Gonex Hot Tent Wood Stove Review: Pros, Cons & Real Use
We spent a few evenings setting up and using the Gonex hot tent stove on cold nights. It worked like a solid, no-nonsense camp stove, heating our small tent quickly while letting us cook simple meals on the top plate.
The unit felt heavy and well-built when we unpacked it. The roomy firebox and ash drawer made feeding and cleaning easier than we expected, and the glass window helped us see the flame without opening the door.
The chimney uses a less common diameter. We also noticed the door fit seemed a bit loose on our sample, so definitely check seals and pipe fit before you count on it for a long trip.
Overview of the Gonex Hot Tent Stove
We set this stove up in a small winter tent to see how it performs. It’s solid stainless steel and felt heavy but still portable enough to carry with gear.
We liked the big firebox and the glass window. Feeding logs and watching the flame made cooking and heating simple.
The chimney vents well. The ash drawer cuts cleanup time.
The door fit felt a bit loose on our unit, and the chimney size is uncommon, which could complicate finding spare parts.
Key Features
We used this stove on a few cold trips and found several things that stood out. The design balances portability, durability, flame control, and easy cleanup, but it also has a few small trade-offs we noticed in real use.
Portable Design with Foldable Legs and Grill
The stove packs down small and feels built for travel. The legs fold flat, and the grill stows on top, so we slipped everything into our vehicle without taking up much space.
The top grate gives extra cooking area when we need it. Setting it up takes a minute and feels a bit fiddly in the wind.
Durable 1mm Stainless Steel Construction
The body uses thick stainless steel that looks and feels tough. After heating it hard a few times, the metal held up without bending.
The door fit can be a little loose on some units. We suggest checking screws and seals before long trips.
Flame Control and Heat Retention System
We liked being able to see the fire through the side glass while adjusting air inlets to change the burn. The damper on the tall chimney made it easier to control smoke and draft, which helped keep our tent clear.
The handle stayed usable even when the stove got hot. The chimney size may need adapter pieces if you use nonstandard pipe.
Efficient Combustion and Easy Upkeep
The stove’s rear anti-clogging design and ash drawer made burns longer and cleanup fast. We got steady heat for hours using split logs and small kindling.
Some users reported shorter burn times with certain logs, so wood type and feed technique matter for consistent performance.
Versatility for Outdoor Activities
We took the stove on a weekend ice-fishing trip and a cold-night campout to test how flexible it is. It worked well as a heater, a grill, and a small cooktop, so we could warm the tent, sear steaks, and boil water without swapping gear.
The stove’s lid sizes let us choose between a larger grilling surface and a small opening for a kettle. Setup and breakdown were simple, but the unit is heavy for long hikes, so it’s best to carry it by car or sled.
Wind and snow didn’t stop a steady burn. The ash drawer made cleanup quick.
The only real trade-off: it’s bulky for backpacking, but ideal for vehicle-based outdoor trips.
Pros and Cons
Pros
We found the stove builds heat fast and keeps a tent warm on cold nights. The stainless steel feels solid and held up during our tests.
The foldable legs and compact design made it easy to pack and store with other gear. The ash drawer and anti-clogging rear help the fire burn longer and make cleanup quicker.
The top lids let us cook small meals and use the stove like a grill for simple camp cooking.
Cons
We noticed the door fit can be loose on some units, which may let smoke escape unless you adjust it. The chimney uses an uncommon diameter that might not fit all pipes without an adapter.
A few runs required more frequent refueling than expected, especially with thinner wood. The glass window is handy but needs careful handling and cleaning to stay clear.
Customer Reviews
We used the stove on a few trips and compared it to what other buyers said. Most people praise its solid stainless build, quick heat, and easy setup.
We found it heats fast and cooks well, but long logs don’t always fit and burn time can be shorter than expected. Several reviewers noted strong value for the price and good portability, which matched our experience packing and carrying it.
A few users pointed out fit-and-finish issues like a loose door or uncommon chimney size, and we saw those small flaws on one unit. Overall, customers report mostly positive performance with a few consistent caveats to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features differentiate the Gonex hot tent stove from its competitors?
We found the Gonex stove stands out for its heavy stainless-steel build and a roomy firebox that fits larger logs than many compact stoves. The foldable legs, stove-top lids for cooking, a glass viewing window, and a long chimney with a damper add real usefulness for tent campers.
Some rivals feel lighter or simpler, but this unit feels more rugged and multi-use.
How efficient is the Gonex hot tent stove in terms of fuel consumption?
In our use, the stove burns efficiently when fed properly. The ash drawer and anti-clog tail keep air flowing so wood burns more completely, which stretches fuel use.
That said, burn time varies a lot with log size and how you set the air dampers. Packed hardwood lasts much longer than small sticks.
What safety precautions should be taken when using a hot tent stove?
We always keep the stove on a noncombustible pad and clear flammable gear and fabrics at least a safe distance away. Use the chimney and damper correctly to vent smoke, and watch the glass and handle — they get very hot.
Never leave the stove unattended while it’s burning. Always have ventilation and a working carbon monoxide detector.
How does the Gonex stove perform in extreme weather conditions?
We used it in cold, windy conditions, and it retained heat well when properly sealed and vented. The robust stainless steel resists warping under high heat, and the chimney design helps with draft in the wind.
In heavy wet weather, extra care is needed to keep chimney joints dry and clear.
Can the Gonex hot tent stove be used in different sizes and types of tents?
We fit the stove into several tent setups, including mid-sized canvas and tunnel-style tents, and it worked fine where a proper stove jack was present. Very small or unsupported tents may not be safe.
Always confirm your tent has a compatible stove jack and enough space before using this stove.
What are the maintenance and care recommendations for the Gonex hot tent stove?
We clean the ash drawer after each trip. Before using it again, we take a quick look at the chimney for any soot build-up.
After some tough use, go ahead and tighten the door fastenings. I always check the glass for cracks, just in case.
Store the stove dry. That way, you won't end up with weird surface stains.
I like to wipe down the stainless steel now and then. It keeps things looking sharp and working smoothly.
DISCLAIMER
This document is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as providing legal advice, technical, or specific operational guidance to the reader, whether as to the practices described in the document or the applicable legal requirements and regulations. Best Camping Deals expressly disclaims any responsibility for liability arising from or related to the use or misuse of any information in this document.
