Pony 4" vs Workhorse 6" - Which Rocket Stove Is Right For You?

Both run on sticks. Both made in Pennsylvania. Both built to last.

The difference? Size, capacity, and portability.

Choose based on how many people you're cooking for and whether you need maximum portability or maximum durability.

Quick Decison Guide

  • Choose the Pony 4" if:

    ✓ You're cooking for 1-2 people
    ✓ Portability is your priority
    ✓ You want removable legs that pack small
    ✓ You're backpacking, van life, or small patio
    ✓ Budget is $250-545

  • Choose the Workhorse 6" if:

    ✓ You're cooking for 2-4+ people
    ✓ Durability is your priority
    ✓ You want maximum fire capacity
    ✓ You're homesteading, family camping, or backyard setup
    ✓ Budget is $485+

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pony 4"

$250

Perfect for 1-2 people and portability

  • Material 1/8" American steel tubing
  • Feed Tube 4" diameter
  • Weight 28 lbs
  • Dimensions 19.5" × 17" × 12"
  • Fuel Dry wood sticks (1-2" dia.)
  • Capacity 1-2 people
  • Wheels $25 add-on
  • Griddle 12" × 12"
  • Grill 12" × 12"
  • Lead Time Ships within 1 week
  • Shipping ✓ Free Shipping
  • Made In Pennsylvania, USA
  • Complete Bundle $545
Shop Pony 4" →

Workhorse 6"

$485

Perfect for 2-4+ people and durability

  • Material 3/16" steel (50% thicker)
  • Feed Tube 6" diameter
  • Weight 65 lbs
  • Dimensions 17.5" × 17.5" × 29"
  • Fuel Dry wood (sticks, branches)
  • Capacity 4-6 people
  • Wheels ✓ Included
  • Griddle 16" × 16"
  • Grill 15" × 15"
  • Lead Time Ships within 1 week
  • Shipping ✓ Free Shipping
  • Made In Pennsylvania, USA
  • Complete Bundle $810
Shop Workhorse 6" →

Complete Bundle includes: Stove + Wheels (if applicable) + Griddle + Grill
📦 Free shipping on all orders

FAQs

Is the Pony less durable than the Workhorse?

No. Just different materials for different jobs.

  • Pony: 11-gauge tubing (built for portability + durability)
  • Workhorse: 3/16" tubing (50% thicker, built for maximum durability)

Both will last years. The Workhorse will last generations. The Pony will last as long as you need a portable stove.

Think of it this way:

  • Pony = Built to last through years of camping trips
  • Workhorse = Built to pass down to your kids

I have a small patio. Which one?

Pony.

Unless you're cooking for groups regularly, the Pony's 4" size is perfect for small spaces. You can still roll it around (add wheels), but it's not overkill.

Workhorse on a small patio = functional but takes up more room than you need.

I'm homesteading and cooking for my family daily. Which one?

Workhorse.

You need the capacity and durability. The 6" feed tube handles bigger wood, longer burns, and more cooking surface.

The Pony works, but you'll be refueling constantly. Not ideal for daily use with a family.

Which one is better for car camping?

Depends:

Pony wins if:

  • You have limited trunk space
  • You're moving it around a lot
  • Weight matters

Workhorse wins if:

  • You have a truck or large SUV
  • You set up once and leave it
  • You're cooking for a group

I'm solo backpacking. Which one?

Pony. No question.

The Workhorse is too heavy for backpacking. The Pony with legs removed packs small and light.

Even better: Get the Pony base ($250), skip the wheels. Pack cross brace in your gear. You've got a portable cooking system.

Can I use the same accessories on both?

No - they're different sizes.

  • Pony uses 4" accessories (griddle, grill)
  • Workhorse uses 6" accessories (griddle, grill)

If you own both stoves, you'll need separate accessories for each.