A wood stove is a prominent feature in any modern home. With the cold season just setting in, you need a cozy wood stove to keep your home warm and comfortable. The best wood stove will create a great ambience in your home while keeping away freezing temperatures.
In this review, we will take an in-depth look at some of the Top wood stove in the market that will give the user long-term benefits. They are eco-friendly, using lesser fuels, and emitting few emissions, thus lowering your carbon footprint. Let us look at top wooden stoves available today to help you narrow down your choices and help you select the best one for your home
Best Wood Stove in the Market
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Wood Stove in the Market
- 1.1 1. Vogelzang TR009
- 1.2 Pros
- 1.3 Cons
- 1.4 2. Vogelzang tr007
- 1.5 Pros
- 1.6 Cons
- 1.7 3. La Nordica Rosa XXL Wood Cook Stove
- 1.8 Pros
- 1.9 Cons
- 1.10 4. Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove
- 1.11 Pros
- 1.12 Cons
- 1.13 5. Ohuhu stove
- 1.14 Pros
- 1.15 Cons
- 1.16 6. EcoZoom Dura
- 1.17 Pros
- 1.18 Cons
- 1.19 7. BioLite Camp Stove
- 1.20 Pros
- 1.21 Cons
- 1.22 8. solo lite stove
- 1.23 Pros
- 1.24 Cons
- 1.25 9. TOAKS Titanium Wood Stove
- 1.26 Pros
- 1.27 Cons
- 1.28 10. Wealers Portable Fire Fit
- 1.29 Pros
- 1.30 Cons
- 1.31 Top Things to Consider Before You Buy the Wood Stove For Your Home
- 1.32 Reasons to Buy a Wood Burning Stove
- 1.33 Installing Wood Stove
- 1.34 Find Out Where You Are Going To Place it
- 1.35 Choosing a chimney
- 1.36 How to Operate and Maintain Your Wood Stove
- 1.37 Safety Precautions
- 1.38 Do I need permission to install a wood stove in my home?
- 1.39 How much does it cost to buy a wood stove?
- 1.40 Are catalytic stoves better?
- 1.41 Does wood stove need a grate?
- 1.42 How do I get more heat out of my wood burner?
- 1.43 What are the benefits of using a wood stove?
- 1.44 What are the main factors to consider before purchasing a wood stove?
- 1.45 Where to buy the Top wood stove?
Last update on 2020-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Vogelzang TR009
The Vogelzang TR009 Performer is an excellent pick for a medium-sized home. The Performer is capable of heating 2200 square feet of living space and produces 119000 BTU rating. It has a long burn time of up to twelve hours on a single load of hardwood.
The Vogelzang TR009 has an innovative design that looks great and produces a tremendous amount of heat thanks to a reinforced plate steel construction and firebrick lining.
The Performer has a smooth black finish with pewter trim and comes with a ceramic glass window on a cast iron door offering a beautiful flame presentation. This is an EPA certified stove with a 76% efficiency rating and a high-speed blower that pushes warm air into the house.
- The Performer wood stove efficiently heats up to 2,200 square feet
- Cast iron feed door with large 17" x 9" ceramic glass window
- Burns up to 12 hours on one fueling
- Made with heavy gauge 3/16-Inch reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
Modern design made with a black matte finish with chrome trimming and pewter accents
The Performer uses heavy gauge 3/16-Inch reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining for greater burning efficiency
The unit has 119,000 BTU rating
This free-standing stove has a sturdy base
The wood stove has a primary air inlet at the front that ignites the fire and secondary inlet at the back that feeds air to the furnace.
It efficiently heats spaces to 2,200 sq. Ft.
It has an iron cast door with a ceramic glass that offers a brilliant view of the fire
Adjustable high-speed (100 CFM) blower
Safety tested to UL standard UL1482-2010. It meets Utah and Washington state low emissions regulations
Burns up to twelve hours on one fueling
It emits 3.8g/hr
It has a large ash drawer for quick and easy ash removal
EPA certified
It can take logs of 20 inches
Pros
Cons
2. Vogelzang tr007
Vogelzang is one of the best wood stove brands in the market. It’s no wonder we feature a second wood stove from this manufacturer. They have a sturdy construction that will last long while working effectively to heat your home.
