Composition and characteristics of commercially available alcohol fuels in Japan

(with reference to historical Swedish alcohol appliances)

I should begin by noting that I am not a fuel or chemical expert. However, based on my own research and observations, the situation regarding commercially available alcohol fuels in Japan appears broadly as follows.

I have not undertaken a detailed study of the composition of modern fuel alcohols available in other countries, but I hope that the observations presented here may nevertheless be of some help when considering the operation of historical alcohol appliances.

In Japan, alcohol fuels sold for heating and pressure appliances are available in several different formulations, and their composition varies considerably depending on the product. Broadly speaking, they can be grouped into the following categories.

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Ethanol-based fuels (bio-ethanol type)

Some products are primarily ethanol-based, typically containing around 85–95% ethanol, with the remainder consisting of water and, in some cases, a bitterant. These fuels generally do not contain methanol. Among currently available fuels in Japan, this type appears to behave most similarly to the alcohol fuels used in Europe during the 1940s, although the water content is often higher than would be expected for historical fuel alcohol.

In alcohol pressure stoves and lamps, ethanol-based fuels generally provide more stable combustion than methanol-based alternatives, though with lower heat output and light intensity compared with kerosene.

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Methanol-based fuels

Many products sold in Japan as “fuel alcohol” are in fact methanol-based, sometimes with a small proportion of ethanol or other alcohols added. These fuels have a lower calorific value and different vaporization characteristics compared with ethanol. As a result, they tend to produce weaker flames and reduced heat output, and in pressure appliances they may lead to less stable operation. In addition, methanol burns with a very pale, almost invisible flame, which can present safety concerns during operation.

Methanol is also significantly more toxic than ethanol, and prolonged exposure to its vapors or accidental ingestion poses serious health risks. For these reasons, methanol-based fuels are generally less suitable for use in historical alcohol pressure stoves and lamps, particularly those originally designed for ethanol-based fuels.

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A practical approach based on personal experience

Based on my own experience, one practical way I have used to achieve more stable operation with modern alcohol fuels is to mix alcohol with a small proportion of white gasoline, typically in the region of 80% alcohol and 20% white gasoline. In my case, this mixture has helped improve vaporization and flame stability when operating certain historical alcohol pressure stoves and lamps.

That said, this approach requires considerable caution. The addition of white gasoline increases fuel volatility and alters combustion behavior, and it should only be attempted with appliances that are in good mechanical condition and by users who are familiar with their operation. This mixture was not part of the original design intent of Swedish alcohol appliances, and I do not regard it as a general recommendation, but rather as an experimental solution based on my personal experience.

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Mixed and proprietary formulations

In addition to clearly ethanol- or methanol-based products, some commercially available alcohol fuels in Japan employ proprietary formulations. These may include mixtures of different alcohols, water, denaturants, and other additives intended to control evaporation rate, odor, or flame visibility. Because the exact composition of such fuels is often not disclosed, their combustion characteristics can be unpredictable when used in vintage pressure appliances.

Users may therefore observe variations in preheating behavior, flame stability, and overall performance when switching between different brands or formulations, even when all are sold under the general label of “fuel alcohol.”

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Implications for historical Swedish alcohol appliances

Historical Swedish alcohol pressure stoves and lamps, particularly those produced during the Second World War, were designed to operate with alcohol fuels that were likely more consistent in composition and produced under specific industrial standards. Although direct comparison is difficult, it is reasonable to assume that these historical fuels more closely resembled modern high-ethanol formulations than methanol-based products commonly sold in Japan today.

Consequently, when operating such appliances in the present day, careful selection of fuel is advisable. Ethanol-based fuels generally provide behavior closer to the original design intent, while methanol-based or mixed formulations may result in altered flame characteristics and reduced performance.

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Concluding note

While modern alcohol fuels in Japan can be successfully used in many historical appliances, differences in composition and characteristics should be taken into account. Awareness of these differences helps to ensure safer operation and a better understanding of the performance observed when using vintage Swedish alcohol stoves and lamps today. I hope that these observations may prove helpful, even in a small way, when considering similar appliances and fuels elsewhere.

Best regards,
Shinzo

 

I read your post the other day and I enjoyed reading it. Very interesting the options you covered and their availability. In Australia we generally have just the ethanol option, commonly available as Metho.

