Cubic Mini Wood Stove Reviews: Tiny Stoves For RVs, Yurts, Boats, Cabins

The Cubic Mini Wood Stoves are popular Canadian-made wood-burning stoves.

They come in two sizes: the smaller CUB and the larger GRIZZLY. You can purchase them fully certified to meet UL 1482-2022 (U.S.) and ULC S627-2023 (Canada) or non-certified.

1. The CUB

The smaller of the two models, The Cub, is capable of heating spaces from 100 to 200 square feet. This makes it suitable for the smallest of spaces. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in a variety of spaces, yet it will heat efficiently through Spring and Fall. Prices: Certified | Non-Certified.

2. The GRIZZLY

The Grizzly is the larger model and is capable of heating spaces from 200 to 400 square feet. It’s larger than The Cub but is still compact enough for use in small living spaces. It can be used through Winter. Prices: Certified | Non-Certified.

Both models are efficient wood-burning stoves primarily designed for small spaces such as tiny homes, boats, vans, schoolies, or small cabins. Users have praised them for their minimalistic design, efficiency, and affordability—especially when they’re on sale.

Cubic Mini Wood Stove Versions

The CUB and GRIZZLY are made from durable steel and feature a glass window for viewing the fire.

They also have a secondary combustion system that helps to ensure efficient burning and minimizes smoke and other emissions.

The stoves include a rail around the top to secure a kettle or pan for cooking or heating water. The rail can be removed to provide additional space on the cooktop.

Both models have the same construction materials:

• 3/16″ laser cut steel top plate: provides a robust and durable surface that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use.
• 1/8″ laser-cut steel body: Offers structural integrity to the stove, making it resilient and long-lasting.
• 1/2″ thick vermiculite firebrick insulation: Enhances the stove’s heat retention and efficiency, ensuring that less heat escapes.
• 3/16″ thick self-cleaning ROBAX glass: Allows for a clear, self-cleaning view of the fire while adding an extra layer of safety.
• Brass-plated coil handles: These add a touch of elegance to the stove’s design while remaining cool to the touch for safe handling.

The only difference between the two models is in the dimensions and heat output, as shown in the following table.

	Cubic Mini CUB	Cubic Mini GRIZZLY
Size	11″ w x 12″ h x 10.5″ d	13″ W x 15″ H x 12″ D
BTU	6000 – 14,000 BTU	8,000 – 18,000 BTU
kW	1.75 – 4.1 kWh	2.3 – 5.2 kWh
Weight	25 lbs/11 kgs	39 lbs/17.7 kgs
Heats up to	100 – 200 feet²	200 – 400 feet²
Cook Top	5 x 11 inches with rail removed	6.5 x 13 inches with rail removed
Trim Color	Black or Brass	Black or Brass

The size of your space will determine which is best for you. Other factors that need to be considered are your home’s insulation level and the location’s climate.

We recommend most people opt for the GRIZZLY because it’s better to be safe than sorry. No one likes freezing in the winter, and the CUB isn’t rated for winter use other than in the warmest climates. The Grizzly Wood Stove has been tested in the coldest climates, and most users are happy.

Without shielding, the Cub and the Grizzly need a 20-inch clearance in all directions. Proper shielding and mounting reduce the clearance requirements to 3 inches.

Both the GRIZZLY and CUB can be bought with brass or black trim.

Both appliances use a 3-inch stove pipe as part of a complete flue system.

Certified Vs. Non-Certified

In 2024, Cubic Mini announced their stoves are “now fully certified to meet UL 1482-2022 (U.S.) and ULC S627-2023 (Canada) standards.”

UL 1482-2022 (U.S.) and ULC S627-2023 (Canada) certifications signify that wood stoves have undergone extensive testing to meet stringent fire safety and performance standards.

UL 1482-2022 ensures that U.S. stoves comply with regulations covering structural integrity, fire containment, heat radiation, and safe venting of combustion by-products, which are often required for building codes and insurance.

Similarly, ULC S627-2023, the Canadian equivalent, mandates rigorous tests for fire safety and structural integrity, ensuring compliance with Canadian building codes and insurance requirements.

Both certifications assure high safety standards, which are essential for regulatory and insurance purposes.

In their FAQs, Cubic Mini states:

We offer non certified and certified models.

Certified models are needed for insurance and when building codes require it. Non certified models are for recreational use.

Compare prices for certified and non-certified models here.

Cubic Mini Burn Times

One of the burning questions people have regarding small wood stoves is, “How long can it burn for?” and, “Are overnight burns possible?”

