Esbit VS Dollar Store Fire Starters

In this video I compare Esbit tablets with cheap fire starters from Dollarama, our local dollar store

[@steamboatmodel]

When I was a teen (I turn 72 in Aug.), I used one of the Esbit stoves and a Canteen Cup all the time. I dug them out about ten years ago to do a demonstration on camp stoves for Scouts/Venturers and found I still had an unopened package of Tablets, knowing I would need I bought some new ones. When It came time for the camp I discovered that the new tablets put out about half the heat and lasted a lot less time then the old ones. This was done in side by side demonstrations with identical equipment. I have not found any of the new tablets that are as good as the old ones. I will have to try the Dollarama ones once we can buy them again. As for the soot I used to coat the bottom of cook wear with soap which may have made clean up a bit easier.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting about the old and new tablets. Thanks for commenting

[@huxleyjamison5153]

i realize Im kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released series online ?

[@FiddleSticks800]

Your old fuel tablets might have been Trioxane fuel tablets (not hexamine as is used in esbit now) They were much more common 20 years or so ago but produce formaldehyde when burned, a known carcinogen. They worked great though, better than the hexamine.

[@davidb6347]

I’m thinking about 90% of difference in any think has more to do government intrusion tan anything else.

[@russelljackman1413]

I have made my own fire starters for years, using sawdust and paraffin wax--or candles from thrift stores. I melt the wax, using a double boiler, (safer) then pour it over the sawdust, in an old stock pot. I mix it up good, using a heavy-duty wooden spoon, then pour it out onto a cookie sheet and flatten it out. When it is still a little warm, I cut it into squares. It is easier to cut, when it is still warm. The whole process is relatively easy and the cost is next to nothing; wood shops let me have the sawdust for free, and the candles are very inexpensive. Thanks for another great video, Mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a video showing something very similar. I add pine/spruce resin to the mix. Thanks for commenting

[@pulseoftheland]

Hi Mark! Thanks for the nice video :) I once tried the woodfiber firestarters and soaked them in melted candlewax, it soaked up a lot more of it and just one cube brought it to a boil and it burned for 20 minutes!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Sounds very effective. Thanks for commenting

[@mommaice]

I have used the dollar store fire starters for years. Works in the wilds & in the fireplace. Perfect!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@dgunearthed7859]

Are we talking dollar tree or?

[@davidnoseworthy4540]

Mark, I have seen these in the Dollarama, but it never clicked to purchase some to have some in my kit. After your demo, I will be picking some up to try for myself (once Ontario comes out of lock down). When it comes to cleaning soot from the pot, and old Boy Scout trick was to wipe dish soap on the pot exterior before your excursion. Makes it much easier to clean afterwards. Thanks again my friend, I always enjoy your videos. My best wishes to you and Mrs. Young. Stay safe.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I personally don't mind the soot. All I do is whip off the excess and pack the pot away. The ZIP are just nasty. I am planning a video on how to keep pots from becoming sooty. Stay safe

[@Kw1161]

Note from the future (4 years) now the hard part is finding a “Dollar Store)…😂! Thanks for the comparison video. Have a great day!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

True story. Seems everything goes up by a dollar each year. Thanks for commenting

[@blueyonder1233]

Who doesn't love a video with flames 🔥! I've never used the tabs so thanks for putting your cup through that sooty experiment. It appears from the folding stove that the tabs are supposed to lay horizontal, but would positioning them vertically, on their end concentrate the hot spot on the bottom of the cup? Save the cold weather test till next Winter.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am not a big fan of the Esbit stove but for this test it provided consistency. Thanks for commenting

[@mrwes100]

Nice review and test Mark. Pathogens and parasites are killed long before 212F. However, the CDC used the rolling boil as the visual tool to ensure you have achieved an acceptable temperature.

[@robertphillips93]

Yes -- you can pasteurize water by bringing it to 150 deg F for 6 minutes for example -- but that will require a means of measuring temperature!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that is my understanding as well. Better to have a rolling boil then to guess and get it wrong. Thanks for commenting

[@mrwes100]

@@robertphillips93 Thus for the visual of the rolling boil. Exactly.

