My Top 5 SOLID FUEL STOVES - Not To Be UNDERESTIMATED!

It's time for another Top 5 Video, and this one is a big favorite...solid fuel stoves. Every time I do a video on a solid fuel stove I'm amazed at how well they work! You are sure to find one you like on this list...
#solidfuel #esbit #hexamine
Gear Used In This Video:
Esbit Solid Fuel Stove: amzn.to/3lrifiT
Esbit Ultralight Solid Fuel Stove: amzn.to/308idEd
BCB Fire Dragon: amzn.to/3093FnT
Esbit Solid Fuel Stove and Pot Stand: amzn.to/3uXleCR
Firebox Titanium Nano: amzn.to/30ejhGR
Esbit Fuel: amzn.to/3DwycL0
Expedition Research Fuel: amzn.to/3FtyHHr
Fire Dragon Alcohol Fuel: amzn.to/3iNijYq
Evernew Mug Pot: amzn.to/3lrU2ZB
Taylor Thermometer with Probe: amzn.to/2X3NXtc
Get Your Own PaleoHikerMD PATCH: www.etsy.com/shop/PaleoHikerM...
**Where I can I provide amazon links to the products that I use. These are affiliate links so if you purchase the product through this link it helps the channel out. While you are there, stay and shop some more! Thanks in advance if you can help us out continuing to make more content.**
Camera Gear I Currently Use:]
Camera - Panasonic G85: amzn.to/3euW2LT​​​
Camera - Panasonic G7: amzn.to/2SWZJhM​​​
Extra Lens - Olympus 40-150mm: amzn.to/2W18Q2S​​​
Tripod - Bonfoto Carbon Fiber: amzn.to/2SPV5lv​​​
Small Tripod - Joby GorillaPod: amzn.to/2SUlD5f​​​
Lavalier Mic - Rode RodeLink: amzn.to/2ALedKe​​​
Shotgun Mic - Rode VideoMic Pro+: amzn.to/2CoBsKf​​​
Amazon Rechargeable Batteries: amzn.to/2SUjMgJ​​​
IPhone Gimbal: Zhiyun Smooth 4: amzn.to/2ZxfkuG

[@HardyBunster]

British people don’t use the Esbit, they use the BCB Fire Dragon. BCB Fire Dragon is made in Wales. ♥️

[@garywood702]

The BCB is my favorite of the lot. I modified mine by sealing the corners of the fuel tray with high heat epoxy and then filling the tray with stove gasket rope. I can now use liquid fuel (Yellow bottle of HEET) or remove the gasket material and use the Fire Dragon cubes. Works great in either case. If I recall rightly, my burn times with liquid fuel and stove gasket configuration is up around 9-10 minutes (I haven't used it since last winter so I forget the actual burn time) but I do recall that it burns long enough to bring 16 oz of water to a boil.

[@wio2189]

It's literally in the video, mate...

[@Jb_outdooradventures]

What's the best place to get that in the US

[@robpinter5431]

I still have my Australian Army Hexi stove that was issued to me in 1990...holds 12 Hexi tablets and basically unbreakable.

[@001desertrat3]

Ernie , I've been carrying Esbit Stoves in my packs for 60 years . I've got the predecessors to that little lightweight stove that you show at 3:24 except mine have a little round metal cup for the Hexamine Tablets . I got mine at a Military Surplus for 50 cents each ( I bought 4 ) and the Hexamine Tablets came packaged 8 in a cardboard tube with metal end caps . They were selling the tubes for $1.00 each but I was able to purchase an entire unopened Case for $50.00 . I've used my stoves periodically over the years , the individual Hexamine Tablets burn for approximately 15 minutes each . GREAT little stoves and I'm glad I got them . ---- < Doc > .

[@starlingblack814]

Yes! A top five on solid stove cook kits would be great. Thanks for another informative video.

[@johnperetore151]

I’ve been using the Esbit for years. 1 in my emergency pack in my truck. 1 in my hunting pack, 1 in my day pack. 1 in my 72 hr bag. 1 in my inch bag which I hope I’ll never need. And 1 in emergency pack in my daughter’s car. They work for what they were intended for. The fire dragon stove looks great but not enough to change my set ups. My canteen cup is standard operating procedure lol Thanks for the video

[@savageg4594]

One of the great things about the titanium Nano, well all titanium stoves over the stainless steel versions is they cool down so much faster. . . . Firebox stoves are the ultimate multi fuel stoves they can use any fuel there is

[@janmariolle]

I agree with your comment. I’ve stopped looking for the perfect stove because firebox is it.🔥

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

Enjoyed how you had the best of categories as people prioritize different things. This allows a person to zero in on the best product for them.

[@timpearson3932]

Flat Cat Gear suggests adding a " focusing ring " to the titanium ultralight esbit stove. I use it and get great results.

[@daniel-lee888]

I converted my BCB Firedragon to liquid alcohol. I used some JB Weld paste on the central seams (to prevent leakage) and then made a bed of rolled up carbon felt. Works fine, interesting experiment. But not better than a Trangia with a stand.

[@kassemmansour534]

I have fire dragon stove, Useful for emergency situations in Florida in case of hurricanes.

[@byronnorton9782]

Thanks again Dr. Stove for another solid review. Solid fuel is often overlooked but as an old Scouter I've burned many an esbit cube!

[@akmudslinger01]

There's just something cool about the simplicity of these stoves.....

[@richardwaring8613]

If you are bourgeois enough to have a fondue set the BCB gels are good at keeping your cheese warm

[@MidwestMotocamp]

Great video! I used solid fuel years ago but didn't appreciate the dirty suet that came along with it. I must be bored because I'm coming back around to checking it out again. Thanks for your content on these things.

[@gtsbrian167]

Wonderful review (as usual)! Your results match my observations on the equipment that I got based on your reviews.

[@jimmyroberson7843]

Great video as always! I have the stainless firebox nano and made a plate for solid fuel at almost no cost from old pizza pan. I use trioxane which does not stink like esbit does. I love the nano and would recommend to anyone. Thanks again for the video and take good care.

[@Jaxon1776]

Firebox Nano is brilliant!

[@NZComfort]

I’ve used both the nano2 and the BCB stove. Both can be used in conjunction with the Evernew alcohol burner. I highly recommend this route as it gives you the most versatility. The only issue with the BCB I’ve found is that it must be modified to hold a burner (folding the metal down on the inside). Thank you for the vid!

[@arctodussimus6198]

Great video for Stove junkies like me 😎 I have three of these stoves (except the Firebox Nano and the Fire Dragon), and like them all. I modified my original Esbit Pocket Stove so it works like the Fire Dragon.

[@janmariolle]

Once again, nice informative video. Thanks!

[@troybranaman316]

Great video as always Ernie! They all looked great to me !! I have an stove but haven't got the fuel yet. Take care and stay safe my friend !!

[@walkerone9833]

Nice Earnie! Solid fuel does have it's place. Thanks!

[@jeepnicc]

Nice comparo Ernie. Thanks for sharing!

[@jonenglish6617]

I like the fire dragon best. That windscreen is brilliant

[@andrewcolella1755]

Great demo 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@fireboxstove]

Very good "fuel" for thought! 👍😎

[@markdam]

Hahaha Steve!

[@johannesalexandrius5749]

Go make a video of top 5 solid fuel stove kits

[@yedman1958]

I vote for the Top 5 Solid Fuel Stove Kits next.

[@kylewilkinson6975]

Ernie, you just changed my opinion of solid fuel stoves. Nice video.

[@ravi_spidey]

Thank you sir!

[@lp5913]

Hi, I both like the Esbit and BSB stove, however downside of both of them is that the burning plate is too close to the ground at my liking. So I cut out the burning plate of an old Esbit stove and placed it on top of the BCB burning container. Another plus is that it's removeable and therefor easy to clean. Have tested it out and it works flawelessly. I have now the stability of the BCB and the burning capacity of the Esbit. ( I, for one, avoid wood burners for a number of reasons. In my opinion they are to be used as a final resort, depending on the season and area ( fire restrictions) one is in. But I do have to say that a woodburner is allways better than an open fire.)

[@wio2189]

great video!

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you

[@mrwes100]

Certainly the best for last with the FB Nano. A wind screen plate is also available as an add on and well worth it.

[@daleweller5193]

I would vote for the fire dragon.

[@jo-jobighiker5552]

I solo backpack with my Vienna Sausage-can stove. It uses any fuel tab (and twigs) and fits into my metal cup with room to store some fuel tabs and a couple of Bic lighters. I just boil water.

[@Jb_outdooradventures]

On Amazon widesea titanium alcohol stove cook set burner stand 900ml pot and spoon $50 looks very interesting 👍🏼

[@texedwards3039]

Esbit my favorit

[@gringo3009]

Firebox for the win! IMHO. No surprise there.

[@ccmogs5757]

BCB is a well-respected UK company based in Cardiff but not sure where the stove is made 🔥

Very nice

[@overweighthikerwannabe901]

I for one would be interested in a comparison of the different solid fuel kit systems. These videos are very good. I was about to name a couple solid fuel burners that wern't listed but then I realized that they were indeed burners and not stoves nd so did not fit in this comparison as they need a seperate pot stand to be used. Of course if you disregard environmental issues you don't need anything more that a spot of bare ground, some rocks, and your cooking container of choice to use solid fuel as three rock can be used to support the pot, while if yu were more worried about the environment a fourth lower one can have the solid fuel burned on top of it.

[@benterwellen]

I have several of these stoves and the nano is my favorite…

[@donaldrohrbach502]

Awesomeness....

[@naturesketches126]

New sub here. Thank you for this, very helpful 👍

[@sanborns]

Good video ...

[@paulsmith3266]

BCB stoves are made right here in Wales, UK.

[@budwilliams6590]

I love my Kelly Kettle.

[@VictorCopeland]

BCB stove is made in Cardiff, Wales in UK 🇬🇧. Cost in UK is £1.67. The Firedragon tablets are £ 0.30 each. The Esbit does not seem to be sold in UK, but a very near copy is which is Coglans with Coglans tablets. These are 7g heximine lumps.

[@kudlakp]

I am interested in the top 5 solid fuel cool kit

[@weseroutdoor]

Here in Germany you can buy the Esbit Ultralight Folding Stainless Steel Pot Stand for less than 22 Euro, that are around 25 - 26 Dollars. I wonder why they sell them so expensive in the U.S. Thank you for this interresting comparison. Atb Jürgen

[@OehlJim]

I have a Varga stove very similar to the Esbit solid fuel stove with pot stand that only cost around $15.00.

[@evenatienzaart]

I have been watching your water boiling videos until 2 am now.

[@kvonzwild8979]

BCB fire dragon is great. You only get the stove you can buy fuel for it. I go one better and suggest you try. Fill the solid fuel reservoir with non flammable media such as fiberglass, tiki torch wick, or I use 1" x 18" piece of carbon felt. If you use glass, fit a screen over it. Dollar store strainer screen will do. Soak with heet. Fire it up. It may leak a bit so u can fold aluminum foil tray to fit. Boils 2 cups in about 5:30 with a lid. I had it lasting 17 minutes. (Coulda used less fuel). You need to carry your fuel but heet is pretty cheap. Faster & more economical than many cubes.

[@GuillermoCordero28]

Thanks for the video. I was already decided on a BCB stove, then I realized that Esbit has 3 sizes of stoves and the medium has the same windscreen as the BCB. Now I'm not sure which one to pick. What would you recommend?

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

With the high price of the Esbit stove you might as well just buy the Nano and get the added twig option.

[@neemancallender9092]

British Army Hexamine stoves came with rations Used them in the 60s I remember how well they worked in terrible weather And the noxious fumes

[@ntfd60]

Hi Ernie, I'm very interested in gel fuel. I like the look of the Trangia set up. Where do you get Swiss gel fuel? I cannot find it for sale anywhere. What are some other options in higher volumes. I don't want to use 3oz cups or cans.

[@cindynichols27]

Would be GREAT to try these on a windy day outside with different setups--no windguard other than what comes on the stove; a pile of rocks windguard; foil windguard...

[@bangalorebobbel]

There is no problem at all to fire up an Esbit cube with your ferrorod: just scrape a little bit powder off a cube with a sharp knife (or the sharp edged back of it) and place that powder back on top of the cube (I use usually a dedicated 'powder cube' for that purpose). This fine Esbit powder ignites as well as any alcohol from sparks. Esbit powder is also a great fire starter if you want to get a wood stove burning fast - in my opinion even better than any alcohol poured over the wood as firestarter because alcohol evaporates (at least here in the hot climate) very fast whiles this powder keeps its properties under any weather and temperature conditions. So keeping an Esbit cube in your fire starting kit not as fuel but for making tinder powder is not a bad idea at all ... The BCB is a relatively new stove to the UK military, before that they used a stove very similar to the Esbit stove. The standard tablets for that good old UK esbit stove copy were of different shape and weight compared to Esbit, their tablets weight 22 g instead of the 14 of an contemporary Esbit cube (Esbit had initially only smaller cubes weighting half of the modern ones, still the small ones are available). Esbit is a trade name, the UK tablets are simply named according to the chemical stuff which forms Esbit - Hexamine. I'm using mostly Hexamine tablets from UK military surplus - they sell it off since it is no more produced. No idea whether you can get it in the US of A, but if so it is for sure cheaper than Esbit. There are two further great Esbit stoves you might want to try - one is the 'Outdoor Pocket Micro Stove EDCBox' from Bushcraft Essentials, a super mini hobo which makes also bella figura on your desk as pot warmer with a tealight inside (!) and the other one is the Argos Titanium Folding Pot Stand (chinaware but great little stove).

[@LA_Viking]

With more than 50 years of experience using fuel tablet stoves, I can confirm your claim(s). I even end up doing what you described with using a lighter or match even though it isn't necessary.

[@bangalorebobbel]

@@LA_Viking hahaha yes true scratching every cuby or adding a little bit of powder on top from another cube becomes kind of an automatism whether you use a ferrorod or a Bic ... And btw we seem to have similar number of decades of experience with these stoves. My Esbit cube experience goes even back before my first Esbit stove experience since we had as kids some toys which were fired by Esbit, and I used these toys long before I had my first outdoor cooking experience with an Esbit stove. Which was an experience I still remember totally clearly - it happened on a day full of first time in life experiences. Must have been in summer 1962. First time we went on a bidycle trip. I was the eldest of us kids (my siblings were also on that trip) and got the honour of taking over the task of cooking. First time I used an Esbit stove and first time I heated up a can of 'Maggi Ravioli in Tomatensauce'. After eating the hot Ravioli I got first time in my life really horrible tooth pains. Took us another one hour or so by bike to reach a telephone from where our babysitter (who lead our excursion) could call my dad who then arrived after another one hour or so. He didn't have painkiller tablets but a German liquor named Underberg which was sold in little bottles, so I drank my first ever liquor on that day, too. Finally, dad brought me to a dentist, what was also first time in life, and then I got first time in life a tooth removed. What a day, impossible to ever forget and most probably one of the main reasons for my intense bond with solid fuel stoves, canned food, outdoor cooking, babysitters and all such stuff 🤣

[@VictorCopeland]

Firedragon tablets can be cut easily and a quarter can be used in the UL Esbit stove. They could also be used in alcohol burners.

[@allemander]

How do you store the remaining unused portion of the firedragon cubes to prevent them from drying out due to the alcohol evaporating, once they’re opened?

[@VictorCopeland]

@@allemander I put them in the same case, but you have to use them within 8hrs or they are wizened. So you can get two boils/brews per tablet on the same day.

[@reverendlundell7732]

Yup

[@linedwell]

I really like the look of the Nano, they're harder to get hold of in the UK, seems like only one place imports and sells them.

[@TNBushcrafter]

Same here with granfors bruks and eagle products kettle.

[@melissahoffman4687]

Can you put liquid get, like hand sanitizer in these solid fuel stoves, and do another test with them? Comparing gel fuel to solid fuels.

[@patrickquinlan1839]

Maybe you’ve already done it but I’d like to see an ultralight twig stove review

[@RH_Wildcamping]

Hi, Pretty certain BCB are based in the UK. Apparently the Firedragon blocks can also be used as hand sanitiser.

[@linedwell]

Yeah they are. They ship they're stuff all over tho. I believe the French military have started using the BCB dragon Stove now.

[@Badger77722]

If I remember correctly, I believe the stove is actually made in Wales. I love it for keeping around in case of emergencies!

[@geraldinegregory.1803]

Yes, can be used as hand sanitizer. Very handy when everyone was panicking over getting hold of sanitiser last year and everywhere was sold out! I was using the blocks like a bar of soap and dry washing my hands. Downside was sore hands after a few days!

[@aaronwilcox6417]

I have 3 of these solid fuel stoves but have moved onto Trangia alcohol and gassifier stove for most things. I've liked the ease and lightweight of the solid fuel burners but I've heard the these are toxic fuels. I don't know for certain but this could be the case.

[@cindynichols27]

I thought there was one or two types out there that were nontoxic? Will have to research. Of course, damn-near any fuel is in some way toxic, except for maybe wood.

[@fyremanjef]

I love my #firebox . No parts to loose and it allows for alcohol, solid fuel and twigs. My envoy is a perfect back up to my canister and campfire cooking

[@allemander]

*lose loose is the opposite of tight.

[@fyremanjef]

@@allemander ok.

[@Drownedinblood]

I've found these foldable stoves that seem to do ok for a number of trips for a dollar at places like daiso. Just don't unfold them and they kinda rust easy.

[@jamesparker6383]

expedition research makes a very good titanium solid fuel stove for under 25 dollars.

[@drunkonkerosene]

What about the fume from the Esbit tablets, isn't it kinda toxic🤔 I mean it can be a problem if used indoors.

[@jessmoorlag5920]

Yea on the kit stove video

[@kaipueo20]

Hey Ernie, I love this video! I just started using solid fuel for backpacking/hunting and nothing compares to it for the size/weight/cost! Could you do a video on or respond with a recommendation for a all metal cook kit that is budgetish friendly? I like the soto navigator but am afraid of melting the plastic with my firebox and would prefer something like the one tigris kit but have heard about some warping issues from the Outdoor Gear review. Thanks!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I am sure Ernie will chime in, however anything Outdoor Gear Review take with a gram of salt. His motivations seem purely business based despite his claims and many of his reviews on gear give a horrible, undeserved report in my experience. That said, plastic tabs on pots definitely melt over fire. The biggest question is, what do you want out of the kit? Pot and cup? Frying pan? Are you just boiling water, occasionally making other food or are you a real meal every trip individual?

[@kaipueo20]

Looking for a pot and fry pan combo for base camp situations. Thanks for the input!

[@ronniecope4641]

Where do you buy all this fuel at solid fuel

[@repsfo]

You said you would provide a link to your review of each stove. But the links just take you the Amazon page?

[@allemander]

That first stove (and its similar counterpart) being galvanized steel. Isn’t that known for emitting toxic gases/fumes when heated?

[@paul-soundaffected]

Watching on feb 17th 2023, seems alot of hiking/camping gear are all going up in price, some of the increases are ridiculous

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Bcb made in uk, Issued to armed forces of uk all branches. Company based in wales i believe

[@allemander]

Can the fire-dragon solid fuel block burn efficiently in the Firebox Nano stove on the solid fuel plate without bubbling over the edges of the fuel plate and going to waste? Does anyone know? Thank you.

[@drunkonkerosene]

No, it kind of melts when burning. You can hear him mention it when using it in the Esbit stove.

[@calvinmonroe2408]

So im concerned about how well this burners get water to a boil and maintain its heat

[@CherokeeTwilight]

Where are BCB Fire Dragon stoves made, so far I can only confirm the fuel is made in Wales. Their seems to be no info on the actual folding stoves production location.

[@jplamb77]

Great Video Ernie,,,, But,,,, How about the “Battle of the White Gas Stoves”,,!!!!! Joshua

[@mick4862]

The bcb fuel is made in England

[@elliotmccollins-tsubely3686]

Last

[@linedwell]

Christmas..

[@fiddlebum5666]

I gave you my heart..

[@linedwell]

@@fiddlebum5666 but on the very next day..

[@thomascraft6854]

- Can Esbit Fuel Tablets be used in an Alcohol Stove ???

[@naomisalsera826]

Are you no longer pleased with the Expedition Research Solid Fuel stove which you've so highly rated previously?

[@marcireale]

Dang it, Ernie! I am NOT a solid fuel stove fan, so I can just skip this one, right? No. Of course I have to watch. Now I’m thinking that solid fuel stoves could be quite useful in some instances. Sigh. I see more stoves in my future.

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

Good news is that the Esbit pot stand has dropped in price to $50.

[@allemander]

$41.73 plus tax on Amazon now, as of February 4, 2022.

[@calvinmonroe2408]

Please tell me why these stoves are better than my jetboil mo…

[@overweighthikerwannabe901]

1st reason is you can use any pot you want instead of being stuck using the one it comes with. Sure you can buy other jetboil pots but most are aluminum which some people have an issue with using and if your jetboil burner breaks you probably couldn't use them in a campfire very well. 2nd reason is I'm pretty sure even the most expensive of these compare favorably with most jetboil systems in price and most are much cheaper. But if you already have the jetboil I guess this isn't an issue unless you need to replace it. 3rd reason is that you can store solid fuel in places where it would be dangerous to store the iso-butane canisters the jetboil needs like in a vehicle in the summer.

[@cindynichols27]

Weight?

[@calvinmonroe2408]

@@overweighthikerwannabe901 all good reasons i believe by mo stretch of the imagination… if i got one it would be a good backup

[@bimteck]

I'm not even going to lie but this dude looks baked AF

[@the_E4_Mafia]

I’m interested in solid fuel stoves, but boiling water is not cooking. I cook on my camping trips, bacon, eggs, pancakes, steaks, etc. and you can’t do that with these solid fuel tabs.