I agree with Bearpaw that Esbit is used just to boil water and not for cooking. But the same can be said for alcohol stoves. I bought a Boy Scout's Esbit knock-off which only weighs 1.2 oz. I had to modify it slightly so the the distance between the stove base and the pot was the same as the Esbit Stove and the performance is now identical. I grew up cooking on an open fire so having a dirty pot doesn't bother me. I just carry it in a plastic bag and clean (outside) between trips.

I do have one question for Esbit users in bear country. Do you store your Esbit tabs in your bear can or is it safe to leave outside?