Thanks susan
You remind me of water in the gel

I remember some "magic show" where a paper tissue is wetted with fuel and burnt. Fire is lighted but paper does not burn. Fuel is a mixture of alcohol & water !!!

So, that is why sterno has a "cool" fire.


Now, my question to all is that, if I fill a can with sand instead of perlite, and then pour alcohol in it. It should burn just fine while danger spillage or splash is minimized.

Is this true or have I missed something ??