Of all the ways to heat your tiny house, a woodstove is perhaps the most nostalgic and off grid way to do so. I’ve already discussed the pros and cons of using a woodstove as a heat source, the purpose of this page is to educate those interested in utilizing one of the various current options on the market that are suitable for use in tiny house based on size and heat output. In this fast paced developing trend, units are likely to enter the market that I might not know about. If you are aware of any woodstoves that I do not have listed below, please contact me to share. Please note I am not making any warranty as to the performance or safety of any of these units: this will completely depend on proper installation, use, and maintenance. Woodstoves can be dangerous in any type of structure if not used properly, so please do your due diligence and be safe! This is not a post about how to install woodstoves in your tiny house. There are simply too many options and too many different types of tiny houses, so please consult with the manufacturers and/or local professionals
Dickinson Marine Newport Solid Fuel
This unit represents the smallest of the small solid fuel heaters that are commercially available. As such, it will probably only heat the smallest of spaces, say 80 sq ft and less, depending on climate and how well insulate your tiny is. I do mention it because it might be the best option for some. If you live in an area that doesn’t have harsh winters and only need heat a few nights out of the year, this might be a good way to go. It is designed for 20-25′ long boats and requires 3″ chimney parts.
Colorado Cylinder Stoves: Mesa Package
After several hours of research looking for a woodstove that I could source quickly, affordably, and was small enough for my 16′ tiny house, I chose this model. I am by no means saying it is the best out there, but it gets the job done. If you order one from this Colorado company, make sure to tell them you want the custom tiny house version. They will use a 5″ flue size and heavier gauge steel that will last longer and hold heat longer. Cylinder stoves are traditionally used in cowboy tents. They are meant to pack away small and be light enough to be carried by horses, so lighter gauge metal is normally used with the understanding that use is not full time, only intermittent.
Four Dog Stoves
These stoves are very similar to the cylinder stoves, with the main exception being they are rectangular instead of cylindrical. For those on a weight budget, they offer titanium models that weigh in at only 11 lbs for the package! However, it would take some tinkering or customization to safely pass the pipe through a wall or ceiling since these are exclusively designed for tents/tipis. This company is based in Minnesota and have been making tent stoves for 25 years now, so they know a thing or two about heating small spaces in cold places!
Fatsco PET and Tiny Tot
This rather obscure company out of Michigan produces very small (as little as a 8 1/2″ diameter footprint) units that can burn wood or coal and fit in very tight spaces! Prices range from $230-$400 and weights range from a paltry 13 lbs to a still respectable 55 lbs.
Antique Pot Belly
You can find these little treasures floating around in antique shops and sometimes on ebay. They were typically used to heat train cars and other old timey structures. Due to their antique status, expect quite of bit restoration work to getting them in safe working order. Also, they are designed to burn coal, so if you plan on burning wood, expect to be processing small pieces and filling it often.
Cubic Mini “Cub”
This Canadian manufactured unit has a footprint of only 11″x12″ with a claimed weight of 27 lbs. It utilizes secondary burn, but is not yet certified. At $315 US, it would seem to be a really good purchase if it does what it claims. They manufacture a slightly larger unit called the Grizzly for those with larger houses.
Marine Stove Sardine, Little Cod, and Halibut
Perhaps the most charming of all models available fit for use in tiny house, theses stoves also have the longest lead time, sometimes up to a year from date of order. Keep this in mind if you plan to purchase one. The Sardine is the smallest unit with a footprint of 12″x12″. The Little Cod is slightly larger at 18″x14″ and features enough cooktop surface for two pots, white the Halibut is their largest unit at 21″x16″
Salamander Hobbit and Pipsqueak
These small and DEFRA approved woodstoves make excellent choices for tiny houses based on their dimensions and heat output. They are based in the UK with only one US distributor, so sourcing one might take a while.
Vogelzang Lit’l Sweetie
This cast iron model is the smallest and most affordable unit made by this company, but it’s slightly on the larger side for tiny house scale at 11″ wide by 25″ deep. Normally around $275, you are likely to find it stock in local stores like Ace, True Value, Tractor Supply, etc., but they can be easily purchased on as well.
