The Top 5 Best Pellet Stoves to Warm Your Home
February 12, 2020 By Mark Drisdelle
Brought to You by Stove Review
If you're a homeowner (or have plans to buy a property at some point in the future), you're probably aware of the many costs you're likely to face. These include items such as yearly taxes, renovations and repairs, property upkeep, insurance, as well as the cost of electricity and water.
However, without a doubt, one of the most expensive parts of owning a home is the cost of heating - particularly if you live in a place that experiences cold winters, as most of us do.
Not only did you spend your hard-earned money on insulation, energy-efficient windows, and other heat-loss mechanisms, you also have to contend with the monthly bills for heating oil, natural gas, propane or electricity.
No matter what you use to heat your home, the costs run into the thousands of dollars every year. Part of being a smart homeowner involves finding ways to reduce those costs however you can.
That's why we decided to share our list of the best pellet stoves available on the market today. Not only will buying a pellet stove save you money, but it will also help you be environmentally responsible!
Sound too good to be true? Read on and judge for yourself.
We've done the research so you don't have to, so simply compare the pros and cons we've collected, and find the perfect pellet stove for your home or business today. But first, some important answers to some of your most pressing pellet-stove questions!
Pellet Stoves: Saving You Money
In almost all cases, winter heating costs have risen in the U.S. in recent years, and the trend doesn't show signs of reversing any time soon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently projected that the average American household will pay around $1,000 to heat their homes with electricity this winter, or $1,500 if they use heating oil or propane instead. Luckily, there is another option!
Millions of homeowners have discovered amazing savings through the use of pellet stoves, and there's no reason you shouldn't either. Not only that, many of today's modern pellet stoves have smart designs and look great once installed. Pellet stoves:
- Keep your house warm
- Are safe and easy to use
- Are simple to install
- Use the latest technology
- Are a breeze to maintain
However, before moving forward with our list of the best pellet stoves, explaining exactly what a pellet stove is and how it works would be a good start. Our brief explainer will go a long way towards helping you evaluate our pellet stove review at the bottom of this article. After all, once you understand the basics of how pellet stoves work and are maintained, you'll have a much better idea of what pellet stove is the best choice for your property.
What Exactly is a Pellet Stove?
For the uninitiated, a pellet stove is one of the biggest trends in home heating in recent years. It uses convection to transmit heat, but instead of using oil, gas or pieces of wood to warm up a room, it uses pre-made wood pellets. It is similar to a fireplace or furnace, but more efficient and cheaper to operate.
The pellets are stored in one part of the stove called the hopper, and they are slowly released from the hopper into the burn chamber by means of an auger. The auger looks like a giant screw, and in most pellet stove models the auger is electrically operated.
While each model is different, they all emit radiant heat to warm the home. In some cases, pellet stoves can replace your furnace altogether. But even though they're big on heat, pellet stoves are actually quite small in size. Many houses with existing chimneys can easily install one. The only maintenance required is to fill the hopper when it's running low on pellets and to periodically clean the pellet stove by sweeping or vacuuming out the ash that builds up.
Many of the models have modern controls and can be programmed to provide a steady temperature. While smaller pellet stoves can be designed to heat a single room, others can be fully integrated into your existing central heating setup, or even combined with your hot water system. Some models even allow you to program them to come on at certain times of day or night. You can even use your phone to turn it on in advance of your arrival, meaning you can arrange it so the house will be toasty warm by the time you arrive.
Quick Look at Top 10 Best Pellet Stoves 2020
We're finally here! Now that you have been acquainted with everything you could possibly need to know about this product, it's time for you to choose the best pellet stove for you. Hopefully, with all of that knowledge you’ve gained reading about the best pellet stoves on the market, our pellet stove reviews will be of some good use! Read on below and find the right pellet stove for you!
