Burning Wood Pellets in Wood Gas Stoves

In some places like national parks it is illegal to use materials from the forest for making fires. Some times it makes sense to carry fuel with you for your small wood burning stove. In this video I explore using hardwood pellets as an alternative fuel in my Solo Titan and Lixada wood gas stoves

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A good number of viewers observed that I did not clear away the forest debris under the stoves, I should have explained that it is February as I record this and the ground is frozen. Otherwise, I always place the stoves on a fire safe surface.

[@LockeOutdoors]

Dude, I own a similar stove, and I often thought about wood pellets, but never dreamed it would be 40 minute burn times! I will most certainly experiment with this now! Great video, thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For sure. Let me know how it works out for you. Thanks for commenting

[@barlscharkley5411]

You can also use a smaller quantity of wood pellets to develop a coal base which will allow you to dry and burn twigs & sticks that would not otherwise work in the stove. Perfect for those days when dry standing is hard to find.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good tip...in fact I have starting carrying a small bag of wood pellets with me for that reason...thanks for commenting

[@Jeff_goes_camping]

Great presentation. I love how you also replied to every single comment. That shows great appreciation for your viewers which so many KZbinrs forget about. I have recently gotten a solo stove titan and love it.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@explorermike19]

Mr. Young, you have the most fantastic voice and screen presence I have seen in a long time!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you. I am humbled by your kind words

[@brodon4886]

I concur. You could narrate those old PBS documentaries I used to lull me to sleep on the couch when I was a teen. Great stuff here. Thanks.

[@richardhenry1969]

Mark I gotta say I’m very impressed with the amount of videos you have. You’ve really covered so many topics. Glade I found your site. Especially nowadays when many sites are just marketing for expensive brands. All these years and it never crossed my mind to use pellets. It’s always good to have options. Even if you never use them,just knowing there are options . Well it can change a bad situation into a fun time. Thank you for all the work you have done.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you are liking my videos. I do review some pretty high-end stuff but try to balance it with more affordable stuff and DIY as well as skills. Thanks for commenting

[@mistermac4118]

Thanks Mark, great video. We heat with wood pellets, about 8 tons per year. I’m sure I can bag up a few handfuls and take them on the trail to make coffee for my wife, I’d get ‘date points’, ya we have being married for over 30 years but still enjoy outdoor adventures like you promote. Thanks for what you do, it’s well done.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Date hike. That is the best use of wood pellets I have heard yet. Thanks for commenting

[@bdwillis8284]

Holy cow this works great in my Ohuhu. I camp in the swamps of Florida where dry wood is scarce. Problem solved. Thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Wood pellets are a great fuel. Thanks for commenting

[@craigtheo7552]

Mark you made me run out and Buy one of these stoves! and as you said the pellets worked Great. Not as light as my back backing Jet boil but boiled a liter of water in no time. Great surveil stove ! Thanks again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

LOL...The power of KZbin. Glad it is working our for you. Thanks for commenting

[@justa.american8303]

You answered some questions I had. Thanks. Someday I hope to make it to Nova Scotia. Perhaps I will see you there.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You never know. Thanks for commenting

[@hans-jurgenwiegand7465]

I’m glad you brought up the Wood Regulations, not so much in other videos. Harvesting wood is frowned upon in most parks, as well as flowers and cactus. Of course I don’t agree with their goals, after the California wild fires, but they don’t argue. Follow the rules. I Cary this stove for emergency breakdowns, & pellets seem like a real good way to go, along with MRE’s, water & tools, axes & Knives included. Of course, wild horses couldn’t get me into California, again, even for Disney. Last time I was there, it was a layover, to a place that tried to kill me 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year! Thanks for the video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was so sorry to see the devastation caused by the fires in California. Yes, both these stoves work great with pellets. Thanks for commenting

[@seamus-xi7hz]

Thanks for the research. Have often wondered if wood pellets would prove a viable fuel in a gasification type stove, but have never gotten around to conducting the experiment on my own; many thanks for answering the question, and for subsidizing my sloth ..... :-) :-)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am finding pellets are a great fuel anytime. One way of using them I didn't mention is to put a small amount in the stove, get them going well and then start adding wood. This is helpful if the available wood is a bit damp. Thanks for commenting

[@palbal]

Happy new year from Norway. Great video. Hope you&yours are safe. You come across as a non biased, serious and reliable guy when presenting products. Glad I clicked on your video/channel, as I was searching for my first gas wood stove for an upcoming three week hike into the wilderness over here in Norway.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

happy New Year to you as well. Let me know what stove you choose and how you like it. Thanks for commenting