Most people find it very difficult or impossible to get all-night burn times with the Grizzly or Cub Wood Stoves, but there are a few tricks that can help:

1. The best results come from burning dry, seasoned hardwoods cut to the right size.
2. Using compressed or densified logs will grant longer burn times.
3. Fill the firebox as much as possible with good wood or “stack it like Tetris,” as one man said

You can do plenty of other things to ensure a Grizzly wood stove heats a home to the best of its ability, like using heat fans and heat reclaiming bands. Check out our round-up of Cubic Mini tips for more ideas.

Here are comments on fuel and burn times from the Cubic Mini Facebook Group…

Myranda said:

I’ve been really enjoying eco logs or other compressed hardwood logs that are additive free. I ended up using about 3 a day.

I bought a face cord of them, highly recommend!

They burn cleaner and hotter.

Tim said:

It took a little time to figure out the draft, some times I leave the door slightly opened to increase airflow, once it gets going I latch it closed.

The dryer the wood the hotter and faster the burn.

And Tina said:

I have found it takes a bit of time to learn what works best. It also depends on the size of the space you have it in.

A magnetic thermometer helps me determine how hot I need it to be comfortable. Tonight it will be 13° and I know it won’t be as warm as I would like, but I still want to make adjustments before I get it over 650°.

(I want some extra heat pipe insulation around the exit hole as the 5″ pipe still gets too hot for my liking)

Other than that, it’s all about the wood, good seasoned wood or those pressed logs burn hotter.

The US-made Mini Me Wood Stove can burn for up to 12 hours, but it only burns compressed logs rather than firewood.

Cubic Mini Wood Stove Reviews

Check out the Cubic Mini Wood Stove Users FB Group for up-to-date reviews.

People share pictures of their wood stoves and tips on getting the most out of them.

For example, someone asked this question:

Building out a cargo trailer. I want to put my cubic mini cub on the kitchen counter kinda like in this picture from Pinterest.

I’m just curious if it would be too hot to prep food on the counter right next to the stove while it’s got a fire going.

Have people noticed a distance that’s too close for comfort?

Or:

Creosote builds up fast at the top of the chimney (which isn’t a surprise I suppose – it’s a long pipe).

The gap between the top of chimney and cap is very small. Anyone else have this issue?

Thinking of cutting the top of the chimney by an inch or two to allow more space for smoke to escape and less frequent cleanings.

Anyone else have this issue?

It’s a great source of information for those looking to buy a Cubic Mini Wood Stove and those who already have one and need tips to improve its performance.

Here are some POSITIVE Cub and Grizzly reviews from the group:

• “Love, love, love this stove [GRIZZLY]; heats my small cabin just fine and has for the past 5 years.”
• “Best purchase! We did for our RV as propane is inefficient.”
• “Cubic Grizzly in Alaska!! Working great!! (Camper) Even in negative Temps.”

Marcie said:

Other than the flue is only 3″ and has to be cleaned a lot and of course you have to cut your wood to size it’s been a really great stove for us.

It’s already saved us money and that’s a plus. More positive then problems with our experience.

Our RV was brand new so when we punched a hole in the roof for the flue it was a bit nerve wracking for me, but it fits perfectly in its location etc.

Get the heat shield system with it. You won’t regret it. It’s small and compact all the way around.

Robin said:

I am glad I got the Grizzly and not the smaller one. I can get a full sleep getting up only once to add wood.

I’m usually getting over 5 hours burning without adding wood when damped down.

Frederic said:

We installed a Grizzly in our boat and we absolutely love it.

Waking up on Sunday morning in the middle of nowhere, starting the fire, and enjoying the first coffee in this warm ambiance is priceless!

And John said:

I’m very happy with my Cubic Mini. In a well insulated van it stays warm most of the night.

I use a bag over the chimney when not in use to keep rain out and to stop ash from coming in while on the road. Much easier than putting the cap on.

We’ve found very few negative reviews about the Cubic Mini Grizzly or Cub. Those who comment online are overwhelmingly happy with their purchases.

The main downsides are:

1. That it’s not possible (or very difficult) to get an overnight burn
2. The chimney needs to be cleaned often

The frequency of chimney cleaning will depend on the type of wood you’re burning and whether it’s well-seasoned. It will also depend on how often your fire burns.

Some people need to clean the flue every two weeks, while others only do it once a month. Unfortunately, this is just part of the maintenance required with any small wood-burning stove, not just the Cubic Mini Stoves.

Overall Pros:

• Suitable for up to 400 sq ft in winter
• Able to be used for heating and cooking
• Wood burning is often much cheaper than alternative heating options
• The Cubic Mini is durable and constructed from quality materials
• Well reviewed with many happy and warm customers 
• DIY installation is possible, but get a pro in if in doubt
• Heat control levers allow you to control the burn

Overall Cons:

• Not suitable for more than 400 sq ft
• The build isn’t as robust as other models like the Dwarf
• It simply may not heat your space to a temperature you desire if you like things hot, hot, hot

On that final point, one user asked:

Is there a good way to get more heat out of it?

