Archive for the ‘Sustainable Living’ Category

Gas Bottle Wood Stove – First camping trip!

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

The quick finishing off of my gas bottle stove was rewarded with a four day camping trip and the promise of plenty of firewood and time for burning and cooking.


gas bottle stove

stove running, water boiling, wood ready...

The stove proved to be a valuable addition to the camp kit. In fact, it was the main attraction for me. Much of the time was spent collecting, cutting and splitting wood, then running the fire and making sure there was always something cooking or heating or boiling on the stove!

gas bottle stove

a camp feature, and yes, the chimney is wonky!

I managed to keep the stove running from breakfast til bedtime each day, despite one disaster when the stove toppled over after I prodded the fire to vigorously. A new feet system for uneven ground is now a priority!

The new smaller camp oven proved useful too. The right size for a stew for two. Small twigs under the base helped to keep it on the simmer, without burning the base too much.

gas bottle stove

twigs to stop burning the bottom of the meal

Over the weekend the stove was used to boil water for tea and washing up, the coffee pot, vegetable stew, damper, bacon and eggs, stewed apples and baked potatoes. The gas cooker didn’t get much use at all.

gas bottle stove

yummy damper

gas bottle stove

vegetable stew – with bacon on the side for non vegetarians

Already there are modifications and additions planned, as well as a design hatching for another gas bottle stove. This time with the cylinder laid over, rather than standing vertical.

Stay tuned for details.

The winter will be for building and testing, and next camping season should see more fires and stove use!

Brian.