Looking for a simple rocket stove design for outdoor cooking

Hi all!

Hi all, my first post here.

I've been trying to find a simple design for a rocket stove to use for occasional outdoor cooking. Originally I was thinking to purchase a k style made of corten steel. However, I have read here that k style isn't the best and that steel isn't ideal because of the high temperature that can be reached inside. Therefore I started looking at building one using fire bricks. But I also read that firebrick might not be ideal in a wet climate?  But maybe it would be ok if It's covered when not in use?

I don't want to spend too much time on this but I really want a design that gives very little smoke.

So any suggestions on what to make would be highly appreciated. Or if I should just go ahead and purchase one in steel. Not many models to choose from in Sweden I should add.

All the best,
David

Hi David,

Ultimately the best would be the full masonry oven - it will give the most stable and even baking temperatures. Outside ovens are usually completely protected with a separate roof above. Or they can be covered with a tarp when it rains.

For quick solution I suggest reading this thread:

Rocket oven reusing old BBQ oven

Hey David. If I understand you correctly you’re looking for a heat source for cooking rather than baking?
So instead of an oven you could build a simple 6” j-tube out of firebrick, insulate and cob around?!
Then make some metal contraption to put a pot on top.

Maybe like the one Nicole built in this thread?

There is a good diagram detailing a good build in that thread somewhere.

Hi David;
I  am a big fan of building with bricks.

However, if all you are looking to do is occasional stove-top cooking.
Then a metal rocket might fit the bill.
It will quickly heat up (but you can easily get burned).
They are easy to move about.
It will have a limited lifetime.
Once hot, they are smokeless when using dry wood.

A brick rocket will last for years.
They are slower to supply cooking heat until the bricks heat up.
They are stationary and require some form of rain protection.
They can be covered with cob and sculpted into cool forms.
Once hot, they are smokeless when using dry wood.

Thanks for these recommendations!

I feel like the k style often seems to smoke back the wrong way and I am also a bit concerned if the material (corten steel) really can withstand the heat without spalling or degrading? I don't know how hot these stoves that are not insulated can get.

Seems like building a j style with fire bricks is a better way to go in the long run!

Hi! I still haven't gotten around to try making one.

However I did come across an interesting one that can also be used for baking pizza or sit next to. I haven't seen anything similar commercially available.

https://jackie.eco/en

It's also made from corten steel.

Curious to hear what you guys think about it? I think it looks quite cool and I like the functions it provides. However I would be a bit worried about Its longevity.

A downside is that it will probably be extremely hot on the outside.

Cheers!

Hi, I completely agree — outdoor rocket stove kitchens are more interesting in terms of oven capabilities and durability.
However, they don’t lend themselves well to minimalist or mobile applications.
Generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of Corten steel for outdoor wood stoves.
I prefer using 304 stainless steel.



The same type of rocket stove in use :

I would suggest you find out if vermiculite board is available where you live, if so you can build a super efficient rocket hot plate stove in a few hours and it will fit inside an barrel if you want.
If you build a 4” J tube to my design, it will be easy to move around or store inside.
I have plenty of build videos on my YouTube channel.

Very simple construction and very hot.