The TR007 model is a large stove made for heating large homes. If you are looking for the good wood stove that will offer you a long burn time, this Vogelzang can hold 30 pounds of wood heating your house for fourteen straight hours. With a 152,000 BTU and an efficiency rating of 82%, it can heat your home all day or night long
The quality is the best you will find; it’s made from 3/16" reinforced steel plate with a firebrick lining that keeps the wood burning for a long time.
The wood stove comes with a large ash drawer and a cast iron door with a large ceramic window perfect for fire watching as you lounge in the house
- The Ponderosa is large stove, holding up to 30-pound of wood at once
- Constructed of heavy gauge 3/16" reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
- Cast iron feed door with large ceramic glass window (15" x 9")
- Large ash drawer for easy ash removal
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
The stove has a heating capacity for a 3200 square feet house
It can be fed 22-inch logs with weights of up to 30 pounds
Ponderosa uses a massive load of wood that gives you 14 hours of consistent heating
It comes with an adjustable blower (CFM 100-150) that circulates warm air in the home
The stove is by EPA certified to be airtight. You won't experience any smoke leakage as it's well sealed
It has a 152000 BTU rating
The top surface of the stove can be used for cooking and baking
There is a large ceramic window that provides a pleasant view of the burning fire
Has a large ash drawer located below the pedestal for easy removal of ash
The stove is made of heavy-duty steel plates that make it sturdy and durable
Fire brick lining improves fuel efficiency and appropriately disseminates heat
Fuel efficiency rating of 82%
Pros
Cons
3. La Nordica Rosa XXL Wood Cook Stove
The Rosa XXL is a stove that checks all boxes; it's good looking, very high quality and can do more than heating, you can cook and bake with this wood stove. La Nordica Rosa is engineered for efficiency by combining a traditional look with modern technology.
This cast iron stove has an efficiency rating of 84% and can heat an ample space. The La Nordica has a ring hob on the top for placing cooking pots and a large baking oven with a glass window. Apart from cooking and baking, this wood stove will contribute significantly to heating your home
The Rosa XXL will compliment your style décor with its classic black body and red tiles. It will sit perfectly in your kitchen or cabin and solve all your heating and cooking needs.
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
Beautifully constructed wood stove with Maiolica side tiles
Can heat a 2600 square feet space effectively
Porcelain steel external facing
Polished cast-iron doors
The stove can be used for cooking baking and heating
Double glass viewing windows for the oven and firebox
Firebrick lined firebox
Come with polished cast iron cooking plate and rings
Integrated oven thermometer
Large enamelled baking oven
Dual air control for efficient combustion
Primary and secondary air adjusters
Wood drawer for extra wood storage
85% heating efficiency
Heat output, 29000BTU
Pros
Cons
4. Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove
Want the warmth and the authentic feel of a wood stove? The Guide Gear stove will do that and more for your backyard garden or garage. This small, portable stove can be used to heat a small garage or an outdoor space.
This Guide Gear stove may be compact, but it packs a considerable amount of heat. It had a great stainless steel construction that is built to last long. A cast iron door will keep the fire in check, and a ceramic window makes it great for fire watching. The legs and pipe can be detached to make it easy to transport it. The stove weighs 47lbs, which is not too heavy for most people.
Last update on 2020-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- The Gear Guide has a galvanized steel body that is durable
- A cast iron door with a large ceramic window perfect for fire watching
- Temperature control is achievable with the vent holes
- Provide heating for a medium-size home
- Portable wood stove
- Proper ventilation with a well-built chimney
- The free-standing stove has legs
- The part of the stove can be used to keep pans hot
Pros
Cons
5. Ohuhu stove
This Ohuhu unit is a compact and reliable stove that will make a great addition to your camping kit. Its made from high-quality stainless steel that is highly durable.
This stove has a three-arm base for resting mesh or pots. It will sit well on the ground as you cook without toppling. The stove comes with a mesh bag that attaches to your backpack for easy transporting.
- STURDY STAINLESS STEEL: Crafted with high quality stainless steel, this portable camping stove will steadily burn bright,...
