My experience with these (I have a Lixada clone of the Überleben Stöker) is splits of wood take longer to boil water than twigs. The smaller, thinner, the better. They all catch fire, the fuel goes berserk, the heat is incredible, water boils fast. I think something to do with the surface area to volume ratio. Even if you're using small splits of wood or thicker twigs the very fine stuff catches well and gets the thicker stuff up to temperature quicker. But that's by-the-by, great video, lovely presentation. Thanks!
I used a catering food tin with holes punched all over it for years as the only cooking stove in my life...used as a proper hobo stove😁. Now I use the base of a Kelly kettle with their pot "attachment" that sits on top of the base to make it more useable. Awesome, light, strong as and no parts to loose. Another great video mate, thanks for it.
Many thanks for watching mate 👍. I used to love my Kelly Kettle until it lost it over the side of my boat. I tend to use a small wood gas type of stove nowadays, or a spirit burner. They are light and cheap to run. Take care, all the best, Mark :) :)
Thank you. Your comparison was fair and honest. I see pros and cons with both stoves. It looks like the bush box would last longer. If that’s important to a person. But I agree that the cheaper, lighter one is a good bargain.
Hi Robert, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, they both have pros and cons. But for the money, the cheaper one is still going strong. I was using it today out on the moors. Nice cup of tea in the sun. Thanks again and have a great weekend, all the best, Mark :)
Hi DROFHAPPINESS, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I ended up using a couple of small lengths of metal coat hanger which has worked well. I thought about using a small grill or some mesh that I had, but the hanger was going to get thrown out anyway. Thanks for taking the time, all the best, Mark.
I found a small wire trivet a the local dollar store. A cpl of carefully placed snips of the 'legs' allows it to hook on. I also found an item meant for the large steel kitchen sinks. It was a stainless still ring with metal mesh meant to sit over the drain and prevent food scraps from going down the drain. I just cut off and pulled the remaining strands of the mesh off. The ring fits perfectly on the stove, leaving a hole in the center small enough to prevent the cup from falling into the fire. Cheers from Canada
I have 2 Lixada twig stoves one small and the other medium. Both are titanium. You can get a titanium stove cheaper direct from China than you can a cheap stainless steel if you order or buy it from a US source. Many make homemade twig stoves but I have never seen someone make a titanium one. The cross pieces to hold smaller cups is easily made with some metal coat hanger.
I love cooking with the hobo. I have a folding hobo from Russia. cost about 30 euros. I'm very satisfied. It is a bit heavier but it can be set up in a few seconds. Great review my friend. Have a great time and greetings Marco & Racoon
Hi Marco & Racoon, I hope you are well 😀. I agree I like this style of stove for the weight and ease of use. I have been using the wood gas stoves more lately but I always have a folding stove in my cook kit. Thanks for taking the time.... it is always great to hear from you. Take care, all the best, Mark 👍😀🔥.
A good practical review I've got one of the cheap Chinese stoves and the little pan that comes with it does have it's uses. If you fit it into the upper slots (you have to trim off one edge of the rim with an angle grinder to do this!) it will hold enough alcohol to boil a pot of water or cook a meal in a small pan. If you're burning wood or charcoal you can put the pan under the stove with some alcohol to get the solid fuel burning faster If you do buy the Chinese one, get the hinged version shown in the video. There are some sold with separate panels fitting together with tabs which are even more fiddly than the Bushbox, and fall apart at the drop of a hat!
Nice straight to the point, no nonsense review. I liked this video and the fact that you weren't biased from the off towards the more expensive option as a lot of reviews are. A fair ballanced test with an actual honest opinion at the end. Thanks
Hi Dimitri, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I find both stoves have their own merits, but out of the two, I tend to use the cheaper stove more as it is quicker and easier to construct. I think I have only used the bushbox a handful of times since buying the other one. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark.
I've had the Lixada (the inexpensive Chinese version) twig stove for a a little over a year now and I use it almost every weekend when I go bushwhacking. It is quite sturdy construction wise, made of thick stainless steel, with a couple of braces on top to support smaller containers. I am so happy with it that I bought another one as a back up. Great video
Hi Sharon, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, the cheaper stoves are great for the money. I use mine most weeks and it is still going strong. Have a great weekend and thanks again, all the best, Mark :)
Thanks for the comparison Mark. I to have a little wood stove and I love it. Instead of creating a big fire just to cook a meal, I can just use sticks off the ground and minimize my impact on the environment. Have a wonderful weekend. - Josh
Hi Josh, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I like mine to prepare smaller things like a quick cup of tea or perhaps warming rice or an MRE. A lot of the forests and woods here in Britain don't allow open fires, so these stoves help bridge that gap. Have a great weekend too Josh, all the best Mark.
One of those cheap vegetable steamers does a great job and being adjustable fins can fit any pots/cups on top. Just have to lift off to feed more fuel onto the fire. Flip it upside down over an open fire for a cooking grill. Handy idea
I have a Bushbox XL and recently bought a Chinese mini wood burning stove. My reason for adding the Chinese stove is that it's made of titanium obviously lighter than stainless steel. Plus, I paid $85 for the Bushbox, but only $9.20 for the Chinese stove. Either stove will do its job, my reason for choosing one over the other, would be the weight factor when backpacking.
I have that small China stove and absolutely love it. Its the perfect height for my minibull design gnome stove and is an adequate little lightweight wood stove that fits perfectly in my fire kit. Great video mate, love comparison videos. Subbed!
Hi Bushcraft Baking, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated mate. I tend to use the cheap stove most of the time. Great piece of kit for the money. I have subbed to your channel too. I could do with a few lessons in camp cooking and baking, so I'm looking forward to watching your videos. Thanks again, all the best, Mark. :)
one thing for sure is when I`m in the woods building a fire to eat or drink something hot I dont cvare wethere it take 10 or 15 minutes to get things going....I am never in any hurry!
For the cheap stove, I use small skewers to sub for the trivits. They work really well and are cheap. You can also use the skewers for a number of other tasks. Cheers.
Hi WarGrrl3, yeah that a good idea. I have started using lengths of metal coat hanger which does the trick. But I like the idea of the skewers for other cooking as well. Thank you, all the best, Mark. :)
In your video you didn't mention that the more expensive stove has an ash catcher which the made in china didn't....probably important for keeping live embers from falling on the ground and possibly starting a grass fire or such.
Thanks for the review Mark. I am disabled (hands) So I think the cheap one would be easier for me. Good to see a well made video and fair review. Subscribed.
Germany: Bushbox: Around 50€ (Big One) Inexpensive Bushbox: Around 15€ (Big One) Bushbox: Overpriced Inexpensive Bushbox: Perfect value! I have an inexpensive one and I'm happy with it.
Hi Leslie, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I have never been a demonstrator, but I used to work in retail selling outdoor equipment. Maybe it comes from that. Thanks for taking the time.... have a great week, all the best, Mark :)
Funny that, I was thinking of those guys who sell those vegetable slicing, dicing, chopping kits that do things you never think of. He'd make a fortune. ua-cam.com/video/NGOjFhKeLiU/v-deo.html
This is good if I can use a folding pot that has silicone and that i can keep the flames away.... Otherwise, it's better to get one that will fit in a conventional pot.... No need to be flat in that case....
I came across you in a thread on Ant's Survive the Night channel. For some reason I'm not being alerted of your new videos though I am still subscribed and the notification bell is turned on. For that reason, I thought I'd visit your channel again. I really enjoy these honest comparison videos. Particularly when they compare higher ticket gear to budget gear. There are certain things I'm willing to spend more on, such as you put it, a good knife for example, but I generally go with budget priced wood burning stoves. Since they're not going to be holding up a large amount of weight, I find Lixada, or Tomshoo stoves to be just fine.. There really isn't much that can go wrong with them. As always, I enjoyed your video brother.
Great video. I have both stoves but find myself using the cheap one ( 6.99 ) all the time now, due to finding the Bushbox a bit fiddly To put together. Had my cheapo stove for over 3 years now & it’s still going strong. It’s easy to make a trivet if you needed one.
Hi The KitOwl, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. This is how I'm finding myself too nowadays. Both stoves work equally as well, but I tend to use the cheaper stove most of the time as is a lot easier to construct. Time is critical when tea needs making!!! I have made a set of trivets for it now thanks. I cut a wire coat hanger into a few lengths and place them on top. It works a treat and they fit in the bag. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark.