Jotul 602
Deemed the most popular woodstove ever made with over 1,000,000 units sold and counting, this high quality cast iron unit from Norway is a good option for larger tiny houses. We installed one in a 30′ build with good results. It is very heavy and pricy, but is EPA certified and has a lifetime warranty.
Jotul F-370
This elegant woodstove carries the same quality as the 602, but with a modern flair and greater visual appeal. It requires a footprint of 18″x19″ and is 46″ tall so keep this in mind when space planning. It also weighs 340 lbs!
Morso 1410 and 1440
Sometimes called the “squirrel stove” because of the squirrel relief on the sides, this classic beauty will have no problem heating a tiny house. It has a 16″x18″ footprint and weighs in at 215 lbs. This unit is EPA approved, but like the Jotul is heavy and expensive. The 1440 model is similar in size but works off of convection rather than radiant heat, meaning clearance to combustibles is reduced, a feature that is beneficial to those with very tight space constraints.
Unforgettable Fire Kimberly
I used to think this was a good option, but after installing one in my house with very poor results, I can no longer recommend it, especially for the $4k price tag. I only post it here for educational purposes. I think the only reason I would put it in a tiny house is for people living at lower elevations with milder winters and who want an ultra modern aesthetic.
I ordered one of these for my tiny house I am building. I have not got it in yet, but should soon.
http://cubicminiwoodstoves.com/
thanks for sharing!
We just got our cubic mini but are having a difficult time finding 3″ double walled pipe and other items needed to install it. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Hi they are selling them as well i think:
http://cubicminiwoodstoves.com/collections/grizzly-cb-1210/products/cb-3024-ss-24-stainless-steel-double-wall-flue-pipe
If you have a heating and A.C.. store around there you can find double wall in it
I believe most pellet stove flue pipe is 3″ double walled if that helps 🙂
We tried to purchase a Mini 12 from Graystove. They did not deliver, and it has been 4 months since they received our money, and have not returned it. We have had to contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General over the issue, so I am writing to warn consumers not to purchase this stove. It also has not been certified yet, which should make you wary regarding CO.
Thanks for the heads up, Frank.
The Cubic “Grizzly” stove is a well made stove. I bought it for my tiny house which is only 8′ x 12′. It’s the perfect size for this space. Again, it is really WELL MADE. I was surprised. Holds heat very well and is totally air tight. I am not sure how big of a space it would be efficient for but for mine, it is wonderful.
The Little Cod and Sardine stoves are manufactured on Orcas Island, Washington. http://www.marinestove.com/sproducthistory.htm
Ordered the hobbit (from the one US site) after hearing how well made they are. It is absolutely gorgeous and shipping from the US to out in the middle of nowhere Canada only took 3 weeks.
So you have picture of your hobbit to viiee? I’m trying to decide on the Kimberly (love the long burn time and the Little Cod (arguably the most beautiful of the stoves) also, did you have yours enameled?
pics in this house. https://rockymountaintinyhouses.com/silverthorne/ They used high heat paint, not enamel.
I do not like the Cubic/Grizzly.It has no ash pan and only puts out heat for 2 hours and then you must take out the hot coals in order to build another fire.I own the Grizzly and have it in my 35.5 fifth wheel.The btu rating is a lie.
I would be interested in buying this stove from you.
We do not sell stoves, the article is for reference only.
The Jotul GF370 is now gas only. How do you like the stove you chose?
My Stove is still pumping out the heat without any complaint!
Good luck on getting a hobbit stove from salamander, we purchased one thru there u.s. distubation center and after 6 months of excuses and lies , I contacted salamander directly. There only answer was to just write off the $1200.00 we had already paid them for the stove and send another $1200.00 to there corporate office in the U.K. and the would ship one to us. The second $1200.00 did not include the $475.00 that it would cost to ship it from the U.K. I would recommend that you definitely stay away from there U.S. distubation center, dealer. Alaskan masonry heat. I finally had to get my credit card company involved to get my money back.
