How to Light a Rocket Stove
Rocket stoves are an efficient and eco-friendly way to cook, heat, or simply enjoy the warmth of a fire. They’re designed to maximize heat output while using minimal fuel, making them ideal for outdoor cooking or emergencies. Lighting a rocket stove is easy once you know the basics, and in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start your stove safely and keep it burning smoothly so you can enjoy all the awesome things your rocket stove can do.
First Things First
1. Find a Stable Surface
Before you even think about lighting your rocket stove, make sure it’s placed on a smooth, flat, and non-flammable surface. Stability is critical because rocket stoves can get very hot, especially around the chimney area. A rocky or uneven surface can cause the stove to tip, which is a serious fire hazard. Avoid placing your stove on grass, dry leaves, or anything that might easily catch fire.
Keeping children and pets at a safe distance is also crucial. Even the metal exterior of the stove heats up, so any accidental touches could result in burns.
2. Prepare Your Fuel Correctly
The type and size of fuel you use can make or break the experience. Rocket stoves work best with wood cut to a specific size for a consistent burn. Look for pieces between 12-14 inches long—this size will fit neatly into most fuel chambers without jamming.
Once you have your fuel ready, stack it properly. Don’t force oversized pieces into the fuel chamber, as this can block airflow and make it hard for the fire to catch. Always opt for wood that’s dry and not too thick. Sticks or split logs work well for maintaining a steady flame.
3. Open the Damper and Clear the Ash Pan
Before lighting, make sure to fully open the damper, which allows air to flow through the fuel chamber. This airflow is essential for starting a fire and keeping it burning.
The ash pan is where ashes collect from previous burns, and clearing it helps the new fire get the oxygen it needs. Remove any ash and slide the pan out before lighting the stove. This small step can make a big difference, so don’t skip it!
Three Ways to Light Your Rocket Stove
Now that your rocket stove is stable, loaded, and prepped, it’s time to light it. We’ll go over three ways to start your rocket stove: the easy way, the easy but longer way, and the old-fashioned way. Choose the method that best fits your tools, skills, and patience level.
The Easy Way: Using a Propane Torch
A propane torch is one of the quickest, most reliable ways to light a rocket stove.
First, ignite the propane torch.
Place the flame directly on the coal grate or close to your stacked wood. Hold the torch there for a few seconds until the wood starts to catch fire.
Once you see the wood beginning to burn, remove the torch carefully. Keep it nearby in case you need a quick re-ignition, but don’t leave it unattended.
After the fire is going, you can slide the ash pan back in to contain the ashes. You’re now ready to cook, boil water, or enjoy the warmth of your fire!
The Easy but Longer Way: Using a Fire Starter
If you don’t have a propane torch, a fire starter is a convenient option. Fire starters are small, flammable materials (like wax-coated blocks) that burn long enough to get your wood blazing.
Place a fire starter on the ash pan.
Light the fire starter with a lighter or a match, making sure it’s burning steadily.
Slide the ash pan with the lit fire starter back into the rocket stove.
This method takes a bit longer than using a propane torch, but it’s still fairly simple and doesn’t require much attention once it’s set up.
The Old-Fashioned Way: DIY Fire Starters
If you don’t have a commercial fire starter, no worries! There are plenty of household items and natural materials that can get your rocket stove going just as effectively. Here are some tried-and-true options:
Dry Leaves
Crispy, dry leaves work well as a fire starter. Simply gather a handful, place them on the ash pan, and ignite. Avoid using green or wet leaves, as they don’t burn well and produce a lot of smoke.
Newspaper
Old newspaper is another excellent option. Crumple a few sheets and place them in the stove. Newspaper ignites quickly and burns hot enough to help other materials catch fire. Just avoid glossy or colored paper, as it can release harmful fumes.
Wood Shavings
If you have any wood shavings lying around, these make a great fire starter too. Wood shavings catch fire fast and provide a solid base for kindling. Plus, they’re often available if you’ve recently done a woodworking project.
Fritos (Yes, the Chips!)
Believe it or not, Fritos chips can serve as a makeshift fire starter! These chips are high in oil and burn surprisingly well. Just light a few and place them under your kindling—they’ll burn long enough to get the fire going.
If you’re interested in more fire-starting tricks, check out our articles on how to start a fire in a fire pit and learning how to get by without lighter fluid.
Keeping the Fire Burning
Once your rocket stove is lit, keeping it going is mostly about monitoring airflow and fuel levels. If you notice the fire dying down, check the fuel chamber to see if you need to add more wood. Open the damper a bit if you want a hotter flame, as this will draw in more air.
Rocket stoves are efficient, but they still require a little attention. Avoid overloading the fuel chamber or piling wood on top of a smoldering fire, as this can suffocate the flames. Instead, add fuel gradually to keep the fire steady and consistent.
Safety Tips to Remember
Lighting and maintaining a rocket stove can be easy, but always keep safety in mind:
Watch the Kids and Pets: Rocket stoves get very hot, especially around the chimney. Keep children and pets well away to prevent burns or accidents.
Use Proper Ventilation: While rocket stoves are efficient, they still produce smoke. Use them in an open, well-ventilated area.
Stay Clear of Flammable Materials: Avoid placing your stove near dry grass, leaves, or other materials that could catch fire.
Ready for More Rocket Stove Tips?
Once you’ve mastered the basics of lighting a rocket stove, there’s a whole world of tips, tricks, and uses to explore. Whether you’re a backyard chef, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone interested in learning more about alternative heating, rocket stoves can be a fantastic tool.
If you want to dive deeper, don’t forget to check out our book on rocket stoves for advanced tips and techniques! From cooking recipes to fuel efficiency hacks, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge for any rocket stove enthusiast.
And there you have it! Lighting a rocket stove doesn’t have to be complicated, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to start a fire quickly, safely, and reliably every time. Enjoy the warmth, the crackling wood, and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve got a fire-starting skill that’s both practical and fun.