We are at a point where renewable energy resources are an important subject of debate. Did you know that having a fireplace or a stove at home doesn’t necessarily mean that you harm the environment? Pellets are biofuel and are therefore renewable. They will also yield an exceptional amount of warmth for your home. What more do you need? Pellet stoves come to your attention to warm your home in a budget-friendly way. If you want to find the best pellet stove, you will probably have to spend hours reading ads and buying guides. Having the desire to help you with this process, our team has researched some products and has prepared a list with reviews on pellet stoves you can choose from.
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What is a pellet stove?
A pellet stove resembles a stove that burns wood, but instead of wood, it burns pellets. Pellets are biomass fuels. Pellet stoves operate as pellets are being fed from a hopper into the burning place, called a burn pot.
Why Do You Need a Pellet Stove?
You may have read different opinions about pellet stoves, and you could be puzzled whether they are worth having or not. So we have compiled a list with the pros and cons of a pellet burning stove. Read away to form your own opinion on the topic and to decide whether you want to have one.
Pros of Pellet Stoves
Eco-Friendly
You use pellets, which are recycled material. Pellets are heavily compressed so that there is no moisture in them. We all know that the drier the burning product, the warmer the place gets in no time. Pellets are considered to provide more heat than standard wood, and at the same time, they are cleaner for the environment. Still, thinking in this direction, we can also add that by using pellets, you won’t promote cutting down trees for wood.
Pellets produce fewer pollutants that the traditional firewood. So if you want an eco-friendly way to heat your home, pellet stoves are the right choice. Clean for your indoor climate, as well as for the outdoor environment!
Cost-Effective
The cost of pellets is worth it, considering the heat that you will get by using them. Moreover, unlike traditional fireplaces, pellet stoves won’t pollute the air you breathe. The price of pellets depends on the region where you live. But the maximum cost would be no more than 20% more than the price of wood.
Easy Installation
Pellet stoves can be installed wherever you like. The surface of these stoves stays cool while they are in function, so you won’t need to provide more than a 6-inch distance from the heating appliance to the nearest wall. If you use traditional stoves, though, you have to provide at least a 1-foot range.
Easy Maintenance
The maintenance of pellet stoves is easier than the one of traditional stoves. They won’t have creosote in the vents since they do not produce smoke. You won’t need to get any catalytic converters for pellet stoves, which would be very pricy. You only have to ask professionals to come once a year to check the rotors, fans, and chimney (in case your stove is connected to one).
No Energy Loss
Thermostats can control pellet stoves. Some of them come with their thermostats; others can be connected to your HVAC system. So you can adjust the level of temperature according to your own needs. There won’t be any energy that flows free as it happens with traditional stoves.
Pest-Free
No more pests in the pile of wood! If you have ever used a traditional fireplace, then you would have probably encountered the pest problem. You go to the woods, get some wood logs, and store them in your garage. Then very often, when you go to the garage, you will see some unwelcome guests. This bad surprise won’t happen if you use pellets. They come in individual packages that you can store whenever you like. Since pellets are covered in these packages, if you leave them outside in the summer, you won’t need to be concerned about them being under the rain.
Cons of Pellet Stoves
- Pellet stoves are a bit expensive. Moreover, for most of them, you need to ask a professional to install them as they have very complicated instructions and codes.
- You will need some storing place for pellets. They arrive in big packages. Then you either need to provide enough space for all the bags that you will need for the winter or go quite often to the store to buy new packages so that you have enough for the entire season.
- Before you decide whether to buy a pellet stove, you need to make sure that there is a pellet supplier in your area. In the opposite case, you will have to order the fuel from another region. Then the shipping may cost even more than the pellets themselves.
- Most of the pellet stoves use electricity. First of all, this fact will increase the cost of electricity that you have to pay. Then, relying on electricity is not a good option. Imagine that the power went out, what would you do in such a case? You have two options – stay in the cold or provide a plan B – an extra generator for electricity.
- It is true that by using pellet stoves, you decrease the pollution of the environment. But what about noise pollution? Some of the pellet stoves can be very noisy. And we are not talking about the pleasant sounds of burning flames that you would get from a traditional fireplace. Here, we have a motor and a blower fan, the sounds of which can be very irritating.
Now you have enough information on the advantages and disadvantages of pellet stoves, and you have probably decided on the most appropriate one for your home. So you can start thinking of the most efficient way to cool your house in summer or to purify the air at home.
To help you with your choice, we, the team of homeclimate.net, have created the top guides on air quality, heating, and cooling systems. You can find them on our website. Just visit it, and we are sure you will find the reviews useful.
Best Pellet Stoves Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22 |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Castle Pellet Stoves Serenity Wood Pellet Stove |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Pleasant Hearth 50, 000 BTU Large Pellet Stove |
| View On Amazon | |
 | US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway Non-Electric Pellet Stove |
| View On Amazon |
4 Best Pellet Stoves – (Recommended Picks)
In the review section, we will present to you some of the most efficient products available now. Please, bear in mind that they do not follow any specific order.
1. Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22
Comfortbilt Stove is one of the finest products on the market because it can heat huge space – around 2,800 square feet. It has a programmable thermostat thanks to which you can adjust the temperature according to your needs and desires. The carbon black design can fit any home interior.
The unit’s autoignition function and its powerful blower can increase the temperature in your home in no time, just by a single click on the start button. This stove is very quiet, and the sound of it won’t bother you at all. Another convenience of this pellet device is that it comes with remote control.
Another thing that most people would like is the fact that it has a removable ash pan. Don’t worry! There is no need to empty the ash pan very often – it is enough to do it just twice a year. However, this product has some drawbacks. One of them is that if you want it to keep burning, you should make sure that the burn pot is at least half full of pellets.
Pros:
- You can heat massive places.
- The service support people are polite and easy to reach.
- It features a programmable thermostat.
- The unit operates quietly.
Cons:
- It is not easy to operate.
- There are a lot of controls, and if you choose the wrong one, you must wait 30 minutes for the stove to shut down.
2. Castle Pellet Stoves Serenity Wood Pellet Stove
If there isn’t enough space for a stove at your home, Castle Pellet Stove is the most appropriate one for you. Its space-saving design makes it easy to situate it even in small rooms. Another thing that is attractive about this stove is its smart controller.
Thanks to this controller, you can choose from different modes – thermostat, weekly or manual, as well as from five different levels of heating. This product is easy to clean due to its simple design. The only things you need to do to clean it is to vacuum the ashes and to wipe the window with a wet cloth. Keep in mind that you should clean the device only when it is cold.
It is recommended to use hard pellets in this stove as they burn better and leave fewer ashes. A drawback of this product is that you cannot start it manually if the electricity goes out. It produces weird noise that makes it irritating to be around.
Pros:
- This product is a bit cheaper than the average price.
- It features a smart controller that allows you to choose from thermostat, manual, or weekly operation.
- The unit is effortless to clean.
- It has a space-saving design.
Cons:
- You cannot use the stove if the electricity goes out.
- It makes some noise that some people find bothering.
3. Pleasant Hearth 50, 000 BTU Large Pellet Stove
The design of the Pleasant Hearth Stove can make you believe that you are sitting in front of a beautiful old fireplace. It has a ceramic glass through which you can look at the pleasant fire and forget about the cold. This stove can heat your house for 48 hours without stopping.
The device features an exclusive comfort control system. You can adjust the temperature to the level you are most comfortable with, and the system will keep the heat at that level. There is also a built-in automatic blower that allows the stove to work quietly and at the same time efficiently.
The unit comes with an easy-to-understand manual. The stove is equipped with an outside air kit. If you consider purchasing this product, keep in mind that some consumers have warned that after one season of using the stove, you may need to replace the control board.
Pros:
- This stove can provide you with 48 hours of non-stop heat.
- It has a comfort control system with the help of which you can adjust the heat.
- The built-in automatic blower ensures that the stove operates powerfully.
- It is easy to operate.
Cons:
- A problem with the control board often occurs after one season of being used.
- It seems to produce a smokey smell in the room in which it operates.
4. US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway Non-Electric Pellet Stove, Black
The design of Wiseway Stove looks like coming from the future. This device is a non-electric one, which means that it requires less maintenance. Moreover, it will continue working even if the electricity goes out. This stove uses a natural gravity feed system.
The Environmental Protection Agency approves Wiseway Stove, so it is eco-friendly. It is one of the cheapest products of its kind available on the market. Moreover, it will allow you to save money on heat and electricity costs. Since it is elementary to install, this device is also recommended as the perfect pellet stove for a mobile home.
If you consider buying it, keep in mind that it is not advisable to brick this unit. Despite its robust outlook, the stove is very quiet. A drawback some users of the product share about is that you may need to replace the burn basket once a season.
Pros:
- It is non-electrical and can provide heat for your home even when the electricity goes out.
- It can be used in mobile homes.
- Using it, you will save money on electric costs.
- It operates quietly.
Cons:
- You may need to replace the burn basket once a season.
- The chimney angles of the stove are too sharp to be vacuumed.
How Do Wood Pellet Stoves Work?
We have tried to make your choice of a pellet stove easier. But to make the right decision that would fit the features of your house and the desires of your family, you need to know a thing or two. Not only how wood pellet stoves work but also how long do pellet stoves last.
Design
Firstly, if you look at the designs of most pellet stoves, you will notice that they are very similar to traditional fireplaces or burning stoves. However, this is the only similarity. Most of the pellet stoves available at the market today are eco-friendly electronic devices. They are also considered to be a budget-friendly option to heat your home.
Fuel
All of these stoves use wood pellets as their primary material to produce heat from. These pellets are made from wood shavings and sawdust. The raw material pellets are made from turns them into inexpensive heat-providers. Recent statistics show that pellets pollute the air very little.
Power Source
As we mentioned above, most of the pellet stoves are electrical. Pellets are put into a hopper, which can be at the top of the bottom part of the device. Then it is the job of a unique screw called an auger to get the pellets from the hopper to the place where they burn. An interesting fact is that the level of the temperature depends on the speed of the auger.
When the pellets are in the burn pot, the process of ignition starts. After the burning process, the material turns into ashes. The ashes go into an ash pot. You should be aware that you need to clean this pot from time to time, but not as often as you would clean a traditional fireplace.
The jobs of the heat exchanger and the exhaust blower are crucial. The heat exchanger makes sure that you breathe fresh air as it transfers it into your house. It is also responsible for preventing the stove from becoming hot from the outside. The exhaust blower takes the gases out of your home.
Types of Pellet Stoves
There is a significant variety of pellet stoves at the market. They can vary in size, color, design, and efficiency. The type of pellet stove that would be the most suitable for you depends a lot on the characteristics of your house and the place where you will locate the appliance.
If you want a pellet stove for the garage, then you may consider getting a free-standing stove. If your home is not spacious enough, you will surely need a small pellet stove. We have chosen to show you some of the different types of stoves and the characteristics they have:
Free-standing Stoves or Insert Stoves
The difference between the free-standing stove and the insert one is that the free-standing unit has its pipe. If you have a spacious home, you can get the free-standing stove. Just make sure that you follow the manual’s instructions on the distance that you need to provide between the walls and the heating device.
If you don’t have enough space and by any chance, you have an existing fireplace, then purchase the insert unit, which to use the existing chimney. In this case, you won’t need to worry about space and distances.
Top Feed Models or Bottom Feed Ones
The top and bottom feed models differentiate from each other, according to where is the location of the hopper. In top feed units, the pellets are loaded from the top part of the stove. Then the burning material goes down a pipe and into the fire. In this case, it is sure that pellets won’t burn up the hopper. However, you need to be aware that these stoves can easily get clogged with ashes. So, you need to use only high-quality pellets.
In bottom-feed units, you insert the pellets from beside or behind the fire. In this case, you can use standard-quality pellets as bottom feed units don’t get clogged with ashes. This fact makes it easy to clean. However, bottom-feed stoves are not as efficient as top feed ones.
Pellet Stoves with Manual Ignition or Pellet Stoves with Automatic Ignition
If you want the manual ignition models, you need a special liquid or gel to start the fire. If you have had a traditional fireplace at home or if you have been camping, then you know how it goes.
The pellet stoves with automatic ignition are more comfortable to use. You press a single button, which automatically puts the pellets into the burning place and at the same time, makes the self-igniter hot.
We hope that you found the list of types of stoves detailed enough. You have different variations to choose from. They can depend on the needs of your family and the characteristics of your home. You have already selected a pellet stove! Now you can think of combining it with some of our other products to guarantee the quality of air for your family.
You have already provided heat for the winter; then, it’s time to consider cool air in the summer. In our website, we have provided evaporative cooler reviews. Check them out to ensure you will be cool enough in the summer!
Installation of Pellet Stoves
If you have bought an insert pellet stove, you had better ask professionals to come and install it. Since the heating device has to be inserted in an existing fireplace, the professionals have to clean the chimney, put the venting up through it, and provide a cap to put on its top.
As far as free-standing pellet stoves are concerned, you can either pay a bit more to the stove suppliers to install it for you or do it yourself. Don’t panic if you choose the second option. The installation process is not that challenging if you follow particular instructions:
Delivery
Take the weight of the stove into consideration. There are some heavy heating appliances that you will find extremely hard to carry, even with the help of several other people. So it could be a better idea to get ready with the hearth pad and make the venting hole and then ask the store to deliver the device to your home.
Venting
Running the vent is of crucial importance. There is no doubt that the most tricky part of the installation process is running the vent. You have two options – the first, and the better one is to run the vent through an outer wall; the second option is to run it through the roof. In the latter case, you need to have a roofer install a special roof jack through which the pipe can run.
Hearth Pad
The hearth pad should follow specific requirements. First of all, it needs to be code-approved. Then you need to make sure that the hearth pad extends some inches on the sides of the stove and 6 inches in front of it. You can make the hearth pad yourself by a layer of concrete and tiles on top of it.
- Check what should the size of the vent hole be. In most cases, you have to make a hole that has a diameter of 10 inches. However, you should consult the installation manual.
- You need a vent pipe outside the wall. It will be responsible for cleaning the remaining ashes.
- You also need to install an elbow, which will make sure that the vent turns vertically above the eaves.
- Finally, it will be a good idea to provide a rain cap for the vent pipe.
Pellet Stove Maintenance and Operation
If you want to keep and use your pellet stove for a long time, you should get familiar with some tips on pellet stove maintenance and operation. Read this part of our article to get informed and try to follow our pieces of advice:
- It is recommended to ask a professional chimney inspector to check and if necessary clean the flue of your pellet stove.
- The quality of the pellets that you use is of crucial importance for the life of your stove. Try to use only dry and clean pellets. Keep in mind that wet pellets tend to clog the auger.
- Clean and vacuum the burn pot and the ash pot periodically, as suggested in the manufacturer’s manual.
- After the end of the season, make sure that you have cleaned the whole pellet stove properly.
- It is a good idea for a professional to clean and also lubricate combustion and convection motors; inspect the wiring, switches, and sensors; and clean the whole burn chamber.
- If you want to enjoy the burning flames, make sure that you clean the glass door periodically.
- Always read the manual before you start cleaning and make sure that the stove is cold enough before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantity of pellets do I need for 24 hours?
The amount of pellets that you need depends on the type of pellet stove and on the level of temperature that you choose to keep. Usually, you will need a 40lb bag of pellets for 24 hours for a 1500-square-feet place if the stove works at its high-efficiency level.
Where can pellets be bought from?
Typically pellets come in 40-lb packages which you can find at different stores like hardware and farm ones. You may also consider buying more significant amounts of pellets that will be enough for a whole season. Then you can ask the big-box outlet stores to deliver you the order.
Which is the most suitable pellet stove for my home?
The answer to this question depends on a few things – the characteristics of your home, the needs of your family, and your perception of temperature. The first thing you need to look at when you consider buying a pellet stove is its size. Firstly, it is essential to know if you will have enough space to provide for the appliance to function correctly and safely.
Keep in mind that for some of the stoves, you need to provide a certain distance from the device to the walls. However, size matters not only in terms of space. It is related to the heat demand.
If you use a stove that is too large for your room, then the heating device won’t function properly as it will try to avoid overheating the place. If you use a stove that is too small, then again, it won’t operate at its top capacity, and it will be soon damaged by over-firing.
Is it eco-friendly to use a pellet stove?
If you are concerned about the environment, the pellet stove is the right choice for you. It is known as one of the cleanest heating appliances. Pellets are carbon-neutral. The stoves themselves produce very few greenhouse gases, even less than systems using fossil fuels do.
You are curious about how eco-friendly pellet stoves are, and if the air around them is good to breathe! Then you may consider having a home air quality test kit. On our website, you can find more information about this kit. Visit it to learn how to check the quality of the air at your home.
What are the benefits of using a pellet stove?
The first benefit of using pellet stoves is that you will pay less for bills than if you used other types of heating as devices working with oil, propane, or natural gas. Another advantage is that pellets are recycled materials, so by using them, you show that you care about the environment.
Then pellet stoves are safer to use than traditional wood-burning stoves as the surface of the pellet ones doesn’t get hot. So you won’t need to worry that your kids or pets will get hurt while running around the house.
Another good thing about pellet heating devices is that they are easy to maintain. You don’t need to clean them as frequently as you would clean a traditional fireplace. Last but not least, you can control the level of temperature with a thermostat if you have a pellet stove.
Wrap Up
We expect that in our article, you have found the answers to the questions that you had about pellet stoves. If you were not sure of what your choice should be before reading our pellet stove reviews, we hope that now we have helped you to get the sufficient information and choose the best pellet stove for your family.
With care for you and your home, we have also created other guides and reviews on heating and cooling systems. Go through them to make the best choice for the comfort of your family all year round. The wiser your decision now, the longer time you will enjoy the products you get.
We strive to improve the quality of our articles to serve your interests most appropriately, so we would be glad if you leave a comment. Please, inform us if you found the guide useful and if you think we can add anything else.
Thanks for reading, and as always, stay put! Remember to visit our other product reviews, too such as the best quiet portable air conditioners!
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