[@jyoung5594]

Thanks Mr. Young another great Idea and presentation. I will be buying a bag of pellets soon. It looks like a great cost effective option and you will always have a dry fuel source with you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I just made a video yesterday in wet weather with another small woodgas stove. Pellets saved the day. But hardwood as opposed to softwood pellets. Work much better. Thanks for commenting

[@daveslifeover65]

Great video Mark. Very timely for me as I just got my Lixada Wood gas stove.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Hope it helps. Thanks for commenting

[@oo7naughtyusmaximus933]

Waiting for mine to arrive.

[@markdiroff1479]

It's about time! A 3 day paddle adventure-no problem. I use soft wood pine pellets commonly available for animal bedding or kitty litter. 40# goes along way. Not hard core bushcraft but so easy. Your rapidly becoming one of my favorite tubers!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Mark, thanks for the kind words. Funny thing, I was thinking last night this is not very bushcrafty but I do like using my wood stoves and the time I save and the safety factor allows me to do other more bushcraft related activities...probably a rationalization ... Thanks for commenting

[@markmueller5508]

Thanks Mark. This just proves the added versatility of small gasifier stoves. My original Bushbuddy can be used with twigs, smaller split wood, Trangia burner, charcoal and just about anything flammable. Great video as usual.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@Sonjaorleans]

Solo titan is a copy of Bush buddy

[@bigriceburner]

Just got in 20 pounds of wood pellets today. I'll most likely start first burn with a single cup of the pellets and monitor that. I appreciate your videos! I'm using the older version lixada/gas one stainless steel stove. I love it!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Pellets work so well in these stoves. Thanks for commenting

[@bigriceburner]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft so you know, ali express has stainless steel drain covers in almost every size square and circle. Perfect for keeping pellets in.

[@Flashahol]

I had a good 40-45 minutes burn time with wood pellets in my hobo stove with about the same amount of pellets you used. Definitely a viable fuel.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. I carry pellets any time the weather looks like making a fire from found wood will be a problem. Thanks for commenting

[@kenhoward3512]

'Just found this - Thanks for the very helpful video, after just purchasing my first wood gas stove (Solo Campfire). I hadn't even known about packaged wood pellets.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Campfire looks like a great stove. Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@lawolfe2707]

Excellent video. You answered a lot of the questions that I have had about these type of stoves.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@timoleary5815]

What a fantastic idea for easily producing heat on a smaller scale than a fire or large wood stove, like a Gstove. I have a Helsport Lavvu that is designed to have an open fire or wood stoves inside, as they are fire resistant and well ventilated with side vents and a top vent like a traditional tipi. This will be perfect for taking the chill out of a late summer evening inside the tent. One caveat though to anyone reading this, DON'T try this in a traditional tent, you need a tent designed for open fires inside like a Helsport or Tentipi and you absolutely MUST also use a carbon monoxide alarm. I also don't use a groundsheet, so I've no risk or worry about burning a hole in the floor. So cover those bases and this is a great alternative to a full sized tent wood burning stove, if you aren't winter camping and just need to take the chill off. Being smokeless is even better . . . I have used open fires in my tent using a Hekla firebox, but there's always some smoke to deal with, but this is a brilliant and affordable alternative. Thanks Mark, your videos are my goto for honest and well researched information about stoves and outdoors equipment. You're always pushing the envelope to get the very best out of the gear you review, without any uneccesary waffle or annoying background music - that's quite rare and very much appreciated.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Tim. Glad you are enjoying my videos. You have me interested in the Helspot and Tentipi lavvus. I will be looking them up. Thanks for commenting

[@g4okt]

I bought a TOMSHOO like your Lixada, excellent vid for me to start my adventures, thanks a lot Mark! cheers, Keith

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am sure the Tomshoo will serve you very well. I have a few of their products and like them a lot. Thanks for commenting

[@micwell2247]

First off, great and comprehensive post... I don't mean to be disrespectful in any mean or comment . With the thoughts of controlling your heat/temps. You might put some thought into your thinking. Trivets are great pieces how ever it is something else to pack along. You can make up some sort of spit with sticks lay around but, you run the risk of them catching fire...I generally use rocks. In stacking them around your stove , you can block winds and shifting winds easily concentrating your heat.. You can adjust the height too. By adding more or less... Grilling is made a bit easier by using a stick made rack...you just have to know what the sticks are ...best to use greens off a hard wood....and of course packing a grilling rack .... Again thanks for the post

