Ell Bee

Phoebe, did you make it to Maine? What part of the state are you looking at?

I’m glad to see this thread is still alive - and the kitties too! I thought I had lost my cat, trying to rack my brain for a chance he may have slipped out the door (the night is dark and full of terrors!)…but I found him beneath the woodstove. I felt the bottom (cautiously) and while it was warm, it didn’t burn me. Still, I worry for him. I’m considering wrapping chicken wire around the legs of the woodstove to keep him out, but it’s also nice that he found a comfortable spot.

I guess he is smart enough, because when I open the door to load wood, he removes himself (and ever so adorably plops on the cold tile floor to cool off).

But, y’know, safety first!

Thanks everyone for your warm welcomes and your kind advice! I’ll do some investigating on the Walker stoves! And it looks like your site covers the equipment, Thomas!

Hi fellow permies,

I know rocket stoves are super effective, take up very little space, and are probably less expensive. I have also been looking at some really nifty antique wood stove-ovens (the big heavy cast iron ones that probably take too many people to lift), and my internal debate is going nowhere, so here I am asking you all: what’s the best course of action?

To be clear, I want the capability to utilize one piece of equipment for heating, stovetop, and oven cooking. Indoors, so it must be vented. Has anyone built a rocket stove that can do all of that? I can kind of imagine a cob rocket stove with a pizza oven atop the flue. Am I far off?

Long time lurker, and I decided it’s finally time to interact! I love reading about everyone’s experiences and ideas, and I wonder if there is a likeminded group of permies in my neighborhood where I can actually witness the efforts and results, so I know what I’m getting into.

I am in the very beginning stages: I plan to find a piece of land, and build a little piece of paradise for myself. To be quite honest, I’m overwhelmed with the getting started part. While my goal is to eliminate (or at least severely reduce) bills, I wonder about the reality of self-suffiency: Will I need to entirely change my lifestyle to disclude internet?! How do you all incorporate your internet? Does your off grid electricity handle your device(s)?