Just found this video. I enjoyed it. I have discovered that if you drill a couple of small holes in the top of the stove you can insert the aluminum round tent stakes through the holes and use whatever size cup you would like.
Hi chiefkirk, many thanks for watching :) Yeah that is a good idea. I have never thought about drilling the holes in it. But I have been using a couple of length of steel coat hanger and laid them across the top. I like the idea of the holes though. It means that the cup will be sitting inside the top of the stove instead of on top. I've nearly had it slide off a couple of times. Nothing worse than a lost cup of tea and a wet wire. I will give that a go. Thanks for the suggestion. All the best, Mark.
I love the bushbox and I also use the ultralight with my trangia they are both solid bits of kit and you don’t have to worry whether different pots will fit or not,cheers bud
Great video. I'm all for affordable survival solutions and I like the way you demonstrated the pros and cons of both of these stoves. Well done. The lack of a trivit isn't an issue at all. If you look at the row of round holes across the top of the China made stove, many of us simply run a couple of tent stakes through them; problem solved. Since tent stakes are likely to be something in your kit anyway, that doesn't add weight to your kit. Another option is to cut a couple of lengths of coat hanger and bend they ends down so the don't fall out while cooking. One could easily put a couple of those in the pouch and it would cost them virtually nothing. Thanks for posting.
Hi Thrifty Survivor, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the feedback. Funny you should mention using coat hanger. Just after posting the video, somebody else mentioned the same thing, and that is what I have been using ever since. It works a treat, especially with my smaller mug and water bottle. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark :)
Hi to you Mark. No thanks needed, I really enjoyed watching your video. You've earned a new sub. but I must have I forgotten to subscribe when I left my first comment so I'll go ahead and do it now.
Hi brother, many thanks for the sub, it is very much appreciated :) I have subbed to your channel, it looks like you have got some great videos to watch. Have a great day, all the best, Mark. :)
Thanks for the review. I notice that the Bushbox has a solid arrester plate below the stove floor plate. It makes it a safer option for me. Siting a stove is important (you had a handy tree stump) as small coals could fall through the base of the cheaper stove and smoulder in a forest duff layer. These can smoulder for a long time until a breeze causes them to catch alight.
Hi 2btpatch, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah I totally agree, the bushbox is the safer option. If I am using the cheaper stove, then I have been putting my mess tin lid under the stove to catch any coals or hot ash. It has worked quite well. But it means I have carry my mess tin even if I'm not planning on using it to cook in. Thanks again and have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
If a guy really wanted to, he could go out and buy some metal striping in a "coil," from a hardware store and make himself some cross bars / cup holder with just a pair of tin snips for the little Chinese fold-out stove. And maybe eventually buy or make a little net pattern grill to place on top of the stove to cook food on.
I ended up using a couple of pieces of wire coat hanger. I just bent the ends down to grip the top edge and they work a treat :) thanks for watching, all the best, Mark.
Hi Welsh Warrior, I hope you are keeping well mate👍. Many thanks for watching and for the sub. Once all this lockdown stuff is over I will get out and start doing the videos again. Have a great week, all the best, Mark :) :)
Hi Oscar, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍. The stove I tend to carry are the 9x9cm which are ideal to carry in an haversack. But if I was going to buy them again I would probably opt for the larger size. My mate has a bush box xl and I like the size of them. I hope you are keeping well during these uncertain times..... all the best, Mark 😀🔥🌲.
@@markbailey2981 Thanks for your prompt response. I think 12x12 should be easier and more powerful, but also more voluminous ... This year I am going to do the gr11 route in the Pyrenees autonomously and I am interested in something that works and does not weigh. You have one more subscriber. A greeting!
@@oscar3088 Thank you for the sub Oscar, it is very much appreciated. Wow, I would love to do something like that. I have heard it is a stunning area. If weight is a consideration a lot of people recommend the titanium version of the stoves. I only have the steel ones so I can't comment, but they could be worth a look. Thanks again my friend, all the best, Mark 😀🌲🔥.
@@markbailey2981 Yes. It is an impressive landscape. And I am looking with a magnifying glass at the weights of everything (880km and accumulated altitude of 50,000m). In titanium, 9x9 is 70gr and 120x120, 160g. I am afraid that with 9x9 and the altitude (2000-3000m) it does not have enough power. Thanks for your time Mark!
Hi Muhammad, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. LOL, no problem mate. My brother is called Paul and I often get called Paul by mistake :) Have a great weekend, all the best, Mark. :)
That bushbox seems like they've made a really simple device and made it fiddly for no reason. Personally, I just use 3 right angle shelf brackets - arrange them in a triangle so they rest over themselves (and look like a triangle from on top). Cost me 45p thanks to a homebase sale.
Very clever idea Tobias :) I know exactly what you mean. I think I have some metal racking in the garage made from it. Why don't I ever think of these simple, clever ideas? And 45p is a lot cheaper than the cheap stove!! Thanks for watching Tobias, have a great weekend. All the best, Mark. :)
Mark Bailey you've just earned a sub (: In a pinch though, while camping I've used an empty rice pudding tin (the tall one) and a leathermans to make a twig stove.
Thank you Tobias, the sub is very much appreciated my friend :) Yeah, I have tried soup cans in the past, but mine always seem to suffer from lack of air flow. They burn for a while, but I end up having to keep blowing through it to try and encourage the fire. I might try the larger tins and make a few more holes. Thanks again Tobias, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Chris and Sam, many thanks for stopping by :) The Bushbox is a firm favourite with a lot of people. The one in the video is a small version, as the XL is the one that most people choose. Have a great week, all the best, Mark :)
There was a review by Mark Young on the lixada stove. He put holes in aluminum flashing over the hole where the wood goes in. Too much airflow through there and not enough coming up from the bottom. Boil time went down by half. Ended up around 6 and a half minutes. He put a crossbar to raise the height of the pot a bit. Made the stove the more efficient.
Hi lakrabid, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Thank you for the info, I will watch the video when I get back in from work.. All the best, Mark.
I didn't even know such a stove existed, & glad I do now. The Bushbox boiled quicker due to the design of the stone mate, it's a lot to explain but trust me.
Hi Lucious Brun, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah they are a great little stove. They come in handy when land owners don't allow open fires, but you can usually get away with using one of these small stoves. Have a great day mate, all the best, Mark :)
Try one with the Firebox stove. Heavy, but no loose pieces, solid as heck, can do a million things with a few extras. They have a nano, if weight is an issue. They use two feeding ports, to get the sticks to cross over, and also makes it convenient to continually push long sticks in as they burn. I love mine. But if I had to go somewhere were weight was a big issue, I'm glad to know the Elle cheapos work well too.
Thanks Jim :) Yeah I have been toying with the idea of a Firebox stove for a couple of years. Like you say, they seem to work well and they do have useful extras that you can buy. I sometimes watch the Firebox channel and I'm amazed by the amount of things that can be cooked using it. It looks to be about twice the size of the smaller ones that I use, but I don't think the extra weight would be a problem. I tend to swap and change my gear depending on where I am going. So if weight was an issue, then I have the option of taking the lighter stove. I may treat myself in the Spring :) Thanks again Jim, all the best, Mark.
I thought I finally had stick stoves figured out, but I recently came to the conclusion that I don't like the way any of the ones I've used are designed. I did find that cutting an opening in the opposite side of the feeding hole solved one of my main objections, which was how much wood could be in the stove, and the awkwardness of having so much of the stick on the outside, and having the ends of the sticks at such a high angle. Now I can pass sticks all the way through the stove, let them lie flat and burn in the middle. As the sticks burn apart in the middle, I pass them through the stove again from both directions, and they still lie flat until they're small enough to actually fit inside. This may not be a plus for everyone, but it's certainly made stove life easier for me. But I still can't find a stove that has all the other features I want, such as arms on top that will fold out to allow a larger skillet or pot, a grate system that allows me to catch ash and cinders below the stove, etc. I guess I want an actual stove, at least within reason. I think I'm going to have to make one, if I'm to get all the features I want. I'm not even opposed to a stove that doesn't fold. Such a stove still slides easily into a pack, and by filling it with other gear, you lose little, if any space. But I don't know. I really did think I had it figured out, but this little thing that little thing, and the other not so little thing kept bagging at me, and now I'm pretty much back where I started.