[@crazytexan7532]

Not that I trust the CDC anymore

[@BingWatcher]

Another nicely done video! Just a quick comment, Mark, would be to consider that an unforeseen benefit of Esbit to the infantry troops. Since Esbit produces little to no smoke and a minimal light signature, they can be used without giving away a soldier's location. But, as a hiker, I too don't find them to be a practical option in most situations.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting point. Thanks for commenting

[@jeffmccrea9347]

WOW, do I feel old, (67). When I was a kid, (about 12), I used to go to a military surplus store with my father and buy these tubes about the size of a roll of quarters that held 6 round hexamine tabs. They were surplus from the Vietnam war. I paid a nickel a roll. I used to make double loops about 3 inches apart out of wire coat hangars and bend them so that they were parallel to each other. The bottom loop would be the base and the top loop would be wrapped in aluminum foil and would be my "frying pan". One tab would fully cook a hamburger 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick until it was brown in the middle. I was a fire bug back then. We used to go to Canada 3 or 4 times a year for weekends. I didn't have a problem walking into gift shops alone and buying firecrackers. My parents would smuggle them back into the states for me to play with. AHH, those were the days, (1960's).

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The memories of our youth. Seemed like an endless summer. Thanks for commenting

[@rosewood513]

I made some Firestarters today that cost me $00.00. I used wax, from candles, at the flea market really cheap. and some sawdust from my shop. I did it the fast and, in my opinion, easiest way. melted the wax in an old pan in water. I mixed the wax right in the pot. No pouring the hot wax over the sawdust. I mixed it up. Then I took a spoon and scooped out the mixture and put it in egg cartons which are the paper ones. Let it cool and used it for lunch. I could not believe how well they worked. Water boiled in no time (2 cups) I went on the make a pork chop, a potato, and some fried onions. Of course, I used wood to keep it going, but in the end, I dug out the wax and reignited the wax to start another fire to boil another pot (2 cups) of water. This was not a test but I was so impressed I will not be buying any more cubes, too bad I just ordered some. When I run out of egg cartons they can be done in ice cube trays that I have plenty (which works well) with the silicone ones) and wrap with paper. It really does not take long to do, this nie if you are frugal (not cheap) like me.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, I make something similar and have a video on it. Thanks for commenting

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Add in large cotton balls for extended burn time

[@stephensgate1]

Great job. I will go buy some of the dollar store starters primarily for emergency fire starting. Thanks for making the video. -Stephen, Ohio

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting

[@iandesoucey9369]

the cup you use impacts the efficiency too. Using the classic $12 Stanley, it couln't boil 16ish oz in 2 tablets. but, using an aluminum US canteen cup, it boiled the whole thing in one tab with fuel to spare. great review!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point. Thanks for commenting

[@prof.crastinator]

yep or even the thinner stainless nesting cups work better

[@iandesoucey9369]

​@@prof.crastinatorhadn't considered that, been showing less love to my esbit because of the thermal inefficiency, but maybe I'm trying to use gear that's made to withstand a rocket stove. You have a preferred brand for those cups?

[@nemocheerio]

This is a great idea and video. I have always been in awe at all the videos where people say they boil water and cook over esbit tabs. I could never get them to do anything but heat up my water to drinking temperature.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@benthere8051]

I like it. Never thought about using the fire starter as fuel before.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@simpletheorygear]

Excellent Video!!! Thank you so much for your thoroughly informative evaluation of these fire starting//possible fuel options.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it Mac

[@user-hz6sd3kq5i]

I just came across your video which is very good, the dollar store fire starters are full of wax that causes all that soot. I am currently working on making my own pressed wood pucks that are only dipped in wax to prevent the problem with all that soot.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Will be interesting to hear how they turn out. Thanks for commenting

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

I've been using those too, Mark. They're cheap and easy to find. They do burn pretty sooty but thankfully I don't mind my pots getting dirty.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Me neither. A quick wipe and into the stuff sack. All good. Thanks for commenting Jacky

[@brucematys6064]

Great video Mark, I have the Coglans emergency (Esbit style) stove. Like you I don't like the smell and barely use it. I do carry the Dollarama fire starters, but never thought about using them as a primary source of fuel. Something new to try! Cheers Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@nickcasolino8903]

Mark, I tried them before. I had the same idea, and it gave me the same result. My result is esbit tablet 14gr will give you a boil with a 500 ml cup. The Zip fuel and the wax tablet are great to start a campfire when everything is wet or in winter when you need a fire "yesterday". Love your videos

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good stuff! Thanks for commenting

[@MrWmburr7]