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

No disrespect taken. You suggestions are most welcome. I have been experimenting with a few ideas as well. One that I will be trying is an inexpensive heat diffuser intended for a home gas range. Having a few pieces of charcoal that could be dropped in on top of the dying pellets would extend cooking time as well. Thanks for commenting

[@JohnWalshLegend]

Just bought a Lixada (similar) wood gas stove from Ebay for £11. The wood pellet idea is really good as they are quite cheap here in the UK. Thanks for the videos and I have Subscribed!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thank you for subscribing and commenting

[@JoelWetzel]

I just burned about a cup of pellets in my Progresso Soup wood gas stove. I found that I got a better burn with a chimney so that may have sped up the process but it was a fun experiment. My chimney has a row of vent holes around the top so I can put a pot on top without smothering the fire below and about 30 seconds after I put it on the flames were coming up out of it and looking down I saw a beautiful cyclone of gassification. Thanks for your videos and keep them coming. Peace.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Sound like a good design. I have found the chimney effect can really enhance a lot of stoves. I have been experimenting with a chimney on a number of stoves and as soon as our fire ban is lifted I will be making videos of them. Thanks for commenting

[@rockdog2584]

Great test. 2 or 3 years ago, I had hand-crafted a gasser stove out of tin cans. Probably not even as large as that Silver Fox. I had tried burning pellets in it and it would easily burn strong for as much as 45 minutes. I also tried lump charcoal. Boy HOWDY! Does that stuff burn HOT!. Burns so hot that the flame will turn blue. Short side-note; I discovered that it REALLY liked having a short chimney (6-8 inches) betwixt the burn jets and the bottom of the pot. Seemed that the extra "draw" kinda stoked the fire and decreased boil time. Without the pot on there, the flame would naturally resort to a full vortex that would stand several inches above the cook surface.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting results with your DIY stove. I agree that charcoal can be an amazing fuel in the right stove. Thanks for commenting

[@Morningdovecamp]

thank you. i enjoyed your tutorial! you have a wonderful, calming speaking voice 👍🏻

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@matthewdiehl1647]

Wow man this is such a great idea! I never thought to use wood pellets! I made my own gasifier stove a few years back and it works awesome! Boils a quart of water in as little as 11 minutes with good fuel. But I always find myself just busy feeding it constantly wen I use it. Maybe pellets could work better! Great idea man! Thanks! Great vid!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Burn time is one of the best parts of using the wood pellets. The downside is carrying them with you. Although, they don't weigh much. Thanks for commenting

[@BGin-gu4if]

I have the Solo Titan and Campfire stoves. I like to keep the wood feed openings 90degrees to the winds...it helps to decrease flames shooting dancing out the back. I keep pot handles faced into the wind...less chance of handles getting too hot or burning plastic/rudder types. On the pot stand I cover the air hole with a heavy duty aluminum strip...it really helps as a windscreen and does not reduce gasification that much if any.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good observation on the windscreen. They make a big difference with all my stoves. They can be made cheaply from aluminium oven liners or baking sheets and carried in all my kits. Thanks for commenting

[@wallytaggart2612]

awesome...I have a soleader gasifier that looks to be the same as the lixada and a solo light. Gonna give this a try. and just recently realized the importance of a wind screen for these...great vid sir!.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for commenting

[@robertuffman3041]

this is a great idea. i'm not going to buy a stove but i will keep a container of these in my favorite camp site for building a fire when conditions are not great.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Great back up fuel. Thanks for commenting

[@niksgee3538]

Awesome. I have learned something new. I used vaseline soaked cotton wool balls to light. Using alcohol gel to light wood pellets is a great idea.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@MrBadger]

Great video, thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words and for commenting

[@NoMoreTears64]

Wow! I just bought a Ohuhu stove and I use wood pellets for my cat litter. Lol I would have never thought to use wood pellets in my Ohuhu. Thank you for the idea!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I think you will love it well pellets work. Thanks for commenting

[@mrwdpkr5851]

40 minutes for 2 cups ? Sounds like a winner to me !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Pellets work great in a number of stoves but especially well in woodgas stoves. Thanks for commenting

[@susandavis7115]

Backpacking trick from years past: chop one of those "matchlight" sticks (parrifinated sawdust?) sold as campfirestarters into small pieces, place or 4 little pieces on top of your wood & light. No need for liquid alcohol, just enough burn time to get wood started. I tried this is my Ohulu, w/ the chamber solid packed w/ end-up sticks, worked great. Pack you cut-up firestartes in a small 3x3 ziplock, store w/ your stove. Always used mine to pre-heat the gas stem on my SVEA123

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great idea. I have been using a similar commercial product like that lately. Very inexpensive to buy. I also make one from wood chips, candle wax and spruce resin that works really well. Thanks for commenting

[@ksycane]

My favorite fire starter is wax poured over dryer lint, stir. Break or cut into desired size.

