When Selco first mentioned how valuable a small portable stove was when the SHTF I set out to buy one or two. I now have about 50 (;-( ) and have become a collector. Mostly the older stoves from the 1950s, Primus and Optimus brass kerosene camp cookers, but lots of others.. two burner ” house” type stoves and also boat stoves made of stainless steel. I also have a collection of Coleman “suitcase” stoves common in the USA and Canada. And some alcohol stoves both single burner like the Triangia and some double burners. Boat stoves are often alcohol stoves as it is considered the safest fuel ( non explosive). I
A great source of info on old stoves is the site classiccampstoves.com. Everything you need to know to clean, repair and operate the old stoves. The old stoves are better quality than the newer ones ( made in China ) and you can pick them up on ebay, or garage sales etc. Sometime the rarer ones are high priced (very collectable) so I figure I can sell my collection again if I need to and get my money back.
The Coleman stoves generally use naptha or Coleman Fuel, (white spirit in UK ) but you can use unleaded petrol. Petrol contains additives that will “gum”up stoves but if you clean the stove generator frequently you can get around this. There are instructions on the Coleman collector sites. Petrol may be the only fuel commonly available .
Kerosene stoves are not designed to be run on petrol or naptha, and are considered safer because kerosene is less “explosive”. I have read that people are using the new diesel fuel in kerosene stoves and lamps. The new diesel is more refined, and by adding 5-10% propyl alcohol ( rubbing alcohol) it seems to work as a kerosene substitute. You can look this up on the net. I have not tried it yet. Jet fuel is essentially kerosene.
For portability and convenience the small propane and butane cookers like JM mentioned above are quick and easy. Great for a short term power cut. Longer term and the liquid fuel stoves come into play. Tho I would say that all stoves require some care and knowledge.. you are dealing with flame..they are not foolproof, especially indoors.