That may be the answer -- a kit for non-outdoor types that does not take a large investment and is easy to use. For a home use alcohol stove though I really like the Vargo Decagon alcohol stove . The wide base gives it good stability so you don't end up with alcohol spillage.

OT: from the weather map it looks like there's HEAVY rain over LA right now. Time for Hikermor to break out the gear. wink