Wood Stove Product Comparison: 2kW Size
March 7, 2019
The 2kW size is the smallest size tiny stove that we would consider using for “serious heating.” For very small spaces like vans or small RVs, or spaces with another heat source, a stove in the 2kW range can provide primary or supplemental heat and ambiance without taking up too much space. Making sure your stove isn’t too big is critically important for very small spaces, since it doesn’t take much to make a tiny space uncomfortably warm.
In this article, we provide an apples-to-apples comparison of small stoves in the 2kW range, (approximately 3,412 – 8,530 BTU/hr). Because the BTU claims of some manufacturers vary wildly relative to their actual performance (why?), we've grouped stoves based on which ones work best for small spaces within this BTU range (according to the Tiny Wood Stove BTU Calculator), regardless of the manufacturer's claimed output.
Warning: Most BTU calculators are designed to overestimate your heating needs, which can result in a stove that's so large, you can't burn it without overheating your space. If you're not sure which size stove you need for your small space, run through the Tiny Wood Stove BTU Calculator, which is specifically designed for sizing wood stoves for small spaces.
Dwarf 3kW
- Price: $795, free shipping on orders over $1,000
- Dimensions: 17” H x 10.25” W x 8.5” D
- Flue: Standard 4″, Top or Rear Exit
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Construction: Welded steel body, cast door and fire box, refractory firebrick
- Claimed BTU Output: 3kW 10,236 BTU/hr
- Air Controls: Separate Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Controls
- Glass: 5.75″ W x 6.75″ H
- Firebox Dimensions: 6″ H x 8.5″ W x 7″ D
- Available Accessories: Direct Air, Tall Legs, Spring Handle
- Finish: Painted Flat Black, Optional Enamel Door, Optional DIY Paint Colors
- UL/CSA: No
- EPA: No
- Notes: While the Dwarf 3kW is a little larger than most stoves in this size, the three separate, tight air controls allow for better control of burn rates, which makes it a practical option for this size. Long, slow burn rates can be very helpful for a small living space. The rear exit option provides a large top cooking surface. Rectangular profile (wider than deep) provides the largest fire viewing window available in this size. The 4″ flue size allows for use of a wall exit where needed.
- Manual: Download here
Cubic Mini Cub
- Price: $649 CAD, plus shipping
- Dimensions: 12” H x 11” W x 10.5” D
- Flue: Non-Standard 3″, Top Only
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Construction: Steel, Vermiculite Brick
- Claimed BTU Output: 6,000 – 14,000 BTU/hr (?)
- Air Controls: Separate Primary and Secondary Controls
- Glass: 5″ W x 3″ H
- Firebox Dimensions: 4″ H x 6″ W
- Available Accessories: Double-Wall Pipe, Wall Mount, Floor Mount, Fresh Air Intake, Heat Shields, Miniature Tool Kit
- Finish: Painted Flat Black
- UL/CSA: No
- EPA: No
- Notes: Cubic Mini specializes in very small, lightweight, basic stoves for tiny spaces. The Cub is notable for its super compact size and light weight, as well as its available wall mount option. Cubic Mini’s flue size is slightly smaller than standard, so an adapter may be needed to connect it to standard flue parts. Needs a relatively straight flue system to function—wall exits are not recommended. See our guide to Cubic Mini flue systems here.
- Manual: Operating Instructions available here
Dickinson Newport
- Price: $590
- Dimensions: 14.7″ H x 7.88″ W x 10″ D
- Flue: 3″ Oval Top Only
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Construction: Stainless Steel
- Claimed BTU Output: 3,000 – 8,000 BTU/hr
- Air Controls: Primary Air, Flue Damper Required for Some Installations
- Glass: None
- Firebox Dimensions:
- Available Accessories: None
- Finish: Brushed Stainless
- UL/CSA: No
- EPA: No
- Notes: The super lightweight Dickinson solid fuel heater is designed to be wall-mounted. Its very open air controls make it draft so aggressively that you’ll often see it burning with the door wide open. However, this means it burns through wood very quickly and sends most of the heat up the chimney, so it isn’t a very efficient heater.
- Manual: Download here