Hi James, I hope you are keeping well. I suppose it is difficult to try and have a lot of features on nothing more than a metal box. I like your idea of a hole that goes through both sides. Having the wood at high angles tends to make it drop down and out of the stove once they have burnt through if you don't watch it all the time. I suppose having the wood laying flat has more of a chance of it dropping down and into the stove. I have seen a couple of stoves on the market that use rods as hinges that are angled at the top, They can be either turned inwards if you are using a mug, or turned out for a larger item like a pan. Maybe if you made them beefy enough they would hold a large skillet. I suppose it depends on the weight of the skillet. We have a few cast iron ones at work and they weigh a ton. I might take a look at cutting out an extra hole in the stove I use. It seems like a good idea. You have given me a bit of food for thought. Thanks for watching.... have a great day, Mark.
Are use the smaller cotton sachet packs measure about 2 1/2 x 3 1/2” and put ground coffee in them. I use one of those small wood burning stove to boil water drop the sachet packs in and I have delicious groundless coffee. Clean them out and they’re reusable.
Hi Mike, many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Yeah, I find the bags very useful as well. I bought 10 off amazon for a couple of pounds and have used them quite a it over the summer. As well as coffee, I used them mainly for teas. In the summer I like mint and nettle tea and the bags worked well in stopping all the debris floating around. Thanks again Mike, have a great weekend, all the best, Mark.
I've just found this stove on Amazon, did a quick search on youtube and found your excellent review, I think I will try it now, thanks. Subbed you and will look at your other videos. Cheers, Steve.
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching the video and for the sub, it is very much appreciated my friend. I have also subbed to your channel. It looks like you have got some good stuff going on. I'm glad you found the video useful. For the money, they are a good buy. One thing I did find, was the issue with it having no trivets. But a subscriber mentioned about putting a couple of tent pegs across the top, so it can rest smaller mugs etc. I used a couple of lengths of wire coat hanger. Easy to make and they fit in the bag. Apart from that, it has been a useful bit of kit. Thanks again Steve, I'll look forward to watching some of your videos, all the best, Mark.
Just watched again Mark 🙂. About time I got one of the Chinese twig stoves. Definitely makes making a brew quicker and easier than an open fire every time 🙂🔥. Hope you're having a great weekend 👍
Hi Rick, great to hear from you mate :) If you are going to get one, then the cheaper option is as good as any mate. I think they are less than a tenner on eBay or amazon. Plus it saves having to clear away a fire one you have made a brew. I hope your weekend is going well mate. I was going to get out, but it hasn't stopped raining since Thursday. Take care Rick.... speak to you soon mate, all the best, Mark :)
You could make cross pieces easily enough for the cheaper stove if it was an issue for you, an old metal tent peg sawn in half would do the trick, even a couple of bits of metal coat hanger.
Hi jelkel25, Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah, I have started to do that now. Someone suggested the same idea a few months ago, and since then I carry a few lengths of coat hanger in the bag. The simple ideas are the best. Thanks again, all the best, Mark.
If you have transport to get near to your desired location the weight may not be an issue. Personally, I prefer to travel light - and given the price on the cheaper stove? Have to say, it's got my vote. But, I use the British army hexi stove which can also be utilised with twigs - a healthier alternative.
Hi TheVocalMale, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, the army hexi stoves are great. I have a couple that I use from time to time, especially at work if I have time to get a quick brew in. If I was going to buy another twig stove, I would still go for the cheaper option. I like the simplicity of putting it together. Especially in low light conditions or when it is cold out. thanks again my friend, have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Gav, that sounds like a clever idea. Someone suggested something similar with tent pegs, laying them across the top of the stove. I have been carrying a couple of lengths of wire coat hanger and doing the same thing which works well. Thanks for watching, all the best, Mark.
Hey Mark ! Finally someone with an honest opinion instead of glorifying the bushbox because its european. If you would ever look for a cheaper woodstove but still heavy duty, look at aliexpress for the Lixada !! Same quality as the Bushbox for €11. There are several models !! Bushcraft is a pricy hobby so i try to cut expenses this way :)
Hi Nathanael, I hope you are keeping well. Many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Funny you should mention the Lixada. I was looking at the prior to buying the one I have. I will keep them in mind, as I could do with another stove to take to work. Your quite right about Bushcraft being an expensive hobby. I try to spend the biggest proportion of my money on the things that I need to last. Thanks again Nathanael, have a great weekend, all the best Mark.
Lixada made in China, poor materials, poor conditions for the workers, it is a product doesn´t last forever. Bushbox made in Europe, quality product, the workers get a fair payment and the product lasts longer... For me it is clear, definetely not the same quality.
To be honest .. it may sound cruel but even big brands produce their products in China or other Asian countries where the conditions of the employees are not the priority... Or they produce the entire product in an Asian country, ship it to for example Germany and put the logo on in Germany , then its a "made in Germany" product (the country where the last adaption has been done is the country where its "made"). So i'm kinda tired of searching all the details of every company :/ and no stove will last forever thats sure but for the price difference you can have 3 lixada stoves and these 3 their combined lifespan will outlast the bushbox. But if you have the money def go for the bushbox !! I'm still a student and paying my studies and going for a bushcraft knife and all the nice fun high end gadgets arent an option for me :/ Therefor i go to Chinese companies for firesteels, sporks, ...
Well, your choice. I respect it, but I prefer having a good one, eco-friendly than having a shitty one from China. But that is just my opinion. I know for a fact that made in Germany in this case means made in Germany and not made in China and shipped to Germany. Actually I thought if you for example produce in China you could write designed in Germany but not made in Germany...at least that is what the German law says.
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I haven't tried wood in a Yellowstone stove. I have something similar that I use. I can't see why it wouldn't work, and the stove would also be your pot stand. I might give it try. Thanks for the suggestion, all the best, Mark. :)
Nice comparison... I got the cheap version but it's an older model, the sides are not hinged together. I don't use it much because of that. My go to stove is the Firebox (Gen 2), love that stove. I also use a DIY Ikea stove, modified it myself, it works great too! Good video.
Hi Cillaloves2fish, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I often find them a bit fiddly to put together to put together if they aren't hinged. That's why I tend to pull the cheap stove out first. I have never owned a Fire Box. I have seen then in use. I like the size of them, plus the additional add on parts that you can buy. I may look into trying one out in the spring. Thanks again, all the best, Mark. :)
Hi Mark....Great video content as usual from you mate. Not a big fire fan myself when it comes to knocking up a brew or a bit of grub, I had a folding firebox for a while but it ended up just being a pot stand for my trangia. I thought both stoves you showed had some merits so a tough choice for people in the market. Thanks for sharing man. Be safe and be lucky, Wol.
Hi Wol.... I hope you are keeping well mate. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I know what you mean, if I'm stopping for a while or making a brew at work then I don't mind making a fire. But like you say, spirits or gas can save time and hassle. Thanks again and have a great day, all the best Mark.
I bought the cheap one to see if Im actually going to get use out of it, if I use it a lot I'll just run it in to the ground and spring for a nicer one👌
Hi Danny, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) The cheap ones are fine. I was using mine the other day and it's still going strong after 12 months use. The bushbox is more well built, but for the money the cheaper one will last a long time. Thanks again Danny, all the best, Mark :)
I've used it quite a lot over the summer and autumn last year. If I had to guess I would say I have used it about 40 times or so. I made a few trivets out of wire coat hanger and it works for all sizes of cups and bottles now. Thanks Danny, all the best, Mark :)
Hey Mark! Great content as I have come to expect when I see a new video of yours! One improvement if I might suggest - putting the web links into the description should not be too troublesome and helps us greatly! By the way, I just got my Mora Bushcraft Black based on the review of yours and have been loving the knife!
Hi Ashen, I hope you are keeping well my friend. Many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Good point about putting web links in the description. I have tried in the past and they never seemed to work. A couple of people have also mentioned it, so I will do my best in future to do so for you. Good news on you getting the knife. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!! Great knife..... Thanks again Ashen. have a great weekend, all the best, Mark.
I have one question and one idea. On the more expensive model what's the half moon slot on the bottom plate used for? When comparing boil times wondered this. The cheaper model appears to be open on all four sides. Allowing air movement from all four sides at the bottom. The other stove has only two opens. Would only two openings force more air in at a faster rate causing more combustion and increasing boil times, or not? Was fuel consumption the same or did one eat more wood. Then is the height of each burn chamber the same? Great comparison video. Thanks for putting this together.
