Enjoying the warm cracking of the dry wood and swirling of the flames on a frosty winter evening in the wilderness is a special experience.
But when you are in a protected zone where open fires aren’t allowed, you need a tent stove to enjoy the warmth.
Using firewood for a portable wood stove for tents not only feels more outdoorsy but also relieves you from the burden of carrying fuel.
Since you are lighting a fire, picking an unreliable stove isn’t an option. That said, first-time buyers may have a hard time choosing the best tent stove from a market crowded with a wide range of products.
To help you enjoy the “back to the roots” feel of wood burning stoves, we have gathered all the feedback and listed the top tent stoves from the market. On top of that, we have added a tent stove buying guide
And the Winnerwell Nomad View Medium Tent Stove emerged as the top choice in this category.
16 Best Tent Stove Options for Various Situations
Here’s our choices for the six best tent stove options for campers, preppers, and homesteaders.
Best Tent Stove Overall
WINNERWELL Nomad View Medium Tent Stove
Pros
- Excellent construction
- Durable and lightweight body
- Good portability
- Easy to use
Cons
- High price tag
- The glass door is prone to cracks
This stove from Winnerwell has all the right features to make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures. The efficient design makes it perfect for cooking and space heating while ensuring portability.
One of the best features of the stove is the 304 stainless steel stove body. The material is corrosion-proof and can resist high temperatures.
Note, the firebox has a capacity of 800 cubic inches. That makes the size-to-weight ratio one of the best in class
Another feature of the stove is the additional side racks. They provide additional space for smaller pots and kettles.
To improve portability, the chimney pipe sections can be stored inside the stove body and the four legs can be folded flat too.
The other thing that we love is the glass window on the door. This allows you to observe the interior without having to open the door. The door has dual air control dampers as well.
Winnerwell has also added a spark arrestor to the chimney. We appreciate the attention towards safety.
What about the cons?
Well, the high price tag will keep the budget buyers away. That’s the price you have to pay for Winnerwells’s superior craftsmanship.
At 20.7 pounds, it’s not light, but not too heavy either. To make things easier the side shelves are designed to work as carrying handles. It’s not for backpackers though.
On the whole, it’s one of the best products in this category. We recommend it wholeheartedly.
Best Small Tent Stove
Solo Stove Titan Camping Stove
Pros
- Effective airflow system
- Simple and lightweight design
- Efficient, smokeless burning
- Offers great value
Cons
- Not ideal for large pots
- Not for windy conditions
If you want an inexpensive stove that’s great for camping trips, the Solo Stove Titan is a great option. It has a simple design that works with all forms of biomass, including wood pieces.
The minuscule size may not inspire confidence at first glance, but this stove has a durable construction of 304 stainless steel. The inner wire gate is made from nichrome.
Besides we were impressed by the combustion efficiency of the unit.
Designed with two walls that create an air channel, the stove has a unique air intake system. The bottom holes suck in cold air which warms as it rises up and enters the combustion chamber through the smaller top holes.
Does the design work?
Absolutely!
One of our testers tested the stove during a backpacking trip in the Grand Teton National Park. The stove burned efficiently and generated sufficient heat without any smoke.
Whether you want to cook, boil, or light a small fire to beat the cold, this stove does it all. The cooking ring focuses the flame into a compact cone to reduce the boiling time.
Weighing just 16.5 oz, this is also one of the lightest stoves we tested. It can be stowed easily in a backpack.
Needless to say, it can also serve you during prolonged emergencies. Simply gather some dry twigs and you’re good to go.
Considering the affordable price, we feel that the Titan is worth every penny. Go for it if you’re looking for a portable wood stove for tents.
Best Cast Iron Tent Stove
US Stove Cast Iron Stove
Pros
- An aesthetic design
- Good combustion efficiency
- Delivers a high amount of heat
- Large firebox and cooking surface
Cons
- High weight impacts portability
- Not ideal for outdoor use.
Most adventurers don’t prefer cast iron tent stoves over tent wood stoves. Mainly because they are heavy and cumbersome. However, cast iron stoves have a few advantages too.
The first thing about this cast iron stove from US Stove is its elegant design. Other than in a large canvas tent, you can also use it in your home during the winter.
The cast iron body has a classic design and feels solid. The overall fit and finish are top-notch. On the top, there is a 6.25-inch cooking surface and a vent pipe.
As per the specifications, it can deliver 54,000 BTUs of heat that’s good enough to heat 900 square feet.
While measuring the exact amount of heat generated is difficult, users mentioned that the stove generates sufficient heat for large spaces. Other than that, it burns wells and generates minimum smoke.
