Do stainless steel wood stoves eventually rust?

[Gearpac]

Hi,
Been contemplating a wood stove and the various options.
Whilst doing some browsing, I see a few reviews for the Helsport Stainless Steel wood stove for their tents, yet, the ones in the videos are nearly all rusted like heck.
Surely if they are stainless, they shouldn't rust. Or is the stainless effected by the continued high temps?

Curious, as the Eldfell and the Heslport are not cheap.

 

[Dave]

Yes, 22 gauge steel is used in some of the good stoves, and they do rust. Im awaiting a kni-co stove from the States, and Ive been wondering how to extend its life. Paint, Sand, Bricks, a grate....etc?

I'd like to know what the best way to extend a stainless steel wood burning stove is?

 

[Imagedude]

Remember it's stain-less steel not stain-free steel. Avoid overheating your stove and it will last a bit longer.

 

[IMOM]

There are various grades of stainless A2 and A4 are most common A2 is more susceptible to rusting but is easily removed and
A4 marine grade is much better for harsh environments but is more expensive.

 

[Teepee]

Yep, all stainless steel rusts at high temps. The alloying elements migrate from the steel surface at high temps from oxidation and chemical attack from the burning fuel causing the rusting. Some stainless steels are much better at resisting it, 310 grade is about the best but will still rust eventually.

Keeping the temps down will help the most and burning charcoal will cause most damage as it burns at a higher temp than wood.

 

[ADz-1983]

Stains/rust add character

 

[Lurch]

Remember it's stain-less steel not stain-free steel.

That's just semantics. The Germans call it Rostfrei which means rust free.

 

[Gearpac]

Hmm. So are you better in fact, price wise. Buying a steel wood stove and just painting with stove black?
Not seen a black eldfell or helsport yet on any forums, so suspecting probably not. lol.

 

[Dave]

I think its just a question of good upkeep gearpac.

The stainless stoves, and flues I've had have turned into beautiful hues of coppers and blues.

 

[bigroomboy]

The terminology is just a matter of how technical terms migrate to common language. Stainless is a much better descriptor of the properties and purpose of these steels. Its a huge group of steels with different properties that should be chosen for a specific application.

Oxidation is like any chemical reaction and goes faster at higher temps. Roughly double the rate for every 10 deg C. Add acids/base and water from combustion and thatabwhat happens.

I sprayed mine with stove paint just to keep the outside easier to keep clean and.looking good. The top gets scratched from cooking though.

 

[bigroomboy]

Mine is black and I think it looks good. But its easy to rub some veg oil in and get a nice patina on the stove.

 

[rik_uk3]

Yes, 22 gauge steel is used in some of the good stoves, and they do rust. Im awaiting a kni-co stove from the States, and Ive been wondering how to extend its life. Paint, Sand, Bricks, a grate....etc?

I'd like to know what the best way to extend a stainless steel wood burning stove is?

A grate helps air flow and burning and keeps hot embers off the bottom of the stove. Now I only 'base camp' I burn coal/smokeless fuel, 20kg will very easily last a winter weekend and you don't have to check the stove so often. You'll be surprised at just how much wood you go through on a winter trip.

 

[Gearpac]

bigroomboy - any chance of a photo of how yours looks blacked up?

rik_uk3 - doesn't coal burn hotter than wood? Surely that would risk getting too hot, wouldn't it?

 

[woof]

I make mine out of mild steel, yep it rusts(surface rust anyway)but i set fire to it, so what does it matter ?

Rob

 

[rik_uk3]

bigroomboy - any chance of a photo of how yours looks blacked up?

rik_uk3 - doesn't coal burn hotter than wood? Surely that would risk getting too hot, wouldn't it?

Yes, hence my use of a grate to help air flow, combustion and keep the coals off the base of the stove.

 

[salad]

I sprayed my tent stove with black stove paint from a DIY store and that works