[@altair458]

Thank you!!!! This helped me out immensely!!! You just earned a new subscriber!! Please keep up the good work!!👍👍👍👍👍👌

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting and subscribing

[@redpillnibbler4423]

This has inspired me to experiment using different fuel types together in the burn chamber eg. wood pellets & charcoal.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it interesting. Thanks for commenting

[@Radoslaw731]

The discoloration of the stoves only gives them a character 😎

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. Both stainless steel and especially titanium change colours nicely. Thanks for commenting

[@TomKirkman1]

I tried the pellets on my stove. First time they didn't burn very long - turns out I put in too many. You don't need more than about 1/2 fill or so to get the best and longest burn.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have found the same for most of the stoves I have tried pellets in. Filling a stove to capacity does not mean better performance or longer burn time. In fact, too many pellets usually results in a smokey fire and trouble keeping it going. Thanks for commenting

[@Sonjaorleans]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft try mixing the pellets with a few charcoal briquettes perfect

[@ms.gearhead6884]

Thanks for the informative video, I'm glad to see that wood pellets will work in the solo type of stove. I grill all the time on wood pellets, using my Biolite with grill attachment. To save on weight, I've started to grill using a mini folding grill that sandwiches your food between 2 grills. You control the heat on your food by how far above the stove you hold it.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I also tried pellets in a borrowed BioLite and a VitalGrill. As you say, they make a great fuel in both. I found the flame too hot for direct grilling but if I could either suspend my grill off the stove a bit or hold it up while grilling I am sure it would work much better as your experience shows. Thanks for commenting

[@ms.gearhead6884]

Mark Young you're right, the special grill attachment that Biolite makes does place your food above the lip of the stove by a few inches, and there is a flame spreader under it too. If you can get a hold of one, you should give it a try. They work quite well. I no longer have a charcoal grill.

[@lindasue8719]

Nice video!thanks for the discussion, I've been thinking about getting one of those Lexadas. Great to know it can be used with the pellets! Greetings from the opposite side of the country! 🙂

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. How far west are you?

[@lindasue8719]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft almost all the way west: Vancouver! 😁 Thinking of relocating, though, and NS is in the top three choices

[@rwmunch]

Excellent video. You are very good at presenting information. This could have been a segment on a TV show. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@carymoyer6183]

Agreed

[@george.carlin]

Hi from Ontario. Thanks for the great tip and detailed video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@casualpreparedness2347]

I have a new Lixada stove and I will employ this method as well. Thanks and yes, I subscribed to your channel. Nice experiment. 😎

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I think you will enjoy using wood pellets in your Lixada. Thank your for commenting and subscribing

[@jacksoltren9247]

So, I ran into your channel today and am enjoying your vids. I've hit like and I have subbed. Looking forward to more of your content. Thanks for the info.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you very much. I hope to continue with similar content for as long as possible

[@randal1470]

Excellent vid Mark, as always. Great alternate fuel for park restrictions. Another option is real wood charcoal, very light, and can be made at home as well, and I used charcoal briquettes now and again as well but I liked the real charcoal much better. I'm going to try the pellets now as well. Looks like they worked fantastic!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Randal. I did a couple of more videos at home (couldn't get out to the woods) using Kingsford charcoal in a couple of my stoves that I will be releasing shortly. Would have loved to use real charcoal but didn't have any

[@randal1470]

I love what you have been doing with the coffee series and stoves, great info. Hey, once we get moved and settled, we should have you come out for a few days and we can explore some charcoal production methods, as it'll be something I'm be doing regularly in any case for the shop. Maybe play with a knife or two while we're at it. :0)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Looking forward to it brother

[@GuyonaMoose]

Just ordered a solo stove lite and gsi kettalist from mec. $182 cad shipped to my door :) thankyou sir. From Nb :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am sure you will enjoy both items and you can't beat MEC for after-service or returns. Thanks for commenting

[@legman1947]