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- FUELLED BY NATURE: Mother Nature presents the best fuel catalogue, with the abundance of dried twigs, leaves, pinecones and...
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Easily collapsible and lightweight, this camping stove comes with its own mesh carry bag so you can...
Last update on 2020-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
Sturdy stainless steel construction
Easy assembly - All you need to do is add the wood and start grilling when you make camp
Safe to use- the bottom stays cool to touch even after hours of using
The pots remain stable with a three-arm base support system
The stove uses very little wood to keep it going. A few twigs or pine cones is all you need
Light and easy to carry with you on your hiking trips
This is an eco-friendly wood stove
The bottom part of the stove is well ventilated to supply air to the wood for effective burning.
Pros
Cons
6. EcoZoom Dura
The EcoZoom is another great stove for outdoor use. If you need a stove that will light up fast using the available twigs and leaves, we recommended the EcoZoom. This unit is well insulated, so you don’t lose heat, making it very efficient and it comes with handles for easy carrying.
The Dura comes with wood support so that you can use longer sticks without them falling over. Cooking is made easy using the three cast-iron arm surface that fits pots of all sizes. This makes it safe and secure for cooking and warming you during the cold nights in the campsite.
EcoZoom will serve you for a long time. The reinforced metal body is sturdy, and with ceramic insulation, it doesn't lose heart. Moreover, at 10 pounds, this stove is easy to carry, toss it in the back of your car with your other gear. It will come in handy when you need to cook or keep warm in the middle of the night.
- ULTIMATE CAMPING WOOD STOVE: Extremely durable, long-lasting and energy efficient. The Dura uses wood or solid biomass as...
- ENERGY EFFICIENT COOKING: The fully insulated vertical combustion chamber forces gases to mix with the flames, leading to...
- QUALITY MATERIALS AND DURABLE DESIGN: Extremely powerful and well-built design means the stove stays in place exactly where...
- ECO-FRIENDLY STOVE: The Dura doesn’t require a lot of wood or dry biomassl to cook an entire meal, which makes it a very...
Last update on 2020-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
A durable stove that will last long
Impressive fuel efficiency
Well insulated using ceramic to prevent loss of heat
It's easy to use
Cast iron construction for the wood support and the pot stands
The stove is stable on the ground
It weighs 10 pounds, its light and highly portable
It comes with handles coated with plastic material for carrying
The stoves won’t burn you if you touch it by accident. The body stays cool due to the insulation
Pros
Cons
7. BioLite Camp Stove
The Biolite camp stove is a compact wood stove that allows you to cook, grill, and charge your devices comfortably while out in the country. It uses wood to fuel the USB port that is fast charging.
The Biolite innovative design comes with a fire starter and a Flexi light for lighting your surroundings as you cook.
- Turn fire into electricity! CampStove 2 generates 3 watts of usable electricity and stores it in it's internal powerbank for...
- USB charge output with 50% more power than our previous CampStove 1, with updated thermoelectrics creating even more...
- Internal jets have 4 fan speed settings to circulate air for improved combustion and efficiency to boil 1 liter of water in...
- Lightweight aluminum legs fold up for nested portability and durability for camping, backpacking or power outages
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
The store gives an intense fire that can boil a litre of water in under five minutes
It has an internal fire starter that helps to get a fire going
A unique component of the camp stove is the USB charging system that is fueled by wood. Fire turns into electricity to make sure you never run of charge on your phone
It uses a small amount of wood to cook or power the USB
The USB port can power smartphones and other devices. The charging period is 25 minutes on a full charge
The stove comes with a Flexi light that connects through the USB port
This unique construction is innovative and durable
The stove weighs two pounds making it portable
Pros
Cons
8. solo lite stove
The solo stove is a well-known brand that comes highly recommended by many backpackers and campers around the globe. This unit is compact, easy to carry in your backpack, and produces a fire that cooks, and boils water in minutes.
If you are looking into getting a reliable stove, the Solo Lite is designed with stainless steel that is durable and will perform well in the outdoors. It uses little fuel to give the user a fire for cooking and heating thanks to a great ventilation system that keeps the fire going for long.
- GEAR OF THE YEAR WINNER
- PATENTED DESIGN - LESS SMOKE. The patented design features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and a...