Hey Mark, thanks for all the good information you send our way. I just purchased one of these little Esbit Pocket Stoves. Now I'm heading to my Michigan Dollar store to see if they have anything comparable to the Firestarter you found up there near the Artic Tundra. 😄

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hope you find the fire starters. I think winter missed us this year. No snow and above freezing temps. Thanks for commenting

[@markarsenault4303]

Great video Mark. I too am a proponent of inexpensive supplies that perform as well or better than task/hobby specific items. Similar products can be found in a wide price range if they are marketed to different audiences. I carry three or four tightly wrapped dollar store fire starter briquettes in my dry accessories bag as a back-up.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. You can pay more but why. Thanks for commenting

[@anthonychihuahua]

Nice informative video. I'll be scouring the dollar tree and dollar stores here in the States looking for these now👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@lpark8]

Great video thank you! Stable and lightweight fuel and good to see how they stack up against Esbit. I have a couple of each in my day pack as backup but never did the compare.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@rrcaniglia]

Good video, thanks. I’ve disliked ‘heat tabs’ (U.S. Army trioxane) since my first experience with them. Suffocating chemical smell. Got crushed/broken. Soot galore. You’ve nailed it. I, too, use the compressed fiber fire starters for more than starting the campfire.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@northwind9505]

On another level, I wonder with all that un burned smoke, if a second burn "secondary " would have gained on overall burn. A small gasification stove? Who knows. Lol. I really enjoyed the comparison. Thanks Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good question!🤔. Thanks for commenting

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Maybe a DIY project? Keep us posted 👍

[@thegreyghost2789]

I love those fire starters, they smell nice in your pack and the only area where the esbit might still have a slight edge is size, if space is a requirement then they would be a better choice but otherwise dollarama rules. Thanks Mark for posting this, I would never have thought of using them in this capacity.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great value for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

A very good detailed review sir, I've been using those small compressed firestarters for a while, not yet tried them as a fuel for boiling, but I may well do so based on your recommendation

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Tried this during an overnight camp a few days ago, just using a very simple 3 tent peg tripod setup, a single fire starter didn't bring my water to the boil, but it was certainly hot enough for me to enjoy a warm drink on a cold day. Adding some wind protection would probably have got me much closer. 👍🏼

[@donnance1480]

Nice video Mark! In my neck of the woods (East/Northeast Tennessee) we do not have Dollarama but these tabs are available from Tractor Supply Co. and are much less expensive than Esbit. I use them mainly for starting my campfire kindling and they will even start wet wood (wet within reason). So the soot is not a factor affecting my food since I cook on the smoldering red coals. Keep up the vids!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Good to have a supply of the cheap fire starters on hand. Thanks for commenting

[@RonOrud]

I use the Esbit titanium 3 wing stove with a wind screen like with an alcohol stove and I boil with fuel left. I can’t wait to test these others.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

That was a great test Mark. My experience with Esbit has been the same. I like the Zip cubes for starting fires when I need one right now and want to take shortcuts with fire prep. I’ll have to see if I can find your Dollar Store fire starters. They look like a great option.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Mike. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well and you are staying safe. Have you retired from the "job" yet?

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Ugh. No. Not yet. 2 more years brother. It can't come fast enough. It just keeps getting crazier and crazier.

[@DannyMancheno]

Thanks for the video! I’m building a cooking set for a future hike out with my dad. I practiced cooking some eggs & ham this morning using a weber solid fuel fire starter from home depot. It did the job but the food had a kind of gross chemical smoke flavor to it and gave off a bit of a heart burn after. So i was looking for alternatives. Those waxed wood shaving tablets look (hopefully) more organic and safer to cook with. I was wondering about shaving some chunks off a duraflame log. $5 for a 4.5 Ibs log of that stuff, might even be more cost effective if it burns long enough.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am not sure what the Duraflame is made from but I expect it is a petroleum based product. Could always test a piece to see how it works. Thanks for commenting

[@garywhelansr5602]

Good video Mark I use the dollar store tabs alot in my esbit stoves the only difference I do is on the stove Ive made windscreens that fit inside of openings from a old license plate can get a true boil with just one tab its like a funnel effect .. Cant beat the price

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great idea. Thanks for commenting

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Nice idea 👍

[@bmbpdk]

Hello Sir. A very relevant and interesting test, thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting

[@20Hikecdt23]

Im going to try them with my Caldera Cone. I'll bet one of the woody tabs would do it! Thank you Sir! GREAT idea!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Let me know it works out. Thanks for commenting

