Best Pellet Stove
When the temperature drops, heating bills inevitably go up. Heating costs are an unavoidable expense and a necessity to pay in order to stay warm during the cooler months. But If you are looking for a home heating option that has the potential to reduce heating costs while also offering efficiency, purchasing a pellet wood stove could be a great choice. Pellet stoves are an eco-friendly fuel choice that are energy efficient and can work well in all different kinds of indoor spaces.
Pellet stoves work by burning pellets that are made from materials, such as wood chips, sawdust, brush and lumber milling and manufacturing wood byproducts. Sometimes unusable agricultural products like corn stalks and straw are incorporated into the pellets, making this fuel a sustainably resourced option. The byproduct materials are then manufactured into pellets, baked and compacted, and then sold as fuel for specially designed pellet stoves. A pellet stove is engineered to use pellets as its fuel source, they are typically designed with some kind of hopper which holds the pellets and feeds them into the burning chamber where they are ignited and burned as fuel for heat. Many have trays for the ash waste which simplifies cleaning. Pellet stoves are an energy-efficient, clean burning option that can be less costly than other heating alternatives.
Pellet wood stoves are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! They are easier to clean and more efficient than a fireplace or wood stove, and they are safer than electric space heaters. They are energy efficient and can be the perfect solution for supplementary heat for your home or the perfect heating solution for a specific room or area in your home.
When you start shopping for a pellet wood stove, you will notice there are different options available on the market that have differences in design, function, capacity, style and price. With all of the options available, it can be hard to decide which pellet wood stove would be the right selection. You could spend a lot of time and energy searching through all of the information available on this internet to make a good decision on which pellet stove to purchase. But, you don’t have to!
Our experts have sifted through the product information and details on highly rated pellet wood stoves and have highlighted notable product features along with pros and cons that will help you make comparisons between different models. This article also includes additional resources, such as, frequently asked questions and important things to consider that will help you get the information you need to make a smart choice when purchasing the right pellet wood stove that will meet your needs and preferences. Rest assured, by reading this article you will get the information you need to make a smart purchase. Read on to learn more!
Best Overall – Castle Serenity Stove 12327 Wood Pellet with Smart Controller
The Castle Serenity 12327 Model Wood Pellet stove is a great choice for function, design and efficiency. With an output of 9,575-22,226 BTU and a hopper capacity of 40 pounds of wood pellet fuel, it offers function and performance. This pellet wood stove has a Smart Controller that allows you to choose manual, thermostat and weekly operational modes as well as calendar and time based heating options.
PROS:
- Efficient design
- Easy to clean with a removable ash tray
- Smart Control System which allows for a variety of operational modes
- Sleek design, a natural complement to any decor
- Affordable price
CONS:
- Some have reported that the fan can be loud
Best for Small Spaces – LANGGER Serenity Wood Pellet Stove, Electric Fireplace Heater with Smart Controller
The LANGGER Serenity Wood Pellet Stove is a great pick for small spaces. This compact design is fully automatic and easy to use with electronic smart heating controls. It is easy to clean with a removable ash pan. It has a top-loading hopper with a 22 pound capacity for wood pellet fuel and has an output of between 9,575-22,226 BTU, best for heating 1,500 square feet or less.
PROS:
- Has a remote control, which adds convenience and ease of use
- Very quiet and efficient
- The compact design is great for small spaces
- Easy to clean with a removable ash pan
CONS:
- Can be difficult to maintain a low heat setting
Best Hopper Capacity – PelPro Pellet Stove
The PP130-B Pellet Stove from PelPro is designed to be durable and efficient. With an output of 50,000 BTU it is capable of heating up to 2500 square feet. It has a high-capacity 130 pound hopper and a large ash collection area, so you will spend less time filling and cleaning it. This model is easy to operate and adjust and is capable of 10 heat settings.
PROS:
- High capacity 130 pound capacity hopper
- Large ash collection area, with removable ash pan for easy cleaning
- Easy to use controls
- Has an attachment to
CONS:
- Exhaust pipe is a big large
Best Non-Electric – US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway Non-Electric Pellet Stove
The GW1949 Wiseway from US Stove Company is a unique pellet stove that does ot require electricity. It is designed with a natural gravity feed system that eliminates all of the typical electrical and mechanical parts found in traditional pellet heaters. This stove has a slim design that is great for small spaces and it is easy to install. It has an output of 40,000 BTU. Because this stove does not use any electricity, it is a great option for areas that are prone to power outages or are off the electricity grid.
PROS:
- No additional power needed, reliable backup heat for power outages
- Silent operation, no moving parts
- Simple damper adjustment
- EPA Certified
CONS:
- Can be difficult to clean
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Best Modern Look – Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22
The HP22 Pellet Stove by Comfortbilt is a good pick if you are looking for a modern look to add not only warmth but style to your home. This model has a large window and features a programmable 7 day internal thermostat with five power settings allow up to 20 hours of continuous burning on the lowest setting. It is designed for powerful heat output (50,000 BTU) and reliability.
PROS:
- Attractive design
- Burns efficiently
- Easy to clean
- One-year limited warranty on parts and service.
- EPA Certified
CONS:
- Several reviewers reported that the instruction manual has been reported difficult to read
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a pellet stove work?
Almost every pellet stove has the following components: a hopper which holds the pellets, a burning chamber, an ash tray, and a thermostat/control. Most electric models also have augers that control and deliver the pellet fuel at an efficient rate to the burning chamber, igniters, air intakes, exhaust blowers, and fans. The way they operate is that the fuel is delivered then ignited and burned in the chamber and hot air radiates from the stove to heat your indoor spaces.
Where can you use a pellet stove?
Pellet stoves can be used in homes and garages and shops. Some are designed to be safe enough to be operated in bedrooms, apartments and mobile homes.
Can you burn wood in a pellet stove?
No, pellet stoves are specifically designed only to use compatible wood pellets for fuel. Pellet stove fuel pellets are readily available and can be purchased at hardware or general supply stores and are typically sold in 40 pound bags.
Are pellet stoves safe?
As long as the stove is properly installed, vented, and serviced if needed pellet stoves are a very safe heating source.
How long does the wood pellet fuel last?
According to the Pellet Fuels Institute, a 40-lb bag of pellet fuel can provide up to 24 hours of heat. An average winter supply of fuel ranges from 100-150 bags, but this varies depending on the climate, lifestyle and frequency of use.
What to look for when purchasing a pellet wood stove.
Capacity
All of the pellet stoves featured in this article have a different capacity in relation to how much fuel they can hold in the hopper before they need to be reloaded. A higher capacity hopper will burn longer and these models typically have a higher output and can heat a larger area. Some models can accommodate hopper accessories, which are additional purchases, but increase capacity.
EPA Certification
When considering the safety look for stoves that are EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified. According to the EPA, “certified” means that a wood-burning appliance meets EPA clean air standards. It generates less smoke (fewer particles) than a non-certified stove and uses less wood to create more heat.
Heat Output
Heating stove outputs are measured in BTU’s, which stands for British Thermal Units. BTU’s are units of heat defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Higher BTU numbers correlate with higher heat output. You can find BTI calculators online that can help you determine the output you would need to heat a certain room/square footage that also takes in consideration your location and temperature patterns.
Size
Pellet stoves come in different sizes, so it is important to think about where you will be installing it and how big of a space you will be heating when you determine what size of pellet stove you purchase. The size of the pellet stove influences the output of heat and how much fuel you will need.
Accessories
Some pellet stoves have accessories, such as hopper extenders that can increase capacity and reduce the need to reload fuel. You can purchase stand alone accessories like heat activated fans and cleaning tools like special vacuums for pellet stoves as well.
Controls
When you are purchasing a pellet stove look closely at the controls to see if they meet your preferences. Some pellet stoves have electronic controls and even remote controls. Some are more basic. Pellet stoves differ in how many control settings they have to regulate temperature as well as how the controls operate.
Aesthetics
Some pellet stoves have a more aesthetic design or style than others. Pellet stoves have developed and many offer a stylish and modern look that will complement your home decor.
Cost
Just like with any purchase, some pellet stoves cost more than others. Larger, higher capacity pellet stoves typically are more expensive than smaller, lower capacity models. Some higher price points correlate with the quality and durability of materials as well as function and design. When you are considering your purchase of a high quality pellet stove the price point will also often correlate with its durability and efficiency and design. You can also look at offerings, such as warranties, to help you be confident in your purchase as well.
Conclusion
Pellet stoves are unique heating appliances that are efficient, which contributes to low-cost heating. They are easier to clean than traditional wood burning stoves and are safe to use in a variety of indoor environments. There are all different styles of pellet stoves on the market that have differences in terms of their look, function and design. You now should have the information you need to make a good decision to make a good choice in your purchase of a highly rated pellet stove that will keep you warm and reduce heating costs during the cold winter months.