Which is better, the Cubic CUB and GRIZZLY Mini Wood Stoves VS the Dwarf Tiny Wood Stoves?
They are both very good wood stoves for heating spaces of 500 square feet or less, but they are different. The Cubic Mini Wood Stoves are cheaper, but they don’t have the range of features or as heavy-duty construction as the Dwarf stoves.
Here are our individual reviews of each of these stoves where we cover all their specs and features:
In this short post, I’ll just be comparing the two stoves in order to better understand the differences.
Dwarf Vs. Cubic Mini Wood Stoves
 | Cubic Mini Wood Stove |
| Grizzly Mini Stove PriceCUB Wood Stove Price |
 | Dwarf Mini Wood Stove |
| 5kw Dwarf Stove PriceAll Dwarf Stove Prices |
You can check through the links above for the absolute latest price details.
Here are the general price differences between the wood stoves offered by Tiny Wood Stoves and Cubic Mini. Both companies sometimes run sales (Cubic Mini sales are more regular), but these are the non-sale prices.
- Cubic CUB (2.3 – 5.2kw) – $765.00
- Cubic GRIZZLY (1.75 – 4.1kw) – $891.00
- The Dwarf 3kw Lite – $625.00
- Dwarf 3kw – $795.00
- Dwarf 4kw – $895.00
- And Dwarf 5kw – $1095.00
The Dwarf stoves are more expensive when compared to the Cubic Mini with similar output, but there are good reasons for this.
The Dwarf stoves aren’t more expensive just for the sake of being more expensive, they are “better”. That doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for everyone, but just that they are a more robust wood stove with more features.
Here are the reasons why you’ll need to pay a bit more for a Dwarf Stove.
Differences Between Cubic Mini And Dwarf Stove
What’s the difference between these two stoves?
The biggest difference between the Cubic Minis and Dwarf lineup is that the Cubics have only half the steel thickness of the Dwarfs.
The Cubic Minis are a lot lighter because they only have half the steel thickness. For example, the Dwarf 3kw stove weighs 75 lbs (or the Dwarf Lite is 55 lbs), while the comparable CUB weighs only 25 lbs.
If weight is a very important factor for you (and it is for some), the Cubic stoves might be the better choice. However, overall the Dwarf stoves are more robust, can be used for full-time heating, and will perform better.
Other differences include:
| Dwarf Stove | Cubic Mini Stove | |
| Output | 7,500 – 20,000 BTU | 6,000 – 18,000 |
| Weight | 55 – 150 lbs | 25 – 39 lbs |
| Fuel | Wood and coal | Wood |
| Air Wash | Yes | No |
| Riddling Grate | Yes | No |
| Rear Vent | Yes | No |
| Ash Pan | Yes | No |
| Made In | China | Canada |
*figures across all sizes.
An important requirement for many people looking for an RV or camper wood stove is that they can cook on it as well.
Another huge benefit of the Dwarf stoves is that there is the option to vent it out the rear, rather than through the top. While this means it will take up a bit more space, it will give you a much larger cooking area – the entire top of the stove.
The Cubic Mini Cub and Grizzly can only be vented through the top, leaving a limited amount of space for cooking remaining. Also, you should not use any elbows when venting these stoves, whereas doing so is OK with the Dwarf Stoves.
The riddling grate is another helpful feature that the Dwarf has. It’s especially important in mini and tiny wood stoves. This lets coal or wood ash fall through into the ash pan for emptying and allows for a cleaner more efficient fire.
Cubic Mini Vs Dwarf Tiny Wood Stove
The Cubic Mini Cub and Grizzly Wood Stoves, and the Dwarf Tiny Wood Burning Stoves are popular choices for tiny homes, RVs, boats, and other small spaces. Here’s a comparison summary of what we’ve looked at today.
Size and Heat Output:
- Cubic Mini Cub: This is the smaller of the two Cubic stoves. It’s suitable for spaces between 100-200 sq. ft and produces around 6,000 BTUs.