A couple other options do exist here but are either much more expensive and thus impractical or available industrially, often cheaper but not widely distributed.

 

@Sedgman

Thank you very much for your kind words — I’m very glad you enjoyed the post.

And thank you also for explaining the situation in Australia. It’s very interesting to hear that ethanol (commonly available as “Metho”) is the standard option there. That aligns with what we often assume, but it’s helpful to have confirmation from someone local.

The fact that other types exist but are either expensive or industrial-only is also an important point. It really shows how availability — not just chemistry — shapes what appliances were practical in each country.

I appreciate you adding the Australian perspective.

Best regards,
Shinzo

 

There is basically only one option in Denmark, but it is ideal for lamps or stoves. It is at least 93% ethanol and clear. It is called "husholdningssprit" and the literal translation of the name is "household alcohol". Available in every supermarket. The problem now is the price. Before covid, it was about DKK 15 per litre, but now it is over DKK 30. More expensive than kerosene so not a practical alternative for lamps or stoves.

 

@Nils Stephenson

Thank you again for the detailed explanation, Nils.

A 93% ethanol product available in every supermarket sounds technically ideal — even if the price has become a challenge.

Here in Japan, the situation is rather different. The fuel alcohol generally available is predominantly methanol-based, which is not particularly well suited for pressure appliances in the first place. On top of that, it currently sells for around ¥600 per litre, while kerosene is roughly ¥120 per litre. So it is not only less practical from a performance standpoint, but also significantly more expensive.

It’s interesting how both fuel composition and economics shape what remains viable in everyday use.

As always, I appreciate your insight.

Br,
Shinzo

 

There may be alcohol based hand washes available with high ethanol content?
i use one for preheating but not sure if that makes it ok to run a lamp or stove?

 

@podbros

Thank you for your interesting comment.

Here in Japan, most hand sanitizers are indeed ethanol-based, typically containing around 60–80% ethanol. However, they are formulated for medical use, not as fuel. In addition to ethanol and water, they often contain additives such as glycerin (as a moisturizer), fragrances, thickeners, or other stabilizing agents.

While such products may work for preheating, I would be cautious about using them as the main fuel in a pressure alcohol lamp or stove. The additives can cause incomplete combustion, soot formation, clogging of the jet, or residue inside the vaporizer. Also, the ethanol concentration is usually lower than what is ideal for clean and efficient combustion in pressure appliances.

For proper operation, high-purity ethanol (around 95% or higher) without additives would be much more suitable.

So although hand sanitizer may burn, it is not necessarily appropriate as a primary fuel for a pressure appliance.

I would be very interested to hear what type of alcohol fuel is easily available in your country — is it mostly ethanol-based, or methanol-based?

Br,
Shinzo

 

@gkpllantern

Hi Shinzo

you are very welcome but i thought that would be the case regarding its unsuitability
:/

i will take a screenshot of the label for your perusal

best wishes,

pb

 

@podbros

Thank you very much for sharing the photo — it’s much appreciated.

From the composition shown, it appears to follow the WHO hand sanitiser formula. While perfectly suitable for disinfection purposes, this type of mixture would not be ideal as a fuel for pressure lamps or stoves.
The relatively high water content would lower combustion efficiency, and the glycerol in particular could lead to carbon deposits and jet blockage in pressure appliances.
So although it is ethanol-based, it would unfortunately be unsuitable for use as fuel in our lamps or stoves.

May I also ask — in the UK, is the fuel alcohol that is readily available primarily ethanol-based?

Br,
Shinzo

 

@gkpllantern

Thanks Shinzo,
Im not sure about all brands of ‘meths’ and what other ingredients this one contains, but this one does contain Ethanol

here are some details for your consideration




thanks
pb

 

@podbros

Thank you very much for the information and for taking the time to share the label details.
At least in the case of this product, it appears to be ethanol-based.

As you may know, the UN number is assigned according to the principal component for transport classification. UN1170 refers to ethanol, which suggests that this product is primarily ethanol rather than methanol.

There may well be some variation between brands in terms of denaturing agents or minor components, but it seems likely that fuel alcohol in the UK is generally ethanol-based.

This is very helpful for my research — I truly appreciate it.

Best regards,
Shinzo