The FireTower folds down to the size of a small book and uses twigs for fuel. The eye-catching compact rocket stove grabbed our attention on Kickstarter.
The FireTower rocket stove commands one very important marketing principle: It holds your gaze. For humans, that’s always been true about fire. But the collapsible stove sets it off nicely with its steep, glinting pyramid profile and various openings that belie the internal glow (including the gaps in the hinges on the corners).
It all folds down and stashes in a case the size of a field guide, and it runs on biofuel — that is, sticks and leaves.
Built by Arnaud Desseyn, a Belgian product designer and outdoor enthusiast, the camp stove seeks funding now through October. It styles itself as being lower impact and less complicated than other rocket stoves on the market.
Rudiments as Principles: FireTower Basics
For us, simplicity is the key to the FireTower’s appeal. The shapes stand out artistically but not distractingly, directing attention toward its function.
That function is the elemental human experience of fire: burning sticks to make light and heat. The angled hopper makes short work of it, and the geometry focuses it toward a central point.
The FireTower requires no batteries, fans, etc., and it sits on its own ashtray for safety and self-containment. It bypasses fuel canisters, containing its own ash, and skimping on raw materials.
The current Kickstarter campaign, if successful, will fund a stainless steel production version. The company will also make a lightweight titanium version, but only if the campaign clears €100,000 ($117,280).
Both variants will be significantly lighter than most rocket stoves, but some, like the existing and cheekily named Hot Ash, compete in weight.
However, FireTower appears to have cornered the market (so to speak) with its collapsible concept.
Compact Rocket Stove Funding Status, Pricing, and Specs
At the time of writing, funding climbed above $16,000 with 41 days to go. Pledge reward packages start at $69. If the campaign makes it to its $41,500 reserve goal, delivery will begin in April 2022.
Check out FireTower demo videos and more on Kickstarter. The full specs are below.
Stainless Steel
Material: 304 stainless steel
Weight: 1.65 lb.
Dimensions (assembled): 8” x 6.7” x 4”
Dimensions (packed): 8.5” x 5” x 0.8”
Titanium
Material: Titanium
Weight: 0.66 lb.
Dimensions (assembled): 8” x 6.7” x 4”
Dimensions (packed): 8.5” x 5” x 0.8”
