Living in a tiny house comes with big rewards—lower costs, freedom, and the chance to live more sustainably. But one of the most important things to figure out in a small space is how to stay warm. Heating can quickly become a challenge in compact homes, especially for those who live off-grid or in colder climates.
A small wood burning stove for tiny house is one of the most effective and charming solutions. Unlike electric heaters or propane systems, a wood stove not only provides steady warmth but also brings that cozy, cabin-like atmosphere many tiny homeowners crave. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining the right stove for your space.
In This Article
Why Choose a Small Wood Burning Stove for Tiny House?
Heating a tiny home doesn’t require massive equipment, and that’s where compact wood stoves shine. Here are a few reasons why many tiny house owners prefer them over other options:
- Energy Independence – A wood stove doesn’t rely on grid electricity or gas supply. You can live fully off-grid with just a reliable wood source.
- Sustainability – Wood is a renewable fuel. When sourced responsibly, it has a much lower environmental impact than fossil fuels.
- Ambience – A real flame adds warmth beyond just heat. Many homeowners say the glow of a wood fire transforms their small house into a home.
- Cost-Effectiveness – After the initial investment, wood can be cheaper than electricity or propane, especially if you have access to free or inexpensive firewood.
- Reliable Heat – Even if the power goes out, a small wood burning stove keeps working, making it a dependable backup in emergencies.
“In my tiny cabin, the wood stove is the heart of the home. It keeps me warm, cooks my food, and creates the perfect atmosphere on winter nights.” – Case study from a tiny house dweller in Vermont.
Space and Size Considerations
In a small home, every square inch matters. Choosing the right size stove is critical—not only for efficiency but also for comfort and safety.
How Size Impacts Performance
- Too large a stove: Risks overheating the space, making it uncomfortable.
- Too small a stove: Struggles to keep the home warm, especially in colder regions.
The goal is to match the stove’s heat output to the size of your tiny house. Heat is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or kW (kilowatts).
Here’s a quick guide:
| Tiny House Size (sq. ft.) | Recommended BTU Output | Example Stove Size |
| 100 – 200 sq. ft. | 3,000 – 6,000 BTUs | Micro wood stoves |
| 200 – 400 sq. ft. | 6,000 – 12,000 BTUs | Compact stoves |
| 400 – 600 sq. ft. | 12,000 – 20,000 BTUs | Mid-sized stoves |
Placement Tips
- Central Location – Place the stove near the middle of the house for even heat distribution.
- Clearances – Leave enough space between the stove and walls or furniture to prevent fire hazards.
- Multifunctional Use – Some tiny homeowners install stoves with flat tops, doubling as a cooking surface.
A small wood burning stove for tiny house is not just about aesthetics—it’s a calculated decision that directly impacts comfort, efficiency, and safety.
Heat Output & Efficiency
A common mistake when choosing a small wood burning stove for tiny house is underestimating or overestimating heat needs. Efficiency and output are two of the most important factors.
Understanding Heat Output
- BTUs (British Thermal Units): This tells you how much heat the stove produces. For reference, heating a 200–400 sq. ft. tiny home typically requires 6,000–12,000 BTUs.
- Kilowatts (kW): Some stoves list output in kW. One kW equals about 3,412 BTUs.
Efficiency Ratings
Modern stoves are designed to burn wood cleaner and longer than traditional designs. Look for:
- EPA-certified stoves – They meet emission standards and waste less fuel.
- Secondary combustion technology – Re-burns gases for more heat and less smoke.
- Insulated fireboxes – Keep the burn steady and maintain room temperature longer.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Stove Type | Average Efficiency | Best Use Case |
| Basic cast iron stove | 50–65% | Occasional use |
| EPA-certified compact stove | 70–80% | Full-time living |
| Secondary burn technology | 80%+ | Eco-friendly, long burns |
The key takeaway: higher efficiency = less wood needed, less creosote buildup, and more consistent heat.
