5 Small Wood Stove for Campers
Bringing a small wood stove to camping is a recent trend, and we can see why this came to be. While regular stoves are a bit easier to maintain, the wood stoves can be ignited with cheaper fuel. However, that’s not the only reason behind using wood stoves, and there are some drawbacks to using wood stoves as well.
In this article, we will discuss whether you should get yourself a wood stove or not, what to consider when getting yourself a wood stove, and we’ll also share our top picks for the top small wood stove for outdoor campers
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Table of Contents
Should You Get A Small Wood Stove for Camping?
With the increasing usage of wood stoves and posts about them on social media, it’s natural to question whether getting a wood stove is truly worth it or not. Like always, we will start talking about the negative stuff first, and then we’ll gradually get to the perks of using them.
The main drawback with most of these products is that they can be a bit tough to carry around. Regular wood stoves are made of metal, and no matter how small they are, their construction makes them quite heavy and rugged.
Then again, they are a bit tougher to maintain as well. It’s not like using a regular camping stove where you need to carry heavy fuel like wood. The regular ones are easier to use as well. On the other hand, you’ll either have to gather wood or carry them with you when it comes to the woodstove. They are tougher to clean and maintain as well.
Despite the cons, there are certain perks that wood stoves offer, and these perks make them unique. First of all, while wood can get a bit heavy, you can always carry them easily if you’re traveling in a vehicle. The same is true for the stove itself. You won’t have to go through much of a hassle if you’re traveling in a car or an RV.
Then again, wood can be extremely cheap. If you’re a person who’s capable of gathering wood on himself, then you won’t even have to pay a dime. Even if that isn’t the case, you’ll be able to get the wood for a very reasonable price.
Another great thing that wood stoves can add to your camping experience is the ambiance. The environment created by wood stoves is incomparable, and this one element is more than enough for bringing life to your camping experience.
So, you can see that there are both positive and negative sides to using wood stoves. You just have to check whether you want to go through the perils of using them. Is it worth getting wood stoves? Yes, it certainly is.
Buying Guide
There are certain aspects to look for in the top small wood stove for campers. We will dedicate this entire section of the article to discuss the factors that you must be looking for, and by the end of this section, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge that’ll help you find the finest small wood stove for a camper.
Weight
The weight of the stove is perhaps one of the most crucial factors people look for while getting themselves one of these. The heavier the stove, the tougher will it be for you to carry it. The lighter, the more portable it will be.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should look for the lightest stove out there. There are tons of lightweight stoves that aren’t built for durability, and they’re light because they come with inferior materials.
So, it’s also important to cross-check the build quality with the weight.
Efficiency
Different stoves require different amounts of fuel for burning for a specific time. The more efficient the stove is, the less wood will it require. We highly recommend looking for an efficient stove, as these can reduce fuel consumption, fuel waste, the amount of fuel that you need to carry at a time, and the overall expense. That is why getting an efficient stove can help you in many ways.
Viewing Window
The viewing window will allow you to see how much wood is left on the stove. We highly recommend getting stoves with a wide viewing window, as these can help you check the amount of wood left properly.
Appearance
Most of the wood stoves offer a vintage look to them, and whether you like it or not depends completely on you. Certain models are made to look a bit more modern too. So, you’ll get enough options to choose from, and we recommend you spend some time researching the features as well as the appearance for getting the top-notch product.
Size
When it comes to wood stoves for camping, the size matters the most. If you end up getting too small a stove, you won’t get the required heat output from it. On the other hand, getting a stove that’s too big will cost you a lot, and you’ll also need to spend more on the fuel.
This is why it’s important to consider the price, the heat output, and the fuel requirement of the stove before settling for it.
5 Top Small Wood Stove for Campers:
1. US Stove Caribou
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If you’re looking for the finest small wood stove for campers and you’re willing to pay whatever it costs, then you should go for the US Stove Caribou camp stove. This stove offers 117 square inches of cooking surface. This will be enough to help you cook many items at once.
