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Wood Stove Options for Tiny Houses

January 25, 2016 By Greg Parham 35 Comments

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

newport solid fuel heaterThis 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

colorado cylinder stove tiny houseAfter 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

four dog tent stovesThese 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

tiny tot woodstove tiny houseThis 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

potbelly stove tiny houseYou 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”

mini-cubic_black tiny houseThis 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.

Dwarf Stoves
Based in Hayden, Idaho, tinywoodstove.com offers the Dwarf Stove in three different sizes: 3kW, 4kW, and 5kW, and a stove sizing calculator to help choose the right one for your project.  All Dwarf models have three separate air controls and an insulated firebox for efficient burning, top and rear exit options, and a large fire viewing window for ambiance.  I personally have an older 3kw Dwarf in the San Juan build and can say that I absolutely love it and feel it is one of the better values for a tiny house sized woodstove.

Gray Wood Stove Tiny House

Marine Stove Sardine, Little Cod, and Halibut

Sardine wood stove tiny housePerhaps 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

Hobbit stove tiny houseThese 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

vogelzang lit'l sweetie tiny houseThis 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

jotul 602 tiny houseDeemed 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

Jotul f370 tiny houseThis 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

morso 1410 tiny houseSometimes 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
kimberly_stoveI 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.

 

 

Filed Under: Tiny House Components, Tiny House Design

Comments

  1. T L Geistman says

    January 25, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    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/

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      January 26, 2016 at 11:21 am

      thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    • MissKMFK says

      October 3, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • diewahrheitistnochda says

        October 17, 2016 at 2:05 am

        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

        Reply
      • Arthur Hamel says

        September 27, 2017 at 3:48 pm

        If you have a heating and A.C.. store around there you can find double wall in it

        Reply
        • Brewster says

          December 5, 2017 at 3:25 pm

          I believe most pellet stove flue pipe is 3″ double walled if that helps 🙂

          Reply
  2. Frank Monkman says

    January 27, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      January 27, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks for the heads up, Frank.

      Reply
  3. Len says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. Jim says

    April 17, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    The Little Cod and Sardine stoves are manufactured on Orcas Island, Washington. http://www.marinestove.com/sproducthistory.htm

    Reply
  5. Alex says

    August 18, 2016 at 11:35 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Bryan says

      December 26, 2016 at 2:37 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Greg Parham says

        December 27, 2016 at 4:12 pm

        pics in this house. https://rockymountaintinyhouses.com/silverthorne/ They used high heat paint, not enamel.

        Reply
  6. todd says

    September 25, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Sam says

      November 18, 2017 at 9:03 am

      I would be interested in buying this stove from you.

      Reply
      • Greg Parham says

        November 27, 2017 at 1:57 pm

        We do not sell stoves, the article is for reference only.

        Reply
  7. jules says

    December 28, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    The Jotul GF370 is now gas only. How do you like the stove you chose?

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      December 29, 2016 at 8:28 am

      My Stove is still pumping out the heat without any complaint!

      Reply
  8. Kim says

    January 12, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      January 13, 2017 at 8:22 am

      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

      Reply
  9. Tamara Giacomozzi says

    August 21, 2017 at 11:13 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      August 23, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      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.

      Reply
  10. Canyon Haverfield says

    September 21, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    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 !

    Reply
  11. Safa says

    November 6, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
  12. Phil Eslinger says

    January 7, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    Grey stove mini 12 = Scam. Ordered 2 years ago never received a stove, refund or response. DO NOT let them take you money!

    Reply
  13. Lynn says

    August 2, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    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!!

    Reply
  14. jeff says

    November 16, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      November 20, 2018 at 8:15 am

      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.

      Reply
  15. Tamra says

    August 31, 2020 at 5:51 am

    What is the burn time on these stoves?

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      September 24, 2020 at 6:24 pm

      depends on the stove, temps, and wood species. 2-8 hours though.

      Reply
  16. Kold Kimberly says

    January 6, 2021 at 9:37 am

    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😜

    Reply
    • Greg Parham says

      February 17, 2021 at 5:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
  17. Roberto says

    July 19, 2022 at 6:35 am

    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!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. - Micro Additions says:
    May 10, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    […] by Hi-Flame, or the CUB and GRIZZLY model wood stoves by Cubic. They’re not alone. There are many excellent stove brands available to cater to the specific needs of your family and your tiny […]

    Reply
  2. Affordable home decorating ideas says:
    August 3, 2023 at 2:26 am

    Affordable home decorating ideas

    Wood Stove Options for Tiny Houses – Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses

    Reply

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