Great video, Mark. It's always good to have as many alternative fuel backups as you can come up with. That burn time was amazing. I'll be waiting for your video on using charcoal with the wood gas stoves. You can also use a Trangia alcohol burner using the Solo Titan as a pot stand. Just put the cap of the Trangia on the inside bottom of the Solo Titan and set the Trangia on top of the cap giving you the perfect height. By the way, on your masthead for this video, you spelled "burning" wrong.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Ahhh...too funny..and your the first person to pick up my spelling mistake.. I have used my Lixada with my Alocs (Trangia knock-off) burner in just the way you mentioned. I'll be releasing my video using charcoal in the Solo somtime this coming week...Thanks for commenting

[@MrKcornel3]

I like this video. I got a stove myself because of this video. I made a grill for my gasifier stove so I can now grill and simmer on my stove. Would like to show some pictures.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You could find me on FaceBook or my email is on my YT channel page under the "about" header. Thanks for commenting

[@greatamericansurvival]

Thanks for doing the field test, I love both those stoves. Haven't ever used pellets. You could easily store your pellets on a cheap water/Gatorade bottleThanks again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The water bottle is a goo idea...Thanks for commenting

[@Judy-en9fe]

Great American Survival l

[@stoneblue1795]

Neat guy. Easy to listen to. Great info, and a mature-level broadcast that does not insult my intelligence by waving guns, swords and flippy-clippy knives around.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you again for the kind words and for watching the video

[@TK-cl1jm]

Flippy clippy knives!

[@cojo582]

waving guns insults your intelligence,sorry to hear that.

[@qualicumwilson5168]

@@cojo582 That would make sense.

[@davidpatton2296]

How do guns, swords and knives insult your intelligence?

[@joekirklin]

In another life Mark was a presenter on PBS. Nicely done.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@TheBikerDodge]

Hi Mark. Great video. I've just ordered one of the Lixada stoves from Amazon, 15 euros with free next day delivery. Interestingly, the pictures show a grill plate, hopefully it will be supplied with the kit. I will certainly try the wood pellet, I use them to heat the house in winter so I have plenty. 200grams works out at less than 6 euro cents.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I understand most new stoves do come with the grate. Useful for very small pots. Thanks for commenting

[@snowpuppy77]

Very good instructional video. Very helpful on the journey to evolve my system. New subscriber. Thank you for sharing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@cillaloves2fish688]

That was great! Enjoyed ur video on n comparing these stoves with another viable fuel... wood pellets! Actually... I like all of ur vids that I've seen so far! Cilla

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed and thank you for your kind words

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

I have just ordered my first gasification stove and I look forward to trying it out. I may even try the pellets. Thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Let me know how it works out for you. Thanks for commenting

[@1972kberg]

Wood pellets work great in these small stoves

[@Bright-It]

Great stoves presentation! Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@hdhhbsbbauudb]

Nice video! I started using these wood pellets about 8 months ago, with my bushbuddy stove and I really like it too! I gotta use cast iron if I want to grill or cook/bake without burning. The heat is intense, like you said.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree, cast iron is about the only thing you could use over this hot flame. Another choice might be to suspend something over it with a tri-pod. Thank you for commenting

[@inmyopinion6836]

I've been using pellets in my commercial smoker for 16 years . Your right , burning wood gets hot . I have found , the cook temp is easily regulated by the amount of AIR you introduce to the burn chamber . This applies to all fires .

[@graveseeker]

I think a small grill or dutch oven suspended from a tripod might do the trick.

[@BrosephRussell]

Great demonstration of them stoves with the wood pellets wow 40 minutes great time on them

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. The pellets really worked well for me. Hearing from other people I understand it is important that the pellets are real dry for the best performance... 40 minutes impressed me as well. Thanks for commenting

[@miguelorengo8506]

Awesome video, watching you from Puerto Rico it’s not cold at all here but we do have places to camp.😄 Thanks a lot I will definitely try this.!👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@LordMullins]

Good informative video. Thanks, this was just the ticket I needed

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@Growlerinthebush]

I use to start the fire, hand cleaning gel which is alcohol based, cheap and comes in really small bottles, keep a couple in my Carp fishing kit and bug out bag lights with fire steels too. Do like the wood pellet idea especially as when fishing at our club lake we are not allowed fires. Will try the pellets in my Silverfire Scout stove this year.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hand sanitizer gel is a great fire starter. Cheap and available. Thanks for commenting

[@kieronbevan7489]

