Top positive review
26 people found this helpful
Absolutely brilliant simplicity and amazing performance!
By Amazn Buyer on Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2019
The primary reason I purchased this stove is for heating water to make soup or re-hydrating freeze-dried meals while out on all-day, mountain hikes. All day - dark to dark. A nice bonus with this stove is I can make a nicely sized fire that is very well contained, yet still projects a ton of heat. Having a fire is an amazing morale booster on cold, wet or frigid days and I think the kampMate will deliver that with ease. The stove is a little bit hefty, but it packs down to nothing. Compared to my liquid or gas fueled stoves, with the kampMate i don't need to muss around with liquid fuel or worry about canisters running out. So in reality compared to my other stoves there really is little actual weight penalty. I've not yet put the stove to use in field conditions (I've had it less than 24 hours so have used it only once in my back yard). However, the quality of the material and a seemingly efficient use of fuel makes me think this will be an excellent performing tool if all remains the same.... Ultimately time and use will tell... I am not associated with or compensated by kampMate or even know anyone who has a relationship with kampmate in any way whatsoever. I paid the $29.99 Amazon price just like everyone else. So yeah, this little stove really is a great bit of gear and at a bargain-basement price. I wish i had connected with one years ago!
Top critical review
5 people found this helpful
Too big, too heavy, warped after one use
By J. S. Radford on Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016
UPDATE 3 days later: I would give this 3.5 stars if I could. Not worth 4 stars, though. The seller offers unbidden, to replace warped one. That is impressive. But I think I will keep it and MAYBE use in future on trips with groups (not just me). The warping is not terrible and I suppose I can live with it. The size is a major concern but, when not going solo, maybe the weight won't matter. SUGGESTION: I think this model should be shown in comparison to items that give a real feel for its size. I see one pic showing a range of stoves next to it but even though this model is at the high end of the list, one just cannot get a good idea of how big it is. I had no clue and maybe would not even have figured it out as being too big for my use just judging from the dimensions (which I did not really examine carefully). Again, "big" to me is relative to solo use size I was looking for. I still prefer my full-size Toaks but have had to modify it in several ways. W/O mods, I would give the Toaks maybe 2 stars; with my mods, I only still give it 3 stars (deductions being for having to do mods at all!). Anyway, I like the way the Toaks functions and the fact that it never gets sooty and dirty (soot burns of inside and outside is always clean anyway) and the fact that it fits one of my pack pockets perfectly with room to spare and with the inside of the stove available for matches, starter material, vinyl 1/4" blow tubing, etc. Ironically, I would probably love the Vargo if it were BIGGER. Seems just too small from what I can tell. All-in-all, the Emberlit is probably in the sweet spot and if I were not already sorta committed to Toaks (bought smaller version that was TOO small and bought a second full-size one to modify neatly now that I've drilled original one to death). Yeah, maybe I'll buy the Titanium Emberlit and give awy the Toakses. It seems just right. ......................................... ORIGINAL REVIEW: I was shocked, having dealt only with Toaks Titanium wood stove and the Solo wood stove, to get the WoodFlame stove. It is much heavier. Too heavy for backpacking, really, now that I have a baseline expectation of what a wood stove should weigh. Further, it is needlessly large and too open on the wood feeding side. It requires pretty much the same amount of wood as a plain old cooking campfire, which I have built for the last 43 years. That is not what I expect of a wood stove. I figure a wood stove should take just a fraction of the fuel a campfire needs to cook. Finally, I was dismayed to find that the stove got warped after one, very minimal use. The horizontal base plate is decidedly warped and at least one of the verticals is decidedly warped. The stove, when placed on a flat surface, wobbles with only 2 points of contact. Not good.
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Absolutely brilliant simplicity and amazing performance!
By Amazn Buyer - Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
The primary reason I purchased this stove is for heating water to make soup or re-hydrating freeze-dried meals while out on all-day, mountain hikes. All day - dark to dark. A nice bonus with this stove is I can make a nicely sized fire that is very well contained, yet still projects a ton of heat. Having a fire is an amazing morale booster on cold, wet or frigid days and I think the kampMate will deliver that with ease. The stove is a little bit hefty, but it packs down to nothing. Compared to my liquid or gas fueled stoves, with the kampMate i don't need to muss around with liquid fuel or worry about canisters running out. So in reality compared to my other stoves there really is little actual weight penalty. I've not yet put the stove to use in field conditions (I've had it less than 24 hours so have used it only once in my back yard). However, the quality of the material and a seemingly efficient use of fuel makes me think this will be an excellent performing tool if all remains the same.... Ultimately time and use will tell... I am not associated with or compensated by kampMate or even know anyone who has a relationship with kampmate in any way whatsoever. I paid the $29.99 Amazon price just like everyone else. So yeah, this little stove really is a great bit of gear and at a bargain-basement price. I wish i had connected with one years ago!
