In cold weather, especially during power outages, having a way to safely heat a room could literally keep you alive. This DIY indoor heater is made from basic household materials, costs very little, and is surprisingly effective.
This design is based on a design popularized in survival magazines back in the 1980s, and in the following video by WayPoint Survival, he shows exactly how to make one. You can watch the video and read the instructions below.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This stove is designed to be used with chafing fuel such as Sterno, and while that is safe to use indoors, it’s still important to only use it in a well-ventilated area and never leave it unattended.
Supplies You’ll Need
Tools:
- Hammer
- 16-penny nail
- Permanent marker (Sharpie)
- Phillips screwdriver
- “Church key” can opener (with triangular tip)
- Needle nose metal snips
- Optional: Sandpaper or Dremel tool (to smooth sharp edges)
Materials:
- 1 tall #3 tomato can
- 1 large chicken breast can (wide enough for Sterno to fit)
- 1 standard soup can
- 1 square cake pan (approx. 7.5” x 7.5”)
- 1 small hinge
- 10 small bolts with lock washers and nuts
- Metal strapping (often discarded with pallets)
- Sterno or canned chafing fuel
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Can (Outer Chamber)
Use the church key to punch six holes around the top edge.
Use the 16-penny nail to punch one hole in the center of the top.
Flip the can and punch six more holes around the bottom edge.
Step 2: Attach the Hinge
Turn the cake pan upside down, then place the can in the center, then use a marker to draw a circle around the bottom of the can.
Place the open side of the chicken can facing down on the circle. Using the hinge as a guide, drill holes in the can and in the cake pan.
Attach the hinge to the can using bolts, with bolt heads inside the can to avoid obstructing the interior. (You’ll attach it to the cake pan later.)
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Can (Inner Chamber)
Slide the tomato partway inside the chicken can, then mark the locations of the holes in the chicken can on the tomato can. This is so when you make holes in the tomato can, they will line up with the ones in the chicken can.
Punch six holes near the top edge of the tomato can. Again, make sure they’ll align with the holes on the chicken can.
Cut a circular opening in the bottom of the tomato can (about the size of the Sterno flame). Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper or a Dremel tool to prevent injury.
Step 4: Add the Handle
Cut a 5-inch piece of metal strapping and bend it into a hook shape.
Punch a hole in one end of the strapping.
Attach the handle to the chicken can directly opposite of the hinge. This is your lift handle for safe access to the fuel.
Step 5: Prepare the Soup Can (Top Vent)
Punch a center hole in the bottom of the soup can using the nail.
Use the church key to punch six holes around the base. If you want, you add extra large holes along the top sides for heat venting.
Step 6: Build the Brackets
Cut two small L-shaped brackets from the metal strapping.
Use them to bolt the soup can to the tomato can, forming a secure two-can tower.
Step 7: Assemble the Heater
Insert the tomato can into the chicken can, aligning holes.
Secure with bolts through the aligned holes. Again, keep bolt heads inside for clearance.
Bolt the bottom of the heater to the square cake pan base for added stability.
Using the Heater
- Open the hinge and place your Sterno/chafing fuel can inside.
- Light the fuel and slide it under the tomato can, then close the hinge lid.
- The soup can top acts as a heat concentrator and vent.
- When done, extinguish the flame by placing the Sterno lid back on top.
- Wait for the indicator on the Sterno can to turn blue before handling.
Important: Light this heater outdoors the first time to allow the lining of the cans to burn off any chemical coatings. This takes about 15 minutes.
Final Tips
- This heater produces heat for about 2.5 hours with a single can of fuel.
- It’s safe for tents or indoors when used with Sterno and proper ventilation.
- The base doesn’t get hot, so it won’t damage floors.
- Add a mesh cage if concerned about accidental contact with the hot outer surface.
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