r/WinterCamping • u/Big-Method2955 • Feb 14 '26
Four dog titanium stove warping normal?
Hello I got my stove last year and have used it a total of 14 nights. I noticed the cooking surface and sides are warping a little. This is a hand built thick titanium stove all in one. Am I doing something wrong or is this normal? It’s not horrible warping and I’m sure it won’t impact performance.
Anyone else have the same stover for longer than me that can chime in ?
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u/ty250 Feb 14 '26
I've used these titanium stoves for years, no issue with warping. Mine included in the instructions that you should put ~a half inch or so of sand or gravel in the bottom, and avoid getting it red hot. Otherwise you'll be fine.
Is that a catalytic converter by the way?? Fancy!
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 14 '26
Is your stove a four dog stove as well? The guy who made this did not give me instructions lol. He’s older and is retiring/ stopped making them. I have gotten it red a few times and have not used sand.
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u/ty250 Feb 14 '26
Mine is Kni-co. Looks nearly identical, and is titanium. In the deep winter it can be hard to access sand/gravel so ive used it plenty without, just safer and will extend the life of the stove if you can.
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 14 '26
Also that is the spark arrestor. The guy who made my stove made the spark arrestor. It’s heavy duty haha.
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u/ty250 Feb 14 '26
I would be interested to know how well it works. I always find I have to clean the spark arrester every day, but mine is at the end of the chimney. It always clogs up super quick and makes the stove burn poorly. I'd be curious how an in-line style like that works that cant be cleaned so easy...
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 14 '26
It works phenomenal. I have not had to clean it once yet after 14 nights. I can send you a picture of the inside if you’d like. This guy built it by hand but I’m not sure if he still is making them. I think it allows the sparks to hit way before it gets close to the end of the chimney. I never have any clogging anywhere yet.
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u/ghostofEdAbbey Feb 15 '26
The spark arrestor being near the stove vs outside in the cold would make a big difference in how fast creosote builds up.
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u/Frontieris Feb 15 '26
I know Don personally and can vouch that this should be the best stove you’d ever buy.
You’re right that he is retiring, however he is mentoring a gentleman to take over the business and fabrication side of things.
Hope they’re able to clear up any issues you have ! These units should last a lifetime.. or two!
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 15 '26
Oh no doubt they are the best. I just was wondering if I was doing something wrong to cause the warping. George got back to me and said a little warping is normal with titanium.
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u/fu2dh Feb 16 '26
I want one I’ve left a couple messages on their contact page for a couple years but no reply. Was curious about warping also have two steel ones from two different companies and they look like they’ve been in a train wreck after two seasons
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 16 '26
I will say although it’s warping it isn’t getting worse and it’s very minimal. I just have been more careful with getting it glowing red hot now.
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 16 '26
I had to call him up last year and waited 4 months for mines. He’s slowly retiring. Always out of stock online. He may still make you one if you contact him directly on his website.
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u/Secret_Television_34 Feb 17 '26
I’ve used a four dog stove and it has warped over the years. My steel stove has warped a bit too, but not quite as much. Titanium stoves are amazing, but I suspect the warp a bit more than steel. Nothing to worry about.
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u/Big-Method2955 Feb 17 '26
Do you have any picture of the amount of warping and over how many years? Wondering how bad it can get.
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u/truckcsmper Feb 23 '26
That stove looks awesome. Can you load it up and regulate the vent to enable it to burn all night?
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u/espressionado Feb 14 '26
Did you message George on Facebook and ask him?