Besides, the design meets the safety standards mentioned in the U. L. 1482. Cast iron also withstands more heat. So, there isn’t any chance of the firebox warping.
Not to forget, the stove stays warm long after you have extinguished the fire. This is one property of cast iron that other metals lack.
On the downside, being made of cast iron, the stove is brittle. Quite a few users complained of broken edges. That means you need to use it with care.
With an assembled weight of 120 pounds, this is a super heavy wood stove. The large size doesn’t make storage easy either. However, the two-piece handle is well designed.
If you want a cast iron tent stove, this is a good choice. But make sure you understand the limitations before you buy
Best Titanium Tent Stove
Bushbox XL Titanium
Pros
- Lightweight titanium structure
- Easy to assemble
- Solid durability and performance
- Reliable customer service
Cons
- Not the best choice in bad weather
- No flame controls
This titanium stove is a product from Bushcraft Essentials, a reliable brand that produces top-grade bushcraft products. Basically, this is a small tent stove that has been designed for functionality.
Most of the stove body is made from titanium to reduce weight and enhance durability. Beyond that, some portions are made from stainless steel to ensure high heat resistance.
What impressed us was the excellent attention to detail and precise engineering. The assembly of the unit is also super easy and takes only a few minutes.
For example, there are slots for using trivets as additional pot supports. The hinges come with a non-stick design and feel sturdy. Additionally, there are holes to use your tent pegs for grilling. . You can also use a universal grate with the slots provided.
And the best part is, it’s incredibly light. At 17.28 oz it’s one of the lightest stoves in this category. It comes with a durable nylon pouch that makes it easy to carry around. In fact, it hardly takes up space in your backpack.
Even though it’s light, the stove remains well balanced. So, there isn’t much chance of it tumbling over while using a 1.5 or 2- liter pot.
The airflow is good and the burning rate is fast. You can use twigs, pine cones, pellets, or charcoal as fuel.
Any snags?
Some users mentioned that the stove blackens pots. Like most other wood burners for tents, there’s no flame control either.
In terms of price, this isn’t a cheap stove. But considering that it can last a lifetime, it’s a great investment, especially for survivalists.
We had no second thoughts about marking it as the best titanium tent stove in this category.
Best Portable Tent Stove
Lixada Camping Stove
Pros
- Excellent portability
- Lightweight, low-profile design
- High burning rate
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Not for heavier loads
- Generates some smoke
The Lixada camping stove is a compact and lightweight stove designed specifically for backpacking and hiking trips. Like other products from Lixada, it’s well-designed and reasonably priced.
Made from stainless steel, the stove has a simple foldable design. The four walls can be separated and are easy to assemble.
We found no issues with the fit and finish of the hinges. However, the metal is thin and the stove isn’t designed for heavier pots.
But at this price point, we consider it to be acceptable. That said, it’s not flimsy by any means.
You can use a wide range of fuel sources like twigs, leaves, alcohol, or charcoal. The large opening allows you to insert the fuel into the firebox easily. The burring rate is high, thanks to the design that allows excellent airflow.
As expected, there’s no flame control. You need to keep adding the wood pieces and sticks to keep the fire burning. However, that’s the fun of using these stoves.
Also, we felt that the holes in the base pan could have been smaller. In windy conditions, the burning rate can be too high.
With the pocket-friendly price tag, this camping stove offers solid value.
Since the stove weighs just 5.5 oz, carrying this around in your backpack isn’t an issue. Despite the lightweight design, the overall stability is good. Still, we suggest you support it with some stones to prevent accidents.
To sum up, experienced hikers will find this product a great wood-burning tent stove in terms of portability and functionality.
Best Camping Tent Stove
TMS Military Camping Wood Stove
Pros
- Solid construction
- Dual airflow regulators
- Excellent heat output
- Offers great value
Cons
- Toxic smell of paint during first use
- Lacks a flat cooking top
Or many users compact camping stoves aren’t big enough for cooking dinner or drying gear. But this camping stove from TMS does all that and more.
To start with, the rolled steel construction comes with a circular shape. Usually, such a cross-section reduces the contact area and increases the cooking time.
But this stove delivers a ton of heat that makes the cooking process quicker. Buyers have used skillets on this stove without any issues. The dual side tubes provide enough space for cooking your special dishes.
In addition, it’s also an efficient heater and will keep your feet toasty while camping in the winter.
The overall design is simple and the unit is easy to set up.
Another great feature is airflow regulators on the front and rear ends. These allow you to adjust the draft and control the combustion. That said, we wish, the door came with a glass cover for visibility.
