Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove Review

When it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, one of the essential elements is a reliable and efficient wood-burning stove. I’ve spent countless nights in the wilderness, and after trying various options, I came across the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove. This little gem has proven itself to be a game-changer in the world of campfire cooking. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience and insights into what makes the Silverfire Survivor a must-have for any camping enthusiast.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality and design of the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Wood Stove are outstanding and serve as a testament to its suitability for outdoor adventures. Crafted from sturdy stainless steel, the stove exudes durability and resilience, ensuring it can withstand the harshest conditions Mother Nature throws at it.

The stainless steel construction not only guarantees a long lifespan but also provides a rust-resistant finish, making maintenance a breeze. What sets the Silverfire Survivor apart is its thoughtful design. Its collapsible and compact structure means you won’t be burdened with a hefty piece of equipment during your camping trips.

The portability factor is a game-changer, especially when you’re on the move or have limited space. This allows you to bring the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Wood Stove on hiking expeditions or even just in your car for impromptu outdoor cooking. Its intuitive design combines form and function, making it easy to set up and stow away, contributing to an overall exceptional camping experience.

Power Performance

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: performance. The Silverfire Survivor excels in efficiency and versatility. It uses a gasification process to maximize combustion, meaning it burns wood thoroughly, leaving behind minimal ash. This efficiency translates into less wood needed and reduced environmental impact. It’s worth noting that this wood stove can also burn other biofuels, which is a significant advantage for extended trips.

When it comes to boiling water or cooking food, this stove is a powerhouse. It quickly reaches high temperatures, allowing you to prepare meals in no time. The side door also makes it easy to feed the fire and control the airflow, letting you adjust the heat to your needs.

Fuel Efficiency

The Silverfire Survivor’s fuel efficiency is nothing short of impressive. Thanks to its innovative gasification process, this wood stove burns wood with remarkable efficiency. During my extensive testing, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it consumes significantly less wood compared to traditional campfires or stoves.

This translates to both cost savings and a reduced need for extensive wood-gathering efforts during your camping adventures. Not only does the Silverfire Survivor spare your wallet, but it also lightens your load. For longer camping trips, this fuel efficiency is a game-changer, allowing you to travel lighter and with peace of mind, knowing you won’t need to lug around as much firewood.

Environmental Impact

For environmentally conscious campers, the Silverfire Survivor is the clear choice. The gasification process it employs is not only efficient but also remarkably eco-friendly. By thoroughly burning wood, it minimizes the production of smoke and harmful emissions. This means you can enjoy clean, hot flames without contributing to air pollution.

What sets this wood stove apart is its versatility in fuel options, including wood pellets. This adds another layer of sustainability, as it enables you to use renewable and readily available biofuels, further reducing your environmental footprint. With a remarkable environmental impact rating of 4.5 out of 5, the Silverfire Survivor is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while preserving the beauty of nature for future generations.

The 2016 Survivor Rocket Stove Brings a Series of Remarkable Design Upgrades to the Table:

• The Perlite insulation has been replaced with premium rock mineral wool insulation, eliminating Perlite residue caused by rough handling during transportation. This refinement ensures a cleaner and more hassle-free experience when receiving the stove.
• Handles are now shipped inside the stove and are attached by the customer to prevent cosmetic damage during ground transportation. The addition of embedded Pem nuts and machine screws enhances the overall sturdiness and reliability of the stove, preventing any dings or mishandling during transit.
• The upgraded cast iron stove top, now featuring five pot supports instead of the previous four, guarantees years of durability and reliable performance, making it a robust cooking platform for outdoor enthusiasts.
• The Survivor Rocket Stove is distinguished by its 360-degree primary combustion ventilation and ducting, eliminating the need for less durable clay tiles found in other designs. Additionally, a temperature-reducing baffle plate beneath the stove ensures safer handling and decreases the temperature on cooking surfaces, allowing you to place it on ergonomic surfaces without the need to squat while cooking.
• A fuel gauge has been added to the stove door, reminding users of the optimal fuel diameter and offering a convenient way to add fuel without overloading the stove. The door’s design emphasizes the importance of keeping it closed while cooking.
• A new ventilation design under the grate enhances the stove’s operation during extended cooking durations, minimizing the need to dump spent embers and ash, thus reducing labor for the cook.
• Redesigned combustion floor gaps make ash access and cleanout more efficient, simplifying maintenance and prolonging the stove’s lifespan.
• The combustion chamber and stainless steel fuel shelf have been redesigned for transportation convenience, easy fuel insertion, and enhanced ember safety.

These improvements reflect a commitment to providing a superior product. The Survivor Rocket Stove stands out in terms of weight reduction, durability, and design enhancements, offering an outstanding outdoor cooking experience. The founder, Todd Albi, who formerly led StoveTec, established SilverFire to address design and quality shortcomings seen in other biomass rocket stove designs, emphasizing the highest quality clean cooking products possible.