- FUEL IS FREE. No more spending money on white gas or expensive liquid canister fuel
- LIGHTWEIGHT & FAST BOIL TIME. Boils water in 8-10 mines (34 flu oz. water). 4.25" Diameter, 3.8"/5.7” tall...
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
Solo Lite uses high-quality stainless steel
A sturdy, durable stove that has a heat shield. It protects from scorching the ground underneath it.
The unit is easy to use and clean. It has an ashtray that traps the ash making it easy to clean.
His stove is light weighing 16.5 ounces. It's a compact stove that is easy to carry around
Solo Lite has a double-wall construction that ensures no energy escapes, so you get an intense fire for cooking.
It uses little fuel to heat or cook
A well-ventilated stove to give you a hotter flame with less smoke
Pros
Cons
9. TOAKS Titanium Wood Stove
This award-winning titanium wood stove is the perfect appliance for camping. This lightweight unit is also very affordable but has an unmatched design and construction. The brand uses grade 1 and 2 titanium that is very sturdy yet very light. You will be pleased to know that it hooks up to your backpack, making it easy to carry. As for performance, the TOAKS does not disappoint; it produces a consistent flame that cooks evenly and fast.
- Material: Titanium (no coating)
- Weight: 7.9 oz (225g) (large) 5.4oz (151g) (small)
- Fuel type: Wood
- Origin: Designed by TOAKS in California and made in China
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
Durable construction made with grade 1 titanium
A lightweight camping stove
The stove fits perfectly in the TOAK cooking set
Easy to set up and light a fire
Even flame distribution for a great cooking experience
Comes with a carrying bag that hooks to a backpack
Pros
Cons
10. Wealers Portable Fire Fit
Wealers Camping Wood Stove is from stainless steel make that is durable and easy to carry because it’s light. This high performing stove weighs a pound, but it has a large capacity to provide a big fire that you can use to cook, heat, or grill. You will find that the stove has an excellent ventilation system and has a thick wall to provide consistent heating perfect for outdoor cooking. This portable stove will last for a long time thanks to its sturdy stainless steel construction.
- ✔ STOVE: High quality stainless steel, Burns Solidified alcohol or Wood, meant for rugged backpacking and camping....
- ✔ WINDSHIELD: Material:Aluminium alloy;Size:650x240mm/26x9inches 10 plates windscreens, Built in pegs to secure wind shield...
- ✔ FIRE-STARTER WHISTLE: A Compact magnesium fire starter rod fire starter with large scraper and a high quality emergency...
- ✔ MORE FEATURES, MORE VALUE: Wealers campfire stove Kit is lightweight, compact, durable, and a snap to assemble with the...
Last update on 2020-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
This stove is lightweight weighing only a pound
Easy to assemble and dismantle
Stainless steel make
A well-ventilated stove that produces minimal smoke
Comes with supporting sixteen-inch legs that will function on all terrains offering excellent stability
comes with a bag that makes it easy to carry the stove
The Stove can withstand high temperatures
Pros
Cons
Top Things to Consider Before You Buy the Wood Stove For Your Home
Coverage
The first thing you need to consider is the space you want to heat. How large is your home? Are you planning to heat the whole place using a single source of heating? Some models can cover an ample space for longer. By determining your heating needs, you will be better informed to get the stove that will serve you best.
Efficiency
Not all wood stoves burn wood the same way. Some have better efficiency so that the wood gives the maximum heating possible. The modern stoves are engineered to be fuel-efficient. They are well insulated and well vented, making them the right choice for your home heating needs. They are equipped with blowers that distribute hot air around the house.
Design
Stoves fit into three categories
1. The traditional design – these stoves are free-standing, they have large fireboxes without blowers. The conventional models produce a lot of heat, but most of it is ultimately lost. They are well vented and tend to be large and bulkier.
2. Modern design - The modern designs can be free-standing or insert that fit in old fireplaces. These models have larger fireboxes and use blowers to increase heat output but burn wood. They use both top and back ventilation. You will find sizeable ceramic glass windows that are perfect for watching the fire. The new models are sturdy, made out of lightweight materials, so they are not as heavy as the traditional designs.
