How to Make Sterno at Home

Sterno is a jelly like fuel that keeps hot dishes warm on a buffet or keeps fondue from hardening and becoming either a block of chocolate or cheese or even help a camper to heat up their meal when a campfire is not permitted, but did you know that a version of sterno could be made at home from simple household ingredients? This article offers two versions to make small amounts of sterno for home use. One important note - fire is dangerous no matter how it is produced and one should always use caution when playing with fire.

Version I: What you will need: 1) antacid tables with a minimum of 1000mg of calcium carbonate; 2) white vinegar; 3) 99% rubbing alcohol; 4) fire proof container

Version II: What you will need: 1) 1oz of white chalk or clean white egg shells; 2) 4oz white vinegar; 3) 1oz of 99% rubbing alcohol; 4) fire proof container; 5) measuring container that will measure in ounces; and 6) coffee filter. To make this version of sterno: a) crush the chalk [or eggshells] into a fine powder; b) add vinegar and stir for five minutes; c) strain mixture through coffee filter; d) heat the mixture gently [2ozs at a time] over a small flame

According to www.instructables.com, a chemical reaction is taking place. Mixing the tablets (or the chalk or eggshells) creates calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. The calcium acetate is what causes the alcohol to form into a gel, which allows it to be burned. Not only is this helpful for campers and caterers, but it can also be an interesting science project for students. As stated earlier, one should exercise caution when working with fire or other combustibles.