Rocket Stoves

A rocket stove is an efficient cooking stove using small diameter wood fuel which is burned in simple high-temperature combustion chamber containing an insulated vertical chimney which ensures complete combustion prior to the flames reaching the cooking surface. A rocket stove achieves efficient combustion of the fuel at a high temperature by ensuring that there is a good air draft into the fire, controlled use of fuel, complete combustion of volatiles, and efficient use of the resultant heat. It has been used for cooking purposes in many third-world locales (notably Rwandan refugee camps) as well as for space and water heating.

The efficiency must also include efficient transfer of heat to the thing being heated, such as food in a pot. For cooking purposes the design keeps the cooking vessel in contact with the fire over the largest possible surface area. A pot skirt can be used to create a narrow channel which forces hot air and gas to flow along the bottom and sides of the cooking vessel. Optional baffles guide hot air and flame up the sides of the pot. For space heating purposes the heat is transferred to a heat store which can in some cases be part of the structure of the house itself. The exhaust gasses then pass out of the building via the chimney. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_stove

The concept was developed by Dr. Larry Winiarski, now Technical Director of Aprovecho. For an excellent interview with Aprovecho personnel, see PeakMoment TV 214 - Rocket Stoves - Hot, Healthy, Efficient

To learn more view our extensive video library on Rocket Stoves

The primary advantages are:

Because of high efficiency, very little fuel is required
By requiring very little fuel, emissions such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide are minimized
By requiring very little fuel, it reduces the amount of forest consumed to cook food

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