Tommy Cooker

[David_JAFO]

hello,
I came across for sale online The Swiss Emergency Cooker we called them 'Tommy Cookers'
this is a portable cooker in a convenient sized tin with screw top lid.
The Swiss Emergency Cooker also features a 'flimsy' quite unstable stand IMO & heats/cooks via a
large amount of ethanol fuel gel inside. You have to pierce the inner foil cover peel back then ignite.
The lid if I recall acts as a base stabiliser too.
I haven't seen these in years as they were trial issue with C-Rats in place of Hexy Blocks, didn't give off
smoke great for covert ops, we very rarely used Hexy anyway only for lighting fires.
We used the tubes of Gel as a fire starter as well as used within the Trangia Burner for cooking
more stable.
Gives off a blue flame very hot. Survival Aids UK when they were based in Penrith Cumbria (way back)
used to stock the tubes of gel came in a 'Green Military style tube' 200 - 250ml (I think?) for £1.50
which wasn't too pricey then. Anyone know if the ethanol fuel gel is still being sold anywhere?
Regards
David
5867

[FishyFolk]

Here is what I think of when the phrase "Tommy cooker" comes up...
5868

[Peaks]

We've improved them since then - thankfully. In those days "brewing up" didn't refer to the Brit tea ceremony. A lot of lads suffered. Still not a good place to be though.


Think the tubes of gel or refills for the Swiss cooker are still available. Not tried it but it may be possible to use the green heat gel ("Fire snot") in the cooker once the original stuff has been used up? Also wondering if the ethanol gel for the trendy indoor fires could be used?

[alvino78]

hello,
I came across for sale online The Swiss Emergency Cooker we called them 'Tommy Cookers'
this is a portable cooker in a convenient sized tin with screw top lid.
The Swiss Emergency Cooker also features a 'flimsy' quite unstable stand IMO & heats/cooks via a
large amount of ethanol fuel gel inside. You have to pierce the inner foil cover peel back then ignite.
The lid if I recall acts as a base stabiliser too.

I haven't seen these in years as they were trial issue with C-Rats in place of Hexy Blocks, didn't give off
smoke great for covert ops, we very rarely used Hexy anyway only for lighting fires.
We used the tubes of Gel as a fire starter as well as used within the Trangia Burner for cooking
more stable.
Gives off a blue flame very hot. Survival Aids UK when they were based in Penrith Cumbria (way back)
used to stock the tubes of gel came in a 'Green Military style tube' 200 - 250ml (I think?) for £1.50
which wasn't too pricey then. Anyone know if the ethanol fuel gel is still being sold anywhere?
Regards
David
5867

are you lookimg for the cooker in your pic?
http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=391

[Peaks]

Military Mart also sell this
http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=861

Ronnie Sunshines also suggest green heat gel as a refill fuel.

Vid reviews here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zOnm6yVJZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=a1nv856UI_0&feature=endscreen

[ian c]

I remember the fuel gel that we were issued with it came in what can be described a giant tooth paste tube green in colour, i bought one of the cookers when i was posted to Germany i did use it and even tried to get some more gel from the QMS but was informed that they had not seen any for years and could not find any in the system. Anyway i bought two more cookers 1 for the mrs the other for myself, so sorry i dont know of a supplier of fuel gel.

[happybonzo]

I remember the fuel gel that we were issued with it came in what can be described a giant tooth paste tube green in colour, i bought one of the cookers when i was posted to Germany i did use it and even tried to get some more gel from the QMS but was informed that they had not seen any for years and could not find any in the system. Anyway i bought two more cookers 1 for the mrs the other for myself, so sorry i dont know of a supplier of fuel gel.

Go Outdoors, apparently, sell the fuel Sort of linky (http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/fuel-4-x2-eco-cookset-p216532) It costs £5.99 for a 1 litre tin

[TheOutdoorist]

Best I have come up with: http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/army-surplus-uk/army-miscellaneous/new-un-issued-compact-nato-gel-520116.html


Spare Gel Refils Available .. but cannot find them yet!

No connection to the above site and i have never used them so i cannot comment.


EDIT: Found this... http://www.imsupplies.co.uk/stoves-ovens-hobs/gel-alcohol-refill-1litre-bottle.html

States its refil for gel stoves but not tried this myself either sorry :)

[TheOutdoorist]

Edited the above post :)

[Chubbs]

I have used the hand sanitising gel for fire lighting and found that due to the high alcohol content it burns for ages. Would this be any good for gel stoves because there are a few suppliers on fleabay selling six litres of the stuff for just over a tenner including p&p.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alcohol-Gel-Dermalcool-gel-Instant-Hand-Sanitizer-6-x-1-litre-boxed-with-pump-/200840467340?pt=UK_Health_HealthCare_RL&hash=item2ec306538c

Just a thought.

Edit: Found this one on fleabay which contains 70% alcohol, this being one of the higher percentages out there. A total of 720ml for £6.99, post free, contained in 12 handy pocket sized squeezy tubes. I might buy this to see if it is any good considering there is not much difference (about 30 %) to meths on a pound to pound basis.

[David_JAFO]

hello,
That's why they were referred to as 'Tommy Cookers' by us as they were used
for Covert Operations/Cooking in Vehicles/Close Spaces & heaven forbid
if knocked over or other 'Tommy Cooker' :ashamed:
We were informed if such did occur there was less than 7 seconds to
evacuate.. :shocked:
The Sherman was also referred to as 'Ronson' after the cigarette lighters
'Lights First Time..' when hit.
Regards
David



Here is what I think of when the phrase "Tommy cooker" comes up...
5868