Just another tip I've just found out that it works really well with an alcohol burner made from brass out of the old Danish cook sets. One fill boils up a big sauce pan. I just use the stand and the bit it sits on. This is with my silverfire those things look like you can use the just as. The brass fire gives a good base Ballance too

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Excellent idea. Thank you for sharing

[@CraterBeSilly]

I really am enjoying your videos! Keep up the great work! I have a Solo Stove Campfire and have had good success grilling steaks using larger chunks of hardwood e.g. hickory, applewood, etc. (Normally used for smoking in BBQ grills like the Weber.) The chunks burn slower than smaller twigs. I have also put a few briquettes in with the wood chunks to even out the heat. I cook using an adjustable height wire grill that I can place over the Campfire. The grill is a 'Bedroll Cooker' kit from Self Reliance Outfitters. I also cook oysters on the half shell using this setup and method.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Love me some oysters. Yes, larger wood would be better for grilling. I have also found that hardwood pellets work better than softwood. I still have to wait for the flame to die down but I get much more grilling time. Thanks for commenting

[@Oldsparkey]

Nice video , I like the idea of the wood pellets since you can get a long burn time with them. Also you don't have to be with it every minute. Next visit to the home supply store there will be a piece of that screening purchased and then trimmed to size. My alternative heat source is a emergency heat source for my Solo Stove Lite. I use a small alcohol burner in place of the wood in the burning chamber. A Evernew Titanium burner ( Or Trangia ) and a couple of ounces of Alcohol is all you need. Using a food grade alcohol ( Everclear or any other food grade alcohol above 150 proof ) also doubles as an disinfectant in case of an injury. Denatured alcohol and all the rest have a poison in them making them unfit for consumption. I like to think that also means breathing the fumes ( as they burn ) and treating wounds with them.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I think you will like the way pellets burn in your Solo Stove... I also use an alcohol burner (Alocs, a Trangia knock-off) with my wood gas stoves...Thanks for commenting

[@willwillis2381]

Great vid, great narrative. Yes I use and like pellets. No muss no fuss. EASY....I'm getting too old to do things the hard way. I like "easy"..thanks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Pellets are a inexpensive, convenient and ecologically sound (better than isobutane) source of fuel. Thanks for commenting

[@djinkentertainment]

For sure I have the same stove by that maker and 2 others too by them. Pellets seem to burn clean without smoke and easier for sure I'm going to have to try it.

[@MIKESWILDWORLD]

Good job Mark! I only have one stove so can't do a comparison. I am trying to reduce the weight in my pack just to see if I really need all this stuff, so I won't be carrying wood pellets, but I think its a great idea for a weekender. Mike B. MWW

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Using pellets are great for places you can't use found wood. Thanks for commenting

[@christinesmith8721]

Loved your video thank you for sharing...great ideas especially using wood pellets..I just made a gas cooker smaller than yours but not very satisfying burning with twigs..I might but some wood pellets for it before I give up on it!🙄

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

My experience is that it take a lot of experimentation to get the airflow right in a woodgas stove. Let me know how pellets work for you. Thanks for commenting

[@truthbetold4486]

What a great idea, thank you for sharing

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video interesting. Thanks for commenting

[@Woodswalker1965]

Nice to have options when it isnt possible to use deadfall. Good job!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Options is what its all about...Thanks for commenting

[@leewaddell8561]

Great info I have a solo and will try the wood pellets...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Wood pellets work great in the stove and very cheap to purchase. Thanks for commenting

[@troymanning3150]

Great video! Getting pellets tomorrow

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I think you will enjoy using them. Thanks for commenting

[@naknakacknak]

