On Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:13:51 -0500, CaveLamb
wrote:

In all seriousness, they are very efficient at quickly heating things,
and for you propane and alcohol users, provide an alternative way of
cooking if the fuel runs out.


I think you got that last part backwards, Wayne.
The alcohol or propane will still work long after the batteries are dead.

I've been on boats that ran out of propane for various reasons, not
good for crew morale.

I view batteries as a renewable resource as long as the engine and
diesel fuel hold out. Our trawler is an "all electric" boat - no
stove fuel of any kind. I've come to appreciate that when I see
people schlepping various stove fuels in their dinghy or trying to
find the right adapter in a foreign country.