How to build a hobo stove

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Hobo stove

Unless you happen across a one-gallon tin can or some other metal container that can be converted into a “hobo stove,” it isn’t likely that you’d have one to use if you’re lost or stranded in the wilderness.

It will be a much different story during an urban disaster. Scrounge around and you’ll easily be able to find what’s needed to make a hobo stove. In times like that, you will definitely want to know how to make and use this simple, old-fashioned, one-burner device.

A hobo stove is a makeshift cooking and heating device that uses small pieces of wood, twigs, briquettes, paper and wooden debris as fuel. It is simple, efficient, disposable and easily replaced.

The hobo stove is the best way to take advantage of small amounts of fuel to generate maximum heat. The small fire slowly burning inside the metal containment chamber produces plenty of concentrated heat. And, the radiant heat from the container can keep a confined shelter toasty warm.

Let’s review the three basic elements of fire: oxygen, fuel and ignition. Remember — whatever you use to make fire, you must have all three elements in proper balance for the fire to light and remain lit. You can control the size and lifespan of the fire by manipulating the balance.

Keep these three factors in mind as we discuss how to maintain fire in a makeshift stove.  Your biggest risk of losing fire when confined in a chamber, such as a hobo stove, is the lack of oxygen.

Making a hobo stove

There are many options for design and all of them will work to contain a small fire. It just depends on the size and shape of the metal container you use.

  1. The smallest and most popular hobo stove can be constructed with a #10 one-gallon food can.
  2. Make exhaust aeration vent holes. These vents need to be on the sidewall of the can above the bottom, not on the bottom itself. Using a can opener or knife, cut v-shaped holes every couple of inches all the way around the can.
  3. Make two cuts from the other open end of the can about one-third of the way up the side, spaced about four inches apart.
  4. Bend this cut-out like an open garage door, between the cuts.
  5. Set the open end down with the flat bottom up on a safe surface and the flap pointed in the direction from which you want to fill it.
  6. Start a small wood fire inside, or use six to eight briquettes as fuel.
  7. Set a pot over the top and cook your dinner, warm your hands and feet, purify water, etc.
Personal Liberty

Frank Bates

is a contributing writer to Patriot Headquarters, a website featuring hundreds of articles on how to be more independent and self-reliant, and a spokesman for 4Patriots LLC, a leading supplier of emergency preparedness products.