What’s a Good Size for a Rocket Stove?

@chiassonsmoke This is the way i make my rocketstove. I feel like its a happy medium of providing height. Not to hot. Not to cold. Maybe this info will help you build your own. Or we can build a rocketstove for you. #fabricationshop #welding #chiassonsmoke #bluecollar #rocketstove ♬ Nothing's News - Clint Black

Creating your own rocket stove at home is an exciting project, and it's great to see so many people diving in and experimenting with different designs. A rocket stove is not just a fun DIY project but also a fantastic, eco-friendly cooking option that uses minimal fuel and produces plenty of heat. However, one key factor often gets overlooked—chimney height.

Let’s break down why chimney height matters and how to get it just right for optimal performance.

Why Chimney Height Matters

Many people naturally want to make their rocket stove’s chimney taller. After all, a taller chimney means you don’t have to bend down as much, right? However, a high chimney comes with a problem: the higher the chimney, the colder the top. Rocket stoves rely on intense, concentrated heat, which becomes difficult to maintain at greater heights.

On the flip side, if your chimney is too short, the heat becomes overpowering and hard to manage. Finding that balance is key to making a rocket stove that works efficiently for your cooking needs.

Skippy’s Take
“ Man, why didn't someone tell me it was called a 'chimney'? I've been calling it the 'fire tube' for six years! ”

The Sweet Spot: 16 Inches

After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that a 16-inch chimney height is perfect. Here’s how I break it down:

  • Chimney Height: 14 inches

  • Top Space: 1 inch

  • Bars for Support: Another inch

This gives a total of 16 inches, which seems to provide the right balance between manageable heat and cooking efficiency.

Why 16 Inches Works So Well

A 16-inch chimney lets the stove retain enough heat for cooking while keeping things easy to control. The 14-inch main chimney keeps heat concentrated, and the extra 2 inches give space for handling pots or pans. This setup avoids excessive bending and keeps the heat at an ideal level for cooking.

Alright… So what’s next?

If you’re building your own stove, you might want to check out our step-by-step instructions. We also have digital plan files, full DIY kits, and of course, fully-assembled rocket stoves ready to go!

6 inch Bulldog DIY WELD Kit (Weld Together)
Sale Price: $359.95 Original Price: $389.95

1-2 week lead time!

No P.O boxes

Attention: Canadian Orders 🇨🇦

Please note that additional fees may apply at the border (duties, taxes, or customs charges). These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Introducing the 6-Inch Rocket Stove DIY Weld-Together Kit – the ultimate solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love to build and create with their own hands. This kit includes everything to make the Bulldog Rocket Stove. Pre-Cut, pre-bent and ready to weld right up! Ships free and weighs roughly 75 pounds!

4" DIY Rocket Stove Weld Together Kit (1612 Model)
Sale Price: $195.95 Original Price: $220.95

🚨Ships within 1-2 weeks.

No P.O. Boxes

Attention: Canadian Orders 🇨🇦

Please note that additional fees may apply at the border (duties, taxes, or customs charges). These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.


Whether you are a hobby welder or you would rather weld your own rocket stove, we have the kit for you!

Included in kit is everything that it takes to make the Rocket Stove Model 1612.

Anything that is bent for the Rocket Stove will be pre-bent for easier building.

There will be an instructional video link emailed to you so you can follow along and build your stove.

You will need a welding machine (Stick, MIG, or TIG), and grinder. Squares help.

You assume all responsibility for your use of this product. Do not build a fire in this stove near flammable materials, pets, or children.

*There will not be any attachments included in this Kit (12” grill attachments) They can be ordered separately by inquiring through our website.

Hand Made in Wisconsin. Ships Free anywhere in the lower 48. We can ship to Canada, Alaska and Hawaii but additional shipping rates apply.

We cannot do International Shipping at this time.

6 Inch Bulldog Rocket Stove Digital Files
$45.95

This is an instant download of the entire plan of the 6-inch Bulldog Rocket Stove. This digital download includes:

  • DXF Cut files for Parts including, base, ash pan, cooktop, damper, and fuel door.

  • Blueprints of each part and layouts

  • Step by Step instructional video

Instant download items don’t accept returns, exchanges or cancellations. Please contact us about any problems with your order.

Rocket Stove 1612 Complete Build Plans
$45.95

This is an instant download of the entire plan of the Rocket Stove Model 1612. This digital download includes:

  • DXF Cut files for Parts including, base, ash pan, cooktop, damper, and fuel door.

  • SVG Cut files for Parts including, base, ash pan, cooktop, damper, and fuel door.

  • Blueprints of each part and layouts

  • Step by Step instructional video

Instant download items don’t accept returns, exchanges or cancellations. Please contact us about any problems with your order.

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Why We Don’t Paint Our Rocket Stoves Anymore