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Polymath Stealth Stove Review: The Flat-Pack Pocket Stove That Punches Well Above Its Weight
- UKSN
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Polymath Products Stealth Stove is exactly what many of us look for in a true back-up or lightweight stove: small, smart, and surprisingly versatile. Right out of the box, it’s clear this is designed with pack weight and bulk in mind.
When packed down, the three rectangular stainless steel panels and triangular centre plate stack neatly together, secured by the simple hook & loop (Velcro) straps provided. It’s got a definite “IKEA for bushcrafters” vibe - everything is flat-pack simplicity until you slot it together.
It’s so slim you can slide it into a side pocket, stash it in a mess tin, or clip it to your rucksack with MOLLE or paracord. Personally, I’d have loved to see a little storage bag included, but at this price point, it’s hardly a dealbreaker, and the Velcro straps do the job just fine.
Polymath Stealth Stove Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
Folds completely flat - fits anywhere
Ultra lightweight (just under 100g)
Multiple fuel options: twigs, solid fuel, Exogel, alcohol burners
Integrated windshield works well
Simple to assemble (once you’ve done it once)
Strong and stable for its size
Made in the UK from marine-grade stainless steel
❌ Cons:
First-time assembly can be fiddly without reading the instructions
A storage bag would have been a nice extra
Semi open sides mean ash and embers can drop through if you’re not careful, especially if 'overloaded'
UKSN Rating: ★★★★ (4/4)
Assembly & Ease of Use
Like any flat-pack gear, the first build might make you scratch your head, especially in bad light or with cold hands, but once you’ve run through the instructions, it’s genuinely quick and intuitive.
The side panels slot into each other, and the triangular centre plate can be positioned in two main ways:
For wood burning: Drop the triangle plate low inside the body to act as a base for your embers and twigs.
For Exogel or solid fuel: Slot the triangle plate into the central cut-outs, lifting it up to hold the fuel closer to your pot.
As a windshield: If you’re using an alcohol burner or small fire, you can remove the centre plate altogether and simply use the three sides as a wind baffle, a clever touch that works surprisingly well in breezy conditions.
The result is a small, sturdy platform that easily handles anything from a tiny metal mug to a small frying pan. Depending on your pot size, you can even flip the whole stove upside down for a wider or narrower top opening, a flexible design that makes this feel more like a multi-tool than a single-purpose gadget.
Versatility & Performance
What really sells the Stealth Stove is how adaptable it is for its tiny size. You’re not stuck with just one fuel type: use Exogel (Polymath’s own excellent fuel packs), standard solid fuel tablets, or an alcohol burner. Or, if you’re travelling ultra-light through woodland or wild terrain, just feed it twigs and dry brush for a true bushcraft approach.
It’s sturdy enough to handle repeated burns, and the marine-grade stainless steel shrugs off heat and rough handling like it’s nothing. The integrated ‘disruptive airflow’ windshield does a good job of keeping the flame alive when the wind picks up, something you’ll appreciate when you’re desperate for a brew on an exposed hillside.
One neat bonus: if you can scavenge a scrap bit of wire mesh or a mini grill, you can even turn this into a micro BBQ for sausages or small bits of meat. Good luck pulling that off with most pocket stoves! In fact, we think the Stealth Stove would be perfect when used in conjunction with the UCO Grilliput Portable Camping Grill, although yet to try it. Something we will certainly test, and report back!
Packability & Weight
At just 95g (or 97g including straps), this is one of the lightest and flattest stoves you can carry. Its packed size is 11cm x 7cm x 0.2cm meaning it’s genuinely easy to forget it’s there. Whether it lives permanently in a bug-out bag, car kit, or your hiking daypack, it takes up next to no room for the cooking options it unlocks.
Price & Value
One thing we still can’t quite believe is the price! the Polymath Products Stealth Stove comes in at just £8.99, which is incredible value for what you get.
For a compact, multi-fuel stove made from marine-grade stainless steel, with this level of versatility, that’s an absolute bargain, and a perfect budget-friendly addition to any UKSN members kit.
Recommended Stealth Stove Accessories
Looking to accessorize? Of course you are! Check out our recommended upgrades below.
Phantom Spillproof Alcohol Burner
Ultra-compact and lightweight alcohol burner with carbon felt wick.
RRP: £5.99
Polymath Products
Exogel Camping Stove Gel Fuel
Versatile, odourless fuel with high energy density. Non-hazmat and air-transportable, ideal for hiking, travel and home emergencies.
RRP: From £5.99
Polymath Products
Final Thoughts
The Polymath Products Stealth Stove lives up to its name, ultra slim, barely noticeable when packed, but a real asset when you need a brew or a hot meal off-grid. It’s rugged, cleverly designed, and more versatile than you’d expect from a handful of metal plates and Velcro.
Sure, a small storage pouch would have been a nice touch, and your first assembly might take a minute to figure out, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s as quick and easy as it gets.
If you’re building a bug-out bag, prepping an ultralight kit, or just want a solid, British-made backup stove that will handle multiple fuels and real field abuse, this is a brilliant bit of kit for the money.
Save 10% on Your Stealth Stove!
Want to try one yourself? Don’t forget, UKSN members get 10% off when you use code UKSN at checkout on Polymath Products. A tiny price for a big boost in your outdoor resilience.
🎁 Win a Polymath Stealth Stove!
Even better? We’re giving one away soon! 👉 Join our WhatsApp Competition Channel to be in with a chance to win the Polymath Products Stealth Stove and see for yourself why this compact bit of kit deserves a spot in your pack.
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