Hi Mark, The smaller one would be my choice too! By the way, I've just found your awesome channel and subbed! Looking forward to watching more. Thanks for sharing mate. Take care, Steve. 👍👍
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated mate :) Yeah for the money the cheaper one has been great. It is always in a pocket of the rucksack and is still going strong. Thanks again and have a nice day, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Mike, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yes I noticed that some were coming with trivets now. I ended up using a couple of lengths of steel coat hanger that did the trick :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Just gave you a sub! Sammi Prepper Bushcraft Australia sent me. Really great video! I have one of the cheap ones, it works when I need something light it's good enough for what it is. I got a Sterno stove at Walmart for almost nothing it's a little more than twice the size of a twig stove, and it works fantastically.
Hi Steven, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated. Yeah Sterno make some great little stoves. I used to have a gas stove made by them a few years ago. I think I still have it somewhere. Thanks again Steven.... have a great week, Mark.
Hi quercus, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah coffee cans will work just fine. Like you say it is important to have a good number of air holes. Cutlery stands also work quite well too. You can buy the round stainless ones for a few pound, and the are already pre-drilled. Thanks again and have a great New Year, all the best, Mark :)
Only real issue I have with the video is the part about not taking pride in carrying a nice stove. I’ve had the Bushbox Ti for years and take a lot of pride in that little precision crafted gem of a stove. The titanium takes on beautiful colors as it’s used and the proportions of it have really been thought out to perfection as far as I can tell. At 160 grams it’s an easy carry that NEVER leaves me stuck for fire when I combine it with a pop can alcohol burner as a back up for sticks.
Your quite right justicar5. I have been using wire coat hanger for the over the winter and that has worked quite well. A few others have mentioned tent pegs and bike spokes. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, all the best, Mark.
Hi Chet, Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I mentioned it an a previous video that I use a small trangia sprit burner, so I decided the dish wasn't needed. Apart from that it is a great little stove. All the best, Mark. :)
I use 4 tent pegs the round metal ones and some mesh on top in my fire cost nothing had it already if you can't use a fire then I'd go for the cheaper version of that wood stove easier to assemble etc good video like it 🖒🖒🖒
Hi Nick, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. That sounds like a good idea. I suppose it would make boing a cup of water for a brew easier, compared to pushing the cup into the fire. I've had countless mugs fall over and go in the fire. I might try that sometime. I have just read your other comment, but I can't find it to reply to. But the ferro rods I usually buy off amazon or ebay. The rod is made by a company called Bayite. It is 6" x 1/2". It is quite a hard rod, which suits me as they last hell of a long time. Here is the link: www.amazon.co.uk/bayite-Drilled-Ferrocerium-Starter-Survival/dp/B00S6F4RDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524852028&sr=8-1&keywords=bayite+ferro+rod All the best, Mark. :)
Hi nene matit, I hope you are keeping well :) Many thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to comment :) Have a great week ahead, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Shaun, I hope you are keeping well mate 👍. I'm all good thanks mate. Since not working I have had to take my car off the road until I can get it through it's MOT. Fingers crossed I can get back on the fishery again soon and then things get back to normal. Thanks for getting in touch Shaun, it is very much appreciated. Take care, all the best, Mark 👍😀🌲🌲.
great review Mark thanks , I was due to get the all singing all dancing firebox recently but this virus thing means that everyone is home shopping in boredom and everything has either sold out or gone up in price!! there`s still a few cheap lixadas about and I reckon they might be the better option anyway , thanks again
Hi Dr Winston O'boogie, I hope you are keeping well mate. I know, it is crazy that the price have been hiked up. I was talking to someone who said that a some of the cheaper stoves have nearly doubled in price. I did a review on a cheap £19.00 stove and they are nearly £35 each now. Hopefully when things settle down the prices and stocks of items will sort itself out again. I lost my job due to the virus, so I won't be spending more money than is needed at the moment. The lixada stoves have served me well over the past few years. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment..... stay safe, all the best, Mark :)
Hi Ken, the stainless mug is made by Coleman. It bought it about 25 years ago from a mountaineering shop. I thought that they would be discontinued by now, but someone else mentioned that you can still get them on Amazon. I hope this helps :) All the best, Mark.
Good morning Scott, I hope you are keeping well mate. Many thanks for watching :) There are a few companies that make the same stove, so I have left a link to ones on Amazon. I bought mine form there and it was here in a few days. I hope this helps, all the best, Mark :) www.amazon.co.uk/Camping-Lixada-Portable-Stainless-Backpacking/dp/B00VNQRJQ8/ref=sr_1_24_sspa?crid=2L3OHTZWRBEJN&keywords=twig+stove&qid=1583997932&sprefix=twig+s%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-24-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFCRjdNMzRRVE5VWFAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3NDYxOTBCVUtJODBPTEQyQjQmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDMxMzY1NDNWTDYwQlgwR1NNNzMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
My experience with these (I have a Lixada clone of the Überleben Stöker) is splits of wood take longer to boil water than twigs. The smaller, thinner, the better. They all catch fire, the fuel goes berserk, the heat is incredible, water boils fast. I think something to do with the surface area to volume ratio. Even if you're using small splits of wood or thicker twigs the very fine stuff catches well and gets the thicker stuff up to temperature quicker. But that's by-the-by, great video, lovely presentation. Thanks!
Hi Darth KEK, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍. Have a great day, all the best, Mark 👍😀.
I used a catering food tin with holes punched all over it for years as the only cooking stove in my life...used as a proper hobo stove😁. Now I use the base of a Kelly kettle with their pot "attachment" that sits on top of the base to make it more useable. Awesome, light, strong as and no parts to loose.
Another great video mate, thanks for it.
Many thanks for watching mate 👍. I used to love my Kelly Kettle until it lost it over the side of my boat. I tend to use a small wood gas type of stove nowadays, or a spirit burner. They are light and cheap to run. Take care, all the best, Mark :) :)
By the time you got that bushbox thing assembled I would be cooking on the cheap unit.
My thought entirely Chet :) Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, all the best, Mark :)
Indeed 😊😊
I just got my cheap stove in the mail I watched your video before I'm going to test the stove thank you for the video
Thank you. Your comparison was fair and honest. I see pros and cons with both stoves. It looks like the bush box would last longer. If that’s important to a person. But I agree that the cheaper, lighter one is a good bargain.
Hi Robert, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, they both have pros and cons. But for the money, the cheaper one is still going strong. I was using it today out on the moors. Nice cup of tea in the sun. Thanks again and have a great weekend, all the best, Mark :)
I own the budget model. And like many others who have it, I just made a small grate for the top to enable the use of smaller cups and bottles.
Hi DROFHAPPINESS, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I ended up using a couple of small lengths of metal coat hanger which has worked well. I thought about using a small grill or some mesh that I had, but the hanger was going to get thrown out anyway. Thanks for taking the time, all the best, Mark.
I found a small wire trivet a the local dollar store. A cpl of carefully placed snips of the 'legs' allows it to hook on.
I also found an item meant for the large steel kitchen sinks. It was a stainless still ring with metal mesh meant to sit over the drain and prevent food scraps from going down the drain. I just cut off and pulled the remaining strands of the mesh off. The ring fits perfectly on the stove, leaving a hole in the center small enough to prevent the cup from falling into the fire.
Cheers from Canada
Im a self proclaimed twig stove addict so any twig stove comparisons are welcomed! Thanks man!
I have 2 Lixada twig stoves one small and the other medium. Both are titanium. You can get a titanium stove cheaper direct from China than you can a cheap stainless steel if you order or buy it from a US source.
Many make homemade twig stoves but I have never seen someone make a titanium one.
The cross pieces to hold smaller cups is easily made with some metal coat hanger.
Mr. Mark, thanks a lot for this video. It was very illustrative and well put. I needed a comparison and this one is the best video about it.
Hi Ben, I hope you are keeping well mate. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great week, all the best, Mark 👍😀.
I love cooking with the hobo.
I have a folding hobo from Russia.
cost about 30 euros.
I'm very satisfied.
It is a bit heavier but it can be set up in a few seconds.
Great review my friend.
Have a great time and greetings Marco & Racoon
Hi Marco & Racoon, I hope you are well 😀. I agree I like this style of stove for the weight and ease of use. I have been using the wood gas stoves more lately but I always have a folding stove in my cook kit. Thanks for taking the time.... it is always great to hear from you. Take care, all the best, Mark 👍😀🔥.
