Fuels
Almost any nature provided fuel will work properly in the stove. Most fuels will provide about the same amount of heat, but different fuels have less energy (per unit volume), so will be consumed faster. If you are using a low density fuel, the stove can be recharged by simply adding fuel to the top of the stove while its burning.
Fuels must generally be dry in order to get the stove started. Wet or green fuels prevent the stove from reaching operating temperature. Once the stove has started, green or damp fuel may be added slowly.
Pellets
Pellets are sold in hardware stores as fuel for traditional pellet stoves. Pellets are densified saw dust, and have very high heat content per volume. They burn longer than any other plant based fuel. The WoodGas camping stove will burn one load of pellets for up to 40 minutes on high power.
Wood Chips
Chips made from chopping tree branches will burn very well in the WoodGas camping stove. A camp stove filled with wood chips will typically run for 20 minutes on high power.
Twigs
Small branches can be chopped into sticks about 4 inches in length, and then stacked vertically in the stove. Total burn time for one load will be about 15 minutes on high power.
Pine Cones, Leaves, Grasses
These fuels are generally very light and will be consumed quickly in the stove. It is still possible to use them, but they must be added often to keep the stove burning for long periods.
Startup
Startup of the WoodGas camping stove.
It is generally recommended that you use a starter when starting the campstove. The campstove works well when the internal temperature has reached the level required to produce the gases necessary for clean combustion.
Here is an example of starting the stove with starter gel.
Pellets are sold in hardware stores as fuel for traditional pellet stoves. Pellets are densified saw dust, and have very high heat content per volume. They burn longer than any other plant based fuel. The WoodGas camping stove will burn one load of pellets for up to 40 minutes on high power.
|
Place the fuel in the campstove. In this example, wood chips and twigs are used. Do not fill the stove above the top holes in the can.
|
|
Starter gel is deposited in a circle on top of the fuel.
|
|
The starter gel is lit. Warning: If this is done in direct sunlight, the flame will be almost invisible, but can still be dangerous.
|
|
As the gel burns, it starts combustion in the plant fuel.
|
|
Once the gel is burning, the stove can be plugged in on the low setting. This will start burning the fuel a little more vigorously.
|
|
Once the stove has become hot, the setting may be changed to high for fast cooking. The cross grid can now be put on the stove, and cooking may begin.
|
Safety
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety
Does the stove get hot?
The WoodGas camping stove gets very hot and can burn you if you touch it while its burning or before it has cooled down. The outer shell will heat to 200 deg F which will burn. Always use the supplied handle when moving or handling a hot stove.
Does the stove produce Carbon Monoxide?
The WoodGas camping stove does produce carbon monoxide (though much less than a campfire) and should only be used outside. Do not use the stove in an enclosed area, such as a tent, camper or in a house.
Does the stove produce an open flame?
The WoodGas camping stove does produce an open flame and may start other fires. When starting, a small amount of flying ash may be produced. Always use the stove in manner approved for camp fires.
Does the stove produce hot ashes?
After burning for a period of time, charcoal will be produced as a byproduct. If the stove is switched off before all of the charcoal is consumed, the charcoal remains a fire hazard. Dispose of the charcoal in a safe place where it can't start a fire, or wait until it cools to a safe temperature.
See the instuction manual for more operating warnings and directions. The
Specifications section contains the current manuals.
Specifications
Woodgas Camp Stove
LE (light edition)
- Heat Output - high power: 10,000 BTU/hour (3 KW)
- Heat Output - low power: 5,000 BTU/hour (1.5 KW)
- Burn Time: 10-12 Minutes for single charge of
twigs
- Burn Time: 40-50 minutes for single charge of
sawdust pellets
(burn times vary greatly depending on fuel
used but stove can operate continuously by carefully adding fuel
every couple minutes)
- Fuel Consumption - high power (dry): 1.7 lbs/hour
(0.8 Kg/hour)
- Fuel Consumption - low power (dry): 0.9 lbs/hour
(0.4 Kg/hour)
- Total Height: 6.5" (16.5 cm)
- Total Diameter: 5" (12.7 cm)
- Fire Pot Height: 4" (10.1cm)
- Fire Pot Diameter: 4" (10.1cm)
- Total Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
- Power Usage: ~150mA at 3V (high power)
- Power Usage: ~140mA at 3V (low power)
- Batteries (not included): 2-AA
- Battery Life (Alkaline): 10-11 hours
-
Woodgas Camp Stove XL (extra
large)
- Heat Output - high power: 12,000 BTU/hour (3.6 KW)
- Heat Output - low power: 9,000 BTU/hour (2.7 KW)
- Burn Time: 20-24 Minutes for single charge of
twigs
- Burn Time: 1Hr 10Min - 1Hr 24Min for single
charge of sawdust pellets
- (burn times vary greatly
depending on fuel used but stove can operate continuously by
carefully adding fuel every couple minutes)
- Fuel Consumption - high power (dry): 2.2 lbs/hour
(1 Kg/hour)
- Fuel Consumption - low power (dry): 1.6 lbs/hour
(0.7 Kg/hour)
- Total Height: 9" (22.9 cm)
- Total Diameter: 6" (15.25cm)
- Fire Pot Height: 6.4" (16.3cm)
- Fire Pot Diameter: 4.6" (11.7cm)
- Total Weight: 2 lb 3 oz
- Batteries (not included): 2-AA
- Battery Life: (Alkaline): 8 hrs
Mega (Woodgas Fireplace)
- Base Diameter: 13.5"
- Height: 11"
- Burn Time (Twigs/Chips): 40 Minutes
- Burn Time (Pellets): 90 Minutes
- Product Weight: 15 lbs
- Shipping Weight: 16 lbs
- Power Consumption: 2 Watts
- Power Voltage: 9 Volts
- Power Current: 220 mA
- Heat Output on High: 55,000 btu/hr
- Knob to control fan speed.
- Includes:
- Base Fireplace
- Lid to protect the fireplace after use
- AC Power Power Adapter