Jessie Taylor
A candle stove is a simple and inexpensive DIY project that can be used for cooking or warmth when camping, backpacking, or in survival situations. It is made by placing a toilet paper roll in the centre of a tin can and packing cardboard around it, then melting wax and pouring it into the cracks of the cardboard. The size of the tin can and the number of candles used can vary depending on the desired size of the stove. Once the wax has dried, holes must be punched in the top and bottom of the can to allow oxygen to fuel the fire. The cardboard acts as a wick, and the stove can burn for up to 45 minutes.
Characteristics and Values Table for Building a Candle Stove
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Tin can, coffee tin, Altoids tin, tuna fish can |
| Wax | Candle wax, tea light wax, gel wax |
| Wick | Cardboard, toilet paper roll, corrugated cardboard |
| Tools | Hammer, nail, drill, box cutter, pot |
| Burn Time | 45 minutes |
| Pot Support | Hardware cloth, aluminum strips, foil tape |
| Wind Protection | Mini windscreens, aluminum windscreen material |
| Fuel | Wax, alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your container
Size: The size of your container will determine the overall dimensions of your candle stove. Choose a container that is big enough to accommodate the necessary amount of wax and provide a stable base for burning. Smaller containers, such as tin cans or tuna cans, can be used for portable and compact candle stoves, while larger containers like coffee tins or bigger tin cans can be utilized for a more substantial stove with a longer burn time.
Material: The material of the container is crucial as it needs to be able to withstand heat and hold up to the burning process. Metal containers are a popular choice due to their durability and heat resistance. Examples include tin cans, coffee tins, or even Altoids tins, which provide a neat and stylish option. If you opt for a non-metal container, ensure it is heat-safe and won't melt or catch fire easily.
Shape: Consider the shape of your container as it will influence the overall design of your candle stove. A container with a wider mouth or opening will make it easier to place and arrange the components inside, such as the cardboard and wax. Additionally, a container with a flat base will ensure stability and prevent accidental tipping.
Availability: Opt for a container that is readily available and easy to source. Using recycled or upcycled containers, such as empty tin cans or food tins, is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. This way, you can give new life to items that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Aesthetics: While functionality is a priority, you may also want to consider the visual appeal of your container. Some containers, like Altoids tins, have a unique and attractive design that can enhance the overall look of your candle stove. If you plan to use your stove for decorative purposes or in outdoor settings, choosing a container with an appealing design can add to its overall charm.
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Preparing the wax
Once you've gathered your wax, place it in a pot and melt it on the stove over medium heat. Be very careful during this step, as the wax will get extremely hot, even if it doesn't look like it. It's important not to hold the pot while pouring the wax, as this can be dangerous. Instead, set the pot in the sink or on a heat-resistant surface while it's melting and during the pouring process.
For a small stove, you might fill it about a quarter of the way with wax. The wax will also stick to the cardboard, so keep that in mind when measuring. For a big stove, cover all the fillings (such as cardboard or toilet paper) and fill it about halfway. The more wax you use, the longer your stove will burn, but too much wax can also cause trouble with burning.
After pouring the wax into your stove container, use a piece of cardboard to stir it and ensure that the wax covers all the fillings. You can also use a toothpick or a skewer for this step. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the wax, as these can affect the burning process. Leave the wax to dry and cool completely before proceeding to the next steps of making your candle stove.
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Adding the wick
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a tin can, candle wax, and corrugated cardboard. For the wick itself, you can use a variety of materials such as toilet paper rolls, cardboard strips, or even corrugated cardboard. Choose a material that is flammable and can absorb wax well.
Next, prepare your wick material. If you are using a toilet paper roll, place it in the centre of your tin can. If you are using cardboard, cut neat strips and pack them tightly together in the can, filling the gap between the tin and the roll. You can also add some cardboard in the middle of the roll and around the top. This step is important to ensure even burning and to control the flame height.
Now, it's time to add the wax. Place your wax in a pot and melt it slowly over a stove on medium heat. Be careful, as the wax can get extremely hot. Once the wax is completely melted, slowly pour it into the cracks of the cardboard or toilet paper roll. Make sure every hole is filled and there are no trapped air bubbles. However, do not fill it to the brim; stop pouring when the wax level is slightly below the top edge.
The cardboard or toilet paper roll will act as a wick, absorbing the wax and providing fuel for the flame. You want to ensure that there is enough exposed cardboard or paper for the stove to light easily. If you find that your wax level is too high and there is no exposed wick, simply tilt the stove to the side and hold a flame to one spot. This will allow the wax to melt off, exposing the wick and making it easier to light.
Finally, light your candle stove! If you have constructed it correctly, it should burn nicely and last for a long time. You can adjust the burn time by adding more or less wax. Remember always to exercise caution when handling fire and hot wax.
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Creating ventilation
Firstly, select a suitable container for your stove. Common options include tin cans, coffee tins, or even Altoids tins. Ensure your container has enough space to accommodate ventilation holes and the necessary burning structure inside.
Now, it's time to create the ventilation holes. Using a hammer and nail, carefully puncture multiple large holes around the top, bottom, and middle sections of your container. For holes towards the top of the container, consider using a drill, as it may be more effective. These holes are essential for oxygen flow, enabling the candle to burn efficiently. Ensure you create enough holes to facilitate proper ventilation, especially near the bottom of the container.
The number and placement of holes can vary depending on the size of your container. For smaller stoves, evenly distribute the holes to maximize airflow. If using a large tin, holes at the top are less crucial, but don't forget those near the bottom. Learn from my experience—if your cardboard is packed in circles, it might block airflow, causing the flame to go out once it burns below the tin.
Additionally, consider using a windscreen to protect the flame from wind gusts. Cut a piece of aluminum windscreen material to the appropriate size, allowing for a gap between the windscreen and the pot when in use. This will help shield the flame from wind, ensuring a more consistent burn.
Remember, ventilation is key to a successful candle stove. By providing adequate oxygen, your candle stove will burn stronger and longer, making it a reliable source of warmth or cooking fuel.
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Lighting the stove
If you are using a tin can stove, you can light the stove by lighting the cardboard wick. The wax will melt as the stove burns, and the stove will burn for around 45 minutes. The wax will act as fuel for the fire, so the more wax you use, the longer the burn time will be. However, adding too much wax may cause the stove to struggle to light or stay lit.
If you are using a backpacking stove, you can light the stove by placing tea light candles underneath a pot or fry pan. To protect the wicks of the tea lights while packed and provide additional wind protection for the flames, insert mini windscreens into the tea light candle cups. Cut the windscreens to the appropriate size for your pots, leaving a gap of 1/4 to 1/2 inch between the windscreens and the pot when in use.
When lighting your stove, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Do not leave the stove unattended while it is lit, and keep children and pets away from the stove. Always burn your stove in a well-ventilated area to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a tin can, candle wax, cardboard, a pot, a stove, a hammer, and a nail.
Tea light candle wax or gel wax are good options.
A tin can of any size will work, but a bigger can will burn for longer. A coffee tin or an Altoids tin are good options.
You can use cardboard or toilet paper.
Light the cardboard or toilet paper wick. If it doesn't light, tilt it to the side and hold the flame in one spot to allow the wax to melt off.
