Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I did almost a year of research on this type of stove before deciding to buy the Camp Chef Alpine. I don't do enough arctic camping to invest in the more expensive ones available, so my perceptions may not be what you can relate to, but nonetheless, here goes my review. First off, this is a solid, tank built stove. All the welds on my unit are solid and neat. Legs go on great and the door, though not air tight, is as close as you can get without having a gasket. Actually the tolerance is so close you couldn't put a gasket on, much less the cement for it, it's that good. All the parts fit very well. I must comment on another's comment about the first section of vent pipe going down too far into the firebox and hitting the wood. Must have had the wrong section in first. There is a metal collar built into the inside surface of the stove that allows your first section of pipe to go into it. There are stops at the bottom of this hole that prevent the pipe from going down more than an inch or so. Do not be concerned, it is designed to go down in this hole. Now for the initial firing. NOTE: This process is not to burn off the paint but to CURE the paint.. This thing will fire up like a foundry furnace if you don't damp it way down. IF YOU ARE BURNING OFF THE PAINT YOU HAVE THE FIRE WAY TOO HOT. The "burn in" is merely to smoke off the manufacturing oils used during building. After the oils smoke off and the paint cures it will not be the semi gloss black as new but a more matte black surface with no scorch marks on the stove anywhere. It's a thing of beauty. So don't rev it up just to see flames fly out the top. Take it easy. I really don't understand the whining about it being hard to empty ashes. After it has completely cooled just open the door, slowly tip on its front, and then continuing in the same direction, tipping onto the top surface. What tiny amount is left can easily be spooned/vacuumed out, as long as there are no live coals. Always practice basic campfire/woodstove safety. As stated before, this is a very well built stove. One thing I should mention is that on the inside top of the firebox is an iron grid work welded to the top to help prevent warping and create a little turbulence for a better burn. This thing will roar if you just open it up completely so be careful and learn your drafting skills and you will have a stove that will last for many years. It is a great stove at a great price. P.S. If you are going to use the warming racks be sure and insert them before firing up as the stove will expand a little with heat and you will not be able to use the racks until it cools down again.