Can You Convert an RB73 Stove from 4-Sided to 3-Sided?

Why This Is Possible (And Why It’s Actually a Big Deal)

RB73 stoves aren’t welded into one fixed design — they’re modular by nature.

That means:

  • Panels can be removed
  • Panels can be replaced
  • The layout can be adapted to suit your space

So instead of buying a new stove when your layout changes…
You can reconfigure the one you already own.

Not bad for something made of heavy-gauge CorTen steel.

Converting a 4-Sided Stove to a 3-Sided Stove

This is the simplest conversion — and the one most people actually want.

Why do it?

  • You’re placing the stove against a wall or fence
  • You want to push heat forward into a seating area
  • You prefer a more directional flame view

Step-by-Step Overview (Simplified)

The process follows the same method as replacing a side panel:

1. Remove the internal components

  • Take out the top flame plate (baffle)
  • This gives access to the panel fixings

Yes — RB73 Quaruba & Fennek stoves can be converted from a 4-sided to a 3-sided configuration (and back again) by replacing one of the back/side panels. This uses the same process as swapping a panel, as outlined in the RB73 repair manual.

2. Prepare the screws

  • Clean with a steel brush
  • Apply penetrating oil
  • Let it soak (about 15 minutes)

This step matters more than people think — skip it and you’ll regret it.

 

3. Remove the existing panel

  • Unscrew the panel
  • Hold it on the final screw so it doesn’t drop

Gravity has zero sympathy for your toes.

4. Install the new panel

  • Position the replacement (solid or glass) panel
  • Fix using the bottom screws first
  • Replace locating pins with screws to fully secure

This bottom-up approach ensures proper alignment

 

5. Reinstall internal components

  • Put the flame plate back in
  • Check everything is secure and aligned

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save a few headaches:

  • Not supporting the panel during removal
  • Skipping penetrating oil on screws
  • Misaligning the panel during installation
  • Leaving gaps in the base brick
  • Forgetting to remove the heat shield first

 

Do it properly once, and it’ll last years.

Rush it… and you’ll be back here Googling again.

If your stove is sitting against a wall but still open on all sides, you’re probably not getting the best out of it.

Converting a 3-Sided Stove to a 4-Sided Stove

This is also possible — but with a couple of extra considerations.

Compatible models:

  • Quaruba
  • Fennek

Important: Rear Firebrick Considerations

 

If your 3-sided stove includes a rear firebrick, things get slightly more involved:

  • The brick will need to be removed first
  • This can leave a gap in the base

 

And here’s the key rule:

You should never run the stove with a gap in the base brick. Your options:

  • Replace the base brick set
  • Cut one of the removed bricks to size to fill the gap

 

Not difficult — but definitely not something to ignore.

Heat Shield Removal (If Installed)

If your stove has a heat shield fitted to the rear panel, this must be removed first.

How:

  • Undo the four Allen key screws
  • Remove the heat shield from the panel
  • Then proceed with panel removal

 

The heat shield is mounted onto the panel itself, so it has to come off before the swap.

 

Choosing Between 3-Sided and 4-Sided

This isn’t just cosmetic — it changes how the stove behaves.

🔥 4-Sided Stove

  • Best for central placement
  • Even heat distribution
  • Full 360° flame view

🔥 3-Sided Stove

  • Ideal against a wall or fence
  • Heat directed forward
  • Cleaner, more architectural look

Final Thoughts

What looks like a simple repair job is actually one of the most underrated features of RB73 stoves:

 

They evolve with your space

Whether you’re redesigning your garden, moving house, or just changing how you use your fire — you’re not locked into one setup.

And that’s something most outdoor stoves simply can’t offer.

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