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£89,99
What is a Stirling engine?
A Stirling engine is a heat engine that runs on a temperature difference: a sealed volume of air is heated on one side and cooled on the other, and as it expands and contracts it drives a piston and a flywheel. No fuel burns inside it. Robert Stirling patented it in 1816. Desk models run on a small alcohol lamp, a cup of hot water, or even the warmth of a hand.
19 modelsFrom £53.99Low temperature or alcohol lampPre-assembled or kitFree UK delivery over £45
Who is this collection for?
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For a desk that deserves a running engine
A Stirling engine runs on a small flame or the heat of a cup of coffee. Heat becomes motion in front of you. The ultimate desk toy.
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For engineers, teachers and mechanical minds
The gift that comes with a demonstration. Low temperature models, alcohol lamp models, propeller and helicopter variants.
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For anyone who wants to understand thermodynamics
Pressure, expansion and a flywheel in one glance. Some models come as kits to assemble.
How to choose a Stirling engine
The choice is between low temperature models that run on a hot drink, alcohol lamp models with more power and drama, and kits you assemble yourself.
| Type | Best for | Heat source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low temperature Stirling | Desk, quiet demonstration | Hot water, hand warmth | £54 to £80 |
| Alcohol lamp models | Longer runs, propellers, LEDs | Alcohol lamp (included) | £87 to £110 |
| DIY Stirling engine kits | Builders, students | Alcohol lamp | £60 to £120 |
| Helicopter, fan and display models | Collectors, statement pieces | Alcohol lamp | £90 to £337 |
Fuel is not supplied: use 95% alcohol from any chemist. Run the engine on a heat-proof surface, away from paper, and never leave the lamp unattended.
The science in two lines
Hot air pushes the power piston out; a second piston (the displacer) shuttles the air to the cold side, where it contracts and pulls the power piston back. The flywheel keeps the cycle going between pushes.
Efficiency depends only on the temperature difference, which is why a bigger flame gives a faster spin.
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Stirling Engine: your questions, answered
How does a Stirling engine work?
A sealed cylinder of air is heated on one side and cooled on the other. As the air expands and contracts, it pushes a piston that turns a flywheel. No fuel is burned inside the engine.
Does it need fuel?
Most of our models run on a small alcohol lamp (fuel not supplied, use 95% alcohol). The low temperature models run on a cup of hot water or a warm hand.
How long does it run?
As long as the heat source lasts: five to twenty minutes on a lamp filling, a few minutes on a hot cup.
Are they pre-assembled?
Most are ready to run out of the box and only need the lamp filled. The kit models are labelled as kits and come with full instructions.
Is it safe to use indoors?
Yes, on a stable, heat-proof surface, away from paper and curtains. Treat the lamp like a candle and never leave it running unattended.
Free UK delivery over £45 and 30 days to return it. For heat turned into light rather than motion, see our Tesla coils; for motion with no heat at all, the Newton's cradles.