That is very strange and unfortunate, Kim. We have purchased 4 units from them without a single hiccup. Are you at least satisfied with the hobbit itself?
Cheers,Greg
So how’s the Colorado cylander stove been working for you? Considering one for our RV. Was going to order a cubic mini but have heard so much about issues with delays at customs and total heat output being not high enough for our 25 ft that I’m seriously considering one of the Colorado stoves.
Mine is still chugging along without much complaint. The only I don’t like about it is that it can’t hold a fire more than an hour or two, so I have to have supplemental heat once the embers go out.
My choice, and it came clearly as only ‘real’ contender was the Pet by TinyTot . First of all because it’s made on this continent,TT is family owned,operated,and they are totally down-home,straight on friendly,honest and forthright in every regard . Plus the product is well made,burns beautifully,and carries a modest tempting price tag . My application was to snug up to in my much modified ’01 Ford E-350 ‘former’ Sportsmobile . Hated the cheaply made,caustic interior,so ripped it out.. and built a wood interior much like that of a sail boat. Much can be learned about the TT by contacting the office at TT. I installed mine before winter of 2016.. and it’s always brought snug heat and smiles !
Am installing a 2 dog in a 22x 8 with a triple wall pipe that is extremely pricey but safe–but wow am I nervous. Have the concrete wall and tile and everything- all the clearances X 3 and really am pretty well freaking out researching generators and other back up heat systems now. I don’t know why. In some ways it seems perfect. In other ways it absolutely seems crazy to have a fire going in such a small house I worked so hard on. I’d love some support or advice. Am using two envi heaters now. Am concerned if the grid loses power for long, what will I do- and- it’s not that cold yet. I wonder if will need that 2 dog st 9,000 feet. Probably, huh. This is a tough decision for me.
Grey stove mini 12 = Scam. Ordered 2 years ago never received a stove, refund or response. DO NOT let them take you money!
I wanted to thank you. I’m converting a van and have been going crazy trying to decide which way to go with a wood burning stove. All the info you have up there is great plus the comments. A lot of great info in the comments as well. So thank you, one less headache. And I’ve decided on the cubic mini cub. I’m so excited!!
As a resident in a 108 sq’ ft’ structure, I do appreciate all this input as per stoves ~~and there’s one HUGE ISSUE not mentioned~~source of air draw~~if you live in a structure that is air-tight, or near that, your stove needs to draw oxy from the exterior, not your breathing space!!! you could suffocate through the night by the stove using interior air volume~~imagine sucking the air out of a “zip-lock” bag to store food~~YOU’D be the item in bag!! As much as i’d want one of these beauties, i’m gonna research “mobile home” stoves~~that code requires external access to o2
Hi Jeff, Most of these units specify adequate combustion air for proper and safe function. The mfr either supplies kits or tells you how to install piping to outside air. Some keep it simple and just say to “crack a window” . But you are correct, combustion air is a very important part of the installation.
What is the burn time on these stoves?
depends on the stove, temps, and wood species. 2-8 hours though.
Kimberly wood stove works great!…. If you gently warm up the chimney. Don’t plan on using wood that normal people use in their wood stoves (kiln dried wood may be good). If it not cold inside or outside. I bet it works great when it’s 95deg out.
If you like to make all your fires with a bow drill then the Kimberly wood stove is for you. You probably saved the $4k from not buying Bic lighters.
Seriously don’t get one. Actually I have a used one you should definitely buy😜
Yeah my experience was that the Kimberley absolutely sucks (we put one in our house too) . The company owner refused to acknowledge the stove is a POS and insisted we had something wrong with our chimney or house. I replaced the Kimberley with a Dwarf 3kw with a very similar flue size, and it works WAY WAY better. Now I have a very expensive stainless steel ornament sitting at my shop! Might try putting it in a house bound for lower altitude since I think that was a big part of the problem.
Grizzly is barely enough for my 100 sqft shack, I wouldn’t go for CUB!
Defects? Needs attention and wood every 30/60 minutes.
Works great!