This backpacking experiment explores the feasibility of using tea light candles as a primary heat source for cooking while hiking. The author, a seasoned camper, tested this unconventional method using a compact cooking kit and readily available materials on a short hike. The goal was to assess whether tea lights could effectively boil water and heat pre-prepared food, offering a lightweight and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional backpacking fuel. The experiment involved a controlled setup with a windscreen and makeshift platform, meticulously documenting the time taken and the resulting temperature of the water. Surprisingly, the results were far from expected, prompting a shift in strategy and leading to a comparison with a more established method.The findings of this experiment provide valuable insights into the limitations and practical considerations of using tea light candles for outdoor cooking. A detailed account of the setup, the challenges faced, and the eventual reliance on a campfire offers a practical and realistic evaluation of this unconventional approach. The comparison between tea light efficiency and a traditional fire highlights the critical differences in heat output and cooking time, offering readers a clear understanding of the limitations and potential downsides of using tea lights for backpacking meals. This review will be of particular interest to budget-conscious backpackers and those seeking alternative fuel solutions, offering a firsthand account of a real-world test.
Read more: Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Review: A Bright and Safe Light Source for Camping
Gear and Setup
For this experiment, I utilized a compact cooking kit, a Craftsman bag (won in a contest!), instant coffee, tea light candles, water, and a windscreen. The Craftsman bag proved surprisingly useful for carrying all the necessary items. Everything fit neatly and the bag itself was lightweight and easy to transport on a short hike.
The cooking kit was a budget-friendly Primus set, perfect for simple meals. I also packed a washcloth and a spoon. While I usually use more specialized gear, it was already packed for a future stealth camping trip.
The Tea Light Candle Experiment
My main goal was to determine if tea light candles could boil water and heat food, a potential backpacking alternative. The initial setup involved a single tea light candle placed beneath a pot of water. I used rocks to create a makeshift platform and windscreen.
The water heated extremely slowly. Even after adding a second candle, the heating process remained painfully slow. After 30 minutes, the water was merely warm, far from boiling. The experiment demonstrated that tea light candles are insufficient for quick water boiling or food heating.
Alternative Cooking Method: Open Fire
Since the tea light candles failed to heat the water sufficiently, I resorted to a traditional campfire for cooking. Using the already-lit tea lights to ignite kindling, I built a small fire. This proved much more efficient.
Within approximately 15-20 minutes, I had a bed of hot coals ideal for heating the soup. The soup heated quickly and efficiently over the open fire.
Conclusion and Product Review
The tea light candle experiment clearly demonstrated their inadequacy for backpacking cooking. They generate minimal heat, rendering them impractical for boiling water or rapidly heating food. While they might warm something slightly, they're not a viable replacement for traditional fuel sources like solid fuel cubes.
In contrast, a small campfire proved highly efficient, heating the soup to a perfect temperature within a short timeframe. For reliable and quick cooking in the outdoors, traditional fire or fuel cubes are recommended over tea lights.