How to Make a Rocket Stove with Tin Cans
Morgan Rogue 08.03.22
There are a lot of ways to make a rocket stove. Once of the most common ways is with brick. However, a really easy, semi-portable way to build a highly efficient food cooking machine is with tin cans.
I’ve shown how to make a super easy hobo stove in the past which is a fantastic way to make a contained fire system with just one #10 can.
The rocket stove is more efficient and burns a little hotter, with just a little extra supplies.
Let’s get right to the build.
Here’s how to make a rocket stove:
The first step is to find three different sized cans. You can use any sized cans, as long as they are three different sizes. Like a big, medium, small. I used a #10 can, a paint can and a soup can.
Next, measure the bottom of the smallest can against the bottom of the largest can, leave about 1/2 inch or so from the bottom of the largest can.
Then cut the hole out.
Cut out the bottom of the smallest can.
You’ll then want to cut a hole in the medium sized can so the smallest can will be able to fit through it, as well.
This is the hole in the medium sized can.
Place the medium sized can inside the large can and align the holes, then push the smaller can through both holes, so that the smaller can is halfway through the medium sized can.
It should look like this.
Now place small rocks or sand in the space between the large can and medium can. Fill it up to the edge of the medium can.
And you’re done! Just like the hobo stove, the rocket stove uses twigs, but it’s a lot more efficient and burns a lot hotter.
This is technically portable, but probably not in a backpack, unless you were to dump the sand/rocks out before transport. But it’s super easy to make and you don’t need power tools, but power tools do make it easier and faster.
This is a great project for camping, homeschooling or just generally learning how to use random objects to make cool things!
I have seen people make grates that fits on top of the large can, but I used a travel grate and it works great. Whatever works best for you, or have both options! I did this project with my kids and they absolutely loved putting the sticks inside.
Have fun!
