What’s a Good Size for a Rocket Stove?
@chiassonsmoke This is the way i make my rocketstove. I feel like its a happy medium of providing height. Not to hot. Not to cold. Maybe this info will help you build your own. Or we can build a rocketstove for you. #fabricationshop #welding #chiassonsmoke #bluecollar #rocketstove ♬ Nothing's News - Clint Black
Creating your own rocket stove at home is an exciting project, and it's great to see so many people diving in and experimenting with different designs. A rocket stove is not just a fun DIY project but also a fantastic, eco-friendly cooking option that uses minimal fuel and produces plenty of heat. However, one key factor often gets overlooked—chimney height.
Let’s break down why chimney height matters and how to get it just right for optimal performance.
Why Chimney Height Matters
Many people naturally want to make their rocket stove’s chimney taller. After all, a taller chimney means you don’t have to bend down as much, right? However, a high chimney comes with a problem: the higher the chimney, the colder the top. Rocket stoves rely on intense, concentrated heat, which becomes difficult to maintain at greater heights.
On the flip side, if your chimney is too short, the heat becomes overpowering and hard to manage. Finding that balance is key to making a rocket stove that works efficiently for your cooking needs.
The Sweet Spot: 16 Inches
After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that a 16-inch chimney height is perfect. Here’s how I break it down:
Chimney Height: 14 inches
Top Space: 1 inch
Bars for Support: Another inch
This gives a total of 16 inches, which seems to provide the right balance between manageable heat and cooking efficiency.
Why 16 Inches Works So Well
A 16-inch chimney lets the stove retain enough heat for cooking while keeping things easy to control. The 14-inch main chimney keeps heat concentrated, and the extra 2 inches give space for handling pots or pans. This setup avoids excessive bending and keeps the heat at an ideal level for cooking.
Alright… So what’s next?
If you’re building your own stove, you might want to check out our step-by-step instructions. We also have digital plan files, full DIY kits, and of course, fully-assembled rocket stoves ready to go!
