A stove is essential for comfortably enjoying winter camping.
There are various types depending on the fuel and combustion method, but here we will focus on kerosene/oil stoves, which provide sufficient heat with easy operation.
Kerosene/Oil Stoves to Get Through the Cold Winter
How will a kerosene/oil stove change winter camping?
Introducing a kerosene/oil stove will help you combat the cold of winter camping, allowing you to enjoy camping even more.
Handling While Sleeping
Kerosene/oil stoves require oxygen for combustion, so using them in a sealed tent can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Always extinguish it before going to sleep.
Required Fuel
In the case of an oil stove, it does not use electricity unless it has automatic ignition.
Even then, it uses dry cell batteries, so a powered site is not necessary.
Types without an automatic ignition device are lit by directly igniting the wick with a lighter, such as a long-reach lighter.
Five liters should be sufficient for 12 hours of continuous burning.
Depending on the stove used, one red metal jerry can will be enough for a one-night stay.
Pros and Cons Compared to Ceramic Heaters
Advantages of kerosene/oil stoves compared to ceramic heaters
No Electricity Needed
Kerosene/oil stoves cannot increase their heating capacity without an enclosure, but they can be used without electricity.
The ability to use them even if the site is not a powered site offers the freedom to set up camp anywhere in a free site.
Light Cooking Possible on Kerosene/Oil Stoves
While not as good as a wood-burning stove, kerosene/oil stoves can still warm food and keep it warm.
How about warming sake while grilling dried squid? I like to put aluminum foil down and grill mochi with soy sauce.
Disadvantages of kerosene/oil stoves compared to ceramic heaters
Inconvenient Fuel Transportation
Transporting the stove with kerosene inside can cause malfunctions, so it needs to be removed from the main unit and transported separately.
The fact that the fuel is liquid makes it difficult to handle.
I once had a terrible experience spilling it in my car.
Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As long as there is combustion, extreme caution is required for ventilation. Always have a carbon monoxide detector ready when using it.
Ceramic heaters pose a risk of fire if they tip over, but there is no concern about carbon monoxide, meaning the points of caution differ.
Pros and Cons Compared to Wood Stoves
Advantages of kerosene/oil stoves compared to wood stoves
Easy Ignition and Extinguishing
Simply flick a switch or directly ignite the wick. There's no need to make kindling or a fire starter.
Extinguishing is also as simple as turning off a switch.
Easy to Install
Just fill the tank with kerosene and you're ready to go. There's no need to set up a chimney or prepare a tent that accommodates a chimney.
Disadvantages of kerosene/oil stoves compared to wood stoves
Wood-burning stoves are superior in warmth
While kerosene/oil stoves provide ample warmth at their maximum setting, they cannot match the far-infrared heat emitted by wood-burning stoves.
The difference becomes significant when used outside a tent or in a large tent.
Wood-burning stoves have a better ambiance
Kerosene/oil stoves lack the camping atmosphere due to a slight kerosene smell during ignition and extinguishing.
In contrast, wood-burning stoves create an outdoor feeling with the unique scent of burning wood and the crackling sounds.
For more details on wood stoves, please see below.
Kerosene/Oil Stove Comparison
| Heating capacity (wooden) "tatami" | Tank capacity (liters) | Aesthetic appeal (personal opinion) | |
| Corona | 8 | 5 | △ |
| Toyotomi | 9 | 4.9 | 〇 |
| Aladdin | 7 | 4.1 | ◎ |
CORONA Kerosene Heater (Up to 8 tatami mats in wooden houses / 10 tatami mats in concrete houses)
Width 61.8 x Depth 32.4 x Height 46.7 cm
Weight: 9.3kg
Tank capacity: 5L
Continuous burning time: approximately 18 hours
This is a reflective stove that generates heat only on the top and front.
It is effective when there is not much space in the tent. (Please refrain from placing it too close, as it is dangerous.)
Cooking rice is difficult, but boiling water is possible.
Toyotomi Convection Kerosene Stove, Lantern Style Rainbow RL-250(R) Red
Height x Width x Depth: 48.6 x 38.8 x 38.8 cm
Weight approx. 6.2 kg
Tank: 4.9L
A charming product with a cute red casing.
The heat is diffused sideways by the shade on top, rather than going upwards, which efficiently warms the inside of the tent.
With a weight of 6.2 kg, it is easy to carry even if the site is far from the car.
Aladdin Kerosene Stove Blue Flame
Depth × Width × Height: 40.5 x 38.8 x 55.1 cm
Weight: 8.5kg
Tank capacity: 4.1 liters
Burning time: Approximately 15 hours
This is a traditional product whose basic design has remained unchanged since its manufacturing began in 1930, while undergoing minor changes.
The term "blue flame" comes from the beautiful blue flame produced when the wick burns.
This is a testament to its highly efficient combustion. Consequently, there is almost no unpleasant odor during combustion, ignition, or extinguishing.
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