Whenever you go camping, whether it’s for one night or weeks at a time, coming prepared with all the right equipment should be your top priority. One of the most important items you’ll bring is a wood stove where you can do all of your cooking. Of course, no two stoves are the same, and so it’s important that you bring one that will suit all your cooking needs for your trip.
| Wood burning stove | Price | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| kampMATE WoodFlame Stove |  | Amazon | A |
| Lixada Portable Wood Stove |  | Amazon | B |
| Ohuhu Wood Burning Camping Stove |  | Amazon | A+ |
| Solo Stove Lite |  | REI / Amazon | A |
| Wolfyok Camp Stove |  | Amazon | C |
| BioLite Wood Burning Campstove |  | REI / Amazon | B |
Why You Might Need a Wood Stove While Camping
There are several options when it comes to cooking while camping, and a wood stove is not your only choice. However, wood burning stoves have become increasingly popular among campers because of the potential benefits they offer most campers.
For starters, most wood burning camping stoves are lighter than other types of portable stoves. Unlike stoves that run on various types of fuels, wood stoves have no accompanying tank, which helps to lighten the load. Campers are always looking for ways to carry less weight without sacrificing items they’ll need, and using a wood-burning stove is one way to accomplish this.
Moreover, there’s great simplicity when using a wood-burning stove. You don’t have to worry about adjusting fuel sources to maintain proper heat. This can make it a better option for novice campers who aren’t sure about different other methods. Burning wood simplifies the act of heating and cooking as much as possible.
Wood stoves can also serve purposes beyond cooking. The fire from a wood stove can be used to provide warmth on cold nights, as long as proper safety measures are followed. Your wood stove can also create a fire that can act as a deterrent for animals that may otherwise wander into your campsite and cause trouble.
If you care about environmental conversation, a wood-burning stove may be the best option for your next camping trip. Instead of using fossil fuels to build a fire, wood stoves use a renewable resource, making it better for the environment. They also replicate the more traditional type of campfire, just in case that matters as well.
Factors To Consider
If you do decide on a wood stove, there are several factors to consider. As mentioned earlier, no two stoves are the same. Aside from cost, which will be a factor for all campers, you have to look at the ways that the different wood-burning stoves on the market are distinct from one another. What variables are most important will depend on your preferences as a camper.
Weight
Weight, for instance, is usually one of the most import factors. As mentioned earlier, wood-burning stoves are lighter than other options, but there will still be differences in weight among different models. You don’t have to automatically go for the lightest stove you can find, but the lighter the stove, the easier it’ll be to transport during your camping excursion.
Stability
You also need to be aware of the stability of your stove. You may not always have flat ground or perfect conditions when cooking outside, so in some instances, you may need your stove to have a wide and stable base to prevent accidents that may cause your food to end up on the ground or lead to your fire spreading.
Material
The material used to make the stove may also be relevant when deciding on the right model. Most will be made of either stainless steel or titanium with stainless steel stoves usually costing more. Stainless steel models also tend to weigh more, which is another factor, although the trade-off is that it may mean a more durable stove.
Size
Size is another important factor with regard to the number of burners on the stove. This will depend on the number of people in your camping party. Three or fewer people should be able to get by with one burner. However, any more than that may require multiple burners, which will add more weight to your supplies.
Durability
Finally, the durability of your wood stove may be an important factor. Frequent campers should look at their stove as an investment. You’ll want to get your money’s worth and get as much use out of it as possible before it breaks down. Are the materials going to hold up over a long period of time is an important question when looking at different models of wood-burning stoves.
A Closer Look at the Wood Stoves
If you decide that a wood stove best suits you for your next camping trick, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal. More and more wood-burning stoves for camping are popping up on the market, with each one trying to offer something unique and distinctive that competing products don’t.
Of course, this can make it difficult to distinguish among the many options available and find the right one for you. Here are five wood-burning stoves for camping to give you an idea of what is available on the market.
Solo Stove Lite
The Solo Stove Lite comes highly recommended as one of the best wood stoves for camping by several outdoor and survivalist entities. It includes a unique and patented design that allows its fuel to burn more efficiently while creating less smoke. The stove has a weight of 9 oz. and is able to boil 34 fluid oz. of water in roughly eight to 10 minutes. Read the full review here.
