Outdoor Wood Stove Cooking Setup for Our Off-Grid Cabin

Our latest project has been putting an outdoor wood-burning stove out near the small cabin with a cover, so we can cook on it in the spring and fall. Of course, we will use it in the winter as well to warm up or just to enjoy.

The small cabin already has a wood stove inside, but it can get pretty hot in there when you’re cooking on it. Since we’ve been spending more time in the small cabin, we needed a better way to cook our meals without overheating the space.

With fire bans on due to the wildfires the last few years in our area, we also had to come up with something that would still be allowed.

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Why We Built an Outdoor Wood Stove Cooking Area

Having an outdoor setup like this solves a few problems at once:

• Keeps the cabin cooler when cooking
• Gives us a safe option during fire restriction seasons
• Adds a comfortable place to cook and gather outside
• Works year-round for heating up or quick meals

If you’re setting up your own cabin, this kind of simple outdoor cooking area can make a big difference in daily life.

👉 If you’re planning something similar, you might also want to read my guide on wood stove safety for off-grid living, especially when working with older stoves like this one.

Fire Ban Rules and What We Needed to Fix

The outdoor wood stove will need a few modifications in order to be able to use next summer, but it won’t take much to do.

Requirements for outdoor wood stoves are that they don’t have an open burning flame. That means we’ll need to fix the doors, since the glass is missing from one and damaged on the other.

They are also required to have a fireproof back, which is an easy fix. We plan on building a rock wall at the back of the stove.

So really, not much to do to meet the local requirements and still have a safe way to cook outside—even during restrictions.

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Reusing an Old Wood Stove

The wood stove we are using for this project came out of the main house. The last occupants had crammed it into the fireplace and used it that way.

So we hauled it out and gave it a new purpose.

The old wood stove before being painted

I started painting it but ran out of paint, so I’ll have to update with a finished picture once that’s done.

Using What We Had on Hand

The logs for this project came from trees on the property, except for one dead standing tree we took from the road coming in.

Nathan peeled all the bark off the trees before getting them ready to put together and put up. Here is a picture of him cutting one of the logs for the roof.

The only purchase we needed for this project was the tin for the roof. All the lumber came from the addition we had torn off the main cabin, and the plywood for the roof also came from that same structure.

That’s one of the things I enjoy most about off-grid projects—using what you already have whenever possible.

👉 For more simple, practical builds like this, take a look at my guide on off-grid living and setting up a self-sufficient cabin.

 

Building the Cookhouse Structure

Before putting any of the logs up, we dug four holes about 18 inches deep and poured concrete. Then we placed metal brackets into the concrete that the logs would sit on.

Nathan cut into the bottom of the logs so when they were put up, the metal bars slid right into place.

We let the concrete harden for a while, then prepped the logs, had lunch, and gathered up the lumber for the roof while we waited.

Raising the first posts

You can see in the photos where I had started painting the wood stove as well.

You can see here that I had started to paint the wood stove.  I ran out of paint, will have to take a picture of it after fully painted and update.

 

 

 

 

Cooking on an Outdoor Wood Stove

One thing I’m really looking forward to is using this setup regularly. Cooking outside just feels different—especially when everything is simple and wood-fired.

If you’re planning to cook this way, having the right cookware makes a big difference.

👉 A good cast iron cookware set for wood stove cooking is one of the best things you can use. It holds heat well, works perfectly on wood stoves, and lasts for years.

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What’s Left to Finish

We still have a bit of work to do to complete our outdoor cookhouse, but I’m already glad to have this setup ready to use this fall and winter.

Building this outdoor cooking space has made a big difference for us. It keeps the cabin cooler, works within fire regulations, and gives us a reliable way to cook year-round.

If you’re living off-grid or planning to, having a separate outdoor cooking space like this is one of those simple upgrades that really improves day-to-day life.

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❓ FAQ

Can you use a wood stove outdoors during fire bans?
In many areas, yes—if the stove is enclosed and meets local safety regulations. Always check your local fire rules before using it.

Is an outdoor wood stove good for cooking?
Yes, wood stoves are excellent for cooking. With the right setup and cookware, you can cook full meals, boil water, and heat food easily.

 

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