Esbit advantages:
  • very long storage life
  • works in any temperature
  • makes a great firestarter when you have wood for fuel
  • great if your objective is to boil water
  • higher energy density than many fuels (30 MJ/Kg, vs 21.1 MJ/L for ethanol and 15.8 MJ/L for methanol)

Esbit disadvantages:
  • once it's lit, you're not putting it out until it's used up
  • leaves yucky residue
  • more expensive than other options
  • very challenging for simmering