Quote:
What I'm asking is, has anyone actually USED the pop-can alcohol stoves?

Yeah. I'm not much of a camper, but I made a couple for fun. Then I lost power for a few days
and used the "toys" to cook a couple of meals a day.

I liked mine a lot. Having never done this before, I was pleasantly surprised by how fast
I could boil water / reheat food. As you mention, though, a pot stand of some sort would
have been nice. I just held the metal cup over the flame for the few minutes it took.
I didn't need a windscreen since I did this in a sheltered area, but I can see where you'd
want one if you were exposed.

I remember seeing (but didn't make) some ultra light windscreens and stands that pack with the
stove and add very little additional weight.

Don't forget to polish the bottom! :-)