Ventilation and Safety Requirements
Safety should never be an afterthought when installing a wood stove in a tiny home. Since the space is small and enclosed, proper ventilation and fire protection are crucial.
Venting Essentials
- Chimney pipe (flue): Must be installed vertically with as few bends as possible.
- Double-wall insulated pipe: Recommended for tiny homes to prevent excessive heat transfer.
- Roof exit vs. wall exit: Roof exits provide stronger draft, but wall exits can be easier to install in mobile tiny houses.
Safety Practices
- Clearances: Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended distance between stove and combustible materials (often 12–36 inches).
- Heat shields: Use fireproof materials like tile, metal, or stone around the stove to reduce clearance requirements.
- Floor protection: Non-combustible hearth pads are required to catch sparks or embers.
- Detectors: Always install a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm in the same room.
Tip: A small fan or heat-powered stove fan can help circulate warm air more evenly without electricity.
Proper ventilation not only keeps you safe but also improves stove efficiency by ensuring a strong draft and cleaner burn.
Installation Options in Tiny Houses
Installing a wood stove in tiny home isn’t just about putting it in a corner—it requires careful planning to maximize heat and minimize risk.
Placement Strategies
- Central installation – Ideal for fixed tiny homes to spread heat evenly.
- Near an exterior wall – Makes venting easier but can reduce efficiency if heat isn’t well-distributed.
- Corner setups – Save space but need extra protection and careful airflow planning.
Floor & Wall Protection
- Flooring: Install a fire-resistant pad or stone base under the stove.
- Walls: Use fire-rated materials (tile, cement board, metal panels) to protect nearby walls.
- Air gaps: Adding a 1-inch air gap behind heat shields can reduce wall clearance by up to 50%.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
- DIY: Possible if you’re handy and follow stove manufacturer guidelines, but you must check local building codes and insurance requirements.
- Professional: Ensures safety compliance and often required if your tiny house is on a foundation or connected to utilities.
Types of Small Wood Burning Stoves for Tiny Houses
Not all wood burning stoves are created equal, and in a tiny home, the choice matters even more. Here are the main types you’ll come across:
Traditional Cast Iron Stoves
- Durability: Built to last decades.
- Heat retention: Cast iron holds heat long after the fire has died down.
- Style: Rustic look, perfect for a cabin aesthetic.
- Downside: Can be heavy and slow to heat up initially.
Modern Compact Stoves
- Design: Sleek, space-saving, and made specifically for small living areas.
- Weight: Lighter than cast iron, easier to install in mobile homes.
- Performance: Often include secondary burn technology for higher efficiency.
Multi-Fuel Stoves
- Flexibility: Can burn both wood and alternative fuels like pellets or compressed logs.
- Convenience: Great for areas where wood is scarce.
- Consideration: More complex to operate and maintain.
Portable Mini Stoves
- Best for: Mobile tiny homes, RVs, or off-grid cabins.
- Features: Lightweight, quick heating, and sometimes designed for cooking.
- Limitation: Shorter burn times and smaller fireboxes, requiring frequent refueling.
Best Small Wood Burning Stove Models for Tiny Houses
There are several compact stoves highly recommended in the tiny living community. Below are some standout options:
| Model / Brand | Heat Output (BTU) | Size (H x W x D) | Key Features | Best For |
| Cubic Mini Cub | 6,000 – 14,000 | 12” x 11” x 10” | Wall-mountable, super compact, secondary combustion | Tiny homes under 300 sq. ft. |
| Dickinson Newport | 8,000 – 12,000 | 19” x 10” x 8” | Lightweight, marine-grade, wall-mounted | Mobile tiny homes, boats |
| Tiny Tot Stove (Navigator) | 6,000 – 10,000 | 15” x 11” x 12” | Cast iron, simple design, durable | Off-grid cabins |
| Morso 1410 Squirrel | 12,000 – 18,000 | 28” x 13” x 14” | Classic cast iron, high efficiency, long-lasting | Larger tiny houses (400+ sq. ft.) |
| Drolet Spark II | 20,000 – 30,000 | 29” x 17” x 19” | EPA-certified, large firebox, eco-friendly | Permanent tiny homes in cold climates |
Each stove offers different strengths. For example, the Cubic Mini Cub is often praised by van lifers and tiny house dwellers who prioritize space savings, while the Morso Squirrel is chosen by those who want traditional durability and a more powerful output.