Despite offering such a great area, the design of this stove is quite compact. It’s not that you’ll have any problem carrying it around with you. You’ll be able to do that quite effortlessly. Moreover, there is also the complete kit with this and you will even receive a chimney pipe that’s six feet long. This pipe will help you get rid of the smoke produced during cooking easily and without affecting you.
You’ll also get four legs that’ll help you keep the stove freestanding. The stove stays at a higher level than the ground due to these legs, but it’s not as if the distance is too significant.
The window size isn’t too large, but it’s enough to help you monitor and adjust the fuel inside the stove. There’s also a door dampener that’ll help you adjust the overall heat output. This will allow you to touch the door without harming yourself.
This stove also boasts one of the supreme builds. The design is quite convenient, and it’s made of durable and tough material too. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a stove for camping, hunting, fishing, or backpacking, because this one will provide you an amazing service in every case.
That being said, this stove does come at a considerable price. It’s at least more expensive than most other stoves that you’ll find out there.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Offers a complete kit
117 square inch cooking surface
Door damper for easy adjustment
Robust steel construction
[/i2pros][i2cons]A lot expensive than most other stoves
Installation takes time
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Emberlit Fireant
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The Emberlit Fireant is one of the most well-received wood stoves out on the market, and there are a few causes behind that. In short, this is the most portable stove that anyone can ask for.
First of all, this stove is extremely light. The construction is excessively simple, and the walls of the stove are quite thin. However, that doesn’t imply that the construction feels flimsy in any way. The sides are very durable, and this durability comes from the synthetic material the stove is made of.
The stove can be packed completely flat. There are some notches in the construction that you’ll need to detach, and the stove will fall flat. This will allow you to carry the stove even in your backpack, as it won’t require a lot of space.
This stove is made of pure titanium. The construction not only makes the stove long-lasting, but it also keeps the stove free from stains and scratches, keeping it fresh-looking for a long time. You can use solid fuels like wood on this. Plus, you can also use gel fuels on it, and this makes this stove completely versatile.
Another amazing thing about this stove is how easy the installation process is. You can install the stove without much effort, and this will help you get your meals ready very fast. When packed flat, the total stove will take up around 1/8th of an inch.
Despite the titanium build, the stove is extremely light. The entire package weighs only 2.8 ounces, which makes it the lightest stove out there. These are the features that make this stove one of the top out there. If you’re looking for a small wood stove for campers, then you should consider this one.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Supports both solid and gel fuels
Can be packed flat
Extremely lightweight at 2.8 ounces
Made of titanium
[/i2pros][i2cons]Might not be capable of withstanding wind[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. YOLER Camping Stove
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Next up, we have the camping stove from YOLER. This wood stove is made of stainless steel, and it offers multiple features that may help you out.
The build quality of this camping stove is one of the top out there. It’s made of high-quality carbon stainless steel. The construction keeps the stove free from stains or any damage even with a high workload. The build is capable of withstanding the tremendous heat produced.
One of the key selling points of this stove is that it can be customized for cooking different types of meals. You’ll get two types of grills with the package, and these will help you get different heating systems from this stove.
There are also different types of tools that you’re going to get with this stove, and these tools will help you come up with different types of cooking methods such as BBQ, stir-fry, grill, and much more. When it comes to allowing cooking varieties, this is one of the finest stoves that you can get for campers.
It’s also compact and very light. The stainless steel build makes it only 8 pounds in weight, and this will allow you to carry it easily in your car or your camping backpack. If you’re worried about the storage space and looking for something that can be carried easily, then this will serve you well too. The design of this stove allows the user to fold it down and carry it easily. However, you still have to wipe it clean before carrying it, and that can add a bit to the hassle.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Portable build quality makes it lightweight and compact
Can be folded and disassembled for easier carrying experience
The furnace is highly efficient
The multi-functional tool helps you cook in different methods
[/i2pros][i2cons]The middle layer is a bit bulky [/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Yoler Rectangular Camp Stoves
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Then again, we have the Yoler Rectangular camp stove. This small wood stove comes with a build quality that’s similar to the previous one, but the design is completely different. Unlike the previous product, this one offers a rectangular-shaped box. The top layer of the box has a grill, and just below that there’s a surface for burning the fuel. The furnace is designed to increase the efficiency of wood fuel.
