The Jøtul F602 V3 (nicknamed “Little Giant”) is a compact, high-efficiency cast-iron wood stove designed for small spaces.
It features Jøtul’s Fusion catalytic combustion technology (a non-bypass combustor) for very clean, steady burns. In a single load it can burn up to 5 hours and heat roughly up to 800 ft².
The stove’s cast-iron body and tall shape allow it to radiate heat long after the fire is out, and it even includes a handy top-cooking surface. (The F602 V3 qualifies for the U.S. Federal biomass stove tax credit, since its HHV efficiency exceeds 75%.)
Ideal use cases
The F602 V3 is built for compact living. Its design makes it ideal as a primary or secondary heat source in the following spaces.
Cabins or Cottages (off-grid or rural)
Perfect for year-round heating of a small cabin (e.g. up to ~800 ft²). Its long burn times and high efficiency suit off-grid homes where fuel economy matters.
Tiny Homes and Cottages
Its small footprint and 800-ft² heating capacity mean it can serve as the sole stove in a tiny house or as supplemental heat in a modest home. Many buyers install it in ~100–300 ft² tiny houses or studios.
Workshops and Secondary Rooms
Small workshops, garages, or additions can be warmed with this stove. It excels where you need steady warmth for hours.
Winter Camping and Emergency Heat
Though heavy, it’s compact enough for some RVs or cabins; its steel legs and solid base make for easy setup on a hearth pad. Users note it “quickly heats a small space and radiates heat for hours,” even overnight.
In short, the Jøtul F602 V3 is best for very small to medium indoor spaces – places where oversized stoves would be too hot or bulky.
Its cast-iron build and efficient burn mean it heats efficiently with minimal fuel. (Some owners use it as supplemental heat alongside a larger stove.)
Specs and features
Dimensions/Weight:
25.25″ H × 12.625″ W × 21.25″ D; 160 lb. (Heavy cast iron construction – built in Norway.)
Fuel & Capacity:
Burns split wood up to 16″ long. Rated to heat ~800 ft² (e.g. a medium-sized room or small cabin). Burn time is up to about 5 hours per load.
Heat Output:
Peak output ~28,000 BTU/hr (approx. 8 kW) at full burn – enough for a small home or tight loft. (In practice it can be throttled down to ~5,000–10,000 BTU/hr for gentle heat.)
Efficiency & Emissions:
High-efficiency catalytic design. Jøtul specifies LHV 82.9%, HHV 76.7%. It is EPA-certified (2020 standards) with weighted particulate emissions ≈1.40 g/hr. These numbers mean it burns far cleaner than most non-certified stoves.
Clearances & Installation:
Requires a standard 6″ chimney or stove pipe (top or rear exit). Because it has no bypass, it can be placed closer to combustibles than some hybrid stoves. It is a freestanding floor stove (no wall-mount). A non-powered outside-air kit is available as an option.
User reviews – pros and cons
Owners generally love the Jøtul F602 V3 for its heat and craftsmanship.
For example, one long-time user wrote, “It is very efficient, looks good, and uses little space. My cabin is tiny (120 sq ft) so a small stove was critical.” Another notes the stove “belts out the heat” and stays hot longer thanks to thick cast iron.
Reviewers like the large, clean-looking front glass window (embossed with Jøtul’s lions), the sturdy feel, and the lasting warmth after the fire dies down.
Pros:
- High Efficiency & Clean Burn: EPA certification and Jøtul’s catalytic system give very low emissions and long burn times.
- Solid Construction: Heavy cast-iron holds heat and looks classic. The stove feels “solid, classic” and built to last decades.
- Compact Footprint: At just 25″ tall, it fits in tight rooms. Many owners appreciate its space-saving profile.
- Long Heat Retention: Even after the fire’s out, the stove continues radiating warmth for hours.
- Good Heat Output: When operating well, it “quickly heats up a small space” and can handle very cold conditions (one reviewer reported maintaining comfort down to –10 °C outside).
User Satisfaction: Many say you “can’t go wrong” with this stove for small-space heating.
Cons:
- Fussy Ignition/Control: A common drawback is that it can be “a fussy little fire” to start or maintain. New users should plan to keep the door cracked during ignition and feed kindling carefully. One reviewer noted that if you close the door too soon on a new fire, it may smolder or die out. (This is typical for small catalytic stoves.)
- Single Air Control: There is only one air lever. Some users mention limited fine control at very low burn rates – similar to other EPA stoves where the air control never fully shuts. This can make very gentle burns tricky.
- Price & Weight: It’s expensive (~$1,900 USD) and heavy (160 lb), so it’s a long-term investment and not suited to portable/DIY installations.
- Requires Dry Wood: To realize its efficiency, the wood must be well-seasoned. With damp wood or oversize logs, the stove can get smoky or underperform.
Overall satisfaction is high. Aside from the careful startup needed, most owners praise the F602’s consistent warmth and durability. It is widely recommended for exactly the applications it was designed for: small cabins or homes where gentle, long-lasting heat is needed.
If the Little Giant isn’t quite right for you, consider these other top-rated small wood stoves.
