon
07-10-2008, 09:28
I like scotch bonnets ,you get the benefit of them twice.Once on the way in and once on the way out!!!
only here can a topic of stoves become a script for a carry on movie lol
Bernie Garland
07-10-2008, 09:29
No, I'm too preoccupied watching the Curly, Larry & Mo bushcraft show. :rolleyes:
Who am i Curly Larry or Mo:lmao:
Bernie
only here can a topic of stoves become a script for a carry on movie lol
Ooooooh, Matron!
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/uncyclopedia/images/thumb/3/32/KennethWilliams.jpg/300px-KennethWilliams.jpg
Funny how certain kit causes such arguments on here.
I learned to cook on a camp fire before I ever had to use any other kind of stove domestic or outdoor.
What it taught me was that it's just a heat source, and how you use it is up to you.
Some fires / stoves provide high heat and some provide low heat but all can be used for cooking of any kind by proper placement of your pan. It's not rocket science despite the labels on certain stoves.
The most important piece of equipment for cooking a good meal is the bit you carry between your ears. http://www.wayland.me.uk/assets/images/fireside.gif
John Fenna
07-10-2008, 11:21
Thats my dinner ruined then!
korvin karbon
07-10-2008, 11:33
Look does it really matter on how you get your food hot, aslong as my butler serves it on time and the chef has used the right amount of caviar in the bannock then i am happy :p (who said you have to rough it when camping)
I have been known to advocate real Trangia's in the past, to the point I recieved this :)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/RikCoin2.jpg