i have a milltary "trangia", civilian trangia, trangia clone and loads of homemade alcohol stoves. All work just fine in cooking mine meals.

The bought alcohol stoves are sturdier, last longer and you are able to hold a certain amount of fuel in them when packed. The civilian trangia are lighter and quicker than the milltary one.

The home made one are perform surpisingly well. Mine favorite design is this http://www.thehanddrill.com/halconstove.htm It's easy to make, even in the field and works well. Just don't step on it.