#1: Comfortbilt HP22 Pellet Stove
- Hopper Capacity: 55 lbs
- Dimensions: 25 " wide, 34" tall
- Heating Capacity: 50,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
#2: CASTLE 12327 SERENITY PELLET STOVE
Hopper Capacity: 40 lbs
Dimensions: 19" wide, 34" high, 23.75" deep
Heating Capacity: 30,000 BTU
Ignition System: Automatic
#3 U.S. STOVE CO. ASHLEY AP5780 48,000 BTU PELLET STOVE
- Hopper Capacity: 45 lbs
- Dimensions: 20.81 " wide, 37.16" tall, 22.25 " Deep
- Heating Capacity: 48,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
#4 U.S. STOVE CO. 5500M 48,000 BTU PELLET STOVE
- Hopper Capacity: 120 lbs
- Dimensions: 26" wide, 34" high, 25" deep
- Heating Capacity: 48,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
#5: US Stove Wiseway 40000 BTU 2000 sq. ft. Pellet Stove
Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs
Dimensions: 24" wide, 52" high, 15" deep
Heating Capacity: 40,000 BTU
Ignition System: Automatic
#1: COMFORTBILT HP22 PELLET STOVE REVIEW
COMFORTBILT HP22
Key Features
Hopper Capacity: 55 lbs
- Dimensions: 25 " wide, 34" tall
- Heating Capacity: 50,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
- EPA Certification: Approved
- Efficiency Rating: 90%
- Warranty: 1 year
The Best Overall Pellet Stove
This carbon black steel Comfortbilt heating unit is a well-built, 50,000 BTU beast with a smart design and a large viewing area. At only two feet in width, this unit will look great in your home, and the powerful blower of this 285-pound Comfortbilt pellet stove can also heat up to 2,800 square feet. If you have been in search of an easy way to heat your home, this big BTU bad boy will do the trick. Unless the space you're looking to heat is truly gigantic, this is one of the best pellet stoves you can buy and should have plenty of heat output for your needs.
The Comfortbilt pellet stove is also EPA certified and has an excellent efficiency rating, so it's good for the environment too. With automatic ignition and a programmable thermostat, this is the type of next-generation fireplace unit that is easy to use and looks great. Its 55-pound hopper capacity gives it excellent burn time, allowing it to burn wood pellets burn for hours and hours, eliminating the need to refill the hopper with wood-burning material every 24 hours, unlike some other models with smaller hopper capacities.
With low maintenance, great thermal efficiency, quick and easy ash pan removal and great heat output for a home with large sq ft layouts, a Comfortbilt pellet stove HP-22 is always a good option. It also has a 1-year parts warranty, as well as access to technical assistance after your purchase whenever you need it.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP-22 is an excellent choice to heat your home. Almost all of the reviews online give it a 5-star rating. With top-notch heat output, a good looking, clean design, a great efficiency rating and a 50,000 BTU heat output, the power of this unit is designed to provide heating for a large area. We highly recommend this heating unit to keep you warm during cold winters.
#2: CASTLE 12327 SERENITY PELLET STOVE REVIEW
Castle Serenity
Key Features
Hopper Capacity: 40 lbs
- Dimensions: 19" wide, 34" high, 23.75" deep
- Heating Capacity: 30,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
- EPA Certification: Approved
- Thermal Efficiency: 70%
- Warranty: 1 year
The Best Pellet Stove for Small Spaces
This lovely freestanding unit from U.S. Stove Co. comes in black steel and weighs in at 270-pounds. It is designed to provide heat to an indoor environment of up to 2,200 square feet. The first thing you'll notice about this BTU pumping beauty is the gorgeous bay front window, one of the largest we've seen on the market. The wide glass design gives you a spectacular view of the fuel and fire, and this heating product will be burning wood pellets for a long time due to its 45-pound hopper capacity.
This unit is not as large as some of the largest pellet stoves on the market, but the hopper still provides your home with enough heating capacity to last for 24 hours without having to refill. Wood pellets burn at a pleasant rate, and this model comes with an ash drawer, an air wash system, integrated damper control and auto-ignition with a built-in variable speed blower.
Not only that, but the digital control board also allows for adjustable heating and draft control at the simple push of a button. The LED display also makes it easy to set and operate. This fully automatic heating unit has auto ignition and an easy-to-use smart controller.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
This is a great choice for people with smaller homes, but it can also be used in addition to other heating sources in larger homes, helping reduce heating costs when owners want to provide heating for some of their larger living areas. Reliable and reasonably priced, this sleek and eco-friendly pellet stove model is very well-rated online, and is a good, affordable option.
