I use Sterno cans as well. I have also fashioned a can/cup holder from wire that holds my metal "camp" cup about an inch above the top of the Sterno can. Norad is right about it taking a loooooooooooooooong time to boil water. About 3 times as long as the flame from a good camp fire. I have tried the Pepsi can alcohol stove and I prefer the Sterno overall due to the fact that it's light, neat, compact and 100% self-contained. No need for anything extra. Even my nifty little metal cup stand is not absolutely needed, as I could easily fashion one in the feild from what nature provides (rocks, dirt or maybe even wet green plant material). If Im in an emergency situation with a can of sterno burning and I REALLY need a hotter flame all I need to to is build a camp fire, which (for me anyway) would be a piece of cake even in the rain with a broken arm, since the sterno can is already flaming and makes about the world's best "fire starter". <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />