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View Full Version : Heineken Cooking Pot Instructions



Rick
08-06-2008, 09:37 AM
I recently made a few cooking pots out of Heineken cans so I thought I'd share the instructions. It's really pretty easy to do. The materials you will need are:

1. Heineken Keg Can (24 ounces or .7 liters)
2. 25 feet (7.62 meters) of 1/16 inch fiberglass wicking
3. One silicone wrist band

I purchased the fiberglass wicking from this site:

https://www.minibulldesign.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=82

I purchased a 100 yard spool because I wanted to make a few cans but they also sell it in 10 yard spools if you want to make just one. If you look just above the table on their page is says, "Buy Just 10 Yard Hanks of Fiberglass Wick On-Line".

The first thing I did was remove the top of the can using a side cutting can opener. This allows you to use the top as a pot lid if you choose and eliminates any sharp edges on the can.

Next, I wrapped the can with the 1/16 inch wicking to serve as protection from grabbing a hot pot. You start by making a simple overhand loop.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=58

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=59

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=60

Make the overhand loop as small and as close to the end as you can then cut off the loose tail that is left over.

Next, pass the wicking through the overhand loop.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=61

Pull against the piece attached to the loop until you pull the loop inside out.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=64

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=63

Slip this loop over the can and pull against the knot to tighten it.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=62

Begin wrapping the wicking around the can until you reach the other end and complete that end by using the same technique. Make an overhand loop, pass it through the knot and pull the loop inside out. Slip the loop over the top of the can so you can pull against the loop and tighten the final wrap of wicking.

The last thing you need to do is slip the silicone wrist bracelet over the top lip of the can. This will prevent you from placing your lips against a hot metal can and burning them.

The knots will stay taught until you pull them in the opposite direction. This enables you to remove the wicking and place it on a new can if yours becomes damaged. Just move the wicking and the wrist bracelet to the new can.

This is what you wind up with. My wrist band is embossed with "Support Our Troops" but obviously you can use whatever you want.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=56

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=57

RobertRogers
08-06-2008, 12:20 PM
Excellent - I can help anyone here drain the cans first. Just send the full cans to the Survival Topics compound in northern NH

crashdive123
08-06-2008, 03:04 PM
Neat idea. Glad you explained it, because when I looked at your album this morning I wondered what I was looking at. Thanks.

Gray Wolf
08-06-2008, 03:13 PM
Big improvement over the coffee can! Excellent Idea Rick!

What are the overall dimensions of the Heineken Keg Can?

Rick
08-06-2008, 03:25 PM
I wish I could take credit for the idea but it's not mine. One I picked up on the net. It's just that no one that I've found has explained how much wicking you need or what knots to use. That part I did have to figure out. As you can see, the Heineken can is a shaped can that resembles a beer keg. That shape also gives it strength. You could use any large beer can but if it doesn't have some type of ribbing built into it then it will crush flat in no time.

The can is 5.5 inches (139.7 millimeters) high with a 3 inch (76.2 millimeters) diameter. It holds 3 cups, 24 ounces or .7 liters, whichever you prefer.

danmc
08-21-2008, 06:36 PM
I wonder how a nylon or poly cord would fare. I just made one of these following your instructions and noticed a bunch of little fiberglass hairs on the wick. Yeah fiberglass won't burn at the temps involved but it seems like if the pot has water in it then even boiling the temperature may be low enough to get by with nylon cord tool. I guess there's one way I can find out for sure.

Neat looking pot! Should be enough to motivate me to make a new pot stand.

-Dan

Rick
08-21-2008, 07:55 PM
Just curious if you had any trouble with the instructions? Anything that needs to be changed or fleshed out?

As for the nylon/poly, I doubt it would be a problem if you used it on a stove. There isn't that much heat that runs up the side of the can. Where it would be a problem, I think, is an open fire/hot coals. That much heat may cause it to melt. That would be nasty grabbing hot melted nylon!!

danmc
08-21-2008, 09:32 PM
Instructions were quite clear. The pictures help.

polishpunk
08-22-2008, 12:10 AM
it all made sense but r u supposed to hold the string or hang it from a stick over a open fire?

danmc
08-22-2008, 01:13 AM
it all made sense but r u supposed to hold the string or hang it from a stick over a open fire?

the string is just a built in hotpad so you can pick it up without burning your fingers. It also keeps the contents a little warmer longer.

