Petromax is a renowned German manufacturer of high quality cast iron cookware and outdoor living equipment, who actually first began by specialising in lanterns.
Amongst their modest yet high quality range of stoves, sits the Rocket Stove rf33. Rather than requiring a gas supply, it utilises natural organic flammable material such as twigs, dry wood, small finger size branches, bark and even pine cones for fuel. In fact anything you’ll find around your camping area, so running out of fuel won’t ever be a problem.
Manufactured from stainless steel and cast iron, the Rocket Stove measures 33cm high with a 23.5cm outer cylindrical diameter (including the wooden handles) and weighs a substantial yet not overly heavy 6.5kg. It’s inner diameter stainless steel chimney has a cylindrical diameter of 9.4cm which is the channel by which the heat passes upwards (from the fire down below) to the open top cast iron hob or better put, ‘pot support’. This has the same outer diameter as the stove body, but obviously has a smaller exit hole in the middle in-keeping with the diameter of the internal channel. At the base of the stove is where you find the cleverly designed fuel burning section or to use its technical term ‘combustion chamber.’
It’s stated: ‘The Petromax Rocket Stove rf33 effectively combines what is termed a stack effect and wood boiler principle, thus achieving an extremely efficient combustion of biomass thanks to an optimal air supply.’ Basically, that’s technical jargon for what I’ve initially outlined. That being, the fire you make within the combustion chamber of the stove in turn quickly heats up what is placed on the pot support.
The lower section has a ring of side vents that come into play once a fire is lit allowing air to be drawn into the chamber. Also, when the cover flap to the combustion chamber is left part open this also will further aid air flow to the fire. However, it’s main function is to allow fuel to be put into the combustion chamber and has a hinged door that allows it to open upwards. You also have an L shaped additional ‘fuel support’ tray that comes with the stove that you clip onto the outer edge of the chamber’s opening before beginning cooking so the natural materials you’re going to burn are already adjacent to the fire therefore it’s made easier for you to feed ‘fuel’ in when required. In reference to temperature control, though briefly mentioned earlier, the drop-down door can also be of use to limit the air flow. I’d recommend that once you’re fire is burning to the required level that you keep it closed unless refuelling or feeding in larger lengths of branches. Also, take care to use a suitable length and diameter of wood/branch when opening and closing the flap or better still use the dedicated Petromax Lid Lifter for Dutch Ovens.
I’m sure, you can now realise, that combined with the compact size of the burning area and the relatively small internal diameter of the funnel (which directs the flames and disperses heat direction) is key to the effectiveness and speed of which you are able to have your stove fired up and ready to begin cooking. In fact, the need to control your fire is of great importance as you’re cooking over a heat source that will soon burn ferociously if fed too much fuel as the flames don’t disperse as with an open fire. Only a relatively small amount of wood is required once the fire is lit (you can use a firelighter or the dedicated Fire Starter Kit to first ignite the fuel) to adequately maintain a required temperature for cooking. This heat also transfers, and is stored in the cast iron hub, even more so once a pan has been placed over the top. This will effectively block virtually all escaping heat, so little wonder then that the Rocket Stove is so efficient.
It’s important to note to only use heavy duty and preferably cast iron pans or a Dutch Oven without legs (for stews and such like) because of the heat they will need to cope with. However, when using a kettle or coffee percolator you’ll soon discover the short amount of time it takes water to boil.
For moving before and after use, it can easily be lifted into position using the articulating steel arm and wooden side handles. Note to position the stove on an even stable surface before use, and after use let it cool down naturally upon which you can slide out the Ash Box held below the combustion chamber to sensibly dispose of the ashes which have fallen onto it. Fully rake out the old larger pieces of burnt wood with a brush and it’s ready for your next trip.
All in all the Rocket Stove is a low maintenance cost effective, sturdy and very robust, compact and practical way for making hot meals for camp, cooking outside a caravan or even your home outside should you wish to save on your energy bills. Also long stay carp anglers will find this a godsend as it won’t take up too much space in a Tackle Barrow when transporting gear to a chosen swim. Other benefits are there is minimal smoke generated as it burns very cleanly, reducing harmful emissions therefore isn’t harmful to health or environment. Incidentally, Petromax also offer optional extras such as all the usual cooking utensils and even a dedicated griddle plus a heavy duty dedicated transport/storage bag.
Review written by Pete Wadeson
Outdoorsman & Independent Field Tester of Shooting, Angling & Outdoor Accessories