In contrast to many rocket stove manufacturers that rely on cheap clay stoves and extruded combustion chambers, our approach is rooted in innovation and durability. We steer clear of thin, cold-rolled steel stove bodies that can succumb to oxidation and undermine the stove’s longevity. Our SilverFire rocket stove stands as a testament to technological advancement, incorporating both primary and secondary airflow enhancements.

This not only bolsters combustion and thermal efficiency but also leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. In addition, we bypass the use of low-quality ceramic insulation and thinly cast stove tops, which are common shortcomings among leading rocket stove brands. The Survivor, one of our standout offerings, is a portable and robust outdoor cookstove. Featuring a spacious rectangle combustion chamber that allows for uniform fuel insertion, it sets itself apart from the typical round clay chamber design.

This ensures optimal lateral fuel access. The custom black stainless steel door, meant to be used in the closed position while cooking, retains more heat in the chamber, fostering more complete combustion and enhancing safety with ember control. This feature is crucial, especially when considering that many national parks only permit self-contained cookstoves, and open stove users may face citations or fines for non-compliance.

We also take customization seriously, offering finishes such as Cerakote, matte finishes, and camouflage options. Moreover, our Survivor boasts various product options, including the Stainless Steel Dragon Pot with an optional deep-dish steam basket, providing superior heat transfer, reduced emissions, and enhanced safety for the cook and children during stirring or bumps. The design of the full-skirted pot not only prevents sliding but also reduces cooking time and soot buildup, ultimately saving time and effort compared to traditional pot skirts.

Safety Guide Considerations

1. Stability and Placement: Ensure that the stove is placed on a stable and non-flammable surface, away from any combustible materials. Use appropriate safety precautions to prevent accidental tipping or tripping near the stove during operation.
2. Ember Control: When using the stove, keep the door in the closed position to control embers and maintain a safe cooking environment. Exercise caution when opening the door to add fuel, and avoid sudden drafts that may lead to unexpected flare-ups.
3. Cooking in Well-Ventilated Areas: It’s essential to use the SilverFire Survivor in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent the buildup of harmful combustion byproducts. Never use it indoors, as this can lead to carbon monoxide exposure and pose a severe safety risk.
4. Fire Safety: Be aware of local fire regulations and restrictions, especially in dry or fire-prone regions. Always keep a fire extinguisher or a source of water nearby in case of emergencies. Additionally, follow responsible fire safety practices during outdoor cooking.
5. Children and Pets: Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the stove during operation, as the stove’s exterior can become hot. Educate them about the potential dangers and maintain a safety zone around the cooking area.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sturdy Stainless Steel Construction: The Silverfire Survivor’s stainless steel build isn’t just durable; it’s practically indestructible. The robust material ensures that this wood stove can endure the harshest outdoor conditions, from torrential rain to heavy snowfall, without flinching. This level of durability gives you the peace of mind that your investment will last for countless camping adventures.
• Compact and Portable Design: What truly sets the Silverfire Survivor apart is its ingenious collapsible design. Not only is it a breeze to carry, but it also takes up minimal space in your backpack or car. Whether you’re hiking into a remote campsite or simply looking to save room, this stove’s compact design is a game-changer for campers on the move.
• Efficient Gasification Process: The Silverfire Survivor utilizes a gasification process that’s nothing short of incredible. It’s not merely about efficient wood burning; it’s about maximum performance with minimal wood consumption. This means fewer trees to chop and carry, leaving you with more time to enjoy your outdoor experience and less effort spent gathering firewood.
• Versatility in Fuel Options: Beyond its wood-burning prowess, the Silverfire Survivor’s capability to burn various biofuels, including wood pellets, opens up a world of culinary possibilities. This adaptability allows you to tweak your cooking method to suit your needs and resources, making it a versatile companion for all types of campers.
• Eco-Friendly: If you’re passionate about minimizing your environmental impact, the Silverfire Survivor is a star player. Its gasification process ensures minimal smoke and emissions, leaving the pristine beauty of nature undisturbed. By choosing this stove, you not only enjoy an eco-conscious way of cooking but also leave behind cleaner air for fellow campers and generations to come.

Cons

• Higher Price Point: While the Silverfire Survivor offers a wealth of advantages, its initial cost may be higher than that of other camping stoves on the market. However, it’s essential to view this as a long-term investment. With its fuel efficiency and durability, you’ll save money in the long run, even if the upfront price is a bit steeper.
• Learning Curve for Fire Management: To maximize the Silverfire Survivor’s efficiency and control the cooking temperature, some practice is needed to master fire management and airflow control. While it might take a few attempts to become a pro, it’s a small trade-off for the stove’s remarkable performance and eco-friendliness. The learning curve is an opportunity to deepen your camping skills and connect more intimately with the cooking process.

