MacGregor Stoves

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  • October 17, 2014 at 9:16 am #3153
    Darry & Leisa Major
    Keymaster

      This is a thread moved from the Member Chatbox:

      John van Gerven asked:
      Hi all, I wonder if someone could tell me what kind of stove to install in my ’97 26X and where to purchase it? I would prefer a dealer in the Langley or Surrey area if possible. Thanks.

      October 17, 2014 at 10:17 am #3155
      Darry & Leisa Major
      Keymaster

        John, you have several options.

        We installed (bolted to the galley top) a standard 2-burner Coleman propane stove into our 2000X.

        It uses one pound green propane cans so no worry about leaks, and we store the propane cans in the cockpit fuel locker.

        We attached a wood cutting board on the top to add extra working space in the galley, and rust painted the stove black & silver, and it’s still going strong after 8 years.

        Plus we have a portable single element butane unit for cooking crabs on the dock, or taking onshore for potluck dinners.
        (See photo below)

        * Counter flush mount options are; Origo or Wallace. I’m sure you’ll get some other members comments on those.

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        October 20, 2014 at 5:17 pm #3160
        Anonymous

          Thanks Windchime, I was using a propane stove myself last outing.
          Does your propane can attach under the counter?
          I had a built in Wallas stove/heater from 1997, but it has an aluminum tube that disintegrated underneath. The stove would be very costly to replace so I am looking for a simpler replacement. I do now have a hole in my counter top however, which I closed with some thin wood paneling as a temporary fix.
          I appreciate the advice.
          John.

          October 20, 2014 at 5:31 pm #3161
          Darry & Leisa Major
          Keymaster

            Our Coleman 2-burner propane stove uses the small 1 pound green propane cans. They attach to the stove and sit ON-TOP of the galley counter ONLY when we are using the stove, otherwise they are kept in the cockpit with the other fuel.

            Origo makes about the best size 2-burner or single burner alcohol stove. Some models have both alcohol and an A/C element.

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            October 20, 2014 at 7:21 pm #3163
            Anonymous

              Hi John we have the simple single burner flush mount Origo. I like it. It is very simple and safe.

              Pros:

              Alcohol is lighter than air

              Spills quickly evaporate

              Fuel is cheap and widely available

              Fuel containers are usually light weight plastic and easily recycled

              Flame can be extinguished with water

              Cons:

              Slower cooking time.

              Flame can be hard to see in daylight.

              Certain fuels smell funny.

              Different fuels have different heat

              Methyl hydrate(gas line anti freeze/fondue fuel/paint thinner) is the lowest BTU at est 9,000

              DeNatured alcohol(grain alcohol tampered with to make it undrinkable) has up to 12,000 BTU. We bought some Phab and it smelled funny while cooking

              A recent development is alcohol for indoor fireplaces sold at Canadian Tire under the name BioFlame. Word on the street is it’s the hottest and in the middle of the price range

              Iso alcohol can be used in a pinch but it’s often smoky.

              We have found a gallon of Methyl Hydrate from Home Depot paint department for $10 lasts a season no problem.

              Gotta run, if I think of anything else I’ll add it later.

              Willy

              October 20, 2014 at 9:24 pm #3164
              Ron Gillies
              Keymaster

                We have a two burner Origo. It was in the boat when we bought it. Agree with the comments above that Willy made. We love it, it does take longer to warm up than the butane single burner that we also use but fuel lasts forever and it’s easy to use.

                October 21, 2014 at 12:00 am #3165
                Rick & Sue
                Participant

                  We have the Princess single burner built in butane stove with cutting board cover. Great for us as it came with the boat. Stupidly expensive $380 at Defender.com Butane stove boils water real fast and cheap fuel lasts well. We also have a portable single burner butane. Much more reasonable $12 on sale at Rona last year. Cooking with alcohol is definitely slower. If you think this might be aggravating you should check out someone else’s before purchase. Twice as long?? Also be aware that not waiting for it to cool before refuelling can be dangerous. The flame is almost invisible and people have mistakenly thought it was out of fuel and pouring alcohol into the stove lit them and their boat on fire. Moral of the story whichever stove you choose. Treat it as one of the most dangerous things on your boat. Happy cooking.
                  Rick

                  October 22, 2014 at 8:56 pm #3176
                  Anonymous

                    Thanks for all the great comments. Seems I have a lot to think about, but at least I know some options now. Guess the best thing to do will be to go out and look at some of the different models and pick one that suits my needs.
                    John

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