#3 U.S. Stove Co. Ashley AP5780 48,000 BTU Pellet Stove
US Stove CO. ASHLEY
Key Features
Hopper Capacity: 45 lbs
- Dimensions: 20.81 " wide, 37.16" tall, 22.25 " Deep
- Heating Capacity: 48,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
- EPA Certification: Approved
- Warranty: 1 year
The Best in Style Pellet Stove
This lovely freestanding unit from U.S. Stove Co. comes in black steel and weighs in at 270-pounds. It is designed to provide heat to an indoor environment of up to 2,200 square feet. The first thing you'll notice about this BTU pumping beauty is the gorgeous bayfront window, one of the largest we've seen on the market. The wide glass design gives you a spectacular view of the fuel and fire, and this heating product will be burning wood pellets for a long time due to its 45-pound hopper capacity.
This unit is not as large as some of the largest pellet stoves on the market, but the hopper still provides your home with enough heating capacity to last for 24 hours without having to refill. Wood pellets burn at a pleasant rate, and this model comes with an ash drawer, an air wash system, integrated damper control and auto-ignition with a built-in variable-speed blower.
Not only that, but the digital control board also allows for adjustable heating and draft control at the simple push of a button. The LED display also makes it easy to set and operate. This fully automatic heating unit has auto ignition and an easy-to-use smart controller.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The U.S. Stove Co. Ashley AP5780 Pellet Stove is great if you appreciate a consistent heat temperature and easy-to-use control features. Low maintenance requirements and an efficient, clean fuel burn make this unit a great choice to provide heat at a great price. A smart controller, automatic ignition and an air wash system will keep your glass clean and allow you to see the fire through great bayfront windows. This is a wood pellets stove that you can't afford to ignore! Learn more about Ashely Pellet Stove Reviews here
#4: U.S. Stove Co. 5500M 48,000 BTU Pellet Stove
U.S. STOVE CO. 5500M 48,000 BTU
Key Features
Hopper Capacity: 120 lbs
- Dimensions: 26" wide, 34" high, 25" deep
- Heating Capacity: 48,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
- EPA Certification: Approved
- Thermal Efficiency: 70%
- Warranty: 1 year
Best Durable and Stylish Pellet Stove
The U.S. Stove Co. 5500M Wood Pellet Stove is a freestanding black steel heating unit built to last. It is fully-automated, features auto-ignition and also has some very easy to use controls. With absolutely zero smoke spillage and an automatic circulation blower that will help spread heat evenly throughout your house, the design is both sleek and durable.
This EPA certified unit is also no stranger to heat output. Its massive 120-pound hopper gives this pellet stove the largest storage capacity on our list of the best pellet stoves, so if you want to choose a heating solution that will limit the frequency with which you refill your wood pellet fuel, this is the best pellet stove in that category. With a hopper this big, you can store plenty of heating fuel - enough to last you for days and days without a refill. The heat of this 48,000 BTU will easily warm the air in your home, up to 2,200 sq ft.
The air wash glass will keep your unit looking great, and the LED display and 4 heat settings make this a versatile place for you to burn wood pellets. And although this unit has the potential to heat a rather large home, the 5500M wood pellet stove is also approved for use in mobile or modular homes.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
For people who prioritize a large hopper, this is the choice for you. The U.S. Stove Co. 5500M Wood Pellet stove has a huge 120-pound hopper, triple the size of most of the others in this best pellet stove reviews section. Wood pellets will not have to be replaced for at least two days, and the stove can heat the air in your home for up to 60 hours without needing any refills. The unit does not require much maintenance, has a powerful blower and easy to use settings, keeping your energy costs down. We give this a rating of 4.5 stars without reservation, as its features and BTU output make it one of the best pellet stoves you can buy.
#5: US Stove Wiseway 40000 BTU 2000 sq. ft. Pellet Stove
US STOVE WISEWAY 40000 BTU 2000 SQ. FT.
Key Features
Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs
- Dimensions: 24" wide, 52" high, 15" deep
- Heating Capacity: 40,000 BTU
- Ignition System: Automatic
- EPA Certification: Approved
- Warranty: 1 year
Most Thin and Modern Pellet Stove
Like most of the other units in this list of the best pellet stoves, the U.S. Stove Co. Wiseway Wood Pellet Stove is two feet wide. But what sets it apart, besides its unique and modern design, is that it is only 15" deep, as opposed to 25" for most other models, and it is 52" in height, making this stove the thinnest and tallest of the bunch.
