How to Use Natural Fuel Burning Camping Stoves

Natural fuel burning camping stoves are a great option that offer a variety of advantages over other types of stoves. They burn more cleanly than traditional camping stoves that operate on propane or gas. And they don't require you to carry bulky fuel canisters. Simply rely on the fuel that nature provides: sticks, leaves, even pine cones. Natural fuel camping stoves use a powered fan to feed the flame and increase the cooking heat of the burning matter. If you've never used one before, it can seem difficult. But once you get it down, you'll be boiling water in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Fire starting gel or material Matches, lighter or other means of lighting fire Fuel that can be gathered from nature
Fire starting gel or material
Matches, lighter or other means of lighting fire
Fuel that can be gathered from nature

Step 1

Gather your fuel. You'll want a dry source of fuel that will be easy to ignite. Ideally find some leaves, twigs or bark to fuel the fire. Gather enough based on the cooking you intend to do. In a pinch, think outside the box. Even biomass like animal dung could provide the fuel you need.

Step 2

Place the fuel into the stove's burn chamber.

Step 3

Apply a starter gel to your fuel or use a solid fire starter that is included with your stove. This will make ignition much easier than trying to ignite the fuel directly. Light it with a match or lighter.

Step 4

After lighting the flame, turn on the powered fan that will blow air into the combustion chamber to create the appropriate heat.

Step 5

Adjust the flame as required for your cooking.

Tips & Warnings

Install a fresh set of batteries in the fan before your trip. Carry spare batteries and any tools that you'll need to replace them. If your natural fuel burning camping stove didn't come with fire starting material, check with your manufacturer's website to see what firestarter is recommended and purchase before your camping trip. Refer to your specific stove instructions and practice using at least once before taking it into the wilderness, particularly if it will be your only cooking source. Becoming comfortable with your equipment ahead of time is always good practice. When shopping for camping stoves, remember that natural fuel stoves don't require the addition of a fuel canister. Keep this in mind when comparing price, weight and size.

Install a fresh set of batteries in the fan before your trip. Carry spare batteries and any tools that you'll need to replace them.

If your natural fuel burning camping stove didn't come with fire starting material, check with your manufacturer's website to see what firestarter is recommended and purchase before your camping trip.

Refer to your specific stove instructions and practice using at least once before taking it into the wilderness, particularly if it will be your only cooking source. Becoming comfortable with your equipment ahead of time is always good practice.

When shopping for camping stoves, remember that natural fuel stoves don't require the addition of a fuel canister. Keep this in mind when comparing price, weight and size.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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