A rocket stove is a great alternative to a camp stove that requires gas, and is incredibly affordable and easy to make. Its design results in a very hot fire with minimal smoke, and less wood is needed to keep it burning. This post will explain how to build your own rocket stove to use at the campground or in the backyard.
Rocket Stove supplies:
- One #10 can with lid
- Three standard food cans
- Pea gravel, perlite, or pumice
- Hammer
- Heavy duty gloves
- Marker
- Nail
- Pliers
- Tin snips
How to build a rocket stove: step-by-step
Start by tracing a circle on the lower portion of the side of the #10 can with one of the small cans. Use the hammer and nail to make starter holes that you can insert the tin snips into in order to cut out the circle.
Repeat this process on the side of the first small can, making sure that the circles will line up once it is placed in the center of the #10 can. This will act as the chimney of your rocket stove.
Next, cut off the bottom rim of the second small can. Cut tabs on one end that you can fold upwards once it is inserted through both circles on the other cans to make it secure. This is the feeder tube where the fuel will burn. Fill the space between the #10 can and the small can inside with your pea gravel, perlite, or pumice.
Make a shelf for fuel in the rocket stove feeder tube (first can) by cutting two slots that the shelf tabs will insert into. Use the third can to cut out a rectangle with two tabs that stick out on one end, forming a T. Slide the shelf into place and secure the tabs into the slots of the feeder tube. Bend the tabs down to secure the shelf into place. You now have an efficient rocket stove that is ready to be put to use!
This video offers a great demonstration of how easy it is to build a rocket stove. Why not try your hand at building one with the kids?
Featured Image from travelershigh/Shutter Stock
