Caboose Tiny Wood Stove Review: A Must-Have for Off-Grid Living and Tiny Homes

When I first came across the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove by Flame Innovation, I could immediately see why it’s a top choice for people living in small spaces, like tiny homes, cabins, or RVs. This stove is compact but powerful, designed to heat areas from 200 to 600 square feet efficiently. If you’re looking to save space without sacrificing warmth, this stove is perfect. What I love most about the Caboose is that it isn’t just a heater it’s an eco-friendly option for those of us who want to live sustainably without losing comfort. It’s a smart choice for anyone aiming for a cozy, efficient, and environmentally friendly lifestyle in a small space.

The Caboose proves that just because you’re living in a small space, you don’t have to give up comfort or quality. This stove is a game-changer for compact and efficient home heating, offering all the warmth you need without taking up too much room.

Caboose Tiny Wood Stove Specifications

• Construction: Made of strong 3/16″ steel, built to last.
• Glass: Uses tough neo-ceramic glass that’s clear and heat-resistant.
• Glass Cleaning: Has an air wash feature to keep the glass clean for a clear view.
• Customization: You can add a stainless steel trim ring around the window for a custom look.
• Weight: Weighs 75 lbs, making it sturdy but still easy to install.
• Overall Dimensions: Stands 24″ tall, 10″ deep, and 21″ wide, making it perfect for small spaces.
• Firebox Size: The firebox is 14.5″ deep, 7″ wide, and 8″ tall, designed for efficient heating.
• Safety and Compliance: UL-approved for safety, but not approved by the EPA.
• Control: Comes with draft control in the door to adjust the burn.
• Interior Lining: Brick-lined with a special brick baffle on top to improve heating.
• Ventilation: Has an outside air feature to help with ventilation in small spaces.

Design and Functionality of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove

One thing that really impressed me about the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove is its smart design and flexibility. You can set it up as either a wall-mounted or free-standing unit, so it works well in all sorts of small spaces. I also appreciate the built-in heat shields they show just how carefully this stove was designed, making it a safe and practical choice no matter where you decide to install it.

One of my favorite features of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove is its strong wall-mounted bracket. This bracket not only keeps the stove secure but also positions the exhaust in the ideal spot, which is a huge plus in tight spaces where every inch counts. The large shelf is another clever touch, giving you a convenient place to store wood or other essentials. These small details make the Caboose both practical and stylish perfect for heating small spaces without sacrificing functionality.

How Efficient is the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove?

I’m really impressed by how efficient the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove is. This compact stove is designed to get the most out of its heating power, with burn times that are surprisingly long for its size. When I use softwood, it burns steadily for 4 to 6 hours, keeping the space nice and warm. And with hardwood, it lasts even longer, providing a steady, consistent heat that’s perfect for those colder days.

This level of efficiency is hard to find in wood stoves of this size, which makes the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove a really cost-effective choice. I love that it can keep a space warm for hours without needing constant reloading a big win if you’re looking for both convenience and efficiency. The Caboose truly sets a new standard for small wood stoves, delivering powerful performance in a compact design.

Optional Features and Add-Ons

The Caboose Tiny Wood Stove comes with some fantastic standard features, but it also offers optional upgrades if you’re looking for even more heating power. One of my favorite add-ons is the convection fan. This fan helps spread warmth to a larger area, making the stove’s heating even more effective. It’s a great choice if you want to maximize comfort in your space.

I find the convection fan really valuable for spreading heat evenly throughout the space. It’s especially useful in rooms or cabins with odd shapes, where getting uniform warmth can be tricky. With this fan, the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove can circulate warm air efficiently, removing any cold spots and making the whole area more comfortable. This feature really shows the Caboose’s flexibility and its commitment to providing a great heating experience, no matter the layout of your space.

Construction and Specifications

The construction and design of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove really show its high quality and attention to detail. Each stove is crafted in Post Falls, Idaho, by skilled workers who take real pride in their work. It all starts with hand-welding by certified experts, ensuring that the stove is strong and built to last. From there, skilled painters and assembly workers finish each stove, giving it a polished, professional look. You can tell a lot of care goes into making every Caboose stove.

One feature I really appreciate about the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove is its fully brick-lined firebox. This design not only helps the stove produce heat more efficiently but also makes it incredibly durable. The brick lining is a classic choice in wood stove design, known for holding heat well and lasting a long time. It’s a detail that shows how much thought went into making the Caboose high-quality and effective.

The Caboose is also a great balance of compact size and powerful heating. With dimensions of 22 inches wide, 25 inches tall, and 10 inches deep, it’s perfect for small spaces. Even though it’s small, it delivers strong, reliable heat. Weighing 90 lbs, it’s also easy enough to install and move, which is a big plus for anyone working with limited space. The smart design and solid build really make the Caboose stand out among tiny wood stoves.

Caboose Tiny Wood Stove vs. Competitors: How Does it Compare?