On the design, you can't find a more unique-looking unit if you tried. And although it may seem trim, this freestanding unit has a powerful 40,000 BTU heating power that can easily warm the air in a 2,000 sq ft home in no time. Another unique feature for the Wiseway model is that it uses a gravity-fed system that eliminates the need for electricity. With fewer mechanical parts, there are fewer breakdowns, less maintenance, and less overall cost.
It's also one of the easiest pellet stoves to . Simply heat the burn pot and flue and start the whole process off by igniting the wood pellets with a propane torch or other similar mechanism. The stove is designed to utilize a natural draft that will raise it to a proper temperature quickly and easily, and the front viewing window will allow you to enjoy the look of the fire as well as the heat it provides.
This EPA certified unit is well stocked with a 60-pound hopper, allowing for a burn time well over 24 hours. It has a large ash drawer and a built-in air wash system that gives you a cleaner looking glass, and the unit also runs silently, a great bonus for the noise-conscious consumer.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
This unit looks the most modern, is very efficient and will keep your wood pellets burning for more than 24 hours at a time with its 60-pound hopper. It features the ability to work without electricity, perhaps its most distinguishing feature, and is an excellent choice for a space that isn't connected to the grid or is prone to blackouts. If you choose to buy this pellet stove, however, keep in mind that there will be no fancy control settings or automated ignition systems like the others.
Honourable Mentions
Pleasent Hearth Pellet Stove
The Pleasant Heart 50,000 BTU Pellet Stove is a powerful unit that is a great choice for all types of homes, whether small, medium, or large. It has the capacity to cover up to 2,200 square feet and it burns straight 24-hours in its lowest setting, which is perfect to get the most out of its 120-pound hopper.
King Pellet Stoves
King pellet Stoves are newcomers but have received a very positive response from customers. This stove burns carbon-neutral Green Fuel, which is considered environmentally friendly, the fuels are clean and easy to handle. Check out our King Pellet Stove Reviews Today!
Raveli Pellet Stoves
One thing that really makes Ravelli stoves cool is their luxurious and sleek design. These stoves are unique in themselves. Ravelli has added some cool design and textures to their stove that gives them a modern look. Not only that, but their performance is also outstanding and prices are affordable. Check out our Ravelli Pellet Stove Reviews today!
What Are Pellets Made Of?
Pellets are small, usually between one inch to half an inch. They're made from materials such as sawdust, scrap wood, old furniture, waste paper, forestry waste, and other wood products that would otherwise be destined for the scrap heap. That's one of the reasons that pellet stoves are so environmentally friendly.
By using waste products as fuel, wood pellet manufacturers reduce items destined for the landfill, all while eliminating the need to drill for new oil or gas. Also, the burn rate of wood pellets is extremely efficient. They produce an extremely small amount of smoke and ash, and remain one of the best renewable sources of fuel. They have a much smaller greenhouse gas footprint than other heating alternatives. Not only that, but in many states pellet stoves are exempt from tax.
How Often Must I Refill the Hopper with Pellets?
All pellet stoves have a slightly different hopper capacity. Most of them hold between 40 and 120 pounds of fuel, and a typical 40-pound bag will last about 24 hours under normal operating conditions. This means that a pellet stove will require refueling about once per day if your hopper capacity is limited to 40 pounds. However, some models use bulk-filled storage systems and are fully automatic.
According to the Pellet Fuels Institute, a winter's supply of wood pellets is about 100-150 bags, and each 40-pound bag costs about $3 to $4. Most homeowners who use a pellet stove as their main heat source use two to three tons of pellet fuel per year. At about $250 per ton, pellet fuel is a cost-effective way to heat your home year-round, and almost always less expensive than electric, oil, and propane.
Are Pellet Stoves Safe?
Besides looking good, saving you money and being environmentally friendly, one of the best parts of having a pellet stove is that it is extremely safe. They don't pose a fire hazard, can be installed close to the wall, and they're also cool to the touch, which means your kids and pets will be safe from unintentional burns.