-Dan

bulrush
09-02-2008, 12:09 PM
My local Meijer doesn't carry Heineken at all. Do I have to go to the local Chug'a'Jug (corner store) to get it?

Rick
09-02-2008, 12:12 PM
Not everyone around here stocks that size can, either. I went to a local gonzo packaged store and they only had five in the fridge racks. Try the largest packaged store around your area.

crashdive123
09-02-2008, 01:10 PM
Bulrush - if you can't find any, send me the money - I'll buy them for you and ship the empty cans to you (I won't even charge to ship em)

bulrush
09-02-2008, 01:49 PM
Gee, thanks Crash! What a nice guy! The check is in the mail...
;)

crashdive123
09-02-2008, 01:51 PM
Anything for a friend.

Smok
11-29-2008, 06:32 AM
Just go to www.minibulldesign.com/ (http://www.minibulldesign.com/) He is the one that came up with this Design and meany others it's a Great site

Sarge47
11-29-2008, 11:03 AM
Just go to www.minibulldesign.com/ (http://www.minibulldesign.com/) He is the one that came up with this Design and meany others it's a Great site
Long time no hear from! Where ya been? We've missed you around here.:cool:

Runs With Beer
12-17-2008, 09:17 PM
That is a realey cool cook pot. So today I made a Billly Can out of a Hinny can. Built a fire and tried it out, Worked great, Took some Pics, As soon as I finish the film will have Pics. It worked very well.

WgS
02-12-2009, 01:33 AM
I am a little confused and perhaps not reading this correctly. We used to cook outta cans all the time until the inner coating became a known health concern. Sure, I'd still do it in a life/death situation with no other option but I wouldn't want to make a habit of it. Has Heineken done anything different with their kegs since:

http://hikinghq.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3679

or did I miss the part where you burned off the inner coating?

Rick
02-12-2009, 09:57 AM
Interesting. I've read all that stuff, too. But I've never been able to prove it. I've tried scraping it out and tried burning it out and I see no evidence that the Heineken can has any kind of plastic lining. Nothing burns or bubbles or otherwise comes off.

crashdive123
02-12-2009, 10:00 AM
I too have scraped the inside of soda and beer cans and thought - nothing here. Found this and thought it was interesting http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000100 (remembered the link this time)

pgvoutdoors
02-12-2009, 02:02 PM
Thanks, now I have to try another stove. But that's GOOD!

WgS
02-12-2009, 02:27 PM
Interesting. I've read all that stuff, too. But I've never been able to prove it. I've tried scraping it out and tried burning it out and I see no evidence that the Heineken can has any kind of plastic lining. Nothing burns or bubbles or otherwise comes off.

Perhaps it is an urban myth? I've always thought it was a coating rather than a lining to separate the aluminum from the contents, similar to tin cans. I'd love to know there is nothing to worry about as I make a mean coffee can brown bread and I'm scouting do-it-yourself stoves currently.

Great work on your stoves!

Alpine_Sapper
02-12-2009, 02:48 PM
where can you get metal coffee cans anymore? Everything I find (that's drinkable anyway) comes in plastic these days.

WgS
02-12-2009, 03:06 PM
Grocery Outlet sells S&W Mellow'd Roast in a 34.5 oz can. I'm sure Mellow'd must mean drinkable. ;)

pgvoutdoors
02-12-2009, 03:08 PM
The cheaper brands are still in metal cans around here. The major brands have all gone to plastic.

crashdive123
02-12-2009, 04:32 PM
Quite a few brands at local grocery stores can be found in metal cans.

@WgS - on the link I posted - scroll down a little - you will see the picture of the aluminum can dissolved away, leaving only the plastic liner. Apparently it is to keep the acid in the soda from eating through the can.

Rick
02-12-2009, 06:10 PM
Well, that explains it. My fume hood is on the fritz. Plenty of sodium hydroxide sitting around but that blasted fume hood.........

If I get down to chewing the water then I'll toss the can.:D

hoosierarcher
03-28-2009, 12:55 AM
I don't like cooking in aluminum; but that is a well thought out and well made little pot..

head
04-01-2009, 01:59 PM
Could you use a sapporo beer can?

Or maybe a steel reserve can?

Different material, maybe there isn't a liner.