Stout
By Sam - Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
Verified Amazon Purchase
This little stove is stout and compact, exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something easy to use that heated efficiently and also packed small and didn't rely on external fuel. I knew I didn't want an ultralight titanium pillbox like I've watched my friends tinker with on trips in the past, always struggling to balance pots on or keep from collapsing. 1lb doesn't bother me at all and this stove is so sturdy when assembled, which takes about 10 seconds. The first time I used it on a trip it was super windy and drizzling and I never had to worry about it tipping over, it didn't move an inch. It is also pretty well shielded from wind with the tall sides, so once the fire is going I didn't have any issues with it blowing out. It heated my food and boiled my water as expected. It also worked great as a quick and contained way to get a fire going just to warm up my hands and dry out my gloves. Couldn't be happier!
Great Stove
By ARB does not provide the needed hardware for the installation. Poor customer service us top notch. - Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
Verified Amazon Purchase
First big plus, this stove is well packaged. Every piece is covered in a protective film to protect it from scratches while in transport. It is well made, sturdy and easy to put together. It took me 3 minutes. The two cross sections can be set in two different positions to accommodate pot & pan sizes. The fuel compartment is roomy for whatever method you chose to cook. It folds flat inside the nice canvas bag. I havn't found anything negative about this stove. I absolutely love it.
What a great stove!
By The Lawn Ranger - Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
I am too much of a stove junkie. I have the big original Littlbug from some years ago which is incredible, the original stainless Emberlit which is for me a great one-person stove, and now today this kampMATE which fits right in between, plenty of firepower for two people I'd say but still small enough for one unless you are an ultra-light fanatic. Since I come from the era when a 30 or even a 40-pound backpack was considered "light" I don't really count ounces or grams and all of these stoves are great. I've abandoned all my stoves which need to have fuel carried along with them, at least during relatively dry weather. I still love a kerosene stove I have, and various MSR stoves, and even the two-burner Coleman for car camping. But I guess I like "getting back to basics" with these stoves that burn hot and fast with just small twigs and branches and detritus you can find almost anywhere you camp. Sure the pots get sooted up but so what? Put 'em in a sack and no problem. The fit and finish of the kampMATE is good, I have no complaints whatsoever. My first impression on firing it up is that just maybe it does not draw quite as well as the Emberlit, but I could be wrong. Plus it has some holes in the bottom plate that will let hot ash drop out, unlike the Emberlit. But much less than the Littlbug which is completely open on the bottom and will leave a fire scar but one that is easily rubbed out. I like it and would buy it again. There are so many great choices for all kinds of camping and backpacking equipment nowadays, at least in the US, what a great time to be alive. From left to right in the image below: Littlbug, kampMATE, Emberlit and the Foldable Pocket Cooker at about 2 lbs. LOL.
versatile, sturdy, portable camp stove - excellent product
By AM - Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2017
Verified Amazon Purchase
Excellent camping stove - sturdy and versatile. I initially hesitated purchasing it in view of the size. In retrospect - having bought and used in on a recent 4-day camping trip - it was a great decision. The large opening makes for a very comfortable flame management (adding fuel is easy and convenient). The larger cooking surface adds to the overall sturdiness. You could burn anything in it - small and medium twigs, pine cones, dry moss, not to mention fuel tablets and other less romantic fuel options. I had a 4-liter pot filled with liquid sitting on top of the stove, and it couldn't have been more stable. Yes, it would char the pot's surface unlike the jet boil or other portable gas stoves, but I don't mind it in the least. There's something to be said about the charm of the food cooking in a blackened pot on the open flame - totally worth it. Great product. One final note - its' just a tad on a heav(ier) side, but we're really talking 200gm compared to the smaller and more expensive Emberlit stove. not a big deal in my opinion. buy it, you won't regret it!!!
Great Wood Stove
By Teotwawki Johnny - Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
I have been a long time proponent of the Emberlit series of stoves, and I am a recent convert to ultralight backpacking. Also, I have wanted a larger version of the original Emberlit stove for a LONG time. Well, the kampMATE is exactly that. According to the manufacturer, the kampMATE is 30% larger than the standard Emberlit. Without measuring, I have no reason to dispute that. The inner volume is definately larger, and the plates are noticeably thicker. Some simple math shows that the inner volume is 220% larger, so expect to use twice as much fuel. For thise who wish to actually cook with this stove, any flame that reaches past 1/2" of the bottom of your cook pot is wasted energy, and you will probably end up half scorched and half raw. So practice maintaining the proper flame level. As for backpacking, this stove is too heavy and too large for less than 2 people. At 1.1#, I can carry a 250g canister and stove, which will offer far more ease of use and safety. My titanium Emberlit come way below tgat weight and is plenty big enough to cook for 2 (well, for most of my camp cooking). My Emberlit Fireant is sufficient for solo camping, and especially as a back-up stove. For 3 or more, where weight camp be better distributed, the kampMATE works well. Where the kampMATE really shines as a backpacking campfire box. It allows you to keep and maintain a small protected campfire, warm enough for 2 to 4 people, with a surprisingly small amount of small stick wood. My Emberlit is just large enough for 2 people, barely. The kampMATE is plenty big enough, and emotionally, is much more satisfying. You don't have to de-nude your camping spot of natural deadfall wood, just for a few nights of camping. For those of you that wonder just how strong the kampMATE is, I have included a picture of my kampMATE with a Lodge 7 quart dutch oven on top, filled with 6 quarts if water, after 30 minutes. I don't think strength is a worry. Pot + Water = 31.5 pounds. I am not affiliated with kampMATE. I am not acquainted with anyone affiliated with kampMATE. I purchased my stove with my own money. I am certain that no one affiliated with kampMATE knew that I was going to purchase this stove or would write a review of this stove. I highly recommend this stove, for camping, for disaster preparedness, for offgrid daily living, and for general purpose fun and recreation.