A good practical review
I've got one of the cheap Chinese stoves and the little pan that comes with it does have it's uses. If you fit it into the upper slots (you have to trim off one edge of the rim with an angle grinder to do this!) it will hold enough alcohol to boil a pot of water or cook a meal in a small pan. If you're burning wood or charcoal you can put the pan under the stove with some alcohol to get the solid fuel burning faster
If you do buy the Chinese one, get the hinged version shown in the video. There are some sold with separate panels fitting together with tabs which are even more fiddly than the Bushbox, and fall apart at the drop of a hat!
Nice straight to the point, no nonsense review. I liked this video and the fact that you weren't biased from the off towards the more expensive option as a lot of reviews are. A fair ballanced test with an actual honest opinion at the end. Thanks
Hi Dimitri, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I find both stoves have their own merits, but out of the two, I tend to use the cheaper stove more as it is quicker and easier to construct. I think I have only used the bushbox a handful of times since buying the other one. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark.
I've had the Lixada (the inexpensive Chinese version) twig stove for a a little over a year now and I use it almost every weekend when I go bushwhacking. It is quite sturdy construction wise, made of thick stainless steel, with a couple of braces on top to support smaller containers. I am so happy with it that I bought another one as a back up.
Great video
Hi Sharon, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, the cheaper stoves are great for the money. I use mine most weeks and it is still going strong. Have a great weekend and thanks again, all the best, Mark :)
Lixada also makes a titanium version
Thanks for the comparison Mark. I to have a little wood stove and I love it. Instead of creating a big fire just to cook a meal, I can just use sticks off the ground and minimize my impact on the environment. Have a wonderful weekend. - Josh
Hi Josh, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I like mine to prepare smaller things like a quick cup of tea or perhaps warming rice or an MRE. A lot of the forests and woods here in Britain don't allow open fires, so these stoves help bridge that gap. Have a great weekend too Josh, all the best Mark.
One of those cheap vegetable steamers does a great job and being adjustable fins can fit any pots/cups on top. Just have to lift off to feed more fuel onto the fire. Flip it upside down over an open fire for a cooking grill.
Handy idea
I have a Bushbox XL and recently bought a Chinese mini wood burning stove. My reason for adding the Chinese stove is that it's made of titanium obviously lighter than stainless steel. Plus, I paid $85 for the Bushbox, but only $9.20 for the Chinese stove. Either stove will do its job, my reason for choosing one over the other, would be the weight factor when backpacking.
Nice jacket man!
I have that small China stove and absolutely love it. Its the perfect height for my minibull design gnome stove and is an adequate little lightweight wood stove that fits perfectly in my fire kit. Great video mate, love comparison videos. Subbed!
Hi Bushcraft Baking, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated mate. I tend to use the cheap stove most of the time. Great piece of kit for the money. I have subbed to your channel too. I could do with a few lessons in camp cooking and baking, so I'm looking forward to watching your videos. Thanks again, all the best, Mark. :)
one thing for sure is when I`m in the woods building a fire to eat or drink something hot I dont cvare wethere it take 10 or 15 minutes to get things going....I am never in any hurry!
For the cheap stove, I use small skewers to sub for the trivits. They work really well and are cheap. You can also use the skewers for a number of other tasks. Cheers.
Hi WarGrrl3, yeah that a good idea. I have started using lengths of metal coat hanger which does the trick. But I like the idea of the skewers for other cooking as well. Thank you, all the best, Mark. :)
In your video you didn't mention that the more expensive stove has an ash catcher which the made in china didn't....probably important for keeping live embers from falling on the ground and possibly starting a grass fire or such.
Great review I have the bush box I really like it but over the years I have used tin cans a few rocks whatever is average thanks for sharing
Many thanks for watching Jerry :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
The Amazon stove, they added 2 pieces of steel like the expensive one for proper support for the cup or pot.
Nice Videos My friend You are Amazing creator
Many thanks for watching and for the kind words my friend, Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Thanks for the review Mark. I am disabled (hands) So I think the cheap one would be easier for me. Good to see a well made video and fair review. Subscribed.
Hi Scottsguy77, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Germany:
Bushbox: Around 50€ (Big One)
Inexpensive Bushbox: Around 15€ (Big One)
Bushbox: Overpriced
Inexpensive Bushbox: Perfect value!
I have an inexpensive one and I'm happy with it.
Lovely video and well articulated. Great review of both stoves, you’ve earned my sub
Have you ever worked as a demonstrator because you’re explaining it really well
Hi Leslie, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I have never been a demonstrator, but I used to work in retail selling outdoor equipment. Maybe it comes from that. Thanks for taking the time.... have a great week, all the best, Mark :)
Funny that, I was thinking of those guys who sell those vegetable slicing, dicing, chopping kits that do things you never think of.
He'd make a fortune. ua-cam.com/video/NGOjFhKeLiU/v-deo.html
This is good if I can use a folding pot that has silicone and that i can keep the flames away.... Otherwise, it's better to get one that will fit in a conventional pot.... No need to be flat in that case....
I came across you in a thread on Ant's Survive the Night channel. For some reason I'm not being alerted of your new videos though I am still subscribed and the notification bell is turned on. For that reason, I thought I'd visit your channel again. I really enjoy these honest comparison videos. Particularly when they compare higher ticket gear to budget gear. There are certain things I'm willing to spend more on, such as you put it, a good knife for example, but I generally go with budget priced wood burning stoves. Since they're not going to be holding up a large amount of weight, I find Lixada, or Tomshoo stoves to be just fine.. There really isn't much that can go wrong with them.
As always, I enjoyed your video brother.
Great video. I have both stoves but find myself using the cheap one ( 6.99 ) all the time now, due to finding the Bushbox a bit fiddly
To put together. Had my cheapo stove for over 3 years now & it’s still going strong. It’s easy to make a trivet if you needed one.
Hi The KitOwl, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. This is how I'm finding myself too nowadays. Both stoves work equally as well, but I tend to use the cheaper stove most of the time as is a lot easier to construct. Time is critical when tea needs making!!! I have made a set of trivets for it now thanks. I cut a wire coat hanger into a few lengths and place them on top. It works a treat and they fit in the bag. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark.
Just found this video. I enjoyed it. I have discovered that if you drill a couple of small holes in the top of the stove you can insert the aluminum round tent stakes through the holes and use whatever size cup you would like.
Hi chiefkirk, many thanks for watching :) Yeah that is a good idea. I have never thought about drilling the holes in it. But I have been using a couple of length of steel coat hanger and laid them across the top. I like the idea of the holes though. It means that the cup will be sitting inside the top of the stove instead of on top. I've nearly had it slide off a couple of times. Nothing worse than a lost cup of tea and a wet wire. I will give that a go. Thanks for the suggestion. All the best, Mark.
Mark the holes make them much more stable also. God Bless
nice vid fella .
Cheers Jason 👍👍. Many thanks for watching, all the best, Mark :)
Nice test on a couple really neat little stoves. Thanks for sharing!
Hi JT Survival Systems, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) It is nice to hear from you. All the best, Mark.
I love the bushbox and I also use the ultralight with my trangia they are both solid bits of kit and you don’t have to worry whether different pots will fit or not,cheers bud
Hi Colin, I hope you are keeping well mate. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Nice show good looking little stoves thanks
Hi Willis, Many thanks for the support you show the channel :) It is always great to hear from my friend. Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Great video. I'm all for affordable survival solutions and I like the way you demonstrated the pros and cons of both of these stoves. Well done.
The lack of a trivit isn't an issue at all. If you look at the row of round holes across the top of the China made stove, many of us simply run a couple of tent stakes through them; problem solved. Since tent stakes are likely to be something in your kit anyway, that doesn't add weight to your kit. Another option is to cut a couple of lengths of coat hanger and bend they ends down so the don't fall out while cooking. One could easily put a couple of those in the pouch and it would cost them virtually nothing.
Thanks for posting.
Hi Thrifty Survivor, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the feedback. Funny you should mention using coat hanger. Just after posting the video, somebody else mentioned the same thing, and that is what I have been using ever since. It works a treat, especially with my smaller mug and water bottle. Thanks again for watching, all the best, Mark :)
Hi to you Mark. No thanks needed, I really enjoyed watching your video. You've earned a new sub. but I must have I forgotten to subscribe when I left my first comment so I'll go ahead and do it now.
