This review dives into the Solo Stove Titan, a portable wood-burning camping stove, examining its performance, portability, and ease of use. We unpack the stove's design features, from its durable construction and clever nesting design for compact storage, to its strategically placed vents for efficient combustion and a unique double-walled structure. The review covers the setup process, detailing the kindling and firewood used, and analyzes the stove's heat output and efficiency in boiling water. We also compare its weight and fuel considerations to both propane and backpacking stoves, offering a balanced perspective on its suitability for different camping scenarios.This detailed assessment explores the Titan's practicality for various camping trips, weighing its advantages – such as its rustic charm, fuel efficiency (when firewood is readily available), and impressive heat generation – against potential drawbacks like its weight relative to backpacking stoves and the need to consider local fire regulations and firewood accessibility. Ultimately, this review aims to provide potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the Solo Stove Titan's capabilities and limitations to help them decide if it's the right choice for their camping needs.
Pros And Cons
- Efficient burning due to double burn feature and venting system.
- Uses readily available firewood instead of fuel canisters.
- Creates a visually appealing fire pattern.
- Relatively heavy compared to backpacking stoves.
- May not be permitted in all backcountry areas due to open flame restrictions.
- Bulky for backpacking.
Read more: 5 Ultralight Camping Cookware Sets for Backpacking
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Solo Stove Titan arrived in sturdy packaging. Upon opening, I found the two main components: the fire pit and the top. The included carrying bag seems durable, useful for transport and storage. A simple sticker and pamphlet rounded out the contents.
The design incorporates a mesh base for ash collection and efficient airflow. I noted the vents strategically placed for optimal combustion. The double-walled construction with additional venting at the top seemed clever, and was designed for efficient double-burning.
The stove top is cleverly designed to neatly nest within the fire pit base for compact storage. It easily flips up into place to provide a stable cooking surface. I was eager to test its efficiency and ease of use.
Fire Starting and Performance
Gathering firewood, I opted for readily available oak and hickory. A homemade fire starter aided the process, though it's easily replaceable with simple kindling.
I started with small twigs and kindling, gradually adding larger pieces. I was careful not to overfill, ensuring even distribution and preventing flames from exceeding the stove's height.
The Solo Stove Titan quickly generated intense heat, achieving a good blaze efficiently. The internal holes created an interesting circular flame pattern, maximizing heat for boiling water rapidly. It functioned better than expected for a wood burning stove.
Size, Weight, and Comparison to Other Stoves
The Solo Stove Titan weighs approximately 16.5 ounces, a reasonable weight for car camping, but potentially heavy for backpacking.
Compared to a traditional Coleman propane stove (significantly heavier), the Titan offers a more rustic and fuel-efficient approach, reliant on readily available wood. For backpacking, I contrasted it with my MSR WhisperLight International (about 11 ounces), highlighting the weight difference.
Considering fuel weight, the Titan might actually compare favorably to backpacking stoves when local firewood is plentiful, but this should not be overlooked.
Final Verdict
The Solo Stove Titan is a unique and efficient wood-burning camping stove. Its clever design facilitates optimal combustion and heat distribution.
While heavier than backpacking stoves, the elimination of fuel canister weight makes it suitable for car camping or situations with ample firewood. Its performance in boiling water was exceptional, indicating high efficiency.
However, be mindful of fire restrictions in certain areas and assess whether carrying wood is feasible on your chosen trips. It's a great option if fire is permissible.