People have been making variations of the “hobo heater” since before the Great Depression. The idea is to use a few inexpensive materials to make a small space heater that is simple, cheap, and reliable. Something dense that holds and radiates warmth, and actually works when you need it to.
For a prepper on a budget, this is ideal for winter preparedness. It could help you stay warm during a power outage, or it could heat up a small amount of food or water. And if you’re stuck somewhere due to car trouble or some other crisis, it could keep you from freezing.
Like I said, there are many variations of hobo heaters, but I really like this particular version which I found on the Youtube channel, WayPoint Survival. He uses a half cinder block and a small can of Crisco to make a heater that lasts for days. You can watch his video and read the instructions below.
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Safety Note (please read):
This is an open flame device. Use it outside only or in a well-ventilated, fire-safe area where open flame is allowed. Keep it away from anything flammable, never leave it unattended, and keep a lid/metal pan nearby to smother the flame if needed.
Materials:
- 1 half concrete block (the “half cinder block” style)
- 1 small can of Crisco (about 16 oz / 1 lb)
- Lantern wicks (he uses a multi-pack from Walmart)
- A stick, dowel, or screwdriver (to push the wick into the Crisco)
- Scissors (for trimming wick)
- Optional: a stove grate (like the removable grate from a gas stove) to act as a cooking stand
Instructions:
1. Set Up a Safe Work Area
Place the half concrete block on a flat, non-flammable surface (concrete, bare ground, etc.). Keep it away from anything that can catch fire, and make sure it won’t get knocked over easily.
Turn the block so the can will sit down inside an opening. The block helps hold heat and radiate it after it warms up, and it also helps shield the flame from wind.
2. Prepare Your Fuel Can
Use a small can of Crisco (the tutorial uses the 16-oz size). This can will act as both the fuel reservoir and the container. Take off the plastic lid, then peel off the foil seal so the shortening is exposed.
3. Insert The Wick
Grab one lantern wick and place the end near the center of the Crisco. Use a stick, dowel, or screwdriver to push it down into the shortening. Keep it centered.
Leave about ½ inch of wick sticking up above the surface. If the wick sits too low, it can still work as a heater, but it may be harder to cook on as the flame burns lower inside the can.
4. Prime The Wick
Rub or dab a little Crisco on the exposed part of the wick so it lights more easily, especially if the wick is brand new.
5. Set The Can Inside The Block
Place the Crisco can down into the opening in the concrete block. If you can, set it so the flame area is slightly below the top surface of the block, which acts as a windbreak and helps stabilize the flame.
You may need to place someone below the the can (such as the walnuts he uses in the video) to get it to the right height.
6. Light The Wick
Use a lighter or match to ignite the wick. A new wick may take a moment to “catch” and stabilize, so give it a few seconds to get going.
If it starts smoking, trim the wick slightly. The smoke is usually from the wick being too long or not “burned in” yet, not from the shortening itself.
And That’s It!
This is an incredibly simple tutorial, so you can see why it’s such a popular heater.
You can get roughly 3–4 days of continuous burn from a can like this, and longer overall if you only run it a few hours at a time.
Extinguish Safely
When you’re done, smother the flame with a non-flammable cover (like a metal lid) rather than blowing on it, then let everything cool fully before moving the can or the block.
Options:
Add a Grate
If you have a gas stove grate (the removable metal grate from a stove top), set it across the top of the block to create a stable platform for a small pot or pan.
Use a Lid
If you’re using it for food or water, use a small pot with a lid to heat it faster, and be sure to keep an eye on it the entire time.
Add a Second Wick
If you want more heat, you can add another wick to the can using the same method (push it down into the Crisco and leave the tip exposed). This will burn hotter but will also use up the fuel faster.
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