Hi brother, many thanks for the sub, it is very much appreciated :) I have subbed to your channel, it looks like you have got some great videos to watch. Have a great day, all the best, Mark. :)
Great video, a lot of educaion. The solution for me is buy two of the cheap stoves. Same weight as the the other and lots of redundancy.
Hi John, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, I hope you are keeping well. Take care, all the best, Mark :)
Thanks for the review. I notice that the Bushbox has a solid arrester plate below the stove floor plate. It makes it a safer option for me. Siting a stove is important (you had a handy tree stump) as small coals could fall through the base of the cheaper stove and smoulder in a forest duff layer. These can smoulder for a long time until a breeze causes them to catch alight.
Hi 2btpatch, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah I totally agree, the bushbox is the safer option. If I am using the cheaper stove, then I have been putting my mess tin lid under the stove to catch any coals or hot ash. It has worked quite well. But it means I have carry my mess tin even if I'm not planning on using it to cook in. Thanks again and have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Top man only just started watching your channel about an hour a go subbed and will watch all your vids now :) honest and true 👍
Hi Reidy Cruise, Many thnaks for watching the video and for the sub, it is very much appreciated. Have a great weekend, all the best Mark.
Brilliant review of both stoves - just what I was looking for 👍🏕
Hi Mark, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend, all the best, Mark 😀👍🌲🌲.
You made this comparison very clear and informative. Thanks a lot!
Hi Feast in the Wild. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. All the best, Mark. :)
If a guy really wanted to, he could go out and buy some metal striping in a "coil," from a hardware store and make himself some cross bars / cup holder with just a pair of tin snips for the little Chinese fold-out stove. And maybe eventually buy or make a little net pattern grill to place on top of the stove to cook food on.
I ended up using a couple of pieces of wire coat hanger. I just bent the ends down to grip the top edge and they work a treat :) thanks for watching, all the best, Mark.
Excellent review mate. Just subscribed.
Hi Welsh Warrior, I hope you are keeping well mate👍. Many thanks for watching and for the sub. Once all this lockdown stuff is over I will get out and start doing the videos again. Have a great week, all the best, Mark :) :)
Thanks for your job! Regarding base measurements, which one would you recommend? (9x9cm) (10x10cm) (12x12cm).
Hi Oscar, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍. The stove I tend to carry are the 9x9cm which are ideal to carry in an haversack. But if I was going to buy them again I would probably opt for the larger size. My mate has a bush box xl and I like the size of them. I hope you are keeping well during these uncertain times..... all the best, Mark 😀🔥🌲.
@@markbailey2981 Thanks for your prompt response. I think 12x12 should be easier and more powerful, but also more voluminous ... This year I am going to do the gr11 route in the Pyrenees autonomously and I am interested in something that works and does not weigh. You have one more subscriber. A greeting!
@@oscar3088 Thank you for the sub Oscar, it is very much appreciated. Wow, I would love to do something like that. I have heard it is a stunning area. If weight is a consideration a lot of people recommend the titanium version of the stoves. I only have the steel ones so I can't comment, but they could be worth a look. Thanks again my friend, all the best, Mark 😀🌲🔥.
@@markbailey2981 Yes. It is an impressive landscape. And I am looking with a magnifying glass at the weights of everything (880km and accumulated altitude of 50,000m). In titanium, 9x9 is 70gr and 120x120, 160g. I am afraid that with 9x9 and the altitude (2000-3000m) it does not have enough power. Thanks for your time Mark!
Actually prefer the cheap one for ease of use, Thanks for the review.
Hi bigearedmouse17, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. All the best, Mark. :)
Thank you, Paul
Clear and concise. Brilliant.
Oh dear, I meant Mark.
Sorry mate
Hi Muhammad, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. LOL, no problem mate. My brother is called Paul and I often get called Paul by mistake :) Have a great weekend, all the best, Mark. :)
I've been searching for a good titanium 4 inch collapsible twig stove. Thanks for the review.
Hey Mark, titanium distributes heat better than steel so that's probably why the Bushbox was faster. Love your videos, just subbed.
Hi Kevin, Many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated. Have a great day, all the best, Mark.
That bushbox seems like they've made a really simple device and made it fiddly for no reason. Personally, I just use 3 right angle shelf brackets - arrange them in a triangle so they rest over themselves (and look like a triangle from on top). Cost me 45p thanks to a homebase sale.
Very clever idea Tobias :) I know exactly what you mean. I think I have some metal racking in the garage made from it. Why don't I ever think of these simple, clever ideas? And 45p is a lot cheaper than the cheap stove!! Thanks for watching Tobias, have a great weekend. All the best, Mark. :)
Mark Bailey you've just earned a sub (:
In a pinch though, while camping I've used an empty rice pudding tin (the tall one) and a leathermans to make a twig stove.
Thank you Tobias, the sub is very much appreciated my friend :) Yeah, I have tried soup cans in the past, but mine always seem to suffer from lack of air flow. They burn for a while, but I end up having to keep blowing through it to try and encourage the fire. I might try the larger tins and make a few more holes. Thanks again Tobias, all the best, Mark :)
Bush box is good .. ace price ..easy put together.. that’s the one I’d go for cheers buddy Chris & Sam
Hi Chris and Sam, many thanks for stopping by :) The Bushbox is a firm favourite with a lot of people. The one in the video is a small version, as the XL is the one that most people choose. Have a great week, all the best, Mark :)
There was a review by Mark Young on the lixada stove. He put holes in aluminum flashing over the hole where the wood goes in. Too much airflow through there and not enough coming up from the bottom. Boil time went down by half. Ended up around 6 and a half minutes. He put a crossbar to raise the height of the pot a bit. Made the stove the more efficient.
Hi lakrabid, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Thank you for the info, I will watch the video when I get back in from work.. All the best, Mark.
Great videos my friend!!
Hi Stories & Film, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I hope you are keeping well, all the best, Mark :)
Like me old Dad used to say, "you pay for what you get son"👌
I didn't even know such a stove existed, & glad I do now. The Bushbox boiled quicker due to the design of the stone mate, it's a lot to explain but trust me.
Hi Lucious Brun, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah they are a great little stove. They come in handy when land owners don't allow open fires, but you can usually get away with using one of these small stoves. Have a great day mate, all the best, Mark :)
Try one with the Firebox stove. Heavy, but no loose pieces, solid as heck, can do a million things with a few extras. They have a nano, if weight is an issue. They use two feeding ports, to get the sticks to cross over, and also makes it convenient to continually push long sticks in as they burn. I love mine.
But if I had to go somewhere were weight was a big issue, I'm glad to know the Elle cheapos work well too.
Thanks Jim :) Yeah I have been toying with the idea of a Firebox stove for a couple of years. Like you say, they seem to work well and they do have useful extras that you can buy. I sometimes watch the Firebox channel and I'm amazed by the amount of things that can be cooked using it. It looks to be about twice the size of the smaller ones that I use, but I don't think the extra weight would be a problem. I tend to swap and change my gear depending on where I am going. So if weight was an issue, then I have the option of taking the lighter stove. I may treat myself in the Spring :) Thanks again Jim, all the best, Mark.
I thought I finally had stick stoves figured out, but I recently came to the conclusion that I don't like the way any of the ones I've used are designed. I did find that cutting an opening in the opposite side of the feeding hole solved one of my main objections, which was how much wood could be in the stove, and the awkwardness of having so much of the stick on the outside, and having the ends of the sticks at such a high angle.
Now I can pass sticks all the way through the stove, let them lie flat and burn in the middle. As the sticks burn apart in the middle, I pass them through the stove again from both directions, and they still lie flat until they're small enough to actually fit inside.
This may not be a plus for everyone, but it's certainly made stove life easier for me.
But I still can't find a stove that has all the other features I want, such as arms on top that will fold out to allow a larger skillet or pot, a grate system that allows me to catch ash and cinders below the stove, etc. I guess I want an actual stove, at least within reason. I think I'm going to have to make one, if I'm to get all the features I want.
I'm not even opposed to a stove that doesn't fold. Such a stove still slides easily into a pack, and by filling it with other gear, you lose little, if any space.
But I don't know. I really did think I had it figured out, but this little thing that little thing, and the other not so little thing kept bagging at me, and now I'm pretty much back where I started.
