Anybody used these Barrel Stove Kits?

Has anybody used one of these barrel stove kits? Cast iron door and flue connector with damper. Stubby little legs would need to be raised.

This would be for outdoor use, burning junk wood and adding a bit of heat at various winter work sites. Not even remotely efficient, but I don't care. I regularly get steel barrels for free. The door and flue damper would let me positively button up the dregs of the fire so I can walk away and not worry.

I think with a short chimney I'd have to add an additional air hole -- maybe place the bungs at the sides of the door?

What do you think? Worth the money?

Heck yeah, I have built and used cast iron double-barrel kits several times myself and seen them in use for years.
You should not need any extra air intake; they draw in air very well.

I find them to be good if I want a relatively small area heated up fast .. such as a single car garage sized work shop.   I have never had the parts wear out.  Do protect the bottom of the primary burn area with sand, firebrick, whatever.   That will significantly extend the life of the barrel. Also, regularly check the barrel for damage. I have heard it is downright exciting to have the fire drop out onto a wood floor.

Be aware that a lot of barrels have some pretty funky paint embedded in their metal and it can take a real long time for them to burn off. I regret making a burn barrel out of a painted barrel.. if I could do it again, I would go find a stainless steel barrel or something that hasn't been painted. When it's really cooking even after months of burning, I still get toxic smoke coming off.

I have one in my shop.  Pretty happy with it.  The parts are a little crude so I wouldn't use it in a living space, but outside as you suggest is a great idea. As was mentioned protect the bottom.  I maintain a good layer of ash to insulate the bottom.

Even if outside, I would really want to use at least a short chimney, so that the smoke wouldn't be hovering around me. Granted, my ecosystem is notorious for down-drafts!

Yes, a chimney is important.  The barrel stove won't draw well without at least a few feet of chimney.

Agreed, it would absolutely have a chimney on it. At least 4', preferably 6'. It looks like there's enough lip on the chimney connector to put in a few screws so it doesn't fall over.

Part of the reason for this project is to keep the smoke out of my lungs. I've eaten enough already *cough, hack, wheeze.*

Kye Goods wrote:Be aware that a lot of barrels have some pretty funky paint embedded in their metal and it can take a real long time for them to burn off.

Good point. Luckily I haven't had that problem with the used oil drums I get. The paint burns off right away.