Aviationgirl

Folks: I have been working on a usable gel fuel recipe for almost a year now and I finally feel I have a successful and cost effective one. I want the fuel for use in a gel fuel fireplace so I based my research on duplicating the SunJel commercial fuel as closely as possible. I also use some empty SunJel cans to contain MY fuel as they are the sturdiest and are designed for the fireplace use. Which does require that I buy at least one case of the fuel to begin with. Anyway, here are the results of my research. I hope this helps others trying to come up with a more cost effective gel fuel:

 

Formulas - using empty SunJel containers

Concentrated for use with fire pots

Calcium acetate powder, 1/2 cup

$3.30 per half cup

Water, 1 cup

91% isopropyl alcohol - 6 cups

$3.87 per 6 cups

makes 4 containers

1.79 per container

Consistancy same as SunJel for use with gel fuel fireplace

Calcium acetate, 1/2 cup

$3.30 per half cup

Water, 1 cup

91% isopropyl alcohol - 10 cups

$6.40 per 10 cups

makes 7.5 containers

1.38 per container

 

Proceure:

 

Note: this first part must be done EXACTLY as stated or the jell will not happen correctly!:

1) Measure ½ cup of the calcium acetate into a large mixing bowl. Add one cup of water and whisk together well. Measure 6 cups of the alcohol into a separate bowl. Pour into larger mixing bowl all at once and whisk to blend.

2) Let sit until jelled and then add additional alcohol (up to 4-5 cups) to get desired viscosity. More alcohol will not increase its flammability, but if too liquid, you lose the safety benefit of the jell.

Notes:

1) SunJel using Amazon Prime costs $3.33/container

2) Supplier for calcium acetate - quartzpegmatite on ebay

3) Supplier for 91% Alcohol - Walmart

4) Use real beeswax nuggets for crackle

5) SunJel containers are the strongest and are designed for use in gel fuel fireplaces, increasing safety

Material Costs

Calcium Acetate

$20/lb (with shipping ebay)

91% Isopropyl Alcohol

$2.58/bottle (4 cups/bottle, Walmart)