"Sterno is intended for use as a warming fuel. If you've ever looked at chaffing dishes at a banquet, you'll see that they are set up to keep food warm to hot, not boiling. If the food reaches a boil, the lids are removed.
I agree with the OP that Sterno is a great camping fuel as well, but you can improve its performance. When you initially pop the lid, add about an ounce or so of denatured alcohol and shake the can. Let it sit for a few minutes. The new alcohol will incorporate into the gel. When the can is about half empty, add another ounce of alcohol.
Using this method and a decent potstand/windscreen, you can usually bring a pint of water to a low boil in about eighteen minutes. A can of Sterno will still last well over two hours, but you will get a somewhat hotter burn which is more useful for cooking."
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