Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins in the newest "Complete Walker IV" have done a good writeup on the Zip stove, management of the batteries and charging using and a solar power panel. I have never used one of these but it would be worth the read for anyone interested in trying this stove.

Esbit and Kelly should work. I would only encourage you to make sure you have set the firepan on something that is heat resistant. If you look closely at my stump support in a couple of my pictures you will see the scorch marks of the fire pan.

My other guess is that the turbulance of the wood fired Kellys is more efficient than the burn of an Esbit tab, but this is only speculation. I may give this idea a try on mine.

I am seriously considering ordering the Popular also, just have to clear the purchase with the comptroller of the currency.....a lengthy process at times.