Hi James, I hope you are keeping well. I suppose it is difficult to try and have a lot of features on nothing more than a metal box. I like your idea of a hole that goes through both sides. Having the wood at high angles tends to make it drop down and out of the stove once they have burnt through if you don't watch it all the time. I suppose having the wood laying flat has more of a chance of it dropping down and into the stove.
I have seen a couple of stoves on the market that use rods as hinges that are angled at the top, They can be either turned inwards if you are using a mug, or turned out for a larger item like a pan. Maybe if you made them beefy enough they would hold a large skillet. I suppose it depends on the weight of the skillet. We have a few cast iron ones at work and they weigh a ton. I might take a look at cutting out an extra hole in the stove I use. It seems like a good idea. You have given me a bit of food for thought. Thanks for watching.... have a great day, Mark.
James Ritchie Varusteleka has one which is sturdy made of thicker steel 0.9 mm. For about 21 €.
So satisfying watching kindling being cut, lol.
The one thing that you need to know is to keep the wood in the vertical position. Like the Swedish torch method
does that keep the wood burning longer
@@loveworksnoevil yes. At least 25 percent longer
Are use the smaller cotton sachet packs measure about 2 1/2 x 3 1/2” and put ground coffee in them. I use one of those small wood burning stove to boil water drop the sachet packs in and I have delicious groundless coffee. Clean them out and they’re reusable.
Hi Mike, many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Yeah, I find the bags very useful as well. I bought 10 off amazon for a couple of pounds and have used them quite a it over the summer. As well as coffee, I used them mainly for teas. In the summer I like mint and nettle tea and the bags worked well in stopping all the debris floating around. Thanks again Mike, have a great weekend, all the best, Mark.
I've just found this stove on Amazon, did a quick search on youtube and found your excellent review, I think I will try it now, thanks. Subbed you and will look at your other videos. Cheers, Steve.
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching the video and for the sub, it is very much appreciated my friend. I have also subbed to your channel. It looks like you have got some good stuff going on. I'm glad you found the video useful. For the money, they are a good buy. One thing I did find, was the issue with it having no trivets. But a subscriber mentioned about putting a couple of tent pegs across the top, so it can rest smaller mugs etc. I used a couple of lengths of wire coat hanger. Easy to make and they fit in the bag. Apart from that, it has been a useful bit of kit. Thanks again Steve, I'll look forward to watching some of your videos, all the best, Mark.
Mark, you might tell people how to get kindling for the stove if it's wet. Thanks!
Hi Leslie many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. It is very much appreciated, all the best, Mark :)
And have the best 2022 ever.Happy new years🎆 debs x
Thanks Debs, I hope you have a great 2022 as well👍. Take care, all the best, Mark :)
Just watched again Mark 🙂. About time I got one of the Chinese twig stoves. Definitely makes making a brew quicker and easier than an open fire every time 🙂🔥. Hope you're having a great weekend 👍
Hi Rick, great to hear from you mate :) If you are going to get one, then the cheaper option is as good as any mate. I think they are less than a tenner on eBay or amazon. Plus it saves having to clear away a fire one you have made a brew. I hope your weekend is going well mate. I was going to get out, but it hasn't stopped raining since Thursday. Take care Rick.... speak to you soon mate, all the best, Mark :)
You could make cross pieces easily enough for the cheaper stove if it was an issue for you, an old metal tent peg sawn in half would do the trick, even a couple of bits of metal coat hanger.
Hi jelkel25, Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah, I have started to do that now. Someone suggested the same idea a few months ago, and since then I carry a few lengths of coat hanger in the bag. The simple ideas are the best. Thanks again, all the best, Mark.
If you have transport to get near to your desired location the weight may not be an issue. Personally, I prefer to travel light - and given the price on the cheaper stove?
Have to say, it's got my vote. But, I use the British army hexi stove which can also be utilised with twigs - a healthier alternative.
Hi TheVocalMale, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I agree, the army hexi stoves are great. I have a couple that I use from time to time, especially at work if I have time to get a quick brew in. If I was going to buy another twig stove, I would still go for the cheaper option. I like the simplicity of putting it together. Especially in low light conditions or when it is cold out. thanks again my friend, have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Hey Mark, sure appreciate your effort and acknowledgment
Your welcome Lance.... Have a great weekend :)
i got a cheapie one, cut two little slots each side, and use some bicycle wheel spokes cut down to sit my smaller ti mug on..... works great for me.
Hi Gav, that sounds like a clever idea. Someone suggested something similar with tent pegs, laying them across the top of the stove. I have been carrying a couple of lengths of wire coat hanger and doing the same thing which works well. Thanks for watching, all the best, Mark.
This is amazing useful stuff
Thank you for stopping by my friend..... have a great day, all the best, Mark 👍😀.
Hey Mark ! Finally someone with an honest opinion instead of glorifying the bushbox because its european. If you would ever look for a cheaper woodstove but still heavy duty, look at aliexpress for the Lixada !! Same quality as the Bushbox for €11. There are several models !! Bushcraft is a pricy hobby so i try to cut expenses this way :)
Hi Nathanael, I hope you are keeping well. Many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Funny you should mention the Lixada. I was looking at the prior to buying the one I have. I will keep them in mind, as I could do with another stove to take to work. Your quite right about Bushcraft being an expensive hobby. I try to spend the biggest proportion of my money on the things that I need to last. Thanks again Nathanael, have a great weekend, all the best Mark.
Lixada made in China, poor materials, poor conditions for the workers, it is a product doesn´t last forever. Bushbox made in Europe, quality product, the workers get a fair payment and the product lasts longer... For me it is clear, definetely not the same quality.
Hi La Chica Del Escaner, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a great day, all the best Mark.
To be honest .. it may sound cruel but even big brands produce their products in China or other Asian countries where the conditions of the employees are not the priority... Or they produce the entire product in an Asian country, ship it to for example Germany and put the logo on in Germany , then its a "made in Germany" product (the country where the last adaption has been done is the country where its "made"). So i'm kinda tired of searching all the details of every company :/ and no stove will last forever thats sure but for the price difference you can have 3 lixada stoves and these 3 their combined lifespan will outlast the bushbox. But if you have the money def go for the bushbox !! I'm still a student and paying my studies and going for a bushcraft knife and all the nice fun high end gadgets arent an option for me :/ Therefor i go to Chinese companies for firesteels, sporks, ...
Well, your choice. I respect it, but I prefer having a good one, eco-friendly than having a shitty one from China. But that is just my opinion.
I know for a fact that made in Germany in this case means made in Germany and not made in China and shipped to Germany. Actually I thought if you for example produce in China you could write designed in Germany but not made in Germany...at least that is what the German law says.
I own the cheaper one and it does the job fine 👍👍
Cheers for watching Mark 👍.
Have a great week, all the best, Mark.
Have you compared the Yellowstone folding stove complete with fuel blocks circa £4.50, and replaced the blocks with wood etc.
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I haven't tried wood in a Yellowstone stove. I have something similar that I use. I can't see why it wouldn't work, and the stove would also be your pot stand. I might give it try. Thanks for the suggestion, all the best, Mark. :)
Nice comparison... I got the cheap version but it's an older model, the sides are not hinged together. I don't use it much because of that. My go to stove is the Firebox (Gen 2), love that stove. I also use a DIY Ikea stove, modified it myself, it works great too!
Good video.
Hi Cillaloves2fish, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I often find them a bit fiddly to put together to put together if they aren't hinged. That's why I tend to pull the cheap stove out first. I have never owned a Fire Box. I have seen then in use. I like the size of them, plus the additional add on parts that you can buy. I may look into trying one out in the spring. Thanks again, all the best, Mark. :)
Hi Mark....Great video content as usual from you mate. Not a big fire fan myself when it comes to knocking up a brew or a bit of grub, I had a folding firebox for a while but it ended up just being a pot stand for my trangia. I thought both stoves you showed had some merits so a tough choice for people in the market. Thanks for sharing man. Be safe and be lucky, Wol.
Hi Wol.... I hope you are keeping well mate. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I know what you mean, if I'm stopping for a while or making a brew at work then I don't mind making a fire. But like you say, spirits or gas can save time and hassle. Thanks again and have a great day, all the best Mark.