[@yovotech]

Wrap aluminum foil on the bottom -middle part of the pot before using the wooden tabs and you can have a clean bottom after boiling.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@LittleUrbanPrepper]

Nice. Never bought them but have used them during one of my trips. I usually make my own with molten wax and sawdust.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, I do as well. (have a video on it) I add resign from pine, spruce or fir trees. really adds to the performance. Thanks for commenting

[@LittleUrbanPrepper]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft yes. Molten resin is excellent and also far more sturdy than wax and solid after hardening. I make videos too. I'm a new friend on your channel 🙂✌ Hope you'll be on mine too 😊🤝🙏

[@redpillnibbler4423]

@@LittleUrbanPrepper I was thinking along the same lines 👍

[@hansschmid3937]

acutally i use burning gel from a chafing dish in a tin with the potstand of the swiss Notkocher 71, or this gel in a esbit stove...burns clean nearly no smell, ... price is ok.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍. An aluminium tee-lite candle holder makes for a nifty little tub for the gel fuel .. or when the 'other half' has finished with her 'Rexona' Spray Deodorant, the top and bottom of the Aluminium Can .. both cut off to a suitable size, top stuck into the bottom, holes drilled around the top inwards-tapered perimeter and one has a great little Gel Fuel Burner. Also works well with Alcohol Fuel .. even safer with some Ceramic Wool stuffed inside to reduce the risk of liquid fuel spillage. My vintage Esbit Folder is one of my favourite Go-To's .. my original Military Issue in 1968.. Here in Switzerland, the Esbit Tabs are not easily available whilst 'Brennsprit' and 'Sicherheitsbrennpaste' can be found everywhere.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting! Thanks for commenting

[@BingWatcher]

We using Sterno chafing gel fuel inside an Altoids container. This fits perfectly in the Esbit folding stove. I highly recommend using the DIY windscreen inside Esbit stove. I use aluminum flashing, cut to size and with bent tabs to enable it to hang onto the ridges of the perpendicular sides.

[@melissahoffman4687]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft www.amazon.com/Swissmar-F65400-Fire-Refill-33-8-Ounce/dp/B0081FK4FW/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=gel+fuel&qid=1619933475&sr=8-6 This gel fuel leaves no soot, smoke, no odor. The down side is it leaves behind blue residue. This would be perfect for your fancy feast stove. If you spell gel is more forgiving compared to liquid fuel. :)

[@melissahoffman4687]

www.bing.com/search?q=simmer%20ring%20for%20the%20fancy%20feast%20stove%20&pc=cosp&ptag=G6C8N155607A308CE7CCFF&form=CONBNT&conlogo=CT3210127 You can make a simmer ring on your fancy feast stove. That way it's not running on full boil mode all the time.

[@thomasmusso1147]

A good, accurate comparison .. thanks. The 'Zip Cubes' .. their equivalent .. I have also tried .. only once 😊. Here in Switzerland, the Esbit Tabs are not freely available .. and are expensive. My 'Go-To's in my Esbit Folder (and others) are Liquid Alcohol and Gel Fuels .. the Gel Fuel being especially clean burning. Both also much cheaper than the Esbit Tabs. Take care ..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, I prefer using liquid or gel alcohol as well. Thanks for commenting

[@kanukkarhu]

Interesting video, as usual. 👍🏻 Personally, I have an issue eating or drinking anything cooked on esbit or other chemical solid fuels. I consider them an emergency option, personally. But I can tell you, I'm going to pick up some Dollarama fire starters!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. I would be cautious of cooking over the Dollarama fire starters as I am not sure if there is any chemicals added. Thanks for commenting

[@moorejl57]

Good addition to my fire kit, thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you like it! Thanks for commenting

[@robertgullickson8758]

Thank you for your investigation. I wonder if altitude makes a difference in the Esbit tab? I have used them for several years in my daily carry for coffee making. I’ve not tried Zip cubes for cooking and I won’t for sure. I will be looking for some of those little fire starters. Also, I’ve enjoyed many of the interesting comments from others on you channel. (This one in particular). Thank you Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have not considered altitude. Our province goes from sea level to a few hundred feet. Insignificant altitude changes. Thanks for commenting

[@visnuexe]

Thank you for the review! I was in the market for a fire starter as a back up for my alcohol fueled stove. I wonder how much the Dolarama cubs held up in high humid condions. Guess I'll have to buy some and try them out!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

