The few times I've used my Esbit stove, blackening wasn't the problem - wiping off the tarry crud was. I used a Sierra cup in the past but always got the residue all over the place when I went to store it. Did I get a bad batch of fuel tablets (they're Esbit tablets) or is this normal? I'm going to try a piece of aluminum foil under the pot to prevent making such a mess.<br><br>I like carrying the stove when I'm snow shoeing at Mt. Rainier in the winter. It's nice to have a hot cup of tea or cocoa and the park discourages (prohibits) gathering wood for a campfire. The Esbit is in one of my PSK's anyway so I have it with me.