It’s no secret that we have a certain interest in and respect for old-school designs, and manufacturing techniques. For the most part, utility and quality were first and foremost in previous times, something that here at Homecamp we try to emulate as best we can.
Undoubtedly the 19th century was a historic peak for invention and innovation and there are numerous products that have been revived from this era, however, it was quite a surprise when Winnerwell gave us an exclusive sneak peek of their Limited Edition ‘Sad Iron Stove’.
These iron stoves were primarily designed to heat irons for smoothing clothing, harkening back to a time before the widespread use of electricity, reflecting an era when innovative solutions were crafted to meet everyday needs. This historical perspective offers a glimpse into how people adapted and devised tools to simplify their lives before the convenience of modern technology.
Winnerwell took inspiration from this old-fashioned gem and turned it into a versatile, cast iron camping stove. The stove is rigorously constructed and built to last, made with an ultra-solid cast iron fuel tank and stainless steel burner with a cast iron grill (sold separately).
The burner has a wonderful reinforced Mica glass viewing window with a brass valve knob and gasket giving the stove a very nice finish – an object worth owning and would make for a great gift.
With the cast iron grill attachment there is enough room for a pan or billy to comfortably rest on or it’s possible to cook directly on the grill. Best of all, once heated the stove gives off sufficient heat and light to create a wonderfully cosy camping ambience.
The stove operates on kerosene (preferably low odour), a readily available and cost-effective fuel source. With its 600ml fuel tank, it can provide 5-6 hours of operation, and kerosene can be purchased in bulk for as little as 50 cents per litre, making this stove a highly economical choice.
Who might like this? Well, history buffs and vintage/antique collectors, of course. But beyond this, it’s a super practical, reliable and efficient stove, with a simple design and well-made build. It’s not just for collectors, we believe it has a much broader appeal – a device so practical and well-made, that won’t let you down in an emergency and creates a really nice vibe at camp.
We have a test model coming soon which we will photograph and video in action. The ‘Sad Iron Stove’ is coming in limited numbers and is available now for pre-order via Homecamp.