I got cast iron grates from my Solo Stove Bonfire and have been cooking on it with no issues. It's like cooking on a jet engine. I wait for the flames to die down and use the bed of coals. Meats sear in about 30 seconds with sear marks and no matter what you do, the meats are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You would expect there to be a lot of grease dripping into the fire, but when the meats sear properly, there really isn't any liberated juices or grease. You don't even have to marinate, just put the meat on the grill right out of the package. I've cooked steaks, chicken, pork chops, ribs, and baked potatoes. You can't use aluminum foil directly on the grates, it will melt. You need long tongs and oven gloves. This is unlike any conventional charcoal or gas grill. Slow cooking meats on those dries them out. Hot dogs and hamburgers require special treatment. I sear them, and turn them frequently, then transfer them to a steel pot that reduces the heat and allows them to finish cooking. I also do that with the meats, but chicken cooks very fast and people like rare steaks, so it's not as critical. Hot dogs will turn black in the blink of an eye. The same goes for sausages, just watch them closely and move to lower heat after they are seared. Burgers cook fast too, even he frozen patties. Just watch them closely, but nothing beats a burger crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I like to cut off pieces of chicken or steak and give them to the kids and when you cut into the larger pieces you can see the juices on the inside. I'd never go back to regular grilling. The last time, I cooked over 12 pounds of meat. We had some for the meal and I froze the rest in zip lock bags. I get the family packs at Aldi, at really good prices. I cut up the large pieces of meat, so I had 6 large chicken breasts, a 6 lb chuck roast and 2 packs of country style boneless ribs, all in barbecue sauce.` I'd say, generally, you want to slice the meat down to 1/2'-3/4" thickness. I've tried large chunks, but you might have difficulty getting the center to cook.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You have a lot of experience cooking on these stoves. It inspires me to try a few of your suggestions. Thanks for commenting

[@naknakacknak]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft ....Thanks, Mark. cooking on the Solo Stove is not something that seems popular and the general feeling (e.g. video on the Solo Stove, by Canadian Prepper) is that you need less heat for cooking and possibly have to raise the grill. I would never recommend trying to fry foods in large quantities of oil, like french fries, etc. The oil will quickly reach the flash-point and become very dangerous. When I first bought the Solo Stove I wanted an extruded screen to put on it at night to prevent embers from flying around. I went to a local restaurant supply and bought one of those aluminum screens used for pizza. When I came out in the morning the screen was gone, ... it melted. However, I bought an 18" carbon steel wok and had excellent results, but balanced the small quantity of oil with soy sauce and the water released from the vegetables and mushrooms. The wok makes a tight seal around the top of the Solo Stove, so I added clips to allow a gap so the airflow is not cut off. I buy my pots and cooking pans at Goodwill, for a couple of dollars, so I'm not concerned if they become discolored. I have a medium-sized roaster pan with a lid that works well as a Dutch oven for baking potatoes and vegetables. I cut the potatoes into slices, but not all the way down, then make a longitudinal cut where I put a small piece of cheddar and some butter and then wrap it in aluminum foil. I put these in the roaster and they cook completely in about 35 minutes.

[@kevinbecerson1546]

Great video and informative. Thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@1101agaoj]

Subscribed. Great solution for this stove.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the sub!

[@shovelhead8]

I tried this, twice, but I never posted the video. 3 quarts of water took about 40 minutes to boil, and there was still lots of pellets left. I tried it again and it would not even burn the coating from the inside of some tuna cans. The coals in that case lasted at least one and a half hours. It could all be a difference in pellets. I bought mine at a yard sale for a dollar, and they have been hanging around for a while. I just lit the fire with a propane torch. With real wood, Lixada stove, same pot and 2 quarts of water it was less than 10 minutes to a boil. Hard to call. Thank you for the video, Mark. I will have to look at mine again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

wow, lot of variations in performance. Could be that my pellets are hardwood and very dry. Thanks for sharing

[@shovelhead8]

Mine were hardwood as well, but probably not stored as well as yours. I found real wood much hotter, but I was trying to boil a lot of water, and it was a cooler day. I may try it again. Still, as a transportable source of wood, you could take the extra time, no problem. Thank you for the reply, Mark.

[@jhacker51]

Hey Mark, I just watched this video for the second time and I have a thought. You wanted to grill a steak or hamburger but concluded that this may not be the best setup for that. I'm going to try my method of a 1.5 cups wood pellets and 5-6 hardwood sticks (maybe a few more) cut about 3" long. Let that burn down to coals and place a screen on top. Then you may have enough heat without flame to grill. When I give it a try I'll let you know how it turned out.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I would be interested in hearing how this works out. Thans for commenting

[@assistantscoutmastercole9903]

I keep my ohuhu twig stove in an MSR pot with about as much wood pellets in a bag in the pot, if I need them I have them, if I don’t need them I can use sticks and keep them for later. I have found it to be a great solution on snow camping trips or in the rain.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Good setup. Thanks for commenting

[@newbievloggerandphotograph2438]