Nice, sturdy stove perfect for 2 to possible 4 people
By Kindle Customer - Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
This is the first camping stove I've bought, and I am happy to say I feel like I picked a winner. It's not as small as some of the other brands I've seen advertised, but as I'm not an ultralight backpacker, that doesn't really bother me. There is a bit of a learning curve regarding what size wood to use. I found pieces about the same diameter as my thumb worked well. Once it was going, it went through the fuel at a decent pace. Not to fast or slow for my liking, and it put off enough heat that I'm confident less than ten minutes of wood gathering would easily be enough for coffee, breakfast, or a quick meal. I also liked that the bottom plate is designed in such a way embers are able to collect for more heat while ash is able to fall through the holes with a bit of tapping on the side if it starts to build up. That said, I did cool it off with water instead of letting it cool down naturally (poor planning on my part, I had somewhere to be) which resulted in a slight bit of diagonal bowing on the side panels, but it doesn't affect usage since the bow is removed when it's assembled. Nice to know that it's able to handle abuse due to user error. All in all, it's a good little stove I've already added to my backpack, and I'm sure it'll see some use in the woods.
Works well, easy to carry
By Lynn Collier - Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
Verified Amazon Purchase
I am a novice at building camp fires, but this worked extremely well for me. I took it on a short hike, was able to quickly light with a few sticks and cook a meal. After I was finished the twigs burned out quickly and left very few ashes. It was much easier for me to put out that a traditional campfire. Great for a cookout on the trail.
Wonderful little stove for the money.
By Andrew Metz - Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
I was curious how well a stove like this would cook meals and boil water. Normally I would dig a small Dakota fire pit on a hike or weekend camping trip and use a small collapsible grate over it to set my pot on. I expected this unit to be flimsy but was surprised that it was quite stable once assembled. It took a little practice putting it together and breaking it down until I found what worked best for me. The edges aren't sharp and the fit and finish is excellent. I was happy with the size since I was expecting something much smaller. It held up fine to a 2 quart pot filled with water, all my smaller Esbit pots and even a can of beans sat on top nicely. I was expecting things to wobble or be unstable but everything stayed put. I used it for a three day trip this past 4th of July weekend and it worked like a charm. I am surrounded by plenty of "fuel" where I hike and camp. I used to carry an alcohol stove along with the Esbit cooker but having to lug along fuel was just added weight. I started just digging fire pits but in rocky soil or during the winter months that's a royal pain. This unit was the answer since it packs down into a small, flat package and fits nicely into the back pocket of my pack and I can just collect sticks and twigs within arms reach when setting up to cook a meal. I did also purchase a wind screen which came in handy since it was pretty windy this weekend. I had no issue with getting a fire started with a ferro rod and some birch bark. I found that tossing the twigs in through the top until you get a good fire going worked best. Once you set your pot on top then start feeding sticks in through the side opening. Plenty of room for small branches that are cut down into about 3 inch lengths. Only about 5 minutes to boil a quart of water and maybe 3 for a can of beans. After 8 burning's over the past three days the unit hasn't warped in the slightest and it stays rigid throughout the cooking process. After it cools I simply wipe it down with some dirt to get the soot off and pack it back up. It will discolor but that is to be expected. Very pleased with this stove and for the money it can't be beat. I've seen some of these portable stoves costing three times as much and I was a bit skeptical as to what kind of quality I would be getting for this price. I'm happy to say it's excellent quality and will have a place in my pack for years to come.
Solid and as advertised
By Brent - Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
For the out of the box experience and a look at general build and stability, check out the reviews from Amazn Buyer and Teotwawki Johnny. They match my experience and I'd just be duplicating their good work. Admittedly, I bought this half-expecting something mediocre, but was pleasantly surprised. As with all stamped sheet metal, this starts as a clean, shiny stove, so remove the protective blue film before using. I recommend using any item I have to rely on before taking it into a situation where I have no other choice, so fire it up and clean it at least once, so you have a good sense of how it is assembled and works. The point of earliest failure is the X grill on top, since there are no stabilizing relief stamps and a perpendicular cut right in the center of each piece. One of mine bent easily as I pressed them into place. Fortunately, it is also an easy piece to replace / upgrade, so consider getting that in advance of relying on the stove for an extended period. I fashioned a replacement from some 3/16" steel rod I had in the garage. My basic cooking kit for my camping and emergency backpack (all from Amazon for less than $80) is this stove, Stanley Adventure Camp Cookset, ferro rod & striker, and Molle water bottle pouch. The stove goes into the pack and the rest attaches to the outside of the pack. Everything has a week of daily use and I expect the whole kit will still be serviceable for many weeks or months to come.
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