In the small wood stove market, the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove really stands out, especially compared to tough competitors like the Cubic Mini Grizzly and the 5 kW Dwarf. Each of these stoves has its own special features, but what sets the Caboose apart is its unique design. The end-loading firebox can fit longer pieces of wood, which makes a big difference in efficiency and burn time. Unlike other stoves that require you to cut wood down to 4 to 7 inches, the Caboose comfortably holds 14 to 15-inch logs. This means you get a steady, long-lasting burn of up to 6 hours, which is a huge advantage for those who don’t want to constantly reload.

I really like the bold design choice of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove with its side viewing window instead of the usual front window. This unique feature gives the stove a distinct look and offers a fresh way to enjoy the fire. It’s a nice blend of style and function that really sets the Caboose apart from more traditional stoves.

Another thing that makes the Caboose special is its American-made quality. Made by Flame Innovation, the Caboose shows a commitment to local craftsmanship that’s hard to find. This focus on American production might especially appeal to people who value locally made products. For example, while the Cubic Mini Grizzly is made in Quebec, Canada, and the Dwarf stove’s origin is unclear, the Caboose’s American roots make it a strong contender in its market. In the end, the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove combines innovative design, efficiency, and craftsmanship, making it a solid choice for anyone in the market for a quality wood stove.

Where Can You Install the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove?

The Caboose Tiny Wood Stove really impressed me with its versatility and ease of installation, making it perfect for all kinds of small living spaces. It’s not limited to traditional homes; the design is flexible enough to work in unique spaces like tiny homes, canal boats, cabins, sheds, RVs, or even yurts. No matter where you’re setting it up, the Caboose is built to fit smoothly into different environments.

One feature that really adds to its versatility is the outside combustion air option. This allows the stove to burn fuel safely and efficiently, which is especially helpful in small, enclosed spaces where airflow can be limited. It ensures the stove works well while keeping indoor air quality comfortable, which I found to be a huge plus.

The Caboose also shines when it comes to exhaust safety. It uses a 4-inch UL-rated combustion pipe, which meets high safety standards to handle exhaust safely and effectively. Plus, it has a 45-degree side wall exit option for the chimney, adding flexibility to the installation process and making it easier to fit into different spaces.

Why Choose the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove for Small Living?

The Caboose Tiny Wood Stove really reflects Flame Innovation’s dedication to quality and practicality. Its smart, space-saving design and impressive burn times make it one of the best choices for adding warmth to any tiny home or small space. The flexible installation options are a bonus, making it easy to fit into all sorts of small living areas. More than just a wood stove, the Caboose is a reliable option for anyone wanting a cozy, compact, and efficient heating solution.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experience with the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove! I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or experiences with this stove. Sharing your insights can be a big help to others who are also considering this heating solution. Join the conversation, and let us know what you think of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove!

FAQs

1. Can the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove be used in mobile living spaces like RVs or tiny homes on wheels?
   Yes, the Caboose is designed for versatility and can be safely installed in mobile living spaces, including RVs and tiny homes on wheels, thanks to its compact size and efficient exhaust system.
2. How does the outside combustion air feature of the Caboose benefit tiny home living?
   The outside combustion air feature helps maintain indoor air quality by drawing air from outside for combustion, crucial in small, well-insulated spaces where air circulation is limited.
3. Is it possible to cook on the top surface of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove?
   While primarily designed for heating, the top surface of the Caboose can be used for basic cooking or warming up food, offering additional utility in tiny living spaces.
4. What makes the Caboose’s side-viewing window unique compared to traditional front windows in wood stoves?
   The side-viewing window offers a unique aesthetic and allows for flexible placement of the stove in small spaces, as it doesn’t require frontal viewing clearance.
5. How does the Caboose handle longer burn times with larger wood pieces?
   Thanks to its end-loading design, the Caboose can accommodate longer pieces of wood, leading to longer burn times and reduced need for frequent reloading.
6. Can the Caboose be customized to match the interior of my tiny home or cabin?
   Yes, the Caboose offers customization options like a stainless steel trim ring for the window, allowing you to match it with your interior design aesthetic.
7. What are the safety features of the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove that make it suitable for small spaces?
   Key safety features include its UL approval, robust steel construction, and efficient exhaust system, ensuring safe operation in confined living environments.
8. Is special maintenance required for the brick lining of the Caboose?
   Regular maintenance is similar to other wood stoves, but the brick lining may require occasional inspection to ensure it remains intact and functional.
9. How does the Caboose Tiny Wood Stove contribute to a sustainable lifestyle?
   By offering efficient heating with wood, a renewable resource, and its space-saving design, the Caboose aligns with sustainable living principles, especially in downsized living environments.
10. What should be considered for the installation of the Caboose in terms of local regulations?
    It’s important to check local building codes and regulations regarding wood stove installations, especially in tiny homes and non-traditional living spaces, to ensure compliance.

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.