Spirit / Gas Hob

[trying]

I am about to refit the galley replacing an oven/ grill/ hob and separate free standing fridge with just a hob and fridge underneath.

I am almost decided on using a spirit hob thus doing away with gas on the boat. I've been advised to use Alcool de Bruler (sp?) from french supermarket for best results?

The other main advantage being that the existing gas locker is in the way a bit in the cockpit and I can't think of a better location for a gas locker?

Unfortunately the Origo 4100 looked ideal but is I think going to be just too wide. (Not sure why it is so wide?)

Does anyone know of alternative suppliers of spirit hobs of the inbuilt variety.

Any other advice comments welcomed.

 

[damo]

AFAIK alcohol a bruler is what we would call meths (but without the colourant) I spent hours one day in Chamonix years ago, trying to find meths to prime my primus stove, until one shop owner realised what it was I wanted /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ex-Gladys]

The "regular" Origo is the 3000 Hob. Isn't the 4100 one with electical bits?

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
AFAIK alcohol a bruler is what we would call meths (but without the colourant

[/ QUOTE ] I think probably our nearest equivalent is what was called Industrial methylated spirit (IMS) but is now called Industrial denatured alcohol (IDA) It contains wood naphtha or a substitute

Our old blue meths, correctly known as Mineralised methylated spirit and now called Completely denatured alcohol (CDA) not only contains wood naphtha but pyridine, mineral naphtha and the blue dye (methyl violet).

I suspect the unpleasant fumes that some people report when using "blue meths" is due to the combustion of these other added components.

Unfortunately HM Revenue and Customs do not recognise Origo cookers as a reason to authorise the purchase of IDA although a few people have managed to get it. It is authorised "For use in small quantities (no greater than 20 litres per annum) in any specialised hobby or pastime where:
use of IDA is specified in technical or trade literature; and
the quantities received are reasonable having regard to the nature of the pursuit involved" It seems that model steam engines fall into that category so buy a model steam roller at the same time as your Origo stove!

There are equivalents to Blue meths or CDA in other countries but the composition varies and I do not know what they are called. Some are coloured some are not.

If you really have time to waste then you can read it all here http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPorta...000263#P37_2820

Sorry a bit adrift from the original question but its a topic that usually follows.

 

[Gordonmc]

A decent supplier of wood finishing products will stock industrial methylated spirits. Its used as a carrier for shellacks on very fine work.
I buy a 2.5 litre tin every six months or so which works out well as I am on the boat every weekend.
I can't help with the cooker. Mine is a big American beast and I had to make room in the galley for it.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I buy a 2.5 litre tin every six months or so

[/ QUOTE ] Unless you have a Revenue and Customs authorisation to purchase it , which is only issued for approved uses, your supplier is breaking the law I think you will find if you read all the regulations surrounding the supply and use of IDA.

 

[GilesC]

I installed an origo oven and hob about 3 years ago, when I looked into the cost of properly upgrading my gas system. I'm really happy with it, and for occassional use I think its perfect.

Pros:
Easy to install
Safer than gas (I think)
No ongoing system of pipes and valves to maintain (or go wrong)
I find the hob easier to control than my old gas, but it does take a little getting used to

Cons:
I reckon it is marginally slower to boil a kettle than gas
Sometimes it needs protection from the wind (ie putting one or both washboards in) if the breeze is over the stern.
Its easier to buy the spirit in France than in the UK

Best of luck!

 

[trying]

[ QUOTE ]
The "regular" Origo is the 3000 Hob. Isn't the 4100 one with electical bits?

[/ QUOTE ]

The 3000 is a two burner hob which mounts on top of a worktop, the 4100 is a two burner spirit hob which is inbuilt into the worktop, the 4300 is a two burner inbuilt hob which has both spirit and electric burners.

There are loads o0f other variants too.