Propane vs Origo

[Mimsy]

I've been reading up on the alcohol vs. propane debate and I am still undecided. I'd appreciate your input and feel free to voice it strongly if it makes you feel better.

We currently have a propane stove that is a veritable antique. Our propane locker does not exist- at this point in time its a small canister mounted on the stern rail. That might be fine for the PO's, but the lack of a solenoid and vented locker as well as the possibility of adding dinghy davits right where the tank is located mean it doesn't work for us.

I am seriously considering this: Origo Non-Pressurized 2 Burner Stove With OvenI understand the added time that it will take to heat up and the limitations of the fuel temperature wise. When I weigh that against the cost of replacing the propane stove, adding a vented locker, plumbing in lines etc. its a point in favor for the alcohol.

I also have no idea where we would be able to fit in a locker on deck. Our boat is a slim gal without wide side decks so I have no idea where the locker would go. This is once again pointing me in the direction of the Origo.

Other than the temperature issue as well as the need for more fuel for the alcohol, why shouldn't we just go for the Origo? We'd have a small amount of propane for the Magma so if we really needed extra heat we could use the grill.

Ok, have at me!

[WillJacocks]

I never heard of Origo? Just a brand of alcohol?

[Mimsy]

A brand of oven, non pressurized alcohol. Sorry...

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by WillJacocks

I never heard of Origo? Just a brand of alcohol?

It's a state just North of California and South of Washington. <sarc>

I vote for Propane.

[four winds]

I have a short and fat propane locker in the cockpit. 10lb bottle.

In the pic it's under a wooden seat that was fine for the shorter PO, but I removed it and use a throw-able cushion on the locker for a seat. It's only slightly in the way when moving in and out around the helm. I've been using it with a Gas Systems oven and Trident controls for a few months now.

I like the setup so far.

[easterly38]

I wrestled with this a few months ago. I really wanted the Origo two burner and felt for what I do, it would be perfect. Then I thought about my wife and mother-in-law. Neither pays attention to anything and with a nearly invisible flame, I felt sure they would burn the boat down to the waterline within a few meals. So much for that idea.

If fuel isn't an issue for you and you don't face the family challenges I do, go for it. If it was just me, I would have one.

Here is a link to a blog on the Origo, Scott's Boat Pages. I emailed him a few weeks ago and he said after two years, he is still very happy with his.

[Vasco]

It really depends on your eating habits. Some families don't cook that much or that elaborately. In that case alcohol will do. It is a simple solution. Myself I would not think of anything except propane. As for a propane locker, a friend of mine got a relatively easy solution. He was shocked at the price of one of those fancy gasketed lockers that can sit on the deck so he went to a RV store and got a double fiberglass propane locker thing that's built to sit on a trailer tongue. He had to build a plywood bottom for it as it has no bottom. He attached it to the side of the stern pushpit and it worked fine. You can see it in the photo. Looks a bit like a Lifesling.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Vasco

It really depends on your eating habits. Some families don't cook that much or that elaborately. In that case alcohol will do. It is a simple solution.

+1
.........

[klem]

My boat has an Origo and it works just fine for us. It cooked 51 dinners this year and they all tasted great and we burned a little over 2 gallons of fuel.

If I had the money and space, I would prefer a propane stove but if the boat didn't have anything and I had to install something, I suspect I would get an Origo just like the PO. The flame isn't that hard to see and it boils reasonably sized pots of water quite quickly. It is a bit stinky if it is really raining out and we have to really close up the boat. Also, I do sort of wish that we had an oven but it really isn't a big deal.

If you like conveniences, you will prefer propane, if you like things simple, alcohol is perfect.

[Mimsy]

Vasco, that's an interesting arrangement!
One of the things I liked about the Island Packets was that they actually put some thought into fuel for the galley.

I had not thought about a colorless flame. That might be enough to warn me off. Not because of myself or my husband, but the kids...

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Mimsy

Not because of myself or my husband, but the kids...

Kids?
How old?
Are you going to let them cook unattended?

And like all children everywhere I bet they are the same.

No child ever learned about a hot stove or pot without feeling pain. None.

If you go alcohol, show them one time and no more problems.

[thinwater]

1. The propane locker does not need to be above decks, as long as it is carefully located and the vent goes outside. Mine is built-in.
2. You can run many more things from propane. In our case, hot water, refrigerator, and cabin heat.

[SaltyMonkey]

Did you compare BTU's - cooking time and fuel weight and fuel costs?

[Unicorn Dreams]

Do you like coffee in the morning, with alcohol it will be ready by lunch.
Alcohol for cooking, maybe for warming up food. We like to cook, but hang out at the stove waiting for it to get warm. Never really does hot. One good thing about alcohol, it's almost impossible to burn food....

[barnakiel]

Hate alcohol stoves. Difficult to start in heavy going, easy to burn my hands trying to do so.

LPG here.

b.