Are you interested in living in an off-grid yurt, but don't want to give up modern comforts? No problem! We gathered a list of helpful products and appliances that allow you to reside in an off-grid yurt without compromise. As an added bonus, an off-grid yurt inherently promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyles. The suggested resources presented below are only some of the many wonderful options for living in an off-grid yurt. So don't be afraid to do your own research and try something different.
Take Charge of Your Off-Grid Yurt
The Oukitel Portable Power Bank is a must-have for off-grid yurt living. Let's face it, we all depend on tech and electricity for living in the 21st century. We recommend the The 2200W Portable Power Bank. Start with a single unit. If you require more power, no problem! Stack up to seven power banks for 16kWh capacity! Alternatively, Oukitel offers a 5000W model.
Yet another option is the Jackery Portable Power Bank. Jackery offers a larger 3000W, and an even larger 5000W, model. The Explorer 5000 Plus is expandable up to 60kWh capacity.
Hands down, no matter which brand you choose, a portable power bank is an essential tool for comfortable living in your off-grid yurt.
Keep the Juices Flowing
Your off-grid yurt wouldn't be complete without the ability to recharge your portable power bank(s). The 200W single monocrystiline solar panels offered by Renogy are a great choice. The number of panels needed depends on your energy use. We recommend that you start with 4-6 panels and adjust the quantity to suit your needs.
Make Your Yurt Feel Like Home
An important part of creating a cozy, inviting home is the ability to control the temperature. Let's look at some of the most popular off-grid options to help you create the welcoming environment found in all modern homes.
The efficient, off-grid EG4 Electronics Mini-Split will heat and cool your yurt. Connect the mini-split directly to solar panels or blend power delivery from the solar panels and a power bank, automatically.
Commonly used to heat tiny homes, cab-over campers, and camper vans, portable diesel heaters offer a great solution for heating your off-grid yurt. With the combination of a 12v battery and a tank of diesel fuel, you can warm up your yurt in no time. Simply install the heater under your platform, cut a small diameter hole in the floor for the air duct, and fire it up.
In colder climates, you may need a wood-burning stove. Not all wood stoves are created equally, so choose wisely. For the larger sizes, such as the 24' - 32' diameter yurts, a Jotul F 35 Rockwood will produce plenty of heat that will last throughout the night (13.5K - 59K BTU). If you are seeking a smaller wood stove, both Jotul and Vermont Castings offer a diverse catalog of high quality appliances. For example, we generally recommend a 9,000 to 12,000 BTU appliance for a 200 sq. ft. Yurt (16' diameter). Alternatively, install a pellet stove to heat your off-grid yurt.
Satiate Your Appetite
Living off-grid in a Yurt doesn't mean that you need to rely on take-out or limit your creativity in the kitchen. Beyond toaster ovens, air-fryers, crockpots, blenders and hot plates, make sure you outfit your yurt with a refrigerator and a gas cooktop.
Unique Appliances sell a myriad of gas-powered refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator/freezer combos. Select the style, color, power source and size that suits your fancy.
Whip up a tasty meal with this gas powered range. The 4 burner cook top is easy to clean and features a variety of burner sizes. Use the small burner to simmer a pot of rice while your stir fried veggies are tossed in a wok over the large burner. No need to skimp on high quality, homemade dinner when living in the round!
A portable 40 pound propane tank should power your refrigerator and gas range for about one month.
Speaking of fuel, supreme off-grid and sustainable appliances use fossil free energy! The tried and true Sun Oven is a satisfying method for cooking and baking with the raw power of sunlight. If you live in an area with plenty of sunshine year-round, this solar oven will quickly become an indispensable appliance. Even if you live in a climate with consistent cloudy weather, or if you are tucked deep in the woods, you only need an hour or so of sunshine to roast a chicken. Just keep in mind that the solar oven becomes less effective in northern latitudes.
If you create a lot of food scraps while cooking and have a hard time keeping up with your compost pile, it's worth noting that there is a countertop composter available on the market. It does require electricity, but the Lomi does a great job of turning food waste into usable compost with minimal effort. Although this appliance isn't absolutely essential for off-grid yurt living, it quickly converts food scraps into fertilizer for your garden, which is a forward-thinking approach to minimizing waste.
Running Water
When building your off-grid yurt, drilling a well and installing a solar pump should be at the top of your task list. Sure, installing a cistern & hauling water is an option, but it's inefficient, inconvenient, and downright unnecessary. Set yourself up for success! Contact RPS Solar and get yourself a solar pump. Their customer service is top notch, so don't hesitate to ask for their expertise.
Don't have the funds for a complete off-grid water system yet? No problem. You have options. As mentioned before, hauling water is a possibility, but we can do better than that. Check out this self-priming well pump. Since this pump requires 115v electricity, you will need a power bank or generator to run it.
Our advice: be creative and remember that these are only some of the options available. Build a system that fits your needs and budget. There are plenty of hybrid approaches that exist, so do some research before you buy.
Squeaky Clean
Avoid the Laundromat by installing a portable 120V washing machine in your off-grid yurt. Once again, use your power bank to run a load of laundry. This is where it's helpful to have an extra, fully charged, power bank on hand. Hang dry your laundry on a clothesline outdoors to conserve energy and extend the life of your clothing.
Tankless water heaters are a must-have appliance when it comes to personal hygiene. There are several inexpensive hot water heater options available that will get the job done if you are operating on a tight budget and enjoy the ambiance of an outdoor shower. Simply connect the Forimo hot water heater to a portable propane tank-it doesn't get any easier than that! Note: make sure you use PEX, because PVC pipes don't handle the heat very well.
If you are looking to create an elegant outdoor shower stall, consider installing a shower fixture. It's a simple, inexpensive way to customize your off-grid lifestyle. Create the space you imagined through these simple details. Living off-grid doesn't mean you have to skimp on the little things that express your personality and style.
Looking for a better way to heat your water? Investing in a dependable tankless hot water heater will reduce the likelihood of a cold shower and allow you to plumb hot water to your kitchen and bathroom sinks. With an expected 20 year life span, the Noritz tankless hot water heaters are hard to beat.
Taking Care of Business
Complete your modern off-grid yurt with a sustainable waste management system. Don't be intimidated by composting toilets if you haven't ever used one. They are incredibly easy to use and take less maintenance than you might think. Every composting toilet manufacturer will provide easy to follow instructions to ensure that you are successful.
To make the process even easier, we have identified two composting toilets to choose from. Natures Head composting toilet is a great option! Pro tip: use Coco Coir and limit toilet paper usage for best results. The waterless composting toilet from Separett is another option that you may want to look into. Both toilets keep the solids separate from the liquids for optimal functionality.
If a composting toilet isn't your jam, you might find the EcoJohn incinerating toilet more appealing. These toilets use more energy compared to a composting toilet and they may require more maintenance. However, this option is worth considering because it turns your waste into sterile ash within an hour. There is no need to separate the solids from the liquids with this option. Use a 12v battery and propane, or connect to a 110v power outlet to operate the toilet.
With these off-grid resources, it's clear that comfortable, modern living in a yurt is totally accessible. The items listed above merely provides an introduction to off-grid yurt living. The possibilities expand as you bring your creativity and experience to the scene. Continue your own research and find the off-grid solutions that fit your needs and environment. Simplify where you can, become empowered through self-sufficiency, reconnect to nature, and embrace your independence! If you are ready to close the loop by living in the round, give us a call directly at 530-270-9935 or via email at hello@livingintentyurts.com!
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