How to build a DIY Tin-Can Rocket Stove for survival situations

A while back, a solid prepper buddy of mine sent me a PDF guide that completely blew my mind: a step-by-step manual to build a survival-ready portable stove using just tin cans. And let me tell you—it works like a charm.

I’ve cooked on one of these more than once, and there’s something really satisfying about how something so simple can totally save your day. Today, I’ll walk you through how to make one, step by step, using cans, sticks, and a little DIY spirit.

It’s perfect for heating food, or even warming up a tent, in an emergency.

Best part? It’s basically free.

I mean, these days I’ve got a slightly fancier folding stove in my emergency kit that cost me just a few bucks (I’ll show it to you at the end), but this DIY version is a total win and great to have in your back pocket.

Why you need a Portable Stove in your Kit

Picture this: you’re in the middle of a blackout, maybe you’ve had to bug out, or you’re just camping off-grid. No power, no gas—how are you heating up that can of beans or brewing some coffee?

This stove runs on sticks you find on the ground and cans from food you’ve already eaten. It doesn’t need expensive fuel, it’s light enough to toss in your pack, and if you build it right, it can even heat a small space.

This isn’t just for hardcore preppers. This is for anyone who wants to be ready when things get rough

Materials you’ll need

Everything you need is at home and even in your survival suitcase in the middle of the countryside.

You probably already have most of this stuff lying around, even if you’re out in the field:

• 3 tin cans: One large (outer shell), one medium (inner chamber), and one small (feeder tube). Any kind of food can works—soup, tuna, tomatoes, etc.
• Insulation: Fiberglass (leftover from a reno project works) or, even better, perlite or vermiculite (they handle heat like champs).
• Wire or scrap sheet metal: For the inner grate and air intake.
• Half a tuna can (optional): For handles.
• Tools: Tin snips, pliers, and a marker.

Pro Tip Before You Start

If you’re making a big stove (around 8kg), go for stronger cans. If you’re building a smaller one (2kg), regular tuna or soup cans are perfect. I made a medium one—it fits in my backpack no problem.

Step-by-Step: Build your survival stove

Now for the fun part: building the stove. The PDF explains it well, but here’s the process in plain English—think of it like a puzzle… that ends in fire.

1. Prep the Outer Can

Take your biggest can and leave the bottom intact. Cut out the top, keeping the lid—you’ll use it to make a ring that fits snugly around the medium can. If you’ve got a third lid from another can, use it to create a double bottom layer. This helps protect the ground, improves heat flow, and adds durability.

2. Add the Double Bottom & Insulation

Drop some fiberglass, perlite, or vermiculite between the main bottom and the extra lid. Press the lid down tight. Perlite’s your best bet—it doesn’t break down under heat—but use what you’ve got.

3. Build the Fuel Feeder

This is the smallest can, where the wood goes in. Mark where it will feed into the outer can. Cut a hole about 1cm smaller than the can’s diameter and bend the metal tabs inward so it holds snug.

Inside this can, cross two wires or add a punched metal plate to hold up your fuel and let air flow underneath.

4. Modify the Inner Can & Fit the Ring

Take the medium can and make a matching cut so it fits onto the feeder can. Again, cut slightly smaller and bend the tabs outward this time. Then wrap the ring (from your first lid) around it, and press it into the insulation inside the big can.

5. Assemble It All

Now piece it together: big can with the double bottom, medium can with the ring, feeder can on the side. Make sure everything’s solid. If you want handles, cut a tuna can in half and attach it with pop rivets—helps when it’s hot.

How to use your DIY Can Stove

You’re done! Time to test it out.

• Lighting It: Use some dry leaves or paper to get the fire going. Don’t place a pot on top until the sticks catch well.
• Feeding It: Use thin, dry sticks and push them in slowly as they burn. If it’s windy, point the feeder into the wind for better airflow and stronger flames.
• Cooking: Place a pan, kettle, or a small grill rack on top. I’ve heated canned meals and brewed coffee on mine—it works great.
• Heating a Tent: This stove will warm up a small space like a tent, but be careful: it uses oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide. Only use it in well-ventilated areas—never in a fully sealed room.

Safety Tip

Even with insulation, the surface gets hot. Don’t touch it while it’s running. Use handles or gloves. And if you’re putting it on the ground, place something non-flammable underneath, just in case.

Why this is a must for preparationists

This stove isn’t just cheap and easy—it gives you independence. Sticks are everywhere, so you’re not tied to gas or batteries. It’s light, compact, and it works. I used mine during a blackout drill and felt like I had a secret weapon—while others were cold and hungry, I had hot coffee in hand.

Make It yours: Customize & Practice

This version is just the starting point. Try bigger cans for more power or add a diffuser plate to spread heat better. Build it with your family or friends—I built mine with my cousin and we laughed our heads off when it fell apart the first time. You’ll get better with each try, and once you’ve nailed it, you’ll feel way more confident.

From Watcher to Doer, or Jjust buy one cheap

This kind of project changes your mindset. It’s not just about having a portable stove—it’s about knowing you can build one with your hands. Thanks to the prepper who shared the PDF, now you’ve got it too. Grab some cans, find some sticks, and give it a shot. When you light it up for the first time, let me know how it goes.

So—how about building your stove this weekend?

This prepping thing is all about adding tools to your kit, and this is a solid one. And hey, if you’d rather skip the DIY and buy one—they’re super cheap and fold down to the size of A5 notebook.

Here are two solid ones I found. Mine’s the one on the left, but the other looks great too:

See you in the next one, keep stacking those survival wins!

Editorial Team