Can a Rocket Stove Burn Charcoal?
If you’ve ever used a rocket stove, you know it’s a fire-breathing beast that loves to gobble up sticks and twigs. It’s one of the most efficient ways to cook outdoors because it burns hot, clean, and fast. But what about charcoal? Can you toss some blackened briquettes or lump charcoal into a rocket stove and expect it to work the same way?
The short answer? Usually not.
As you may know, rocket stoves have their pros and cons. Most rocket stoves are designed for small, dry wood, not for slow-burning charcoal. But here at Chiasson Smoke, we have a trick up our sleeve—an insert for our grill attachment that lets you grill with charcoal on a rocket stove.
So, let’s dive in and see why charcoal usually doesn’t work, how we’ve made it possible, and why you might want to try it yourself.
Why Rocket Stoves and Charcoal Don’t Normally Mix
A rocket stove works by creating a fast, super-hot burn. The L-shaped design pulls air in at the bottom and shoots flames upward in a powerful, concentrated way. This makes it incredibly efficient for burning small sticks, wood scraps, and similar fuel. The fuel burns completely, leaving little ash and almost no smoke (one of the many benefits of rocket stoves).
Charcoal, on the other hand, likes to burn slow and steady. It needs less airflow and works best in a bed, where the heat spreads gradually. (This is why it’s important to know how much charcoal to use for your situation.)
If you dump a pile of charcoal into a normal rocket stove, here’s what will happen:
It won’t get enough oxygen. The airflow in a rocket stove is designed for wood combustion, not for slow-burning coals.
It won’t light properly. Unlike wood, charcoal needs a steady heat source to get going. Without that, you’ll just have a pile of sad, smoldering chunks.
It won’t burn efficiently. Instead of producing a strong flame, the charcoal will sit there, struggling to catch, and you’ll be left wondering why your stove isn’t working.
In short, traditional rocket stoves and charcoal just aren’t a good match. But what if you could make them work together?
Grilling with Charcoal on a Rocket Stove
At Chiasson Smoke, we love a good challenge. We wanted to find a way to use charcoal with a rocket stove. And we did just that.
We designed a special insert for our grill attachment. This insert sits inside the stove, creating the perfect space for charcoal grilling. It allows just enough airflow for the charcoal to stay lit while keeping the heat concentrated for cooking.
How Does It Work?
Our grill insert transforms our standard grill top attachment into a charcoal-friendly cooking machine. Instead of dumping charcoal straight into the stove (which wouldn’t work), the insert holds the charcoal above the chimney, allowing it to burn efficiently.
Here’s why this works so well:
Proper Airflow – The insert is designed to allow just enough oxygen to the charcoal so it stays lit, but not so much that it burns too fast.
Heat Control – The charcoal is positioned in a way that directs the heat upward, keeping it concentrated under your grill grate.
So instead of struggling with damp wood or chasing the perfect flame, you get the best of both worlds—the rocket stove’s power with the steady heat of charcoal.
Why Would You Want to Use Charcoal on a Rocket Stove?
Now, you might be wondering, Why even bother with charcoal if a rocket stove works so well with wood? Good question! Here are a few reasons why grilling with charcoal on a rocket stove is a game-changer:
Flavor
There’s no denying it—charcoal gives food that rich, smoky taste that wood flames just can’t always match. If you love that classic grilled flavor, charcoal is the way to go.
Less Tending, More Cooking
Rocket stoves need regular feeding—every once in a while, you have to add more sticks. Charcoal, on the other hand, burns for a long time without constant attention. That means more time flipping burgers and enjoying the outdoors and less time tending the fire.
Grilling Anywhere, Anytime
Maybe you love cooking on a rocket stove but wish you could grill without hauling a separate charcoal grill. With our insert, your rocket stove becomes your grill, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, or backyard cooking.
See also: How to Light a Rocket Stove
The Final Verdict
Can a rocket stove burn charcoal? Usually not. But with our Chiasson Smoke charcoal insert, you can turn your rocket stove into a powerful, efficient, and flavorful grill.
So if you love cooking outdoors and want to get the best of both rocket stove efficiency and charcoal grilling flavor, it’s time to give this a try.
Ready to take your rocket stove to the next level? Check out our charcoal insert today and start grilling like never before!
