HOW TO BUILD A ROCKET STOVE

Most of our household energy requirements come in the form of space heating, water heating or cooking, with these making up a large percentage of our monthly bill. Rocket stoves are an example of appropriate technology which can cover all of those needs, cost you next to nothing to build, and just a few twigs to run.

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Fuel is burned in a simple combustion chamber containing a vertical chimney, which ensures almost complete combustion prior to the flames reaching the cooking surface.

Tools and materials needed

Materials:

• Steel tubing (100 – 150mm diameter):
  • A: 1x vertical riser (460 – 600mm)

  • B: 1x diagonal fuel feed tube (450mm)

  • C: 1x Horizontal air intake (450mm)

• 4x Round bar legs (200mm)

• Expanded metal mesh (optional for pot stand)

• Insulating material (optional): perlite, ash, or vermiculite

Tools:

• Angle grinder (with cutting & grinding discs)

• Welding machine and safety gear (helmet, gloves, jacket)

• Drill and metal bits (if screwing instead of welding)

• Measuring tape and marker

• Clamps and square (for alignment)

• Wire brush or flap disc (for smoothing edges)

Here's a step-by-step guide to building a metal rocket stove using steel tubing, a durable, efficient cooking solution ideal for camping, emergency use, or off-grid living.

Step 1: Cut Your Metal Tubing

• Cut vertical riser: 460 - 600mm

• Cut diagonal feed pipe: 450mm

• Cut horizontal air intake: (450mm)

• Cut 4x round bar legs (200mm)

• Cut expanded metal mesh 300x300mm

Tip: Clean and de-burr all edges with a grinder to ensure safe handling and better welds.

Step 2: Create the L-Shape Burn Chamber

• Weld the diagonal feed tube (B) into the vertical riser (A) at an 45° angle.

• Weld the horizontal air intake (C) into the vertical riser (A) at 90°.