They should stay good. I have not soaked them in water but I am pretty sure they have a wax content. I do keep mine in zip-loc bags as I do not like the smell. Thanks for commenting

[@ilijabosnjak76]

I like those cheap fire starters from Dollarama ,they work and I like the smell,lighter another buck and off you go..For less than $3 bucks I can make fire 🔥 and for fuel, I live in Canada there’s trees 🌲 everywhere and go to CT and get a knife,they are good $10 bucks..You don’t need fortune to save yourself from inevitable it’s just how you perceive the situation you are in.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@user-ti7dw4ri6t]

You're just the best mentor wish i had you as a teacher

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@legendoflongbrew6111]

For fire starting…I dip round cotton cosmetic swabs, I dip them in wax, when cool cut half way through to give it an east edge to lite and they work great….a bag of swabs probably last a life time… I even pull them apart to be half thickness, best of luck….great video

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Cotton swabs work great for fire starting

[@phillipbuchan9180]

A superb video with great insight. Thank you very much for the acknowledgement. It's very interesting to see that those cheap fire starters do indeed work decently as fuel in that kind of stove. The ones available in New Zealand are pretty much identical to the ones you are using there. Thank you again for your interesting videos and the innovative ideas.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@kurtbaier6122]

Thanks definitely will switch I’ve even used 2 Esbit when cool would not boil

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

This will save you some money for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@docink6175]

If you dont like soaping your mess kit maybe wrap your cup/pot in foil to reduce the soot build up.. i picked up 6 big packets of Diamond Firestarter at an end of season clearance several yrs ago. They are wax and sawdust, similar to your dollarrama ones. Ive used them occasionally to heat water. Im not a hiker more of a weekend vehicular nomad with way to many options for cooking but I like to experiment using everything from pinecones to candles, multi wick alcohol stoves to propane grills

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I need to try the foil trick. Thanks for commenting

[@billheckman5937]

Dollar Store fire starters is the winner. Keep a few in your pack wrapped up in wax paper for emergency fire stater/fuel, and there is no plastic packaging to deal with. An the price is right. Thanks Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@randyyeager]

At Dollarama they have (or had) other fire starters. They likely have some sort of accellerant in them as the package they come in has a ziplock type closure. I love dollarama. You can pretty much find everything you need for camping in that one store.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

My go to bushcraft supply store. Along with Value Village. Thanks for commenting

[@Bible321]

Great job very on point. Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@vvogt4252]

Great Test. Thanks Brother . Good Information. Have to see if the doller store has the fire tabs near me.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to help. Thanks for commenting

[@crazytexan7532]

Great video been looking for an affordable alternative for an esbit stove, I have several types of stoves but these type are great for packing due to their size, but I have not had great success with the esbit tabs myself

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@rhettoracle9679]

I added two flat panels as windscreen on the openings of the stove which keep heat directed to pot. I prefer Coghlan's fuel tabs which are round,much cheaper than Esbit, smaller in size, less smell or residue. 24 tablets @$7 US. Cheers

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have some of the Coghlans tabs as well. They are getting hard to find around here. Thanks for commenting

[@rhettoracle9679]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I order mine from Amazon US. I have Prime and don't pay for shipping. Maybe Canadian tariffs make them more expensive. Peace

[@practicalguy973]

Great comparison. I did not know about the fire starter from the Dollarama! I've seen some videos of people using cotton balls saturated in Vaseline to boil water. There isn't many detailed videos on that so not sure how that would be for a boil water test. I'm thinking it would be quite cheap and easy to make but you might need two to boil that much water. Whats good also is Vaseline and cotton balls can be used for skin issues and other medical tasks so its multi-use. I'm curious on other things that I have not seen people try maybe like Vaseline mixed with wood pellets to make a clean burning tablet of some sort.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

One isuse with using Vaseline is that it melts as it burns. This is not an issue in fire starting but unless it is in some type of cup or on top of pellets, it could run out of the stove and onto the surface. Other than that, if you don't min the messiness of it, it works pretty good. Thanks for commenting

[@Derek1975able]

Great video! I will grab some for my stove for sure!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hope you enjoy. Thanks for commenting

[@kokopelauwebb5731]

If you don't mind soot and you want cheap, just dip a cotton ball in wax and use that, it boils water well. it will also start fires. And you can have pride of craftsmanship.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@weikwanglee4383]

