Smokeless Metal Stoves

Cleaner Air, Healthier Families

Most households in Humla still use open indoor fires for cooking, heating, and light. Smoke from burning pine wood causes widespread respiratory diseases, especially in women and children. Cooking on open fires is inefficient, with families burning 20–40 kg of firewood daily to prepare traditional meals like daal bhat.

The Smokeless Metal Stove (SMS) developed by RIDS-Nepal removes smoke through a chimney, cutting indoor air pollution and reducing firewood use by 40–50%. With three burners, families can cook all dishes at once. A slit in the heating plate allows baking flatbreads (roti), and a 9-liter stainless steel water tank provides hot water for drinking and washing.

The Smokeless Metal Stove Solution

Since 1999, about 4,500 families have received a subsidized SMS through RIDS-Nepal’s Family of 4 holistic development program. Each stove costs approximately US $100, including transport.

Using the SMS improves health by reducing exposure to smoke, burns, and soot. Homes stay cleaner, children are safer, and cooking is faster and more efficient. The stove is built to last over 15 years with proper care and training from RIDS-Nepal.

Learn more about related initiatives, such as our Pit Latrines project, which also supports family health and sustainable living. For more information on the health impacts of indoor air pollution, visit the WHO Household Air Pollution fact sheet.

Video by Brian Rounds

Video provided by RIDS Nepal