What about portability?
It’s average at best. With a weight of around 24 pounds, it’s not a light stove. The frames that support the cooking rack act as carrying handles.
The legs are removable and provide a stable base. The flue pipe comes in 4 sections that are interlocking. TMS has also added a spark arrestor for safety.
Note, users complained of the toxic smell of the burned paint during first use. We suggest doing a trial run in the open to burn it off.
Admittedly, the stove isn’t without its faults. But at this price, it’s an all-round performer that offers solid value.
However, if you prefer a flat-top stove, there are other options.
10 More Wood Burning Tent Stoves
TOMSHOO Portable Wood Burning Stove
If you’re looking for a portable wood burner for tents, this is a stove that’s worth a closer look.
This stove comes with a sturdy, double-walled design that improves the airflow and burning efficiency. In addition, the serrated cross stand comes with a windproof design and offers a stable platform.
Due to the modular design, it also packs small. That said, some users might find it to be too small for proper cooking.
Feeding the stove is easy through the wide top opening. But the feed rate is high. Since the combustion efficiency is high, it also generates minimum smoke.
Overall, this is a reliable product for outdoor enthusiasts. However, other options offer similar performance at a lower price.
G4Free Camping Stove
This basic stove from G4Free comes with a stainless steel structure that feels durable. The square shape allows the four walls to be separated and packed flat. The design and the metalwork are efficiently done and assembling the unit is a breeze.
Goes without saying, the portability is great. It weighs less than a pound and comes with a nylon case for storage.
G4Free uses the tried and tested mechanism of directing the airflow into the combustion zone through bottom holes. The stove burns hot and the combustion is fast and efficient for preparing trail meals.
If a practical design and minimum pack space are what you need from a tent stove, this is a good option.
Titanium Wood Tent Stove with Pipe
This is a titanium tent stove including an ultralight and fast setup design.
The stove body is made from 0.6mm thick titanium sheets that are corrosion-free. There’s also a lot of fireproof glass around the stove to allow you to see how everything is burning inside. It can also store and supply continuous flow of heat without actively burning any fuel.
Besides, the unit comes with a damper that allows you to control the airflow. The leg support provides great stability. The cooking top is spacious enough for larger pots.
All the components break down easily so you can set it up and take it down quickly. The side rack is also nice for storing and keeping food warm near the fire until you’re ready to eat.
Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Burning Stove
This is a stove that has been a favorite choice for campers for many years now. Recently, Guide Gear has updated the model to make it even better.
The robust construction and performance combine with an excellent price tag to make it a solid choice. In fact, it looks and feels like a tank.
The firebox is made from top-grade 2 mm thick galvanized steel to last long. The cast iron door provides better longevity and heat resistance.
The heating efficiency is good. Apart from cooking, you can also use it as an effective heater.
The detachable legs and 5-piece interlocking pipes can be stored in the stove body for better portability. The top surface can also be used as a cooking grate.
Still, at 42.4 pounds this is a super heavy option. We recommend it for car camping trips only.
Zento Deals Camping Stove
With a unique foldable design, this lightweight stove from Zento is a good choice for hiking and backpacking trips.
Made from stainless steel, the stove looks premium and feels sturdy. The firebox is well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow.
The combustion efficiency is good and the stove generates high heat. Assembling the product is easy too.
To offer more versatility, it comes in two sizes weighing 2 pounds and 5 pounds. Since it’s designed to withstand high heat conditions, you can expect years of service from the stove.
That said, most users had a hard time removing the protective film that covers the stove body. Also, some long-term users mentioned the stainless steel surface losing shine with time.
überleben Stoker Flatpack Stove
Not all compact camping stoves combine high burning efficiency with a good-looking design. But the Stoker from überleben is an exception.
The stove is made from HD 304 grade stainless steel that has high corrosion resistance. Users mentioned that the structure is robust and can withstand abuse.
However, some pointed out that assembling it isn’t an easy process.
The combustion efficiency is high and the stove gets hot within a short time. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s a heavy feeder and consumes a lot of wood to get going.
The structure can be dismantled into 5 panels for easy storage. The total weight of the stove is 14.5 oz. That makes it great for backpacking and also for bug out bags.
SoloWilder Hot Tent Stove
Made of carbon steel, this stove is a high-quality product from SoloWilder and is resistant to corrosion, scratches, and blisters.
Admittedly, the overall build quality is first-rate. The closed stove body comes with a fire-resistant glass window on the door.
The cooktop is large enough for medium-sized pots. In addition, there are foldable side shelves for storage. The burning efficiency is on par with the other products in this category.