I just feel like it’s not preforming as well as expected in my bus.

The ensuing conversation identifies the likely problems as insufficient insulation and a very cold climate. A slightly larger wood stove, like the Flame Innovation Caboose or 5 kW Dwarf, might have been better.

When you compare the Dwarf Stoves with Cubic Mini Stoves, the former are more robust and have extra features but are more expensive. 

Cubic Mini Wood Stove Features

Another great feature of the cubic mini wood stove is its secondary combustion capabilities.

The system works by pulling oxygen from the secondary air intake, which then mixes with the gas produced by the fuel burning, which ends up reigniting the wood.

This feature is handy because it ensures that energy that would have otherwise been lost still gets utilized.

If you’ve bought a mini wood stove without insulation, you have probably noticed that the air around it gets heated, but the room stays cold. The Cubic Mini wood stoves are insulated to ensure the heat they produce is reflected into the stove.

As a user, you get improved functionality, as the stove holds more heat and radiates it for longer. That’s a neat feature, as it means you can have your space heated for longer without reigniting the stove.

If you have used a small stove before, you understand the headache of constantly cleaning the creosote. The latter is initially not a concern as it builds up soon as the flue gases contact cold air and surfaces.

Fortunately, this tiny house wood-burning stove has a flue pipe that reduces the overall build-up. Besides, this flue pipe has a sufficiently insulated double wall, so it will not be as prone to creosote build-up.

Drafts are an additional concern closely related to the one described above. The latter builds up within the flue pipe, which is detrimental as this pipe actually works like the engine of the entire setup.

As such, the Cubic Grizzly and Cub wood stoves comes with an adjustable flue pipe that you can raise enough to go past the highest point within the room where the stove will be installed.

Installation of the Cubic Mini Stoves is fairly easy and straightforward. You can do it yourself with just a few basic tools. The website has several videos explaining the different elements and their setup.

The insulation that allows the stove to reflect heat is a neat feature that makes the stove heat longer and radiate into your space longer. The Grizzly should burn for 2-4 hours using 6-inch logs, while the Cub will be slightly shorter.

The maximum BTU you get with the Grizzly mini stove is 18,000, better than the 14,000 BTUs you would get from the Cub.

The number of accessories available makes it possible to customize your Cubic Grizzly wood stove to fit your needs. Whether you want to have it as a floor mount or have it mounted on the wall, you get different kits that should facilitate any preferences you might have.

Cubic Mini also sells everything you need for installation, including wall and/or floor mounts, heat shields for the fire and flue, stainless steel flue pipes, and so on.

Cubic Mini Wood Burning Stove FAQs

Where are Cubic Mini Wood Stoves Made?

The Cubic Mini Wood Stoves are made in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada.

Can you cook on a Cubic Mini Wood Stove?

The mini wood stove is dual-purpose. You can cook on top of it; moving the rail will give you a larger space.

If you would prefer to have an oven as well, consider the Dwarf Tiny Wood Cookstove.

How do you install it?

After purchasing the mini wood stove, you select the mounting method, either floor or wall mount.

Afterward, you must determine which shielding options you want around the stove. Note that with the wall mount, the stove will only shield the surface where it has been mounted.

If you mount it on the floor, you should consider getting shielding for anything 20” from the stove.

What are the potential Cubic Mini Wood Stove problems?

Some of the problems you will encounter with the Cubic mini wood stove include a problematic flue pipe, smoking issues, foul smell coming from the stove, and accumulation of debris within the firebox.

Where can you use the Cubic Mini Wood Burning Stoves?

We’ve seen the Grizzly used in all kinds of spaces and places, including:

• RVs, campers, skoolies, buses, and vans
• Tiny houses, yurts, cabins, and boats
• Home offices that are separate from the main house
• Fishing sheds, hunting shacks, and hiking cabins
• Mobile art studios and other traveling businesses

Can I order from Europe or the UK?

Cubic Mini does ship to Europe and the UK, but shipping costs can make it very expensive. Alternative stoves like the Hobbit and Pipsqueak are sold in this region and may be the better choice.

Small And Tiny Wood Stoves

Both the Grizzly and Cub Wood Stoves offer good value for money.

With the Grizzly, you get a slightly larger firebox than the Cub, but the Cub is still a solid little stove perfect for tight spaces, including sailboats and RVs. 

Overall, we love the compact size of these stoves, the large front display window, and the sturdy steel construction. It looks great, as you can see in the Insta photos throughout the post (please follow those accounts!), and users are happy.

For more info, get in touch with the team at cubicminiwoodstoves.com, ask a question in the Cubic Mini Users group on FB, or share your comments and questions in the section below!