In Asia, China, there is a branded fire starter made from mainly plant material used for charcoal stoves that comes in 24 per box costing less than US$2 per box. For outdoors, I will upgrade these in putting them into candle wax mouldings, ( surrounding them in wax) I find they work well, getting a rolling boil per contraption. I can also fashion a stove out of a tin can. Or two to use. If cheap is the want. I find this very cheap.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good to know. Thanks for commenting

[@michaelklodos4045]

I’ve used this stove, for the last couple of months. I am very pleased with it. It performs very well. I use it with a canteen cup. The Firedragon fuel is very expensive in Denmark. I use 83% hand sanitizer gel, that is much cheaper, with great success.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Firedragon is expensive here as well. Good to have options. Thanks for commenting

[@yovotech]

Thank you for your work

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@jelkel25]

Went through the try everything that burns on the Esbitt stove stage when I was a kid with very little money and like you Esbitt tabs, even cheaper knock offs weren't as easy to get hold of. There was no real conclusion on what burnt better, you used what you could get and if you were running short you stuck a few dry twigs on top of the fire starter/Esbitt cube and saved your money for an alcohol stove!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I got my first Esbit stove when I was a kid as well. I gave up on it pretty quickly. I have come back to them but I am still not impressed. Thanks for commenting

[@puppiesarepower3682]

Wow. And to think I thought it was only a gimmick when I saw those things being sold. Unfortunately, I haven't seen these being sold in over a year.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Do you mean the dollar store fire starters? Lots available here. Thanks for commenting

[@hoopoo3721]

I switched to gas after esbit tabs keep going up in price. Thanks these look much better than esbit tabs!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad to help! Thanks for commenting

[@neiljohnston3407]

I don't use the fire starters for fuel ... but I do dunk them in wax & carry them as fire starters ... I wonder if the added wax would have met your boil with just the one cube.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a few of the ZIP starters coated in wax to prevent them from drying out. I may try them. Thanks for commenting

[@JonJaeden]

I've gotten 18 minutes of burn time with a 14g Esbit tablet using the Brien Green Esbit fuel tray. It slows the burn, thus giving simmer-ring performance with the hexamine fuel. Baked a perfectly good cornbread muffin with the Esbit tab, the fuel tray and a Bushbox mini. A small aluminum tealight container will mimick the Green tray -- perhaps not perfectly -- and give you a longer burn time.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Worth trying. Thanks for commenting

[@jongjoorhee931]

Good work, Mark. Quite scientific enough. I would not use any of them as fuel given any other choices. But in an emergency? Of course, I should use anything available, right? I carry the esbit tabs in two sizes, 14g's and 4g's. 32 or 36g combined will bring 1liter of water to boil and keep it boiling for 1 minute by themselves, as long as wind is not too bad. I usually throw in some sticks if I don't think the tabs would do it. I positively hate the smell of burning kerosene or diesel fuel, or paraffin or wax for that matter. So the zip cubes and the dollar store fire starters as fuel are usually hard no, no.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sounds well thought out. Thanks for commenting

[@uralbob1]

It's messy, but you can easily break up a wax/wood fiber log using a variety of methods. They are ubiquitous and cheap! Just bag up the pieces and go! Great for wet weather/wood too. My best bud always carries waxwood logs when camping whether he plans to use them or not.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@ivanmendoza2704]

use soap on the bottom of ur cup to make it clean easer, thanks for the vid I would rather use the fire starter than the Esbit tab to save money and reliability.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@tonysmith5924]

Always good info!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you think so! Thanks for commenting

[@clockworkvanhellsing372]

If price and soodiness is the main concern, using the gel fuel for fondue sets in a small steel can works great (simmelar to sterno fuel). It can be found in 1l bottles for only a few bucks and a smll hand sanitizer bottle is perfect for transporting and portioning it as needed (fuel consumption is simmelar to esbit) . And since it is intended for indoor use, it woun't be a health issue like trioxane (it's also better than esbit). :) The main issue with esbit for me is wind. Even a relativly light breeze can up to triple the fuel needed to warm something up.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@markcummings6856]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are welcome! Thanks for commenting

[@randal1470]

I’d be tempted to take one cube but cut it into quarters to gain some more surface area to see if one will get the boil. I also think a better stove design is warranted. I’ve never seen the esbit stove as being anything more than a waste of time. Zero draft.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am not a fan of this military Esbit stove and only used it as it was suggested by the viewer and it provided a consistent platform. Thanks for commenting Randal