- Cubic Mini Grizzly: Larger than the Cub, it’s intended for spaces between 200-400 sq. ft. The Grizzly produces up to 8,000 to 18,000 BTUs.
- Dwarf Tiny Wood Burning Stoves: These stoves come in various sizes. The lineup typically includes 3kW, 4kW, and 5kW models, catering to different space sizes. The heat output varies accordingly.
Design:
- Cubic Mini Stoves: Both Cub and Grizzly have a modern, square-box design. They are made of laser-cut steel, ensuring precision in assembly and aesthetics.
- Dwarf Stoves: These have a more traditional look and feel, resembling conventional wood-burning stoves but on a smaller scale.
Installation:
- Cubic Mini Stoves: They offer proprietary mounting options, including wall mounts and floor mounts. This makes it easier to install them in unique spaces like vans or boats.
- Dwarf Stoves: They can be installed with standard stovepipe configurations and offer options for both rear and top flue exits.
Features:
- Cubic Mini Stoves: They often come with a window on the door, allowing users to see the fire. This adds a visual appeal to the space.
- Dwarf Stoves: Depending on the model, they may come with features like a direct air intake, secondary burn technology for cleaner burns, and even optional oven attachments.
Price:
- The Cubic Mini stoves are generally more affordable than the Dwarf stoves. However, prices can change, and there might be different factors that affect the total cost, such as shipping, accessories, and installation components.
Application:
- Cubic Mini Stoves: Due to their compact size and design, they are favored for very small spaces like vans, tiny homes, and boats.
- Dwarf Stoves: These are versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications, including slightly larger spaces, thanks to their larger size options.
Remember, when choosing a stove, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your space, safety requirements, and local regulations. Both brands are reputable, but the best choice will be contingent on your specific requirements and preferences.
Consult with professionals or experienced users when planning to install a wood-burning stove. Both companies have great customer service and are happy to have conversations about what might be best for you.
Tiny Wood Stoves
The Cubic Mini vs. Dwarf Tiny Wood Stove… In our opinion, the Dwarf stove is the better option all around.
It will perform better be a lot easier to use, and likely last for many more years. Plus, you can use it full-time in cold climates without any issues. While the Grizzly is rated for use through winter, the Cub is not.
The Cubic Mini options are still great stoves, especially for those wanting a cheaper and lighter burner. They’re just not quite as good, and that’s reflected in the price.
Lastly, for those in the UK, check out the Pipsqueak wood burning stove – again, it’s not as good as the Dwarf, but it’s still good. The Caboose Tiny Wood Stove is yet another option for those in the USA.
Let us know if you have any comments down below.
For questions, support, and community, join our Cubic Mini Wood Stove Users FB Group or Dwarf Tiny Wood Stove FB Group (NEW).
Helpful comparison thank you. I was leaning towards the Grizzly Cubic Mini because it’s cheaper, but am now impressed by the extra features on the Dwarf wood stove. Will see if I can stretch my budget for one of those models!
Thank you for the helpful information. I could go with either the cubic mini or the dwarf, but am stalling over the riddling grate/ashtray that the dwarf has. For people who regularly use the stove in winter, all other factors being equal, would you consider the riddling grate to be worth the extra cost? Does it really make clean up that much simpler?
Hi Laura, I posted your question in our Cubic Mini Wood Stove Users and Dwarf Tiny Wood Stove Users groups on FB to hear if people miss not have the riddling grate. I think those others differences, like the thicker steel or ability to vent out the back for a larger stovetop, are more important benefits of the Dwarf. I’ll share any good answers we get here in case you don’t have FB.
I have the grizzly and it’s the build up of ash that ruins the continuos fire. Then I have to open it which lets out a bit of smoke. But all in all I believe buying Canadian is a better choice as everything is made in China here thanks to Trudeau . My grizzly is cast iron made in Germany but sold from Canada. Let’s get the info straight. It’s hot and light to carry.