Whether you're heating a hunting cabin, setting up the ultimate campsite, or just love hands-on projects, building your own barrel stove is a fun and functional DIY adventure. With the Barrel Stove Kit (BSK1000), you’ll have everything you need to turn a standard 36- or 55-gallon steel barrel into a dependable camp stove—perfect for those chilly nights outdoors.
Let’s walk through the basics of building your own stove, what tools you'll need, and why the BSK1000 is the smart way to get started.
Why Build a Barrel Stove?
Barrel stoves are popular among campers, hunters, homesteaders, and DIYers because they’re:
- Affordable: Use a recycled steel barrel and our kit to save big over factory-made stoves.
- Versatile: Ideal for off-grid cabins, backyard workshops, ice shacks, and campgrounds.
Powerful: These stoves throw off serious heat and are easy to maintain.
Whether you're drying gear in a hunting blind or warming up after a day of fishing, a barrel stove is a rugged solution that gets the job done.
Meet the BSK1000 - Everything You Need in One Kit:
The BSK1000 Barrel Stove Kit includes all the essentials to transform your steel barrel into a fully functional stove. What makes this kit great?
- Generous cast iron door: 10 ¾" high x 9 15⁄16" wide—large enough for easy fuel loading.
Tight, secure fit: Holds in heat efficiently and safely.
All-in-one convenience: No more hunting for parts—the kit comes with legs, a door, flue collar, and damper.
Customer Review:
“I bought this kit because I’m building a homemade wood stove and I needed a door. Couldn’t find a decent one anywhere. The door is cast iron and fits tight, looks good, can’t wait to fire it up!” – Karl K., Verified Buyer
Tools & Materials You'll Need:
- One 36- or 55-gallon steel barrel
- BSK1000 Barrel Stove Kit
- Stovepipe & spark arrestor (recommended for safety)
- Firebricks or refractory cement (optional for interior lining)
- Tools: Drill, angle grinder, tape measure, marker, gloves, and safety goggles
Step-by-Step - How to Build Your Barrel Stove:
1. Prep Your Barrel
Start by cleaning the barrel thoroughly—remove any residue, rust, or paint from the inside and outside. You want a clean surface for safe operation and easy assembly.
2. Install the Door
Using the door opening template provided with the BSK1000, mark and cut the door opening in the barrel. Attach the heavy-duty cast iron door using the included hardware. The generous size makes it easy to add wood and control airflow.
3. Attach the Flue Collar
Cut a hole near the top of the barrel and install the flue collar, which will connect to your stovepipe. This is essential for proper ventilation and smoke control.
4. Add Legs for Stability
Use the included leg brackets to mount the barrel securely above the ground. This adds safety and improves air circulation beneath the stove.
5. Optional: Line with Firebricks
For increased efficiency and longevity, line the bottom with firebricks or apply a layer of refractory cement. This helps retain heat and protects the barrel interior.
6. Test and Adjust
Once assembled, take your stove outside and conduct a test burn. Check for proper draft, seal tightness, and safe operation.
Barrel Stove Safety Tips:
- Place your stove on non-flammable surfaces.
- Always use in well-ventilated areas.
- Install a spark arrestor on your stovepipe to prevent flying embers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave a fire unattended.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Barrel stoves are NOT designed for residential use and are not EPA approved.
Recreational Uses - More Than Just Heat:
A homemade barrel stove isn’t just a heat source—it’s an outdoor essential:
- Camping: Keep your tent or shelter warm during chilly nights.
- Hunting & Fishing Trips: Dry wet gear and cook meals right on top of the stove.
- Backyard Projects: Stay warm while working in a garage or shed in winter.
It’s portable, rugged, and tailored for real-world use—exactly what you want out in the field.
If you're the kind of person who loves building things that last, the BSK1000 Barrel Stove Kit is a perfect weekend project with real payoff. It’s an easy-to-follow build, it saves money, and best of all, it works great when the temperature drops.