[@sudoroot5457]

Thank you Sir. Well, it would also have been fair to mention the Trioxane and the PyroPac Gel Fuel in this test. I appreciate it

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Would be great to have some to test. Thanks for commenting

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Thanks for an interesting video,I do like these comparison videos. While I think about it,whatever happened to Hiram Cook on KZbin? Anyway my experience with Esbit is the same as you - one cube just won’t cut it.The worst thing about Esbit is the oily residue that gets on everything,I hate that.What it’s great for is storing for emergencies but the price has gone through the roof here on the U.K. Firedraggon is an alternative but needs a dish to burn in and not as storage friendly but has nice advantages like cleaner burning. I’ll check out alternatives like you did or maybe make my own using candle wax and wood chips or something - I tried large cotton balls with Vaseline in the field and they did work but the smoke and soot was pretty bad !😅

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have heard that Hiram retired from YT. I am testing out FireDragon gel fuel and gel cubes. May do a video at some point. Thanks for commenting

[@redpillnibbler4423]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Oh thanks,I was thinking the worst,hope he’s ok. Look forward to your thoughts on the firedraggon.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

I only use Esbit tabs for my various survival/emergency kits because of their superior long tern storage abilities.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Me too.

[@randyyeager]

you can also just make your own with petroleum jelly, wax and cotton pads. All found at dollarama as well. The wax you can get from the large 90 hour candles. you take 2 cotton pads and add the petroleum jelly between them, melt the wax and just dip the double pads into it. Makes a great fire starter. I haven't tested burn time on it but I bet it's pretty long.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

All good suggestions. Thanks for commenting

[@tombeckett4340]

Dollar store is for me in this regard. Thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@mikmaq5738]

Excellent very useful information

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

I use POUND store fire-lighters Mark! :D My favourite are a slightly different design - wood wool - but just wood and wax (I've used ones like yours too). I think Hexamine is a very efficient fuel, and I have a stock I bought cheap years ago, but it's rather nasty stuff.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been using some wood wool type fire starters lately. They work well. Thanks for commenting

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I'm glad you're familiar with them Mark, thanks for the reply :)

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Good Test, Mark ! Aside From The Soot Work in a Pinch, Thanks have A Swell Day, Stay Safe ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks, you too Terry

[@eckartbeutel6699]

What about using the BCB Firedragon tablets. It would have been interesting t see how they would have performed in this comparison. They are about 0,49€ per pc over here in Germany. No odor and less contamination of the pot. Easy to light with a ferrorod even when wet.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I do have some of the FireDragon gel tabs. I may do a video comparison with the Esbit. Thanks for commenting

[@NewHampshireJack]

I do not know if recently manufactured hexamine is a different formulation than what was made years ago? The "old stuff" contained arsenic. Not enough to be dangerous out doors but if it was extinguished early, the smoke was a hazard. All fuel tabs are expensive here in the Philippines. For practice with our young troops, we purchase bulk chaffing dish fuel in bags or buckets (same gel alcohol as in the cans). It is dispensed from a plastic dish detergent bottle into various size aluminum bottle caps & other small containers depending on the burn time we desire. The gel is safer in the event of a tip over as it does not spread like liquid alcohol. We purchase various fuel tablets (many are packaged in mylar bags, great for storage)but only use them sparingly for field trips or emergencies. Still, my favorite small stove for a quick cup is a Trangia style burner with high purity ethanol. More energy /pound than methanol and absolutely NO odors. When time permits, we use a stainless steel gasifier type twig stove or build a "genuine" camp-fire.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was not aware you could buy the chaffing fuel in bulk. I will look for it. Thanks for commenting

[@NewHampshireJack]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft You may find bulk gel alcohol fuel at restaurant, hotel or catering supply stores. I order on-line from these type of suppliers for delivery to our home. Often we get free shipping for spending over a certain Peso amount. Many chaffing dish set-ups here in the Philippines burn liquid alcohol or the bulk gel fuel rather than the canned product. It depends on what type of burner you select. The canned fuel is getting very expensive at this time. Hope this helps you, Jack

[@richardross7219]