Pros and Cons of a Small Wood Burning Stove in a Tiny House
Like any heating system, a small wood burning stove for tiny house living has both strengths and trade-offs.
Pros
- Off-grid ready: Works without electricity or gas.
- Eco-friendly: Renewable resource when using sustainably sourced wood.
- Ambience: Creates a cozy, homey feel that heaters can’t replicate.
- Cost-saving: After installation, firewood can be much cheaper than utilities.
- Cooking option: Many small stoves come with flat tops suitable for boiling water or cooking meals.
Cons
- Wood storage: Requires dedicated space for firewood, which is tricky in a tiny home.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning of ash and chimney needed.
- Overheating risk: Easy to make a small house too hot if the stove is oversized.
- Installation cost: Professional setup with proper venting can be expensive.
- Insurance & regulations: Some areas have restrictions on wood stoves, especially in mobile units.
Case study: A tiny house couple in Colorado reported that while their Cubic Mini stove kept their 250 sq. ft. cabin warm all winter, they needed to refuel every 2–3 hours at night, which sometimes disrupted sleep.
Maintenance & Upkeep
A small wood burning stove in a tiny house is low-tech, but it does require regular care to stay safe and efficient.
Daily & Weekly Maintenance
- Ash removal: Clear out excess ash every couple of days, but leave a thin layer to help insulate the firebox.
- Glass cleaning: If your stove has a glass door, wipe it down to prevent soot buildup.
- Firewood check: Use only seasoned, dry wood. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and creosote.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Chimney sweep: Creosote buildup in the flue is a fire hazard. A sweep 1–2 times per heating season is recommended.
- Gasket inspection: Check door seals to make sure no air is leaking.
- Rust prevention: Keep metal surfaces clean and dry; apply stove polish if needed.
Pro Tip
Many tiny house owners install a creosote monitor in their chimney pipe. This simple tool helps track buildup levels so you know when cleaning is necessary.
Cost Considerations
The price of a small wood burning stove for tiny house varies depending on size, brand, and installation complexity.
Stove Cost
- Budget mini stoves: $300 – $700 (e.g., Cubic Mini, Tiny Tot)
- Mid-range EPA-certified stoves: $700 – $1,500
- Premium cast iron stoves: $1,500 – $3,000
Installation Costs
- DIY installation: $300 – $800 (for chimney pipe, hearth, and materials)
- Professional installation: $1,000 – $3,000 (depending on home design and venting)
Ongoing Costs
- Firewood: $200 – $600 per year (or free if you cut your own).
- Maintenance: $100 – $300 annually for chimney cleaning and supplies.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
| Stove unit | $300 – $3,000 |
| Installation | $300 – $3,000 |
| Annual firewood | $200 – $600 |
| Annual maintenance | $100 – $300 |
For many tiny homeowners, the long-term savings on electricity or propane bills make the upfront cost worthwhile.
Conclusion
A small wood burning stove for tiny house isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about creating a lifestyle that values simplicity, resilience, and sustainability. The right stove can turn a tiny house into a cozy retreat, providing reliable off-grid heat, lowering utility bills, and adding unmatched charm to your living space.
When choosing a stove, think about:
- Heat output vs. square footage
- Safety and ventilation
- Your daily lifestyle (wood storage, cooking needs, maintenance)
For many, the glow of a wood fire is the beating heart of their tiny home. It’s more than just heating—it’s comfort, independence, and connection to a simpler way of living.
“A wood stove is not just a heater. It’s the hearth, the gathering place, and the symbol of warmth in our tiny home.”
