To answer Patrick’s and David’s question: It is necessary to cut out the bottom of the paint can so that the Progresso soup can can be inserted into the opening from the bottom and wedged into the perfect-sized opening at the top of the paint can. The soup can will not fit down through the opening at the top of the paint can.

It is the fortuitous, uncanny press-fit of these two cans that makes them a wonderful combination. The upper rim of a Progresso soup can fits snugly into the inner circumference of the paint can lip — it can be pounded from the bottom until it butts up tightly against the rolled edge of that inner lip. Yes, it is uncanny.

If you cut out the bottom of the paint can with a side-cutting can-opener, you have the best of both worlds. The stove can be neatly placed back upon the can bottom to catch embers. Separating the bottom makes for easy ash removal.

Eugene B Wary

P.S. Thank you, Derek Hansen, for making what still seems to be the best one-page illustration of how this stove works and how to make it.

Awesome! thanks for that feedback.

Works great, thanks!

Great explanation of the principle and instruction, however I agree with the comment above.

I keep seeing the bottom being cut off the outer can of these stoves and see no need for this, in fact heat is lost to the ground where it will be reflected back up if the metal bottom is left in place. Also, you burn the surface you place it on. If left in place scorching is minimal.

but the bottom edge is flush with the table and the air holes are above the bottom?

You need the airflow. That’s really integral to the design. The air flowing through the can “re-burns” the smoke.

why is everyone cutting the bottom out of the outside can? if it is going to sit on the ground no air is getting in and if you leave the bottom on no embers hit the ground.