You can get your Esbit tabs for about $3.50 a box at MidwayUSA when they put them on sale and have free shipping. If you register you will get birthday deals for the month of your birth. I highly recommend the Heatsheet Emergency Blanket that they sell. It is bigger, stronger, and quieter than mylar blankets. I figure the Esbit are just good for 12 oz when the air is above 50*. Only used them a couple of times. I like my old Army canteen, canteen cup, canteen cup stove and the big trioxane tablets. I usually stuffed sticks in to help it burn longer. Good Luck, Rick

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great info for my American viewers. Thanks for commenting

[@darrenvanderwilt1258]

The BCB Fire Dragon would be interesting to see against the fire starter.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have some BCB gel cubes. They work well as long as they are used in a holder that does not have holes. They melt as they burn and will leak out of most solid fuel holders. Thanks commenting

[@dominickcapito4420]

Good to know. Thank you Sir

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@robaldridge6505]

can still get surplus trioxane here, usually 3=$1 break the bar into 2 or 3 pieces and use just like esbittabs

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Have never tried trioxane. Thanks for commenting

[@robaldridge6505]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft it helps tocarry sheets of aluminum foil to wrap your pot in when cooking, keeps your pots clean....

[@MSScout86]

I would like to have seen the actual temp of the water and times when they actually reach or not reach100c or 212F. Thanks for the testing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, This was no where near a precise test. More of an quick comparison. Thanks for commenting

[@fmkfmk3835]

hi mark good video ... if you want to succeed in boiling 2 cups of water with the fire starter from the dollard store you break it in 2 to make a v upside down .. you will see that only one tablet is enough ...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great suggestion. Will give it a try. Thanks for commenting

[@MichaelR58]

Good test , thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@terryhodgson2357]

Great work! I'll run out and find some of these tabs. I'm sure someone has already asked, but have you experimented with making your own fuel tabs? I'd be interested to see the process and results.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I do make fire starters, mostly with wood chips and wax plus a few additional ingredients. My experience is that most wax based fire starters do not do well as fuel tablets. They tend to melt and can be quite smoky. Good in a pinch but not for regular use. I may look into better DIY fuel tabs. Thanks for commenting

[@randyyeager]

if you buy a computer fan screen (or pull one from an old computer for on top of the esbit stove (used as a grill or cup stand, you can open the stove up so the sides are vertical, making your stove a lot more sturdy. I used to use mine as a twig stove before I bought a folding chinese twig stove for $8 CAD

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for sharing this with us 😊take cae😊

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@canarbn3com]

I have used Coghlan's fuel tablets work well in and Esbit stove..2 tablets will boil water..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I have used Coghlans as well. Two tabs equal one Esbit tab in weight. Thanks for commenting

[@sirdee9607]

Great Test my friend

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mrhalfstep]

It seems to me that, if one were concerned about the soot on their pot, they could simply pack a single sheet of aluminum foil that could be formed over the bottom of the pot while cooking and then folded up soot side inward and reused next time. All the mess would be on the foil and I'm pretty sure those firestarters don't reach the melting point of aluminum. Aluminum transfers heat easily, so it shouldn't increase the boil time much, if any. Come to think of, it why not use a piece of foil with a stick stove or any other sooty flame source?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, you make a good point. I am planning a video on ways to reduce soot. I personally don't mind it. Thanks for commenting

[@funigurl72]

Great video. Question: why not just cut the dollar store tab in half and add it at the beginning to ensure a rolling boil. It appears that very little of the second tab had been used to bring the water to a boil.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that is a good suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@davidtiner4094]

I watched your video on your DIY fire starters and I ask how much do your DIY fire starters [wax & woodchips] cost? Do they soot up your pot as much as the Dollar store fire starters? How do they compare in performance? I have several fire starters including Sweet Fire, but I keep returning to using my DIY wax & woodchips. The cost to me is negatable for I sweep up the woodchips off the floor of my woodshop and the wax I get from my wife's room fragrance device that uses wax. When the smell runs out, the wax is just thrown out for it has no further use - except as my DIY fire starters! Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a quantity of my DIY wax, woodchip and resin starters but don't uses as much as I could. Thanks for commenting

[@BushmansAdventures]

That “fishy” smell of Esbit is precisely why I do not use them here in BC 🇨🇦. It attracts bears

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Had not considered that. Good to know. Thanks for commenting

[@Alaska-Jack]

I wonder if using foil on the bottom of the pot would make it harder to heat up the water? I’ve never tried it but I really don’t like all that soot on the bottom.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have heard of people doing that but I have not tried. I expect it would slow heat transfer down a tiny bit. Not an issue over a fire. Thanks for commenting