The design is quite convenient as well. The front side of the stove is completely open, and the sides do come with some form of the windshield. However, a complete blockade can disrupt the burning capacity of the wood, so there are perforations in the walls so that the wood can burn properly.
If the wind is way too much, there’s a solution for that too. There is extra windshields that can be installed on the perforations, and these can help you balance the maximum airflow into the furnace. You’ll get different stands with this stove as well. You’ll get a pot stand that’ll let you cook on a pot, or you can get a grill stand.
Right below the coal stand, there will be an ash plate. This plate will help you collect all the leftover ash, helping you minimize your footprint.
The entire stove can be disassembled. While the disassembly won’t make the stove completely flat, it will reduce the overall space by a great deal. It’ll also allow you to carry the stove easily, and this makes it a very good option as a small wood stove for campers.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Offers a pot stand and a coal grill
The provided ash plate can help you reduce your footprint
Compact, lightweight design
Comes with additional windshields
[/i2pros][i2cons]The instructions don’t come in English
The installation can be a bit tough at first
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Dickinson Marine
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If you’re looking for an advanced small wood stove for campers, then you can consider the Dickinson Marine 00. This heater isn’t for those who are looking for lightweight heaters. Rather, it’s good for burning thick wood, presto log, and it also offers some sort of customization.
The product itself isn’t that big, but it’s not that small either. Rather, it comes at a moderate size that can be a bit tough to carry in a backpack. However, if you’re traveling by car or boat, you’ll be able to carry this easily. Unlike most other stoves, this one doesn’t fold up, and this is another reason why you won’t be able to carry it in your backpack.
It’s not that light either. The item weighs 12.65 pounds, and the weight will only increase coupled with the wood and the other accessories.
As you can see, this isn’t a stove that you can call portable. So, why would you take this item?
Even though it doesn’t offer much value in terms of portability, it will provide a very high power rating out of the fuel. This stove is designed to help you get the best out of your wood fuel. The build quality is amazing as well. Some of the parts of this stove are laser cut, meaning that you’ll get an amazing design and build from it. The ash drawer of this stove can be removed easily, making maintenance a breeze.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Removable ash drawer
Built for efficiency
Robust build
Great door latch
[/i2pros][i2cons]Heavy
Not that portable
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
FAQ
Is it possible to use a camping stove inside the tent?
Any kind of flame inside a tent poses a significant fire hazard. Keep your stove away from your tent and follow the product’s safety guidelines.
What is the best way to keep carbon monoxide from my wood stove?
Because a tent has little ventilation, gas fumes build up rapidly, posing a risk of carbon monoxide intoxication and explosion. Maintain sufficient ventilation for all fuel-burning equipment, and remember to open the vent on your wood stove whenever you use it.
Are wood stoves harmful?
Wood-burning stoves can sometimes be harmful to the body. When exposed to fumes, you may experience symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulty.
Final Words
Getting the right small wood stove for campers can be a tough job, sure, but not if you follow our guide properly. The stoves mentioned above are the best that you can find at this moment. If you’re confused about which one to pick, you can refer to the buying guide as it’ll instruct you on how you can pick the finest small wood stove for campers.
Meet Sarah, a passionate traveler and camping enthusiast who loves to explore the great outdoors. With years of exploring, she has become an expert in testing and reviewing the best tents on the market which got her to start mytravelingtents.com. Her insightful reviews provide valuable information to fellow adventurers looking for the perfect tent for their next camping trip.