Decision-Making Variables

When considering the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove, several key decision-making variables come into play. The most critical factors include fuel efficiency, environmental impact, durability, and versatility. For campers on extended trips, fuel efficiency is paramount, ensuring less time and effort are spent gathering wood. Environmental-conscious campers will appreciate the stove’s minimal emissions and low environmental impact. Durability is essential, as it guarantees your investment lasts through countless adventures. Finally, versatility in fuel options provides flexibility in your cooking methods, making it suitable for various camping scenarios.

Best for

1. Extended Camping Trips where Fuel Efficiency is Essential: The Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Wood Stove is an ideal companion for campers embarking on extended journeys into the great outdoors. Its exceptional fuel efficiency ensures that you won’t need to constantly forage for firewood, making it perfect for those long adventures. You can carry less wood, saving both your energy and the environment’s precious resources while still enjoying hot meals and beverages at your campsite.
2. Campers Looking to Reduce Their Environmental Impact: If you’re a nature lover who’s committed to minimizing your environmental footprint, the Silverfire Survivor should be at the top of your gear list. Its innovative gasification process significantly reduces smoke and emissions, leaving behind a cleaner and healthier outdoor environment. By opting for this stove, you not only enjoy an eco-conscious cooking experience but also contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the wilderness you explore.
3. Those Who Prefer Versatile Stoves that can Use Various Biofuels: For campers who appreciate adaptability and versatility in their equipment, the Silverfire Survivor offers a world of culinary possibilities. Its capacity to burn various biofuels, including wood pellets, provides flexibility in your cooking methods. Whether you’re grilling, boiling, or slow-cooking, this stove can handle it all, making it the perfect choice for those who seek versatility in their camping gear. This adaptability allows you to customize your cooking style to suit the available resources and your specific camping needs, giving you culinary freedom in the wild.

Recommendation

In light of these decision-making variables, I wholeheartedly recommend the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove for campers seeking a top-tier wood-burning stove. It excels in fuel efficiency, environmental responsibility, and versatility, making it a reliable and eco-conscious choice. The stove’s durable stainless steel construction ensures it will withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. Its adaptability to various biofuels and its compact design make it the ideal companion for extended camping trips. While it may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits in fuel savings and environmental impact make it a sound investment for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enhance their camping experience.

Conclusion

After rigorous testing and numerous camping excursions, I can confidently say that the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. Its remarkable build quality, efficiency, and eco-friendly design make it a top choice for campers who want the best of both worlds: a reliable cooking source and a reduced environmental footprint. While the initial cost may be higher than other options, the long-term savings in fuel and environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment. In my book, the Silverfire Survivor is the best overall camping stove, offering the perfect balance of performance and eco-friendliness. So, if you’re looking to enhance your camping experience, this wood-burning stove should be at the top of your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Silverfire Survivor difficult to assemble?
   No, it’s quite straightforward to set up. It’s designed for easy assembly, and it collapses for convenient storage and transportation.
2. What types of fuel can I use with the Silverfire Survivor stove?
   It can burn wood, wood pellets, and various biofuels, providing versatility in your cooking options.
3. How long does it take to boil water or cook food on the Silverfire Survivor?
   It heats up quickly, and the exact time depends on factors like the type of fuel and environmental conditions. Generally, it’s faster than traditional campfires.
4. Is it suitable for high-altitude camping?
   Yes, the Silverfire Survivor performs well at high altitudes. Its efficient design and combustion process make it effective in various conditions.
5. What’s the environmental impact of the Silverfire Survivor stove?
   This stove is eco-friendly, thanks to its gasification process, which minimizes smoke and emissions, leaving behind clean flames and a reduced carbon footprint.
6. Can I use the Silverfire Survivor in windy conditions?
   It’s recommended to use a windscreen in windy conditions for optimal performance. This will help protect the flames from being disrupted by the wind.
7. Is the stove easy to clean after use?
   Yes, the Silverfire Survivor is relatively easy to clean. The minimal ash produced simplifies the post-cooking cleanup.
8. Can I use the Silverfire Survivor for grilling or frying food?
   Yes, you can use it for grilling or frying by placing a grill or pan on the stove’s cooking surface.
9. Is the stove safe to use in dry or fire-prone areas?
   Like all open flames, you should exercise caution and follow local fire safety regulations when using the stove in dry or fire-prone environments.
10. Does the Silverfire Survivor come with a warranty?
    The warranty terms may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the manufacturer or retailer for specific warranty information regarding your purchase.

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your personal experiences and thoughts about the Silverfire Survivor Rocket Gasifier Camping Burning Wood Stove in the comments section below. Your insights and feedback can be invaluable for fellow campers looking to make informed decisions about their camping gear. Whether it’s a memorable camping trip or tips on optimizing the stove’s performance, your input can contribute to a more enriching outdoor experience for everyone. So, please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!