These are portable, convenient heat sources available at a major home improvement retailer. They consist of a metal can containing a gelled fuel, typically alcohol-based, that can be ignited to produce a sustained flame. The products are commonly used for warming food at catered events, buffets, and outdoor activities.
Their accessibility and ease of use make them a popular choice for maintaining food temperatures without the need for electricity or open flames from other fuel sources. The development of these canned fuels provided a safer and more manageable alternative to earlier methods of food warming, contributing to enhanced hygiene and efficiency in food service settings. Their widespread availability through retail outlets has further solidified their role in both commercial and recreational applications.