The Bushbox XL Combination Kit is a premium folding wood stove system designed for bushcrafters, campers, and expedition-style adventurers who value durability, modularity, and off-grid cooking flexibility. Manufactured by Bushcraft Essentials in Germany, the XL kit combines the brand’s flagship stove with a suite of accessories that elevate it from a simple firebox to a full-featured outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re boiling water in the Scottish Highlands or grilling sausages in a forest clearing, the Bushbox XL delivers reliable performance and rugged charm.
Build Quality and Materials
The Bushbox XL stove is made from high-grade stainless steel, precision laser-cut and assembled with riveted hinges. The material choice ensures excellent corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and structural integrity. Unlike aluminium stoves that warp under high heat or titanium models that sacrifice rigidity for weight, the stainless steel Bushbox XL strikes a balance between robustness and portability.
The stove folds flat to a thickness of just 1 cm, making it easy to pack in a rucksack or stow in a pannier. When unfolded, it forms a stable, box-like structure with integrated ventilation slots and a raised base plate that promotes airflow and efficient combustion. The hinges are smooth and durable, and the panels lock into place with satisfying precision.
The kit includes several accessories:
- Universal Grate: Doubles as a grill, pot support, or charcoal tray.
- Trivets: Adjustable pot supports for different cookware sizes.
- Heavy-Duty Outdoor Bag: Made from Cordura, with compartments for all components.
- Multi-Functional Case: Stores the stove flat and protects it from dirt and moisture.
Each piece is engineered with the same attention to detail, and the overall feel is one of quality and reliability.
Size and Weight
The Bushbox XL is the largest stove in the Bushcraft Essentials lineup. It measures 12.5 x 19 x 12.5 cm when assembled and weighs approximately 800 grams without accessories. With the full kit, the weight climbs to around 1.2 kg, depending on configuration.
While this is heavier than ultralight titanium stoves or compact alcohol burners, it’s well within range for bushcraft, overlanding, or basecamp use. The trade-off is justified by the stove’s versatility and cooking capacity. It can accommodate large pots, skillets, and even Dutch ovens, making it suitable for group meals or extended trips.
Fuel Versatility and Combustion
One of the Bushbox XL’s standout features is its multi-fuel capability. It’s primarily designed for wood, but it also works with:
- Charcoal
- Solid fuel tablets (e.g. Esbit)
- Alcohol burners (Trangia-style)
- Gas burners (with adapter)
The stove’s design promotes efficient combustion. The raised base plate allows air to flow underneath the fire, while the side vents channel oxygen into the burn chamber. This results in a hot, clean burn with minimal smoke and ash. Users report boil times of 5–7 minutes for 500ml of water, depending on fuel type and wind conditions.
Wood is the most satisfying fuel to use. Twigs, pine cones, and small branches ignite easily and burn hot. The stove’s size allows for longer burn times without constant refuelling, and the universal grate helps manage embers and ash. For stealth camping or Leave No Trace setups, the Bushbox XL leaves minimal ground impact and cools quickly after use.
Cooking Performance
The Bushbox XL excels at real cooking—not just boiling water. Its wide top surface and stable base make it ideal for frying, simmering, and grilling. The included trivets can be adjusted to support small mugs or large pans, and the universal grate adds grilling capability.
Users have successfully cooked:
- Bacon and eggs in a skillet
- Pasta in a 1.5L pot
- Bannock on a grill tray
- Coffee in a percolator
The stove handles uneven cookware well, and the flame control is surprisingly good for a wood burner. By adjusting fuel placement and airflow, you can achieve a steady simmer or roaring boil. The stove’s height also keeps cookware away from direct flame, reducing scorching and improving heat distribution.
Portability and Setup
Despite its size, the Bushbox XL is easy to carry and quick to deploy. It folds flat and fits neatly into the included Cordura pouch, which has compartments for the stove, grate, trivets, and fire starters. The pouch is MOLLE-compatible, allowing it to attach to packs, belts, or bike frames.
Setup takes less than a minute. Unfold the panels, insert the base plate, and drop in the grate or trivets. The stove is self-supporting and doesn’t require pegs or external supports. It’s stable on uneven ground and performs well in wind, especially with a windshield or natural shelter.
Durability and Maintenance
The Bushbox XL is built to last. The stainless steel resists rust, warping, and deformation even after repeated use. The hinges and rivets hold up well under heat stress, and the panels don’t bend or twist. Users report years of use with minimal wear, even in harsh conditions.
Cleaning is straightforward. Ash and soot can be brushed off or wiped with a damp cloth. The stove doesn’t require special treatment, and the flat-folding design makes it easy to clean and store. The Cordura pouch protects it from dirt and moisture during transport.
Use Cases and Versatility
The Bushbox XL Combination Kit is ideal for:
- Bushcraft and wilderness camping
- Overlanding and expedition travel
- Bikepacking with cooking stops
- Emergency preparedness and survival kits
- Backyard cooking and firepit alternatives
It’s not suited for ultralight backpacking or fastpacking, but for anyone who values real cooking in the outdoors, it’s a game-changer. The ability to use natural fuel, cook full meals, and pack everything into a compact kit makes it one of the most versatile stoves available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and materials
- Multi-fuel compatibility
- Stable and spacious cooking surface
- Efficient combustion and airflow
- Modular accessories for expanded functionality
- Compact folding design with durable pouch
Cons:
- Heavier than minimalist stoves
- Requires practice for optimal wood burning
- Higher price point than basic fireboxes
- Not ideal for ultralight or minimalist setups
Comparison with Similar Stoves
Compared to the Solo Stove Titan, the Bushbox XL offers more cooking flexibility and better packability. The Solo Stove is more efficient in combustion but less versatile in cookware support.
Against the Toaks Titanium Backpacking Stove, the Bushbox XL wins on durability and cooking capacity but loses on weight. The Toaks stove is better for fastpacking, while the Bushbox XL is built for basecamp cooking.
The Lixada Folding Wood Stove is a budget alternative, but it lacks the build quality, accessories, and stability of the Bushbox XL. For serious use, the Bushbox is worth the investment.
Final Verdict
The Bushbox XL Combination Kit is a premium outdoor cooking system that delivers on every front. It’s durable, versatile, and thoughtfully designed for real-world use. Whether you’re a bushcrafter, camper, or expedition traveller, it offers the kind of cooking experience that transforms meals into moments.
While it’s not the lightest or cheapest stove, it’s one of the most capable. The ability to cook with wood, charcoal, or alcohol, combined with modular accessories and rugged construction, makes it a standout choice for anyone who takes outdoor cooking seriously.
If you’re ready to move beyond boil-only stoves and embrace the full potential of fire-based cooking, the Bushbox XL Combination Kit is a tool you’ll reach for again and again.
