Expert’s Choice: The best wood burning stove Our Test 2023

Size

If your house already has an established primary heat source and adequate insulation, upgrading to a larger unit may be unnecessary. On the other hand, if your home has inadequate insulation or if you live in an area with a cold temperature, you could want a larger stove. Wood stoves are available in a wide variety of sizes, and their heating capabilities extend to a wide variety of settings, including workplaces, mobile homes, and expansive living areas.

In order for a stove to supply sufficient heat to your home, you must take into account not just the stove's heat output but also the area that it can heat. If you need to heat an area that is smaller than 1,500 square feet, you should be able to get by with a wood stove that has a firebox that is between 1.5 and 2 cubic square feet. A wood stove with a firebox that is at least 2.5 cubic feet in volume is often required for heating larger rooms (up to 2,500 square feet).

Fuel Type

All of the stoves that are discussed in this roundup use either wood or pellets as their primary fuel source, with the exception of the Duraflame, which is an electric type. In most cases, heating with firewood is a better financial investment than heating with gas or electricity. However, the price of fuel will change from one place to another. Stoves that burn pellets or wood and have a blower built into them typically need to be connected to an electricity supply in order to function.

The chimney is where the vast majority of heat escapes from a fireplace that is left open. Stoves that burn wood, particularly more recent versions that are designed to comply with EPA guidelines, are capable of operating at an efficiency level of up to 80 percent. Wood stoves are attractive to consumers who are ecologically sensitive because they produce less carbon dioxide and few other emissions when they heat the home. Firewood needs to have the appropriate amount of seasoning before it can be used in a stove that burns wood. Logs should be trimmed to a length that is adequate for your stove, which is approximately three inches shorter than the length of the firebox.

Heat from Wood vs Heat from Pellets

A classic wood-burning stove can be replaced with a more sustainable option that is known as a pellet stove. Pellets, which are compact particles manufactured from recovered wood waste, are burned in place of logs in these furnaces. Pellets are more efficient to burn than wood, producing less smoke and ash during combustion as a result of their higher density and lower moisture content. Consumers who don't want the hassle of chopping firewood or continually adding fuel to a stove throughout the day may find that pellet stoves are an excellent alternative.

The Environmental Protection Agency established in 2015 a severe set of rules that must be met by all wood-burning stoves. Wood stoves that do not have an adjustable heat output are permitted to produce 2.5 grams of particulate matter per hour, whereas wood stoves that do have an adjustable heat output are only allowed to emit 2.0 grams of particulate matter per hour. The specifications for pellet stoves were established in 2015 and must be complied with by the year 2020 in order to meet these standards.

Heat Emissions

Before you make the purchase of a wood stove, it is essential to take into account the total amount of heat that it generates. The amount of heat produced by a stove can be measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Take, for instance: A unit with a rating of 42,000 BTU can heat around 1,300 square feet of space, while one with a rating of 60,000 BTU can heat a residence that is 2,000 square feet in size. When shopping for a stove, look for one with a BTU rating that is as high as possible. This indicates that the stove is able to successfully heat a greater area.

How does one go about installing a stove that burns wood?

A functional ventilation system is required for use with any stove that burns wood. The process of installation differs according on the model, with some being more difficult to put up than others. The majority of freestanding stoves are designed to be positioned in front of an existing fireplace and vented through any chimney that is already present. There is a good chance that the chimney will require a liner made of stainless steel to be installed in it. On the other hand, venting for pellet stoves is typically done through an exterior wall or roof. Unless you have extensive experience installing fireplaces and wood stoves, we strongly advise having a professional handle the installation for you.

What is the proper way to clean a wood stove?

It is necessary to clean a wood stove using a variety of methods due to the fact that its interior, exterior, chimney, and glass door are all separate components. When you are cleaning the inside of the stove, you should wait until the fire has completely died out before you empty out the ash. The ash should be gathered in a receptacle made of metal, and then it should be kept outside before being thrown away. Many contemporary wood burners come complete with an ash tray, making it simple to empty when necessary. The majority of wood stoves have a removable exterior that can be cleaned with a regular vacuum from your home. Make use of the brush attachments to get rid of any ash or dust that is particularly tenacious. You can also use a dry cloth to clean the exterior of the container. Under no circumstances should you use a moist cloth, as this can lead to corrosion.

Cleaning your chimney, flue, or stove pipe is a chore that requires more effort and time. Burning your stove at a high setting for at least half an hour each day is recommended by specialists throughout the colder months. This will not only assist in cleaning out the chimney, but it should also burn off any residue that has accumulated on the glass. You can clean the buildup that has occurred on the interior of the flue by using a wire brush. The most common method for cleaning a chimney is to start at the top and work your way down using a brush and rod. However, in order to do this, you will need to climb up onto the roof. Additionally, prior to beginning, you need to close off the fireplace or wood burner.

Are wood stoves safe?

It is only safe to use a wood stove if it has been correctly placed and ventilated, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer as well as the building requirements in your area. It is imperative that the stove be positioned a sufficient distance away from anything that could catch fire. It is highly possible that you will be required to install protective noncombustible surface coverings if you do not have walls or flooring that are resistant to heat and flames. If you lack the necessary experience to complete the task successfully on your own, it is probably advisable to hire a professional.

Is it safe to leave a stove that burns wood ablaze overnight?

You can, in fact, leave a wood-burning stove lit overnight; but, you should exercise extreme caution if you do so. To get things rolling, you'll need to get your fire going a few hours before it becomes dark outside. A slow and consistent burn that will continue through the night can be achieved by packing uniform chunks of wood together in close proximity and closing off the air vents on your wood stove. In order to assist prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should ensure that any exhaust is still being directed and flowing out of your chimney and that your room is sufficiently ventilated by slightly opening your windows. Both of these steps should be taken in conjunction with one another. Then, before you go to sleep, put out as much of the fire as you can while still maintaining a comfortable temperature. This will help lessen the likelihood of a fire starting overnight.

Is it possible to become poisoned by carbon monoxide if you use a wood stove?

In a few words, yeah. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in your home if the wood stove you use does not have adequate ventilation. This can be dangerous. In order to avoid this, you need to make sure that your wood stove was installed properly and that you perform the necessary maintenance on it on a regular basis in order to keep it clean and ensure that it continues to operate smoothly. You can also help discover a leak by installing carbon monoxide alarms, if you don't already have any installed. This is only necessary if you don't currently have any.

Think about purchasing this heavy-duty Guide Gear model if all you need is a simple wood stove that's built to endure a very long time and is resistant to wear and tear. Because it is made of long-lasting cast iron and features a fire box made of galvanized steel, it is well-suited to resist the wear and strain that comes with being used outside.

When not in use, the interlocking stove pipes may be kept inside the stove thanks to the flat top, which is ideal for placing pots and pans for cooking. However, because this type is unable to store very huge logs, it will need a greater amount of maintenance and stocking than larger options.