I know you mentioned not wanting a tiny backpacking stove, but for the price the MSR "Pocket Rocket" is a great little stove ($29-$39). As far as space, it folds up into a small plastic storage box. No problems with storing white gas or regular gasoline; it uses screw-on fuel (Lindel valve) canisters instead.

I'll second the idea to be very careful about ventilating properly.