3. Portable designs - These are the wood stoves used in the backyards or for camping. They are compact and lightweight. Unlike the above models, the portable stoves are for outdoor use only because they release smoke and other pollutants into the air. They are easy to use, require minimal assembly, and use fewer fuels.
Heat Output
Wood stoves have a rating based on the amount of heat they produce. Most models will have maximum heat output listed in BTUs (British Thermal Unit). It's essential to know how much heat you will be getting from your wood stove. Get a furnace that is capable of sufficiently warming your space. If your home is big, you will need more heat output compared to a smaller house.
The Size of the Firebox
The size of the firebox is an essential thing to consider before making your purchase. The large fireboxes have higher capacities that hold more wood. This translates to more burn time, giving you hours upon hours of heating.
If you want a stove that you won't have to reload wood frequently, choose a model that has a large firebox. They are suited for larger houses. They are more expensive than smaller ones.
Certification
Make sure the stove you are buying is a genuine one from a well-known brand. Make sure the model has certifications to show that it emits low emissions, and most importantly, it is safe. Such certificates include EPA. Some states will require more certifications than others will. Read up on your state's building codes to know what is allowed or not.
Combustion
The process of making heat can vary in many models. There are two types of combustion used in wood stoves. Wood stoves use catalytic and no-catalytic combustion to operate.
Catalytic combustion involves exhaust gases passing through a ceramic-coated catalyst located in the stove to ignite a fire and burn. This method produces a long steady fire that will also burn wood for a more extended period. A switch controls the catalyst, and the element needs periodic replacement. Stoves that use this method of combustion are usually more expensive, but they are more efficient.
Non-catalytic combustion produces a more robust fire, in the beginning, providing a sound heat output, but the heat will reduce as the logs die out; thus, the amount of heat will decline steadily. You will need to add more wood as the fire dwindles to maintain a higher heat output.
Construction
Wood stoves are generally made from two materials; cast iron and steel. Both are good conductors of heat and make durable stoves. You will pay more for a stove made from cast iron than steel.
Cast iron stoves need more maintenance done on them to seal joints that could let air out reducing their efficiency.
Reasons to Buy a Wood Burning Stove
If you are considering investing in a new heating system, here are the reasons why you should consider a wood-burning stove.
It's A Reliable Source Of Fuel
Whether you are getting a stove to fit in your home or a portable solution for outdoor use, wood will always come in handy. Firewood is available everywhere; it's cheap and reliable. If you live in the countryside or city, you will always find wood in stores, or you can cut down dying trees to fuel your home during the cold winter months.
Wood is also a renewable source of energy. You can plant other trees to replenish what you are using.
Efficient Heating Source
Modem wood stoves are very efficient with some models with efficiency ratings of 86%. This simply means that the wood stove is burning less wood while producing a lot of energy. This is because they are designed to retain heat, unlike the old models. It is the reason why they can heat a large area.
Wood Is Environment-Friendly
You would think that burning wood is not eco-friendly, buts it actually is. First of all, wood is renewable and sustainable; you can plant more trees to replace what is cut down.
Secondly, wood burning doesn't increase carbon emissions into the atmosphere when burnt. Wood is carbon neutral, meaning it produces the same amount of carbon dioxide but with the advantage of providing more heat.
Cost-Effective
Wood is readily available and is a fantastic fuel for heating. It's also cheap when compared to gas or electricity but is capable of producing the same BTUs. Unlike gas of electricity where production costs affect the end-user, you can gather your wood, therefore not incurring any extra charges.
If you have to buy wood, it's cheaply priced and available in convenient stores in your area.
Safe to Use
Wood stoves are safe to use as long as caution is taken when installing and using them. These stoves use a live flame, but they are well insulated to make them safe for home use. The fire is contained inside the firebox using a heavy-duty door.
These stoves go through rigorous testing before they are sold to the end-users to make sure they pass emission tests so they won't produce dangerous levels of pollutants.
They Are Beautiful
Nothing creates a great ambience in your living space like a log-burning stove on a cold night. A wood stove will draw people to where its placed for warmth and makes a great focal point in your home. A wood stove will compliment your décor; it will look good wherever you place it. They come in many sizes and designs, making it easy to find one that would be the perfect accent for your home.