I am using the Canway gasifier. I still prefer alcohol but the gasifier with pellets gives an awesome burn time that is, as you said, inexpensive. I did a test today in 27F degree weather and medium wind and, with a wind screen, I got 50 minutes of gasification cooking time. I filled my stove to just below the gas vents so I suspect that is why I got longer burn time. What's more, there were coals for another hour and I could have simmered/warmed my coffee that whole time. The Canway (and others) have pegs that can raise your pots a little. I have used them when burning thicker pieces of wood and have been able to easily fry up lunch. I think I need to do a test with the pellets to see if I can successfully fry with them. My biggest concern with these is that you still get soot on your pots/skillets. I don't care for that but the technique is still a good one.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great results from your Canway. Personally, I don't mind the soot on my pots as I carry them in stuff sacks. Thanks for commenting

[@simplesolutions2865]

I made a ring of aluminum foil with a 2" hole in the center for slower cooking and smaller pots. worked great

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting idea. I will give it a try. Thanks for commenting

[@fajardojr.lanquino4953]

very good sir!!!! a million thanks for sharing...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thank you for commenting

[@billandrews]

The Trangia alcohol stove fits nicely into these stoves and gives off less heat. IF you want to reduce the heat, with pelets, here is what I do. I sawed off a 2" long piece, and a 1" long piece off the end of my old vacuum cleaner pipe. Depending on how long a burn I want, I place the long or short pipe ring into the center of the bush buddy stove. I fill the ring with pellets and drop cut of an esbit tab on top and light it. The small rings give me a smaller fire that is just right for cooking. I save on pellets and discomfort. A Trangia alcohol stove would be easier to use though and cost less than pellets. I only use pellets when I want a strong hard fire.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Trangia is always a good option. Of course, this video was about using pellets. Interesting suggestion on a way to reduce the amount of pellets and therefore the amount of heat. I will consider giving that a try. Thanks for commenting

[@dsm2xtreme]

I cut a hole in a stainless steel bowl and took a small grilling flat rack to make a "grille bowl" for my stove. Works amazingly.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting idea. I might have to give that a try. Do you have any pictures?

[@dsm2xtreme]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I do! I'll send you one this evening.

[@jackmurphy9573]

wow--way better burn time than wood--great idea--thanks Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was pretty impressed with it myself. Thanks for commenting

[@EconoChallenge]

This was very helpful. I have watched a few videos on using wood pellets in a stick stove but this one was the most helpful. Certainly economical for sure compared to many other types of cooking fuels used by hikers. These stoves are my personal favourite because you get to cook on a fire without leaving a trace!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Jeep... would pellets are turning out to be a great carry fuel in most of my stoves....thanks for commenting

[@Berniewojewski]

Great review. Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@kan-zee]

I like that it is a clean burn....I bought the biolite stove , for this purpose.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I borrowed a Biolite that I compared with my VitaGrill. I have a video of it on my channel

[@kan-zee]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Yesss..I found and am viewing your biolite stove video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJe9Yn-YoNaogM0

[@edyvanea]

HI there... new sub. Really enjoyed the video. I thought it was very well put together and well explained. Will be checking out more of your videos. Thanks

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hello and thank you for subscribing to my channel. I hope you find more videos that you enjoy. Please feel free to comment, ask questions or make suggestions anytime - Mark

[@5USgRWFH]

I'm interested in trying the pellets in my Stratus wood stove. It doesn't gasify, but it does breathe well. I will need to create a grid to keep the pellets inside. Nice video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been intrigued by the Stratus Trail Stove. I don't see a lot of reviews on them. Would be interesting to know how pellets work in it. Thanks for commenting.

[@5USgRWFH]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I've tried lately to find the Stratus Trail Stove online. They don't seem to be available.

[@davebeebe6216]

Very informative. Thanks 🙏

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@TheRaginghalfasian]

Brilliant, thanks for the tip!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

Well done Sir !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@thecaptain6994]

Really good information. Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@darcyleepearson4416]

I wanted the titan....after your vid...now I want the lexada! ....and I can afford it! Yay! ....sending you love from of the UK ❤

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Titan is a good product but the Lixada is much more affordable. Thank you for commenting

[@arithia5874]

Excellent information!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@hutchinsonkubbklub2503]

When your pellets have lost most of the flame that's when you can start grilling a small piece of meat like a burger. You have plenty of keep left to cook give it a shot. I had heat for nearly two hours when I filled it just below the vent holes at the top. I boiled water, made eggs on a skillet, grilled a ham steak, and also roasted marshmallows on one burn.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The pellets I used during these tests were made from softwood. The coals that were left after 20 minutes only lasted a very short while. Using hardwood now and the coals last much longer. Thanks for commenting

[@wanicroc]

Excellent and informative.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@CorneliusFahey]

Thank you for the tips!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting