Testing Gear and Making Breakfast on the Otzi Spark Flat Pack Wood Stove

[@Life-Outdoors-UK]

You'll never please everyone, so long as you still enjoy making the videos, make them however you want. Some will like them, some won't. There's still stuff to learn for those that do. Thanks for your time.

[@craigbennell2045]

How fast you grow is a result of the integrity of your content. Keep it up.

[@joewatts7942]

ERNIE, enjoy the your videos very much and your conversation with us about your testing.We learn alot from you. Makes choosing a product a lot easier for us. Keep doing it and keep safe.

[@pt2575]

Great video ! Thank you. Egg slip - when the bacon is done, you could arange 3 or 4 slices to make a little corral - drop in the egg. Should stay within the bacon fence & that would probably eliminate need for cooking spray, just use the bacon grease - yum 😊.

[@xpwhitesquall]

Perfect review! I purchased something similar to this, but have not used it until I seen your video. I really like how you did not prep to use this product before you reviewing and you never used it before to show what not to do . I picked up a lot from this video. Thank you it was not “ boring”

[@thomasmusso1147]

Warts and all .. nice 👍. Keep them coming please.

[@bwilder4]

Thanks for the video. My wife and I got one to take with us on our kayak adventures. Cannot wait to try it out.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Steel sheet products are usually lubricated with a low quality (recycled) oil while being stamped, cut, and punched. I, personally, thoroughly wash new cookware in strongly concentrated dish water before cooking with it. I recently bought a titanium pot from Toaks, and just for science sake, boiled some plain water in it. It produced quite an oil slick. After washing and rinsing twice, it still wasn't free of oil. The third time was a charm. Oh, I have closed cell foam cozies made from my old sleeping pads and duct tape for my big pot and my titanium cup (the only cooking pot I carry in the summer). Keeps food and drinks hot longer and saves fuel because the food continues cooking in the pot when placed immediately into the cozy (cosy, coozie, whatever). I don't carry dedicated insulated cups because you can't (or shouldn't) cook in them because the air in the space between the metal walls expands and presents an explosion hazard. For a weekend trip, no problem, but I usually plan on walking for a week or more per trip. Thanks, Ernie, I enjoyed looking over your shoulder while you experimented. 👍 I am enjoying my Firebox Nano titanium stove. I'm replacing my Toaks tower stove with it for long hikes, along with my alcohol stove.

[@jons2447]

EXCELLENT advice, Dan, some metal-working lubes are toxic.

[@Kenbur]

Ernie - I have watched a lot of your videos - maybe 90%?? I've enjoyed many of them, learned lots of things, AND loved your reviews to compare to other reviews. BUT overall - I definitely liked this one the best - why??? well for one thing it was very much like I was sitting there with you enjoying all of what was happening - there was no 'production' aspect - just this is what I am doing and why with no or not as much concern about the outtakes or production. Thanks and hopefully there will be more like this. I realize what your channel is about and why you produce what you do, however, just wanted you to know in case you were interested that these types of videos are my favorites.

[@VortymLichbane]

All good stuff, Ernie. Nothing wrong with a more rambling video 👍

[@Rick-SPLATman]

I don't know how I missed this video. Great video. Love the unscripted stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBeardedBurton]

Great video man, I can confirm they are working on revising both models. I had the same issues of some warping even after 4-5 uses AFTER what they suggest on the instruction card of using charcoal for your first cycle. I’ve talked with them extensively about the main issues and one for sure is it needing a support under the grill to be able to handle the weight. I’ll keep you in the loop when they send me the new versions

[@dnice033]

Crap. Mine just got delivered today and it looks ok. Debating on if I should return and wait for second version?

[@victorbravo3222]

Hey, did you get an update yet from otzi? I looked at their products and still looks the same a year after your comment, Thanks.

[@FiresideCoffee]

I really like this stove. There may be some issues, but the design behind it is promising. Also I think a small improvement may be to use metal tent stakes around the legs to help stabilize it. Thanks for sharing!

[@starlingblack814]

Dr. Ernie, I always appreciate your weekly videos and look forward to them. I like to see your new equipment and your thoughts about it. Thank you, Starling Black

[@shaunoneill7650]

Brilliant video, I think I liked this type of "first impressions " video because you could tell it wasn't "set-up" and more honest looking! Plus it allowed people to see a true first time use of an item and problems they might encounter too! Keep up the good work!

[@GrumpyGrunt]

There are some interesting ideas incorporated into that little stove. I look forward to seeing more. Stay well down there, Ernie.

[@berniegoodman2823]

Love experimentation; yes, do more like this.

[@thomascronquist1604]

Great review. I think the stove is a great thought. If you take a Keith Stove, or others brands, and a #5 pan, it would be less work to cook, and more diversified cooking methods. Use the skillet to eat out of and keep the food warmer. During the Texas cold blizzard, I cook on a Primus stove and a Keith stove and a #5 cast iron pan (seasoned) for meals. Used the Stanley coffee press for coffee, work great. I cooked for 4 people. I thought I was camping in the cold. Thanks, Tom

[@kellyky1969]

Love the first-impressions, checkin-it-out video! Gives me ideas on what to look for in my own expirmentation of gear.

[@cuivre2004]

I just ordered the 2 person version of this stove. I wanted a larger cooking surface for the reasons we saw in your video. I second the suggestion of making a support stick with various notches to support the grill or plate at the various level settings. Once I get mine, I will make one out of a long bolt with, maybe, wing nuts that will be adjustable as the lip for the grill to rest and stay level with.

[@troybranaman316]

Great job !!! It was lots of fun to watch . It's more spontaneous. Take care and stay safe my friend !!!

[@navarrosarah1]

While I don't see myself buying this stove, I did thoroughly enjoy this video. I love this type of unscripted video. When I go out camping, things don't usually go all smoothly, and sometimes I think it's just me, it's nice to see real videos, without all the bad stuff cut out of it.

[@strongbear9304]

HY ERNIE! Where's the Louisiana Red Hot Sauce or Tabasco? How can you eat eggs without Hot Sauce or Tabasco? Is such a thing possible?

[@trentwalters]

Keep doing videos I know you think it’s long I enjoy them

[@trentwalters]

Also love your reviews keep them up it’s helped me with our hikes

[@walkerone9833]

Hi Earnie. Here in upstate NY I go out on the trail all winter. What I've found is although I love love love coffee pour overs....have many, coffee presses....have many, and different insulated cups I now turn to double walled stainless steel for my winter time cup and Folgers "tea bag"style individual coffee. I use the smaller 10 oz Ozark Trail cup from Walmart. It's perfect, keeps coffee hot even w/o the lid. At 5 degrees F. the pour overs and others just aren't worth the extra bother at those temps. I've seen this grill around lately. That warping could be a major problem and the fact that the grill and the flat cooking surface slant that much really is just not right. If they can fix that perhaps they could add a 1/2 inch tall edging around the perimeter of the solid cook plate to keep eggs and juices from falling into the fire box. Great time w/ya, thanks!

[@georgethomson8595]

I enjoyed the video. Can't make it out myself today so was happy to watch you make coffee and breakfast. Interested in your final review of the stove.

[@rodbagley]

Thanks for testing that out for me. I was the one that made the suggestion to you on your live chat. Now I have mixed opinions on that stove. I thought it would warp but didn't think the cooking surface would tilt forward like it did. Wonder if you bent the tabs on the flat plate if that would help any. I realize you shouldn't need to do that. I feel kind of bad asking you to review it now. Price wise I know it wasn't cheap. Looking forward to what your opinion of it is after you've had a chance to use it a few more times. I though the idea of it was great when I first saw it. Looks like it needs an adjustable vent hole in the bottom. Appreciate your testing it out. Rod

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Hey I like the grill overall, and things like this often correct themselves over time and more thermocycles! I'm excited to see how it does over time.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Mine works flawlessly but is Carbon Steel.

[@rodbagley]

@@PaleoHikerMD hope it works out for the best. Appreciate your channel.

[@MidwestFirecraft]

I wonder if it is like the Purcell Trench Grill where a conditioning fire (medium heat fire, grill uniformly heated from end to end, both sides) before using high heat, set it so it won't warp.

[@sillylilly4794]

No stuck thru to the end. I did stop halfway thru and get me something to eat. lol Thank you for the showing, but i'm going to wait for the review to see how it performs later on. Thank you enjoy it.

[@thathikingguy]

The warping gives me pause, however I ordered one any way. Great test! Anything that cooks bacon gets my vote

[@wurlabyscott]

Silicon egg ring might work well.

[@genesnyder2985]

I stuck thru to the end I’m very interested in this but I want a griddle plate on the ember model

[@danwaits6238]

Great review! Raw in the field trials are the best! Cheers from Montana

[@massivedynamic2339]

You get a chance to get out in the snow! It was so epic!!!!

[@dalepellerin]

I bought the Ember last year and have used on a few trips: heat distribution is poor with wood and pellets. The stove is really designed for charcoal where heat distribution can be more controlled. One other issue is you’ll find that you use the grill at the lowest placement mostly as it just won’t hold much weight the further up you place it. That then makes it difficult to add wood or pellets to it as there’s no port or opening. If you like cooking with cast iron like I do, it’s very difficult on this stove as the grill top will have to be on lowest position and you can’t add fuel to it then. I’ve tried to like it but it’s just not versatile enough for my needs and I want one stove to pack. I have the Solo Stove campfire and I find for my needs, it works much better at boiling water for coffee and cooking with cast iron or my small portable grill top. Warping is pretty bad with 4 uses. It does somewhat bounce back into shape but the problem is, the warping while hot causes fire debris to actually fall out of the bottom of the grill causing a fire danger and loss of coals. Obviously it must be used in a fire pit or something that won’t catch fire or melt and I like to cook on a table so I’m not stooping over all of the time. I’ve tried to like it but at around $200 or more (can’t remember what I spent) it will just sit now in the garage as there just isn’t any viable use case for it in my camping kit.

[@davidtiner4094]

Doc., flip the cooking plate after the bacon to give a fresh side to cook on.

[@SteveFagioli]

Like the format, fun but still informative. Showed what really goes on. 😀

[@garywood702]

I've been eyeballing one of these stoves for a few days now. Watching this video has made me aware of some important use considerations that have me second guessing a purchase. Thanks for making a product use video even though it isn't a full product review I think I've seen what I needed to see.

[@williameddy7217]

Great video....Thanks

[@patrickphillips3671]

Two tips. Season the grates with Flax seed oil. Pre-cook the potatoes. For sliced potatoes I par boil the whole potato ahead of time. I then slice and fry at camp. Because they are mostly cooked the fry goes quicker and the crisp is quicker too. I like the Gee tip BTW.

[@frankrightbrain]

Yes I loved this first time use test. I gives me a look at how my out of the box experience might be. I’m considering purchasing one and this video answered for me which size to get. Definitely the larger one. Curious if the carbon steel model warps as this one did? Still seems functional though

[@daveedwards6567]

Yes more outdoor testing eating great talk thanks

[@thbg]

Hello! Really enjoyed your complete desaster :) There are two angles for the large walls of this stove. Weren't they reversed, hence the tilting gate?

[@yellowrat2144]

Thanks for the video! Yet another interesting and fun view. From personal experience; carbon steel skillets are more non-stick than stainless steel can achieve. Definitely more upkeep, but you might like the results better. Plus it takes abuse 😀 Thank you, sir!

[@yellowrat2144]

Definitely enjoyed the informal, talk your way through it, learn as you go style. It feels authentic because that’s what I also experience with new gear.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

That’s the one I got, Carbon Steel, plus is harder than Stainless. Got mine, seasoned it, and I’ve had no issues with mine, no warping, nor sticking. I really like it.

[@robertmitchell832]

Behind the scenes... yes

[@scottplemmons9408]

I like the format a lot. Gives you an idea of what we would possibly go through first time using it. I think this coupled with a future true review is an awesome pair. May not work with everything but something like is stove is perfect.

[@gunmedic3517]

I'm a little behind on your videos but I think you do a great job sir. Thank you.

[@jedrite8574]

Thanks for your video Ernie, I like this style warts n all . May i suggest a tip for cooking eggs on a tilting plate or pan , cut an onion about 1/2 inch thick in the middle section of the onion n push the inside onion rings out , you will end up with an edible Egg ring Cheers from jed Down under

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Thanks, never thought about this. Good advice.

[@jons2447]

Good one, Jed.

[@lenward474]

Great video! Gave a square stainless stove to friend. Similar idea but square. First thing was to keep fires small..but hot. It's a stove not a campfire we found and due to triangle based bottom only a small fire needs to get a lot of cooking heat. Similar to Hibachi idea,small to used fire. Stay safe! Daughter is also doc in middle of covid...rough.

[@waltersobchak2973]

Interesting stove. I think I'll stick with my Firefox and a small pan. Enjoyed the video.

[@propellerheadnj]

A couple suggestions: 1) If the griddle top slopes a bit, try a proper size chunk of stick across a front corner of the fire area, propping up the griddle a bit. 2) I have a chain mail scrubber for my cast iron dutch ovens and firebox stoves. You might want to try one. Thanks Ernie! Lots of ideas you can try with that stove for sure. Pancakes, sausages, etc.

[@jchambers1191]

I never considered seasoning a stainless steel cooking vessel. I'll have to look it up. Good job changing it up a bit, I enjoyed watching and hearing your process.

[@junkmail4613]

CHEWING WITH MOUTH OPEN 20:20 LOVE IT!!!

[@MrTwisted72]

I didn’t find this video boring at all. Definitely would like to see more BTS.

[@markmartello]

Doc, I liked this format. You always do a great job with your scripted videos, thank you for all that hard work. But this was a nice change, a chance to see you just winging it. A little more of your personality came through. Keep up the good work!

[@stevenannett1739]

I just bought one of these,,,In fact still waiting for it , but they recommend a low first at first to season the metal,,hope this helps,,

[@voidofcourse487]

I mostly like the fact that the fire is very compact and focused heat

[@herbsmith6871]

Absolutely! Cool looking stove🤠

[@Davebone87]

Looks like a nice little deal. I would buy it just for the fun factor. PS. not boring! Keep up the good fun work!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I got the Carbon Steel, if you know how to season, it won’t stick and is harder than Stainless. I’ve had no issues with mine but I took the time to season everything beforehand. Mine has not warped. I really like your recent videos.

[@ArkAquaria]

I ordered carbon steel as well. Figured it would be more durable. Can’t wait to try it out

[@Bowlin01]

Great to see new designs, but not sure that this one adds anything/ has any particular advantages over other designs of wood burning stoves or a campfire. Many thanks for sharing, less formal stuff is fine by me.

[@kanukkarhu]

Favourite part: looks at the camera and grins. 😁 I don't know about anyone else, but at first I thought, "Wow. That's a slick piece of kit." But around about the time of the egg, when I saw the plate flopping down, I thought "Nah." Glad I watched to the very end cuz I also got to see bacon again, so..... 🥓 🇨🇦

[@billwatson3527]

Just got one of the carbon steel ones. Haven't used it yet. Did notice in the paperwork they suggest that you do a briquet burn in the stove before using wood in it.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Check a video how to season Carbon Steel, once seasoned is like Cast iron but not as heavy. I seasoned the grill and griddle in the oven and seasoned the rest on a slow burn. Mine doesn’t stick and so far haven’t warped either, I’ve used it 3 times. Make sure you lightly oil it every time to prevent rust, just like cast iron. By the way carbon Steel is harder than stainless, might be one reason mine hasn’t warped.

[@billwatson3527]

@@carmenmartinez2882 Yes. I am going to put mine together and put it in the oven at around 400 degrees for 2 or 3 hours to lightly temper it. I do this with my twig burning stoves and it does help keep the warpage down. If you put the grill in the bottom notch it lays flat on the ends of the stove. You can also take the front plate off and lay it flat on the ground and putting the back of the legs in the notches you have a front feeding stove. It is still solid if you do this. Think this might become my isto twig burning stove.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@billwatson3527 that’s exactly what I did in the oven but only for one hour (I was in a hurry lol) I haven’t done the front down but I’ve thought about it. Always fun to play with camping gear and discover new things. Someone else has a video with the carbon steel one and he said after cooking he just put it to burn the food on the pit, a little scrub, oil and packed. He does motorcycle camping, didn’t look or said about warping and nothing sticked to it.

[@Ruckanonymous]

Interesting little stove for a fun camp with friends. Definitely want to see your thoughts after a full review. Might be a good choice for an all-in-one compact stove for a group outing where actual cooking gets done.

[@Freedom4Life40]

Thanks for giving us a sort of behind the scenes video and thanks for testing the gear. I like the UCO flatpack grill that you already tested better. Maybe I just hate puzzle pieces. But thanks for another great video.

[@rosewood513]

I am waiting for my order to come. I have over a dozen stoves etc. One is the SilverFire and the silver fire scout and several gasifiers. What I doget some heavy-duty aluminum foil.

[@NOFx420x]

Great video i like just seeing unfiltered testing

[@trhaase0379]

Hey Ernie- loved this video as I have considered making this purchase several times. I think you have the front and back leg pieces assembled backwards and looking at the design angles, that may help the grill sag issue. Maybe I’m all wet and don’t know what I’m talking about. Just a thought.

[@trhaase0379]

Never mind I’m wrong. I shouldn’t try to teach the teacher. Sorry Ernie👍🏼

[@massivedynamic2339]

Welding gloves are awesome for handling fires and twig stoves.

[@scottbutler1561]

Nice review, interesting system. Would it have helped to season the griddle first?

[@jonnyb.484]

Great video

[@ChadHaviland]

I'm thinking you could prop the front of the bottom of the fire box just a bit to make the top of the griddle level.

[@johnhaigler407]

I might bring a small baking pan from my counter top oven to avoid the dripping off the side. Consolidate the oil/grease.

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

I got the carbon steel version and have not had any warpage so far, I thnk stainless is not as strong, it is nice in the sense that it wont rust but you lose some strength, I am interested to see longer term how it holds up, if the warping stops for you or if mine begins to do that. mine doesnt sag or have any warp going on, I saw another video where a guy just simply put a stick under the tab to keep it from flexing down, might be good for this company to just include a steel prop stick.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Good video. The design of the stove leaves a little to be desired but it does work as a fire vessel. There should be support in the front of the cooking surface. That said there’s apparently good air flow. Thank you for sharing.

[@pawlett1]

Could do with some cut outs at the bottom to let air in? From looking at it when you assembled it, the only route for the air is through the little logo cut outs on the side! Fires need oxygen from below.

[@ScottOwens28]

Definitely like to see how an 8 or 10" fry pan fits with that backside extending vertically... I also noticed the "Otzi" logo was backwards meaning that oannel maybe needs to be on the left-side. Both pieces I understand are identical, but who knows.

[@rodbagley]

I have an 8 inch cast Iron square griddle. Has a folding handle. I think it would fit right on top of either of those cooking surfaces. Just the forward sloping thing has me wondering. I could just make the stove lean back to compensate. But shouldn't have to do that. Still thinking!

[@ScottOwens28]

@@rodbagley I agree. You could easily widdle a small prop stick with notches in the middle of the grill. Hey Ernie, "Bushcraft" 💡

[@rodbagley]

@@ScottOwens28 just shouldn't have to

[@redsorgum]

UCO folding grill for the win...😬

[@paradyne1T101]

The FlatPack grill is better

[@hardcorecampinggear]

@@paradyne1T101 Why's that?

[@paradyne1T101]

@@hardcorecampinggear The UCO flatpack grill/fire pit.. 1. Quicker setup 2. Doesn't warp under the heat like this Otzi 3. Holds more sturdy for cooking 4. When used strictly as a firepit put out a decent amount of heat 5. It's idea for a bugout type situation

[@hardcorecampinggear]

@@paradyne1T101 Sold! Thanks.

[@Just.Ashley.S]

You missed the opportunity to put the griddle plate on the bottom shelf option, it would have been leveled and would have increased the heat. However, there is some redesign needed to adequately use the top 3 shelves options on the grill.

[@larisonjohnson]

This content was great! Just pure Ernie! More please! And I learned some stuff to boot! Maybe make a well with the potatoes, throw the egg in the middle on top of a few pieces of bacon fat. Leave it go. That fat will just melt into the potatoes and help cook the egg. They should consider a small lip around the hot plate, the front and back plates.

[@royphelps8084]

Simon a bloke in the woods , has a bigger version of basically the same stove , kent bushcraft used 1 in between those 2 sizes , neither one had a solid plate for like grille . This one is a bit different.

[@robertmitchell832]

I would like one.... but bigger... a lot bigger... for truck camping

[@rmalmeida]

I'll stick to my Firebox for now. The inclination on the plates is a deal breaker for me. And since there is only one support point, it'll always be like this because there is no means to guess how heavy are the pots or the steaks that will lean on it.

[@TheBeardedBurton]

They are working on a remedy for the warping and adding a support piece based on suggestions I gave them of my review of the Ember. This is their first start up and are working through the kinks, but a really nice family company in California

[@rodbagley]

@@TheBeardedBurton hope they get it figured out before they ship mine.

[@Lee_Maddox]

Seems ok. I think I like the Fire Trough from Richard Outdoors better. It has a similar length to be able to cook and brew at the same time. I like that versatility with that stove and this one you show us here. Thank you, Ernie!

[@chrisfisher3900]

I picked up the carbon version when it came out. Going to mod it and drill a couple holes in the front and back plate for air flow. Think the idea was excellent though,maybe a V2 is in the works

[@twhite19782012]

@PaleoHikerMD do you have any updates on the warping issue? Have extra thermal cycles helped it at all?

[@rasmadrak]

They do say in the manual that you should "pre-heat" it before cooking properly on it (not talking seasoning here), and the side plates are on the wrong side. That may or may not affect the warping you've experienced. :)

[@darrenvanderwilt1856]

Awesome vid. Learned a lot from watching. Maybe use a non-stick pan on the grill plate instead of the flat plate. The portability of this grill is its main selling point.

[@himssendol6512]

I like the simplicity and flat pack concept but the warping is an issue.

[@stevemyers8065]

I just can't see myself using this over a good camp skillet.

[@uralbob1]

I agree Steve, but I believe it would be useful in a more urban or State Park atmosphere where you are feeding a few people in addition to youself. Hell, if I drop a cooked steak in the coals of a fire, I just flick the embers off. The mother in law may not like it!

[@tonysmith5924]

No, it was a great video!

[@drzrider3440]

Lol. Was thinking about adding this to my stuff. Was. With my jet boil, I would have been done drinking my coffee by the time you started making yours. Thought about thisnfir fish I catch. Ill stick with foil wrap.

[@philruff1]

Enjoyed the video.

[@yongjianyi3556]

I have an uco flatpack grill that serves the same purpose. More for group cooking I guess, grilled a whole chicken on it.

[@dcentral]

Is Firebox style stoves allowed in national and state parks or they’re considered a no go due to being open fires?

[@armchairbushcraft2164]

Can the grill and plates be flipped over as well?

[@pt2575]

Like that coffee drip

[@OehlJim]

Hi Ernie, great video. What I see that might improve the overall efficiency of the Otsi would be to grind notches into the bottom edge of the front and back panels of the firebox to improve updraft, otherwise, I like it!

[@brianhelgeson1208]

I like this format. Natural, relaxed, and real. Not impressed with stove. Limited use. Impractical for field use. Of course that's my first impressions. Cleaning difficulties. No good for eggs. Interested to see what your final thoughts are when finished testing. Can't beat the Firebox. Take care.

[@Alaska-Jack]

You get an A for effort my friend! 👍🏻