Use for Cooking
Wood stoves can work for both heating and cooking. If you run out of gas, you can easily create a meal for your family by using the top surface of the wood stove for cooking.
Can Be Used For During Power Outages
When the power goes out on a cold winter night, you will still have a source of heat with a wood stove. Wood stoves are a valuable source of heat that is self-contained. Therefore, you won't be relying on electricity or gas all the time to keep your family protected from the cold.
Installing Wood Stove
It's important to note that wood stoves use live flames to heat your home, so they represent a fire hard. Although they are safe to use thanks to their modern designs, they could cause a fire if not properly installed.
If your house comes with a designated fireplace, the job becomes easier as venting is already there. A wood-burning stove can be installed without a chimney so long as venting system is put in place. This is because the furnace needs a way to vent the smoke and gases that build up in the firebox.
We recommend getting a skilled builder to do the installation if you don't have the skills to install one yourself.
The first thing to do is to find the right stove that will serve your needs. Find the right model and size that will sufficiently warm your home. After that, you can start planning the installation.
Find Out Where You Are Going To Place it
You can't place a wood stove anywhere in the house. The stove has to be well-positioned for optimum heat distribution in the entire house. If the goal is to heat the whole home and not a room, you will need to find a central location to install it.
The stove will be installed on the floor. This allows it to send warm air upwards to all rooms in the house. The location should be a less-trafficked area, so avoid corridors or places where people use regularly. The area around the stove can get to temperatures over 400 degrees which can cause accidents such as burns.
Once you have found the location, you will need to prepare the area properly to ensure there is sufficient space between any materials that can easily catch fire. Combustible surfaces include floors, furniture, wooden walls, or drywall. The bigger the stove, the more clearance you will need.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing a metal sheet on the wall and floor where the stove will rest to protect your walls. This metal sheet will be placed an inch away from the wall to ensure air circulation between the protective layer and the wall.
The last thing you want to do is burn your house down because the stove is too hot. Make sure all the furniture is a few feet away from it. Keep anything that can catch fire at a safe distance from the stove. The recommended range is at least 36 inches or more depending on the size of the furnace.
If your floors are wooden or laminate, consider getting a concrete slab. A metal sheet on the floor is also a great alternative.
Choosing a chimney
The chimney of choice will depend on the type of wood stove you are installing. Vents are crucial in eliminating smoke and pollutants as wood burns. The chimney you use is directly related to the size of the outlet found in the back of the stove.
The stove should have a venting extending outside of the house. A built-in stone chimney is acceptable if you have it already but would be expensive and hard to build. A good affordable option is a metal chimney that is UL tested for safety.
The metal chimney should be stainless steel to withstand the high heat and corrosive environment.
There are three types of metal chimneys: air-cooled thermo siphon, solid pack insulated, and air-insulated vents. The solid-pack insulated and air-insulated work best for wood stoves and the thermo siphon works best for fireplaces.
When installing, it should ideally go straight up and out of the house without any sharp bends. Avoid 90-degree bends, as it won't be able to vent well. This will lead to clogging and backflow of smoke, making your home fill with smoke. It should ideally go through the roof and extend about two feet above the highest peak to ensure the efficient functioning of the stove. By venting at the tallest peak on your roof, you get even heat distribution to all parts of your home.
The chimney can also go through the wall, but in this case, you will lose some of the heat, and it can lead to smoke being pulled back in the house. Once you have completed the installation, mount a cap on the chimney’s end to prevent dirt or objects from falling through.
After installing your stove, take it on a run test to ensure it is working well. A local building inspector should inspect the installation. Additionally, notify your insurance provider about the installation so that they can update your home insurance.
How to Operate and Maintain Your Wood Stove
A wood stove requires wood to produce a fire. Choose dry wood and make sure the moisture content is below 20% to get the maximum amount of energy.
When storing your wood, protect it from rain and snow by covering it if you store it outside the house. Greenwood will give you less heat and tends to produce more smoke. Let green dry for at least four months before using it.
