How does the heat output of the stove compare to that of an open fire? If I were to use this outdoors on a cold day, is it warmer than a bonfire?
806817
A bonfire eats up allot of wood. The stove you can control the burn. Saying that the stove is safer in a shelter the a open fire. Outside in the open I would go with a Bonfire.
806818
Don't waste your money on this. I learned the hard way that if it is made in China, don't get it. A bonfire is warmer.
1472650
No. I would not use this unit over an open camp fire. They are made for use for over a portable camp stove like one that uses a butane fuel container.
533464
Yes, definitely! I use mine year round in Seattle. It is insulated and I've actually cooked at 500 degrees in a snowstorm in Reno on our first unit during initial testing. If it's real cold out remember that the steel and the stones are very cold as well and will take longer to heat up to cooking temps. You can also remove the upper fuel grate and build a bigger fire right on the firestarter grate in the firebox. I'd also recommend using all high heat woods like Oak, Maple or Hickory for a hotter fire.
1551407
This is a wonderful stove-it has basically warmed up two large rooms in my house. I use gas here in WV. And with the past superstorm sandy, electric was out-the stove kept the house warm.
2165014
None really. Maybe a little warm. It says you can use it in a zero clearance fireplace. I'll have to tell you that the flame effect is perfect and you do get usable heat. Like any electric heater it uses a lot of current, but I think it's worth it.
1757492
My burner works well at all settings, though I confess it is used more often on high. Against cheaper burners, it simply works better. Are you using outside or in a drafty location?
1275667
I have used it indoors, but well ventilated. Naturally care should be taken to fuel the stove outside and to leave the spare fuel outside. For many years people cooked on indoor kerosene stoves that had an order all it's own. This fuel is more flammable. Use caution.
379473
Even though it doesn't, it "blows" off more heat than my woodstove that has a blower...I like that because it saves on electric. It seems to me that the heat comes off of it so fast that it generates a heat flow. Love the stove!
792695
I've used it in some gusty wind, both at home and in the field and the stove worked well. However, because the wind blows the flame around it took a bit longer to cook. Setting up a wind break would help.
409624
It is great for a fire place. I planned on making pizza too, but have not done it. The cooking area is small and confined. Also, it is easier to get the fire going without the cooking grate in, but it would be too difficult and dangerous to put it in after the fire is red hot. We have spent many enjoyable nights sitting around the fire roasting marshmellows.
1484454
I would not burn wood/biomass indoors. Once the stove gets going it is less smokey, but will generate lots of smoke during startup or while adding fuel. I have not used the alcohol burner attachment, but that would definitely be better for a low ventilation area. I love this stove, but it is basically a mini campfire (I did use it in a 3 sided AT shelter, but depending on wind the smoke was annoying)
380665
The type of stove I have keeps all the heat in the stove, so the chimney stays cooler than most.....with this product, using dry seasoned wood I run a brush up the chimney in the fall just before using my stove(very little build up) for the season. my stove burns about 20 hours per load of wood . so every other load I sprinkle a small scoop over the wood - seems to work fine except for the cost.
1244784
Hi, not sure what you mean by basic cooking? I think that this cooker has a wide range of heat output, from a very low flame to wok cooking with super high heat. The flame can be just an inch high, or it can be about 8 inches from the burner. I mainly use it for wok cooking, which in general needs a much higher BTU than what my indoor range can provide, and there is no issue of smoke outside. So I hope this answers your question. My only gripe with this burner, super sooty a lot of incomplete burning of the propane. But besides that it is a very good burner.
1086321
People sitting closest to the fire bowl will feel the most heat. It is not exactly a roaring campfire but does throw a moderate amount of heat from it's gas flame. I enjoy it more for the ambiance than for a source of heat. Don't expect to be warm and toasty seated around it during the winter. Hope this helps.
640659
I would not recommend it. The unit can be VERY smoky when starting it up. It is definitely an open flame. Once the wood has caught fire it behaves like a high intensity gas burner, and is much hotter than charcoal. It's fast and excellent at what it does, but does not do low, slow heat.
222947
I use mine often while hunting. The vent on the unit above the heating mat gets warm, almost hot to the touch. Smoke emits from the top, and there is a pleasant smell. If used inside, I would have it near an open window.
364884
I sprayed the outside of exhaust pipe on car, no issues whatsoever, and obviously exhaust pipe gets quite hot. I cannot confirm that the spray would withstand the heat from a wood burning stove, but I believe it should be able to.