Pellet stoves aren't like other heating systems. You can leave it burning while you're out of the house, and it will continue to burn the pellets safely until the hopper runs out. Pellet Stoves are also very easy to start. learn mroe on how to start a pellet stove. And if you're worried about creosote, the substance that can build up and cause chimney fires, don't be. A well-maintained and frequently-cleaned pellet stove should not create any creosote. All it leaves behind is ash. Some of the top-quality pellets are known to produce less than one percent ash content.
Do I Need a Chimney to Install a Pellet Stove?
No. A chimney can be used, but just like many of today's gas appliances, pellet stoves can be vented horizontally through an outside wall. Pellet stoves can even be installed in mobile homes, something you can't do with traditional wood-burning stoves. In fact, many pellet stoves can be directly-vented to the room you want to heat without the need of a chimney or flue.
Is it Legal to Use a Pellet Stove in My Area?
Wood-burning fireplaces tend to emit large quantities of pollutants into the air. And because wood smoke contains hundreds of dangerous chemical compounds, many urban areas (and even some rural ones) restrict or forbid the use of wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. However, very often this is not the case for pellet stoves.
While you should always check with your municipality before installing one, a pellet stove is such a clean-burning system that you will likely be in the clear. So unless you live in a crowded urban environment, it is very likely legal to do so.
How Do I Choose the Size of My Pellet Stove?
As with any heat-generating appliance, it's crucial to choose one that's appropriate for the space being heated. Because most pellet stoves are essentially space heaters, if you get one that's too large, you'll end up burning your pellets at a low smolder to avoid overheating the house, which will waste fuel. On the other side of the coin, a unit that is too small for your property won't provide you with enough heat!
Ultimately, it's always best to get the advice offered at the point of sale. Talk to a reputable dealer to hear their advice, and keep in mind this helpful tip: A stove rated at 60,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) can heat a 2,000-square-foot home, and a stove rated at 40,000 BTUs can heat a 1,300-square-foot area.
Can I Install My Own Pellet Stove?
As with almost anything, you can always do it yourself if you want. But to maximize your safety, not to mention the efficiency of your pellet stove, we recommend having a professional do it. They will evaluate more than just the stove - they take everything into account from the type of chimney you have all the way to the ideal kind of floor protection you may need. The National Fireplace Institute is a good place to look for a list of professionals that are certified in this particular industry.
How Much Electricity Does a Pellet Stove Use?
Today's modern pellet stoves are complex and have expensive components. They also require electricity to run fans, controls, and the auger (pellet feeder). They typically consume about 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, which will run most homeowners less than $10. That said, keep in mind: unless your pellet stove is connected to a back-up power supply, any power outage will mean you'll have no heat until the power comes back on.
Should I Pay More For Premium Pellets?
From our perspective, you get what you pay for. So in short: yes, you should absolutely spend the extra few bucks on premium-grade pellets. The main reason is that premium pellets produce much more heat per pound, so a higher-quality pellet will usually result in you using much fewer pellets to get the same amount of heat. Learn more about pellet stove prices.
This also means you'll have less carrying, loading, storing, and cleaning up to do. Also, when you burn less fuel, there is less stress on your heating system. Over time, this will result in lower maintenance costs. And for the environmental warriors out there, burning less also means you'll send fewer emissions into our atmosphere.
Are Pellet Stoves Easy to Clean?
To keep your pellet stove working in top shape, you'll need to maintain it on a regular basis. But no matter what, it will be easier than cleaning a wood stove. Many stoves only need to be swept or vacuumed free of ash every few days (with some times ranging up to two every two weeks). Either way, whatever the needs of your particular stove, we would recommend buying an ash vacuum to do the job safely and efficiently. These vacuums are similar to shop vacs, but are specially designed for pellet stoves.
It is also important that you have your chimney swept every year (if you're using a chimney to vent some of the air). Consult the Chimney Safety Institute of America for the best results. They'll tell you that a certified chimney sweep will be able to help make sure that your pellet stove is in good working order, but also check the condition of any other components such as the hearth, connecting pipes, air inlets or exhaust vents.
Also important to keep in mind: Manufacturers advise removing unused pellets from the hopper and auger feeding mechanism at the end of each heating season. Doing so will reduce the chance of any possible rusting, which can be expensive to fix. Learn more about how to clean a pellet stove.
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