Is the Cheapest Amazon Wood Stove Worth It?
A Budget Bushcraft Test in the Woods
When it comes to wild camping or outdoor cooking, it's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of expensive gear. From premium tents to branded tarps, the price of enjoying nature can quickly add up. But what happens when you ditch the high-end kit and opt for something cheap? I needed a portable wood-burning stove and decided to test the cheapest one I could find on Amazon — just £20. Here's how it went.
First Impressions: What's in the Bag?
The stove came in a simple black bag labeled only "Wood Burning Stove." No flashy branding, no frills. Inside the bag:
A concertina-style collapsible stove
Ash collector base
Two top mesh inserts for cooking
Front access door with handles
At first glance, the design was basic but practical. Assembly was intuitive. It folds out easily, the grate drops in smoothly, and the ash tray slots underneath without hassle. Lightweight, compact, and surprisingly sturdy for a budget option.
Setting Up: Firewood Prep & First Burn
It had rained recently, so kindling and small firewood were damp. I collected some dead-standing branches with a good snap to them and broke them down to hand-width lengths. These seemed the perfect fit for the compact burn chamber.
Lighting it took a little effort due to the wet conditions. I quickly learned that snapping twigs wasn’t enough — off-camera, I ended up splitting a few larger pieces to expose dry wood inside. Once lit, the fire took well, and the stove began to radiate a satisfying warmth.
Fire Building Tips for Small Stoves:
Use dead-standing wood for a drier burn.
Split larger sticks to access the dry core.
Start with kindling and build your fire up slowly.
Avoid overstuffing the chamber to allow good airflow.
Cooking Test: Burgers in the Woods
With the stove now producing steady heat, it was time for the ultimate field test — burgers.
I placed a small pan on the top mesh grate, and the burger sizzled almost immediately. I’m not a cheese person, so I kept it simple. The results? A hot, juicy burger cooked in the heart of the woods with no gas, no meths, and no hassle.
Was it gourmet? No.
Was it satisfying? Absolutely.
There's something about wood smoke and burgers that makes any meal feel like an adventure.
Pros & Cons of the £20 Wood Stove
Pros:
Inexpensive: At £20, it's a no-brainer for beginners.
Compact & Portable: Folds down neatly and fits in a small bag.
Efficient burn: Once properly lit, it produced great heat.
Sustainable: No need for gas or liquid fuel.
Cons:
Not beginner-proof: Needs dry wood and fire-starting know-how.
Small burn chamber: Limits the amount of wood you can use at once.
No windscreen: You may need to set up a natural barrier on windy days.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a simple, effective wood-burning stove and you're not afraid to get your hands dirty, this budget option is a winner. It may not be perfect, but it punches way above its weight for the price.
Just remember:
Take your time prepping firewood.
Expect a learning curve.
Be patient while it heats up.
And above all, enjoy the process.
Key Takeaways
The cheapest Amazon wood stove worked surprisingly well.
Preparation and dry wood are key to success.
Great for light meals like burgers or boiling water.
An affordable entry point into bushcraft cooking.
Reflection: What Really Matters in the Woods?
Out here, it's not about the most expensive gear. It’s about knowing how to use what you have, taking time to slow down, and enjoying the crackle of a fire and the taste of food you've cooked yourself.
Would you trust a £20 stove on your next wild camp? Or is it worth investing in something more premium?
Let me know in the comments — and if you’ve got a better bargain stove to recommend, I’m all ears.
Is This The Best Budget Wood Stove for Camping?
Testing the best budget wood stove for camping! Is a £20 Amazon stove enough for wild camping meals? Here’s my honest, real-world review. Join me in the woods as I test a budget wood burning stove from Amazon to see if it holds up in real wild camping conditions. I prep kindling, light a fire, and cook burgers — all for £20. Could this be the best camping stove for your next adventure?
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