How to Use a Small Outdoor Stove

Learn how to use a pocket sized multi fuel outdoor stove. Covers fuel types, setup, safety, cooking tips, and beginner friendly fire skills for the outdoors.

Small Pocket Stoves

A small outdoor stove that fits in your pocket is one of the most useful pieces of gear you can carry. They’re lightweight, simple, and work in places where open fires are too risky or too hard to build. Even better, multi fuel pocket stoves can burn almost anything: wood, alcohol burners, solid fuel tabs, natural tinder, and more.

This guide helps take you from “What even is that little metal thing?” to “I can cook a meal, boil water, and run any fuel I can find.”

What a Pocket Stove Is

A pocket stove is a small metal stove, often folding or flat-pack, designed to burn different fuel types safely, and take up as little space as possible. Pocket stoves are designed to brew a bowl, or cup of water for small ultralight meals.
Most fit inside a wallet, pocket, tin, or side pouch of a pack.

These stoves are made to:

Boil water fast
Cook small meals
Use almost any fuel
Work in wind
Work in wet conditions
Keep flames contained and controlled

They’re ideal for backpacking, camping, and emergency kits.

Why Multi Fuel Matters

You don’t always know what fuel you’ll have.
A multi fuel stove gives you options:

Found fuel
Carried fuel
Emergency fuel
Improvised fuel

If one fails, you still have several ways to cook or boil water.

Common Types of Pocket Stoves

Flat Pack Stoves

Fold flat like a credit card tool.
Snap together into a small box or pyramid shape. → All Stove Tools

Cross-Frame Stoves

Two slim metal pieces that interlock to form a pot stand.

Solid Fuel Pocket Stoves

Ultralight stoves designed for hexamine or trioxane tabs.

No matter the shape, the key feature is versatility.

Fuel Types You Can Use

A good pocket stove burns several types of fuel. Here’s what beginners should know.

Dry Sticks and Twigs

One of the best fuels.
Snap dry, pencil-sized sticks work perfectly.

Pair with a strong tinder bundle:
→ Fire Starting Tinder For Beginners

Solid Fuel Tabs (Hexamine, Trioxane, Esbit)

Reliable, clean, hot, and long-burning.
Perfect for boiling water.

Alcohol Burners (Trangia or DIY cans)

Slide under the stove as a liquid-fuel burner.
Clean flame, great control.

Charcoal Pieces

Burn long and steady.
Good for cooking food, roasting, or simmering.

Fatwood Shavings

Burn hot and long.
To prep the shavings:
→ How to Use a magnesium fire starter
(Fatwood techniques are similar.)

Cotton + Wax Tinder

Slower burn, great in emergencies.

Natural Tinder Bundles

Light with a match or ferro rod then feed small twigs:
→ How to Use a Ferro Rod Fire Starter

How to Set Up a Pocket Stove

Step 1: Assemble the Stove Base

Fold or slot the panels together according to the design.
Make sure air holes face the wind.

Step 2: Choose Your Fuel Type

Pick what’s available:

Wood? Use twigs.
Rainy day? Use solid fuel tabs.
Calm conditions? Use an alcohol burner.

Step 3: Place the Stove on Stable Ground

Flat, level surfaces are best.
Avoid soft mud — stoves sink.

Step 4: Prepare Your Fire Starter

If you’re using natural tinder or small fuels, prep them before lighting.
Good options:

Jute twine
Wood curls
Cotton balls
Dryer lint

Tinder prep options:
→ Fire Starting Tinder Collection

How to Light a Pocket Stove

Wood Fuel Method

Place tinder inside the stove.
Stack pencil-sized twigs on top.
Light the tinder with a match or striker.

Match technique refresher:
→ How to Start a Fire with a Match

Solid Fuel Method

Place the tab in the center of the stove.
Light with a match or lighter.
Add wind protection if needed.

Alcohol Burner Method

Put burner beneath the stove.
Add fuel (carefully).
Light with match or lighter.
Place pot stand over flame.

Cooking and Boiling Water

Boiling Water

Solid fuel or alcohol burners work best.
Use a lid to decrease boil time.

Cooking Food

Wood and charcoal give more control.
Keep flame low and steady for:

Eggs
Rice
Ramen
Soups
Simple skillet meals

Simmering

Move your pot slightly off center to reduce heat.

Using a Pocket Stove in Bad Weather

Wind

These stoves shine in the wind.
Angle air holes toward the breeze for stronger flame.

Rain

Use solid fuel or fatwood.
Natural tinder may struggle unless boosted with magnesium.

For magnesium ignition:
→ All Tools that Use Magnesium

Cold

Keep your fuel in a pocket to warm it first.
Alcohol lights easier when warm.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using large sticks in a tiny stove
Use pencil-thin wood only.

Mistake 2: Putting the pot directly on the flame
Always use the pot stand, or you’ll smother the fire.

Mistake 3: Not enough airflow
If the stove doesn’t breathe, it won’t burn.

Mistake 4: Trying to cook too fast
Small stoves work best with slower, controlled heat.

Expert Tips for Pocket Stove Mastery

Always carry at least one backup fuel type
Store solid fuel tabs in a sealed bag
Create a tiny “feather stick” when using wood
Use the stove’s walls to block wind for match lighting
Practice at home before relying on it
Keep a ferro rod in your kit — it lasts forever → See All Items with Ferro Rods

FAQ

Q: What’s the best fuel for beginners?
A: Solid fuel tabs or alcohol burners — most consistent.

Q: Can I burn damp twigs?
A: Yes, if mixed with dry fuel like fatwood or magnesium.

Q: Will a pocket stove damage the ground?
A: Less than an open fire, but avoid grass or dry leaves.

Q: Can these stoves be used inside tents?
A: No. Always cook outside due to carbon monoxide risk.

Q: How long do solid fuel tabs last?
A: About 10 to 14 minutes each depending on brand.