The type of wood you use will affect the stove's operation. Different stove models and sizes require wood of various sizes. There are two types of wood; hardwood and softwoods. The difference is in the density of the wood. Hardwoods will give you better heat than softwoods. Use small splits to start a fire then add the larger logs that will burn slowly and longer.
When lighting a fire, open the draft with a small fire that will help dissipate creosote that may be in the chimney. Use kindling, which can be a piece of paper and light the fire using a lighter. The secret to starting and maintaining a good fire is in the airflow. Open and close valves to control the airflow in the stove.
Creosote buildup can easily cause a chimney fire. This fire cause flames and sparks to shoot out of the chimney, it roars, and chimney pipe will glow red-hot. This fire can do severe damage to the fireplace and at the worst, start a fire if not attended to. In such a scenario, shut off the oxygen to the stove, evacuate and call the fire department if the fire spreads.
Safety Precautions
Install a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in the house. This will come in handy when a fire starts so you can take action quickly. A smoke detector will alert you if there is too much smoke in the house that can lead to a fire.
Ensure every occupant knows fire evacuation procedures. A stove is a fire hazard, so everyone should know what to do in case it starts a fire
To minimize the chances of chimney fires from occurring, clean your chimney at least once a year. Do checkups on the stove to ensure all parts are well connected and sealed. Empty the ashtray regularly to avoid ash build up.
When disposing of ash, use a metal container to carry them out. Charcoal in the ash can smoulder for a long time and place in plastic and cardboard containers; it can cause a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to install a wood stove in my home?
Some states require the homeowner to get a permit. In most instances, you can install it yourself or hire a qualified professional to do it for you. After installation, the local building control department will inspect it.
How much does it cost to buy a wood stove?
Wood stoves cost will vary depending on the brand and sizes. Most stoves will cost between $1000 and $2000, with some model costing more than three grand. For the portable types, they are inexpensive, with prices as low as fifty bucks.
Are catalytic stoves better?
Catalytic stoves produce more heat but are more expensive than non-catalytic ones. They use a catalytic converter that allows the gases produced by the burning wood to ignite and produce more heat. You will need to change the converter every two years to ensure the stove works. This ultimately increases maintenance costs.
Does wood stove need a grate?
Not all models need a grate. In some cases, a grate raises te fire which increases airflow, thus improving the quality of the fire.
How do I get more heat out of my wood burner?
To keep a fire going for a long time, use big logs tightly packed together. Also, rake the charcoal to the front of the firebox. The charcoal will ignite the logs keeping a fire going for longer. Use hardwood as it's denser and therefore burns for longer, giving you longer burn time.
What are the benefits of using a wood stove?
The most significant benefit is the savings. Using wood will definitely lower your energy bills. It's readily available and cheap, therefore more economical than using gas or electricity to keep your house warm.
In the case when there is a power outage in your area, you will be warm during the winter's months, as wood stoves don't need another source of energy but only wood to operate.
What are the main factors to consider before purchasing a wood stove?
Before making a purchase, it's essential to know the heat output of the stove (BTUs). Basically, the bigger space, the higher the BTU output you need.
The efficiency of the stove is another critical factor. An efficiency rating above 75% is good. This will help reduce fuel costs and give you quality heat.
Size is another factor. If you are looking for a stove that can burn through the night without needing to be reloaded, you need a stove with a large firebox.
Where to buy the Top wood stove?
After doing a lot of research to determine the best camping wood stove for your needs, it's time to make a purchase. So where do you buy the woodstove? You can get your stove in-store or buy online from a verified seller. Alternatively, order it straight from the manufacturer.
One of the advantages of buying the unit in-store is you get a chance to see what you purchase and interact with the product. You can also carry your product home with you if it's a small stove.
If you plan to order online, get it from the maker or websites such as Amazon. Be sure to read on customer reviews. Plan to pay for transport costs if you are ordering a big stove.
Summary
Choosing the right wood stove can seem to be a daunting task. They are expensive, and you want to get it right the first time. There are many models and types for every need. Whether you are buying a wood stove to heat your home or something to carry on your camping excursions, a wood stove will always be a handy appliance to have. The choice will boil down to your style, needs, and budget. Now that you are familiar with some of the best wood stoves in the market, we hope that this review will help you choose the best model to buy.