I bought the cheap one to see if Im actually going to get use out of it, if I use it a lot I'll just run it in to the ground and spring for a nicer one👌
Hi Danny, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) The cheap ones are fine. I was using mine the other day and it's still going strong after 12 months use. The bushbox is more well built, but for the money the cheaper one will last a long time. Thanks again Danny, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 How many burns so far would you say you have done in it
I've used it quite a lot over the summer and autumn last year. If I had to guess I would say I have used it about 40 times or so. I made a few trivets out of wire coat hanger and it works for all sizes of cups and bottles now. Thanks Danny, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 thank you! I feel much better about my purchase. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Safe journeys friend.
learning a lot of you mark
Hi Pauline, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) I'm glad the video are useful to you. Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Hey Mark! Great content as I have come to expect when I see a new video of yours! One improvement if I might suggest - putting the web links into the description should not be too troublesome and helps us greatly! By the way, I just got my Mora Bushcraft Black based on the review of yours and have been loving the knife!
Hi Ashen, I hope you are keeping well my friend. Many thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. Good point about putting web links in the description. I have tried in the past and they never seemed to work. A couple of people have also mentioned it, so I will do my best in future to do so for you. Good news on you getting the knife. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!! Great knife..... Thanks again Ashen. have a great weekend, all the best, Mark.
I have one question and one idea. On the more expensive model what's the half moon slot on the bottom plate used for?
When comparing boil times wondered this. The cheaper model appears to be open on all four sides. Allowing air movement from all four sides at the bottom. The other stove has only two opens. Would only two openings force more air in at a faster rate causing more combustion and increasing boil times, or not? Was fuel consumption the same or did one eat more wood. Then is the height of each burn chamber the same? Great comparison video. Thanks for putting this together.
Hi Mark, The smaller one would be my choice too!
By the way, I've just found your awesome channel and subbed! Looking forward to watching more. Thanks for sharing mate.
Take care, Steve. 👍👍
Hi Steve, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated mate :) Yeah for the money the cheaper one has been great. It is always in a pocket of the rucksack and is still going strong. Thanks again and have a nice day, all the best, Mark :)
The pan you threw out is for setting a trangia on, puts it 1" from your pot.
Thanks Mark, can't see me trading up from my Lixada, especially as they can be bought with trivets now 👍🙂
Hi Mike, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yes I noticed that some were coming with trivets now. I ended up using a couple of lengths of steel coat hanger that did the trick :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 Cheers Mark, have a great day too.
Just gave you a sub! Sammi Prepper Bushcraft Australia sent me. Really great video! I have one of the cheap ones, it works when I need something light it's good enough for what it is. I got a Sterno stove at Walmart for almost nothing it's a little more than twice the size of a twig stove, and it works fantastically.
Hi Steven, many thanks for watching and for the sub, it is very much appreciated. Yeah Sterno make some great little stoves. I used to have a gas stove made by them a few years ago. I think I still have it somewhere. Thanks again Steven.... have a great week, Mark.
I pound coffee can with he appropriate holes use one yr. get another. Just a thought. Good video, Thank You.
Hi quercus, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Yeah coffee cans will work just fine. Like you say it is important to have a good number of air holes. Cutlery stands also work quite well too. You can buy the round stainless ones for a few pound, and the are already pre-drilled. Thanks again and have a great New Year, all the best, Mark :)
Only real issue I have with the video is the part about not taking pride in carrying a nice stove. I’ve had the Bushbox Ti for years and take a lot of pride in that little precision crafted gem of a stove. The titanium takes on beautiful colors as it’s used and the proportions of it have really been thought out to perfection as far as I can tell. At 160 grams it’s an easy carry that NEVER leaves me stuck for fire when I combine it with a pop can alcohol burner as a back up for sticks.
Hi mark hope you are well .not seen any posts in ages .
would tent pegs got through those holes at the top of the cheap stove? Could balance a mug on them if so
Your quite right justicar5. I have been using wire coat hanger for the over the winter and that has worked quite well. A few others have mentioned tent pegs and bike spokes. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, all the best, Mark.
I prefer the Unigear Folding Stove. Just got they are great. Cheers from George
Hi MakeDoAndMend, thanks for watching, all the best, Mark.
the little pan you threw away was for using alcohol to burn.
Hi Chet, Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yeah I mentioned it an a previous video that I use a small trangia sprit burner, so I decided the dish wasn't needed. Apart from that it is a great little stove. All the best, Mark. :)
Great vid good info covered all points really helped in my choice good one mate
Hi Tim, I'm glad you found the video useful mate :) Thank you as always for watching and taking the time to comment. All the best, Mark :)
I use 4 tent pegs the round metal ones and some mesh on top in my fire cost nothing had it already if you can't use a fire then I'd go for the cheaper version of that wood stove easier to assemble etc good video like it 🖒🖒🖒
Hi Nick, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. That sounds like a good idea. I suppose it would make boing a cup of water for a brew easier, compared to pushing the cup into the fire. I've had countless mugs fall over and go in the fire. I might try that sometime. I have just read your other comment, but I can't find it to reply to. But the ferro rods I usually buy off amazon or ebay. The rod is made by a company called Bayite. It is 6" x 1/2". It is quite a hard rod, which suits me as they last hell of a long time. Here is the link: www.amazon.co.uk/bayite-Drilled-Ferrocerium-Starter-Survival/dp/B00S6F4RDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524852028&sr=8-1&keywords=bayite+ferro+rod All the best, Mark. :)
Mark Bailey sweet thanks
Your welcome mate :)
Wow sharp cool thank you for sharing its me nenematit.
Hi nene matit, I hope you are keeping well :) Many thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to comment :) Have a great week ahead, all the best, Mark :)
@@markbailey2981 no problem mark yeah I like the video
hi mark are you ok it been a while since i heard from you hope everything ok mate
Hi Shaun, I hope you are keeping well mate 👍. I'm all good thanks mate. Since not working I have had to take my car off the road until I can get it through it's MOT. Fingers crossed I can get back on the fishery again soon and then things get back to normal. Thanks for getting in touch Shaun, it is very much appreciated. Take care, all the best, Mark 👍😀🌲🌲.
great comparison
atb
steve
Thanks for watching so steve and taking the time to comment. Have a great day, all the best, Mark.
I’ve heard that it takes LONGER to boil water in a titanium pot vs stainless steel. One advantage of using stainless steel cookware.
great review Mark thanks , I was due to get the all singing all dancing firebox recently but this virus thing means that everyone is home shopping in boredom and everything has either sold out or gone up in price!! there`s still a few cheap lixadas about and I reckon they might be the better option anyway , thanks again
Hi Dr Winston O'boogie, I hope you are keeping well mate. I know, it is crazy that the price have been hiked up. I was talking to someone who said that a some of the cheaper stoves have nearly doubled in price. I did a review on a cheap £19.00 stove and they are nearly £35 each now. Hopefully when things settle down the prices and stocks of items will sort itself out again. I lost my job due to the virus, so I won't be spending more money than is needed at the moment. The lixada stoves have served me well over the past few years. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment..... stay safe, all the best, Mark :)
Where did you het that large stainless mug?
Hi Ken, the stainless mug is made by Coleman. It bought it about 25 years ago from a mountaineering shop. I thought that they would be discontinued by now, but someone else mentioned that you can still get them on Amazon. I hope this helps :) All the best, Mark.
You constructed the fires differently with differant sized sticks is the difference in boil times
Nice job mate.
Cheers Andrew, thanks for watching. All the best, Mark.
Great Vid as always mark.
Do you have a link for the cheaper stove. Thanks 🌲
Good morning Scott, I hope you are keeping well mate. Many thanks for watching :) There are a few companies that make the same stove, so I have left a link to ones on Amazon. I bought mine form there and it was here in a few days. I hope this helps, all the best, Mark :) www.amazon.co.uk/Camping-Lixada-Portable-Stainless-Backpacking/dp/B00VNQRJQ8/ref=sr_1_24_sspa?crid=2L3OHTZWRBEJN&keywords=twig+stove&qid=1583997932&sprefix=twig+s%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-24-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFCRjdNMzRRVE5VWFAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3NDYxOTBCVUtJODBPTEQyQjQmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDMxMzY1NDNWTDYwQlgwR1NNNzMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
i just discover you my friend,very good work..greetings from Greece
Hi Faih Flash, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. have a great weekend, all the best. Mark :)
Great video dear!
Hi Rudra Tutorial Classes, many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark :)
Nice one!
Thanks Kyt :) Have a great day, all the best, Mark.