PROS
- Includes cooking ring that directs flame and reduces cooking time
- Vent holes help create hotter fire
- Easy to keep fire going once started
- Can be fueled with items as small as twigs, leaves, or pinecones
- Creates a minimal amount of smoke
- Light weight to carry
- Minimal amount of labor required to start a fire
CONS
- Companion pot sold separately
- Fuel must be cut into small pieces
- Fuel must be frequently fed because pieces are so small
- Temperature of the fire can fluctuate easily
- Expensive compared to similar products
BioLite Wood Burning Campstove
The patented process converts the heat from your fire into electricity that both powers a small fan to help stoke the flame and power your electronic devices. The battery will charge every time you light the stove, giving you an opportunity to charge up your phone or LED lights at every meal.
Weighing in at right around two pounds with cylindrical dimensions of 8.25 x 5 x 5 inches, this portable cooker won’t break the bank on pack weight. While it is heavier than some of the ultralight stoves that weigh mere ounces, you won’t need to carry any canisters or additional charging devices for your electronics on your trip. Read the full review here.
PROS
- Provides a charge for gadgets without needing to carry a generator or power source
- Green choice to reduce your carbon footprint
- Lightweight and compact
CONS
- The fuel box is small and may require frequent refilling
- On the high end of the portable camp stove price range
Ohuhu Wood Burning Camping Stove
This Ohuhu stove tries to stand as the best backpacking wood stove by being made of stainless steel and being easy to carry. It weighs 14.2 oz. and prides itself on being compact, stable, and easy to set up.
PROS
- Stainless steel can withstand both high fire temperatures and heavy pots
- Includes three-arm pot support system for optimal stability
- Uses fuel such as wood, twigs, leaves, and pinecones
- Compact in size and includes carrying case that makes it easy to transport
- Capable of burning at high temperatures
- Durable enough to withstand some physical punishment and remain in working order
CONS
- Burns fuel quickly and must be fed frequently
- Ash can pile up quickly with certain types of fuel causing fuel tray to clog
- Arms that hold pot can break easier than the rest of the stove
- Can show signs of corrosion
kampMATE WoodFlame Stove
This wood stove is a little bigger in size than many of the other camping wood stoves on the market. However, at 1.1 llbs., it’s still rather light in weight for a collapsible wood burning backpacking stove.
PROS
- Air ventilation allows for high cooking temperatures
- Collapsible stove that it’s easy to set up and take done and folds flat for storage
- Includes nylon carrying case
- Compatible with wood, charcoal, esbit tablets, cedar pucks, and other types of renewable fuel
- Remains strong after repeated, long-term use
CONS
- Requires some expertise to maintain proper flame level
- Can be too heavy for one- or two-person camping trips
- Requires more wood than other wood stoves
- Stove may wobble at times, even on a flat surface
- Mid-level on price but not the best value possible
Wolfyok Camp Stove
Wolfyok believes it has one of the best wood stoves for camping. It’s a compact stove that’s made of stainless steel, making it a strong product that weighs a mere 12.3 oz and leaves no carbon footprint.
PROS
- Made of stainless steel that prevents corrosion
- Can withstand high flame temperatures and heavy pots
- Utilizes three-arm support system to provide stability
- Can be disassembled quickly and transported in accompanying bag
- Works with small fuel sources like twigs, leaves, and pinecones
- Strong value in terms of price
CONS
- No instructions on assembly or use
- Must be lifted off the ground for optimal air flow
- Slightly heavier than other portable wood stoves
Lixada Portable Wood Stove
Lixada’s version of the portable wood stove is designed for both camping trips and picnics. It can cook with a minimal amount of fuel and is built to be both durable and lightweight at 13.4 oz.
PROS
- Compatible with several fuel sources, including twigs and solidified alcohol
- Made of stainless steel that will hold up over frequent use
- Stores within itself to make it compact and includes a mesh bag that makes it easy to carry
- Can be used in frigid conditions
- Heats up quickly and can withstand high temperatures
CONS
- Heavier than competing stoves
- Requires a large pot to fit stand
- Requires constant attention and feeding
- Prone to large amounts of smoke
Final Thoughts
There are reasons for both experienced and novice campers to be interested in any of these portable wood stoves. However, in my opinion, the Ohuhu Stove is the best option of the five above. Price wise, it’s on the lower end of the spectrum, and so it’s difficult to top it regarding value.
Equally important as price, the Ohuhu is one of the lighter wood stoves available. It’s also compact and easy to transport in its carrying case, making it easy to pack along with the rest of your essentials on a camping trip.
Even with the small size, being made of stainless steel makes the Ohuhu both strong and durable. It can tolerate high temperatures while cooking and it can withstand some punishment in case it takes a tumble or two. As a result, it should be able to last quite a while, even if it gets frequent use.
Ultimately, any of these portable wood stoves will get the job done, but in the long run, the Ohuhu will give you the best bang for your buck and provide you with a reliable and efficient wood-burning stove. We look at more camping cookware products here.