Rick
04-01-2009, 05:29 PM
You can use any can you want. The advantage of the Heineken is the size and shape. The ridged shape adds strength to the can. If you look at the Heineken I made, the two ridges make it handy to wind the fiberglass wicking and keep it in place. Aside from that, you can use any can you want.

Okwaho
04-11-2009, 02:35 PM
Nice idea, I might have to give it a try.

locorogue
08-11-2009, 11:48 PM
Just my 2.5 cents worth...I went ahead and "re" uploaded the following video, it's of my 'micro' stove.

I'm probably going to upload other projects that are related this type of forum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0mln8lPkO4

crashdive123
08-12-2009, 06:45 AM
Locorogue - I like the size of your stoves and your method of priming. Thanks.

Rick
08-12-2009, 07:02 AM
That is a nice job. Handy little pocket survival stove. Small enough for just about any kit!

erunkiswldrnssurvival
08-12-2009, 07:13 AM
Bulrush - if you can't find any, send me the money - I'll buy them for you and ship the empty cans to you (I won't even charge to ship em)

you are a born buisness man crash!!!

crashdive123
08-12-2009, 07:28 AM
you are a born buisness man crash!!!

Evidently not. I keep checking the mail waiting on the beer - no joy.

locorogue
08-12-2009, 12:13 PM
That is a nice job. Handy little pocket survival stove. Small enough for just about any kit!

thanks. i've experimented with smaller stoves, but ended up with this one for the exact reason you stated, any kit. i made one a bit larger that is a 'jet' setup, you can adjust the flame, uploading soon.

Rick
08-12-2009, 12:15 PM
I'd like to see that. I'm not a big fan of alcohol stoves in general. Tough when cold and windy but they do have a place, IMHO. Under the right conditions they are excellent. Every other kind of fuel has it's drawbacks, too.

locorogue
08-12-2009, 01:35 PM
I'd like to see that. I'm not a big fan of alcohol stoves in general. Tough when cold and windy but they do have a place, IMHO. Under the right conditions they are excellent. Every other kind of fuel has it's drawbacks, too.

*I can't disagree with your statement. And to be honest, i prefer my pocket rocket setup if i'm not allowed to make my own fire.
*If anyone cares, if you noticed on my stove the bottom is flat, i've found this to be better than the concave bottom of the standard cans, why? flat holds more fuel, distributes the fuel more evenly, and allowed me to keep the stove alot shorter. A comparable thick, flat bottomed aluminum can would actually be the 'aluminum' beer bottles(thickness & diameter are close to the can i use).
*I've done the testing in the conditions you've stated(windy, cold), and even damp, etc., i'd put the output(btu's) of this thing against anything in comparable size, or even a little larger(in my research).
*Priming with trioxane(even with jets) is great even in breezy conditions, that's why it's my primer or starter of choice.
*My thinking is go as small(lite) as you can without sacrificing performance(aren't we all). This stove was it(again, i'm just going to upload the other prototypes).
*I think the bottom line is just info sharing, obviously this stove is not a necessity, but learning to make either this type, the heineken, coke can, hobo, jets, etc is nice to have in one's repertoire. And if one starts to experiment, they should try to make the different types (experience). And as i don't care for youtube, you can find alot of good stuff there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0mln8lPkO4

Rick
08-12-2009, 03:17 PM
Great point on the flat bottom and great idea on the primer. I'll be really interested to see the jets stove.

COWBOYSURVIVAL
08-12-2009, 03:25 PM
Is the side opening can opener manual or electric? Do you know if they make both? Durnit I just bought a new electric and didn't even think about something like this!

locorogue
08-13-2009, 12:45 AM
i went ahead and uploaded some pics of some 'alcohol' stoves that i've made and that are in the works. The 'jet' stove(with the brain matter) is unique in that i haven't seen similar(mechanics or small size)...yet. There are some that may appear close, but as i stated on previous posts, i prefer smaller, self contained, i want to put something in a tight case or pouch and not worry about a part breaking!

Any questions, let me know...:wacko:

Ken
08-13-2009, 08:05 AM
Hey locorogue! Excellent video on making the stove. Thanks!

finallyME
08-13-2009, 09:14 AM
Jason Klass also has an instructional on the ol' heini can pot.

Jason Klass (http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/subthreeouncesystem.htm)

This pot is generally only good for boiling water. So, if that is all you need to do....Here is a site for making your food that only requires boiling.

Freezer Bag Cooking (http://www.trailcooking.com/)