Quote:
if sterno contains alcohol as a fuel, why does it not burn like alcohol stoves ?


Let's see what a little research says...

Sterno:
67% Ethanol
3-4% Methanol
Sterno MSDS
Wikipedia says it is "made from ethanol, methanol, water and an amphoteric oxide gelling agent, plus a dye". Does this mean that the missing 30% or so is water? Water and other non-toxic stuff doesn't show up in most MSDS.

Co-zFire Bio Ethanol Fire Place Fuel 190 Proof Denatured:
88-92% 190 proof ethyl alcohol
1-5% Isopropyl alcohol
<1% Isopropyl acetate
1-4% Acetone
Product MSDS

Kleen-Strip Green Denatured Alcohol:
90-100% Ethanol
<10% Methanol
<10% Methyl isobutyl ketone
<5% Acetic acid, Ethyl ester
Kleen-Strip MSDS

I guess you CAN reduce the heat by adding water!

Sue