On the other hand, the portability is limited. Since the weight is above 20 pounds, this isn’t an option for adventurers who need to pack light.
Lastly, the price of the stove is on the higher side. Chances are, you’ll find a product that offers similar performance at a lower price.
Lineslife Rocket Wood Burning Stove
Fitting full size kitchenware on camping stoves can be a challenge. This Rocket from Lineslife addresses the issue with a circular cast iron cooking top that has a diameter of 12.6 inches.
Made from cold rolled steel, the stove offers a robust construction. Also, the door and the combustion chamber are lined with special refractory metal for additional durability.
The air circulation can be regulated to ensure a high combustion rate and the stove gets hot quickly. The other great feature is a double door design that offers more user convenience.
At 18.3 pounds, it’s not a lightweight stove. Still, if portability isn’t your priority, this is a solid performer with some great features.
OneTigris Tiger Roar Tent Stove
Basically, the Tiger Roar is a well-built stove that’s designed to deliver combustion efficiency.
A main feature of the stove is the air intake valve. It allows you to control the airflow rate and combustion efficiency. For more complete combustion, the air intake is divided into two parts to optimize the airflow.
The metal body is made from 304 stainless steel which offers solid durability. It also has a high-quality glass ceramic view panel on the door.
The flue piping comes in 7 parts. OneTigris also includes 45-degree, and 90-degree elbows with it. In addition, a pair of leather gloves and a piece of replacement glass are also included.
While it offers great features, the stove has a high price tag. Most importantly, the fuel type is restricted to dry, seasoned wood only.
Fitinhot Tent Stove
While this wood burning stove comes with a relatively high price tag, it has some great features that can’t be ignored.
For one, the stainless steel body is coated with a layer of titanium to enhance durability. Beyond that, it has adjustable dampers for the air intake as well as the chimney pipe.
That means you can control the combustion rate as well as the smoke output.
The combustion efficiency is good and the unit is easy to assemble.
Coming to portability, the stove weighs 15.43 pounds. The side shelves work as carrying handles.
In short, this is a stove that will deliver a solid performance for years. However, at this price point, we were expecting a spark arrestor for additional safety.
Choosing the Best Tent Stove
If you have decided to use a tent stove as your only cooking lifeline while surviving in the wild, you need to pick one that can perform. Considering that cheap wood stoves for tents can be a serious fire hazard, picking the right quality is a must.
And a stove isn’t meant for increasing the creature comforts in a tent. It’s an essential tool for staying warm when you are braving the chilling winters. That means you need to carefully consider the heating capacity.
This buying guide will cover the main points that you should keep in mind for picking the best tent stove.
Types of Tent Stoves
Glamping Stoves
As the name implies, these stoves are designed for larger tents. In terms of features, they are similar to the traditional wood-burning stoves used in homes.
They come with a heavy structure and bigger fuel boxes that can accommodate large volumes of wood and generate more heat. They are usually made from alloy steel or cast iron.
Glamping stoves have higher efficiency and multiple advanced features. Some features are heavy-duty materials for better heat retention, refractory lining, and gaskets to make the door airtight.
They also have dampers and baffle plates to control air intake and fuel combustion rate. Since they can carry more fuel, you don’t need to feed these stoves frequently.
While they are mostly used for luxury camping trips, these stoves offer high reliability and top-notch performance. But that makes them expensive and too heavy for backpackers and survivalists
Portable Tent Stoves
A portable t stove is made of thin metal layers and is smaller in size. They can be packed easily and provide more mobility. Usually, they can weigh anywhere between 12 to 30 pounds. In most cases, they have fuel boxes that can accommodate small wood pieces or branches.
Stainless steel is the common metal used to manufacture these stoves. They also have flue pipes of small diameter that come in multiple interconnecting pieces for easy storage. Usually, they have basic airflow controllers but don’t include special refractory materials like firebricks or door gaskets.
While the lack of features reduces convenience, the prices come down too. Additionally, this makes these units lighter and easier to carry around. Even so, they aren’t the best choice for backpackers.
These tents are great for cooking and heating up a medium-sized canvas tent. However, since they have smaller fuel chambers, you need to input fuel more frequently to keep the fire burning.
Collapsible stoves
Collapsible stoves are a type of portable stove where the stove walls can be folded to improve portability. Some stoves have smaller bodies with legs that can be folded.
This allows them to be carried in backpacks and stored in small spaces when not in use. In short, they provide a great balance of portability and durability.
