Best Fuel for Campervan Stoves

One of the most common questions we get asked is:

“What fuel should I burn in my campervan stove?”

The good news is that all Little Burners stoves are multi-fuel, meaning they can burn different types of fuel depending on what you have available while travelling.

However, while they are multi-fuel, they are specifically designed to run extremely well on coal briquettes.

Choosing the right fuel can make a big difference to how well your stove performs, how long it burns, and how often you need to refuel.

Coal Briquettes (Our Favourite Fuel)

In our experience, smokeless coal briquettes are the best fuel for campervan stoves.

They burn slowly, produce consistent heat and are very efficient in small stoves.

Our personal favourite is Burnwell Blend Plus smokeless briquettes.

They are slightly more expensive than some alternatives, but they last noticeably longer and produce excellent heat.

A well-loaded stove using briquettes can often stay warm for hours, and in many cases it’s possible to keep the stove burning overnight.

Because campervans have limited storage space, this efficiency is incredibly useful — a small amount of fuel can go a long way.

Why Briquettes Work So Well

The reason briquettes work so well in our stoves comes down to airflow design.

Coal-based fuels burn best when they receive air from underneath the fuel bed.

Our stoves are designed with bottom-fed air, which allows briquettes to burn efficiently and produce a steady, controlled heat.

This makes them ideal for:

• campervans
• boats
• shepherd huts
• cabins
• tiny homes

Burning Wood in a Campervan Stove

Wood can also be used in multi-fuel stoves and many people enjoy the flame and atmosphere it produces.

However, wood tends to burn faster than briquettes and may require more frequent refuelling.

Wood also generally prefers top-fed air, which means it behaves slightly differently compared to coal-based fuels.

If you do burn wood, always make sure it is properly seasoned and dry.

Fuels to Avoid

Using poor quality fuel can affect both the performance and safety of your stove.

Avoid burning:

• damp wood
• green (unseasoned) wood
• treated timber
• painted wood
• household waste

Wet fuel burns poorly and can create excessive smoke and soot inside the flue system.

Dry fuel always produces a cleaner and more efficient fire.

A Small Stove Goes a Long Way

One of the biggest surprises for new van owners is just how much heat a small stove can produce.

With the right fuel and airflow, a compact multi-fuel stove can keep a campervan warm even during colder months.

Many vanlifers find that once they start using their stove regularly, it becomes the heart of the van.

Need Help Choosing Fuel?

If you’re unsure what fuel will work best for your setup, feel free to get in touch.

We’re always happy to help and share what we’ve learned from years of running stoves in campervans and small spaces.