Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove Review

Let’s Talk About Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove isn’t just a heat source; it’s a rugged companion designed to conquer the chill in wall tents and backcountry setups. Made by Camp Chef, this stove promises to deliver reliable warmth and cooking functionality with a focus on durability and convenience. With integrated features that often require aftermarket purchases with other stoves, the Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove stands out as a comprehensive solution for the avid outdoorsman.

My journey to this stove began with a desire to upgrade my wall tent setup for late-season hunting trips in the Rockies. I needed a dependable heat source capable of withstanding harsh conditions and providing ample cooking space. Frustrated with piecing together various components for previous stoves, I sought a package that included essential accessories like a damper, spark arrestor, and shelves.

Unboxing the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove, I was immediately struck by its robust construction and thoughtfully integrated design. The heavy-duty stainless-steel gave an impression of long-lasting use in the wilderness. The fact that all the components nested neatly inside the stove body for storage was a huge plus, confirming that it would be easy to transport.

I considered the Winnerwell Nomad View 1G and the TMS Portable Military Camping Wood Stove Tent Heater, but ultimately chose the Camp Chef because of the included accessories and perceived value. The Camp Chef had a seemingly better balance between quality, included features, and price point.

My first impression was excitement mingled with anticipation to put this thing through its paces. The promise of a complete, ready-to-use system made the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove a very appealing option.

Real-World Testing: Putting Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove during a week-long elk hunting trip in the high country of Colorado. Our base camp was a wall tent pitched at 9,500 feet, where nighttime temperatures dipped well below freezing. This allowed me to evaluate its heating capabilities and cooking functionality under demanding conditions.

The stove performed admirably, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the tent even during blustery conditions. The door damper and chimney damper allowed for precise control over the burn rate, optimizing fuel consumption and heat output. Even in a light snowfall, the stove continued to burn hot and strong, with the spark arrestor keeping stray embers at bay.

The stove was relatively easy to use, with the adjustable legs providing a stable base on the uneven ground inside the tent. While it took a couple of attempts to dial in the optimal damper settings, I quickly got the hang of it. I did find that the initial burn-in created a noticeable odor, a common occurrence with new stoves, which dissipated after an hour or so.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during hunting trips and winter camping excursions, the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove has proven to be a reliable and durable workhorse. There are minimal signs of wear and tear beyond some surface discoloration from heat, which is normal. The stainless steel shows no sign of warping or degradation.

Cleaning the stove is straightforward, with the internal log grate facilitating ash removal. The nesting chimney pipes are easy to disassemble and store, simplifying packing. Compared to my previous experiences with makeshift stoves that required constant maintenance, the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove is a major upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove

Specifications

• The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove boasts 10-12 gauge stainless steel construction for durability in harsh environments. This heavy-duty construction ensures the stove can withstand repeated use and exposure to high temperatures.
• It measures 20″ W x 24″ D x 22 1/2″ H, providing ample cooking surface while remaining compact for storage. These dimensions make it suitable for medium to large wall tents.
• The stove weighs in at 74 lb, reflecting its sturdy build and comprehensive feature set. While not lightweight, the nested design aids in manageable transport.
• It features a 5″ diameter, 10′ chimney pipe to safely vent smoke away from the tent. The ample chimney length allows for proper draft and efficient combustion.
• The included wire form shelf/drying rack (22″ x 7″) provides a convenient space for warming items or drying gear. This shelf adds significant utility to the overall package.
• Adjustable legs offer stability on uneven terrain, ensuring the stove remains level and safe during use. This is critical for preventing spills and maintaining efficient heating.
• It has a flat top surface that provides an area to cook on. This increases the stove’s functionality, allowing it to serve as a heat source and cooking platform.
• It has a full length hinged lid for easy access. This allows easy access and makes cleaning easier.

These specifications contribute to the stove’s overall performance, offering a balance of durability, functionality, and ease of use that enhances the user’s outdoor experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove excels at providing consistent and controllable heat for extended periods. The door damper and chimney damper allow for precise adjustment of the burn rate, maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing smoke. Its heating performance greatly exceeded my expectations, especially considering the tent size.

The flat top surface is a functional cooktop, easily accommodating pots and pans for preparing meals. While the stove is undeniably effective, the initial setup can be a bit fiddly, especially when assembling the chimney. A slight learning curve is expected.

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove fully meets my expectations for a wall tent stove, proving to be an indispensable tool for cold-weather camping.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove is excellent, with robust welds and well-fitting components. The stainless-steel construction feels solid and inspires confidence in its long-term durability. The weight is manageable, especially considering that it’s designed for wall tents, where transport is often aided by vehicles or pack animals.

The design is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a straightforward assembly process. There is a slight learning curve as mentioned, but is relatively simple.

Durability & Maintenance

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove is built to last, with its robust stainless-steel construction resisting warping and corrosion. Regular cleaning of the chimney and firebox is essential to maintain optimal performance, but is easy to do. The stove is designed for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove comes standard with several essential accessories, including a five-piece nesting chimney pipe, spark arrestor, chimney damper, internal log grate, and wire form shelf/drying rack. The stove is also designed to accommodate a standard wood stove water heater, further enhancing its utility. While aftermarket customization options are limited, the included accessories provide a comprehensive package that addresses most users’ needs.

Pros and Cons of Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove

Who Should Buy Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove?

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove is perfect for:

• Outfitted hunters requiring a dependable heat source for wall tents.
• Serious winter campers seeking a robust and versatile stove for extended stays.
• Anyone who values a complete, ready-to-use system with included accessories.

This product might not be ideal for:

• Backpackers or anyone needing a lightweight stove for mobile camping.
• Individuals with small tents where space is a premium.

A must-have accessory would be a quality spark mat for underneath the stove for added protection.

Conclusion on Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove

The Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove is a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed piece of equipment that delivers exceptional value and performance. Its durable construction, comprehensive feature set, and efficient heating capabilities make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable heat source for wall tents and base camps.

While the $279.99 price point is an investment, the included accessories and long-term durability justify the cost.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove to anyone in need of a dependable and versatile wall tent stove. If you are tired of cobbling together various components and desire a complete, ready-to-use system, then this stove is an excellent choice! Don’t spend another cold night shivering in your tent, purchase the Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cylinder Stove and enjoy the warmth and comfort you deserve!