Ultralight or Backpacker Tent Stoves
These stoves are designed specifically for backpackers and outdoor adventurists. In most cases, they weigh less than 5 pounds and have a minimalist design. Lightweight materials like titanium are used for construction. The stove walls can be folded or separated for easier storage.
In reality, these stoves are not ideal for heating up large tents or cooking elaborate meals. The thin metal doesn’t hold heat for long hours either. Eden so, such a small tent wood stove can provide unlimited burning time as long as you have a supply of dry wood.
Frankly, the task of adding wood continuously can be a pain; but the extreme ease of packing and carrying is a big plus.
What To Look For in a Tent Stove?
Before you pick the best tent stove, these are the main factors to keep in mind.
Portability
The portability of a stove depends on the nature of your outdoor trips. If you are backpacking, a stove weighing below 5 pounds can be a good choice.
A word of caution: choosing cheap lighter stoves that use thin gauge materials can cause the metal to warp or melt, leading to a fire.
For car camping trips, the size of the stove isn’t much of an issue. In that case, pick the stove that can effectively heat up the tent. A stove that’s underpowered to do the job can be a costly mistake during winter.
Strictly speaking, there’s no exact method to match the capacity of a stove with the tent size. There are multiple factors that influence the heating process. You can get help from the stove manufacturer to find the right size.
When it comes to box vs cylinder stoves, cylinder stoves are easier to pack. However, box stoves with a foldable design are more compact.
Materials
Glamping stoves are usually made from rolled or galvanized steel. While steel is heavier, it has better durability and high heat retention. And galvanized steel prevents rust formation.
Portable stoves are usually made from stainless steel which is a lightweight and durable option. For ultralight stoves, titanium is a popular choice since it can resist high temperatures and corrosion. However, titanium doesn’t retain heat and these stoves need a constant flow of fuel
Accessories
The accessories you get depend on the type of stove. Typically, ultralight stoves come with minimum features. That’s a compromise you need to make for enhanced portability.
When it comes to glamping or portable stoves, there are some accessories that you should look out for. You can also buy accessories separately based on your requirements.
Dampers are placed on the fire box to allow you to control the air flow, which in turn regulates the combustion rate. More expensive stoves often have a damper to control the smoke output from the flue pipe
Beyond that, stoves also come with side grates or warming trays for placing pots and pans and heating secondary food items. Some brands also provide gloves for safe handling and elbows for customizing the flue pipe arrangement.
In terms of safety, a spark arrestor is an essential accessory to prevent sparks or cinders.
Safety
Needless to say, fire is the biggest safety threat from a tent wood stove. Moreover, just like portable fuel generators, stoves carry the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning too.
That makes spark arrestors and flue pipes essential for using them. It’s also important to keep these parts clean while using your stove.
Like everything else, you need to understand the functioning of the stove to use it safely. So, make sure to spend some time learning its features and checking the instructions.
Beyond that, make sure the tent is made of heat-resistant fabric and keep monitoring the fire constantly. Don’t depend on a tent fan and allow the smoke to move out through an opening. Use a stove jack as a safe exit point for the flue pipe from the tent and ensure ventilation at all times
How to Season a Tent Stove?
In general, tent stoves don’t need any special seasoning. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific step you need to follow.
Some stoves come with a layer of paint that can give off toxic fumes. A trial run in the backyard will help in curing the paint and releasing such fumes.
If you’re using a steel stove, rubbing it with an organic oil will help in preventing rust formation and keep the surface clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a tent do I need for a tent stove?
There are no specific guidelines for that other than comparing the size of the tent and stove A tent stove can be considered as taking up the space of an adult. In addition, a 2 feet safety zone around the stove should be kept free of flammables.
How long does a tent stove last?
A top-grade, heavy-duty tent stove can last for decades if used and maintained in the right way.
What are the advantages of tent stoves?
Tent stoves are primarily used as a cooking surface and a heat source. In addition, they are also used for drying items and reducing condensation in a tent.
What is the best tent stove for backpacking?
The Lixada Camping Stove is a top choice for camping as it offers reliable performance along with excellent portability.
Final Thoughts
These are the best tent stoves that have proven their reliability as heat sources. The final choice depends on your requirements and budget.
Fact is, wood-burning stoves aren’t the most efficient heat source. But these stoves are easy to use and burning wood isn’t rocket science. All you need is to pick the right type of wood, manage the airflow, and show some patience.
We marked the Winnerwell Nomad View Medium Tent Stove as the best tent stove. It provides a durable design and solid heat output without being too heavy.
In the ultralight category, the Bushbox XL Titanium is a great option with a functional design and high efficiency.
Now, it’s your call
