Pellet Stove
If you are looking for a new method to heat your home, a pellet stove in what you need. These types of heaters are extremely efficient and provide lots of heat. They are more complex than wood stoves, featuring convoluted inner tubing and built-in fans that help circulate the hot air they produce. Also, keep in mind that they have good green credentials. When the fuel is burnt in the engine, it is actually recycled from old furniture and wood products.
Top 5 Pellet Stoves Comparison
Top Rated 2018 Pellet Stoves Reviews
US Stove GW1949 Wiseway Non-Electric
1.US Stove GW1949 Wiseway Non-Electric
The US Stove GW1949 Wiseway is an efficient non-electric model that eliminates the need for electricity by using a natural gravity feed system. However, this system does not include all mechanical parts, meaning less maintenance and breakdowns. This great product is the only UL Listed and EPA certified non-electric product available in the current market. It accomplishes an overall efficiency rating of 78% and it is able to heat from 800 to 2000 square feet of living space. A 60 lbs. bag of wood pellets will last up to 36 hours. Moreover, the unit is very easy to start and operate. It uses a natural draft that will take over and ramp the stove up to temperature. Because of the fact that it doesn’t use electricity, heat is radiated off the 3-1/2 inch tubing and the steel baffles on the back. This is a perfect source of heat for everyone, especially for those people who live in areas that are prone to blackouts or for off-the-grid installations.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Capable of heating from 800 to 2000 sq. ft. of space | It doesn’t have a thermostat |
| It reaches an efficiency rating of 78% | |
| It comes with an ash pan | |
| Durable construction, made of steel | |
VERDICT |
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We spent more than 15 hours researching and reviewing multiple types of stoves and the US Stove GW1949 was our favorite. Thanks to its natural gravity feed system, it eliminates the need for electricity. It is very easy to use and it doesn’t require too much maintenance. Able to heat from 800 to 2000 sq. ft., this is a perfect source of heat for everyone. |
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Comfortbilt HP22
2.Comfortbilt HP22
The Comfortbilt HP22 is one of the most popular models available on the market, today. If you are looking to purchase a unit which can heat your home, you can confidently choose this model, because it has most, if not all, of the features and benefits a unit should have. It has 50.000 BTU and it is capable of heating up to 2.200 square feet. It is available in only one color: gray. Additionally, it has 110-volt powerful blower, 86% efficiency rating, and 55 lbs. hopper capacity, which provides more than 12 hours of non-stop operation. This model is better than other models including the Comfortbilt HP62 and Comfortbilt HP2. Another important aspect of this device is the fact that it is EPA certified and come with several features, including programmable thermostat, remote control, auto ignition and large ash pan for convenient cleaning. It also comes with some automatic safety features that will offer you protection against overheating. It reduces several risks that may occur during a power outage. Finally, it’s important to know that it comes with a 1-year parts warranty which covers your product from factory defects.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Capable of heating up to 2200 sq. ft. of indoor space | It comes with a short warranty |
| It accomplishes an overall efficiency rating of 86% | |
| It operates more than 12 hours | |
| It is equipped with a programmable thermostat | |
VERDICT |
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The Comfortbilt HP22 is an efficient stove yet affordable stove that provides more than 12 hours of continuous operation. With a powerful blower, it is capable of heating up to 2200 square feet of living space. Also, in comparison to other similar units, it comes with a lot of automatic safety features that will help you avoid accidents. |
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Pleasant Hearth Medium 35000 BTU
3.Pleasant Hearth Medium 35000 BTU
The Pleasant Hearth Medium 35000 BTU is a great device that will surely help you add heat and elegance in your home. It is a highly efficient heating unit capable of warming up to 1,750 square feet of indoor space. It comes with numerous heat settings that will allow for use during transitioning from late fall to the coldest winter days. Like many other models, this one burns wood pellets and uses 35.000 BTUs of power to heat your home. Furthermore, if you are looking to buy this model, you also need to know that it has an 110-volt powerful blower, 85% efficiency rating, and 40 lbs. that is able to provide 24 hours of non-stop operation. In addition, this powerful unit features an air wash system that removes soot and emissions, keeping the device clean and your home healthy. One of the most important things that customers love about this product is the fact that it comes with a 5-year warranty. Therefore, if you are thinking about buying this model, you can be confident that it will offer years of quality comfort.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Able to warm up to 1750 square feet of living space | Some users claim it is not as powerful as other models |
| It accomplishes an overall efficiency rating of 85% | |
| It operates more than 24 hours | |
| It is equipped with an air wash system | |
VERDICT |
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If you are looking for a smaller yet efficient stove, take a look at the Pleasant Hearth Medium model that uses 35.000 BTUs of power to heat your living space. It comes with a powerful blower and it is capable of providing more than 24 hours of continuous operation. Additionally, it is important to know that it comes with an air wash system that eliminates emissions, allowing you to live in a healthy home. |
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Pleasant Hearth Large 50000 BTU
4.Pleasant Hearth Large 50000 BTU
This model has a heat output of 50.000 BTU and can effectively heat an area of around 2200 square feet. It has an auto-ignition feature to make starting the unit as simple as possible and an 80 lbs. capacity hopper for constant pellet loading which can provide 16 to 46 hours of continuously heated air. 5 different settings will provide you with a customizable experience. Plus, it features a comfort control system which will ensure that the temperature in the room will remain comfortable instead of becoming too hot. All Pleasant Heath models come with chrome handles, solid cast iron door with large ceramic glass viewing area and an air wash system that is designed to maintain the cleanliness of the glass window. It’s important to know that these units work best when fueled with premium pellet fuel. This model has been EPA certified with emissions at 0.69 g/hr. Finally, it’s good to know that the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty, which is a great plus, especially because most models features a 1-year warranty.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Capable of heating up to 2200 square feet | It doesn’t have an ash pan |
| It provides 16 to 46 hours of non-stop operation | |
| It is equipped with an auto-ignition feature | |
| It features an air wash system | |
VERDICT |
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The Pleasant Hearth Large stove is another interesting model to take into consideration when making a purchase. It comes with a lot of interesting features and plenty of settings that will surely meet all your requirements. Thanks to its auto-ignition feature, it is very easy to use and operate. More than that, it is equipped with an air wash system which will maintain the glass window clean. |
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Castle 12327 Serenity
5.Castle 12327 Serenity
Another great option that will help you change the way that you heat your home is the Castle 12327 Serenity. This efficient item comes with an attractive and modern design, so it will take pride of place in any room in your home. First of all, you need to know that this is a highly efficient unit. With 69.8% efficiency rating and a heat output of 31.960 BTU, it can effectively heat an area of around 1500 square feet. It features an 80-pound capacity hopper that can provide 16 to 18 hours of continuously heated air. One of the most interesting features of this unit is the fuel feed system. It has a vertical auger feed system that is controlled by a digital control board. The control board is also controlled by a microprocessor that will allow the system to run in a non-continuous, timer based cycle. Another impressive feature of this product is the thermostat that will allow the unit to operate in an automatic mode. You just need to set the desired room temperature and it will start increasing or decreasing its heat output to meet the required settings. The Castle 12327 Serenity is a great model that will provide you with many great advantages and features.
PROS |
CONS |
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| It comes with an attractive design | It comes with a 1-year warranty |
| It provides 16 to 18 hours of continuous operation | |
| It is equipped with a thermostat | |
| Easy to operate | |
VERDICT |
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The Castle 12327 Serenity is another product whose incredible features place it in the 5th position. It comes with a microprocessor that controls the unit and a thermostat that helps it operate in an automatic mode. Plus, it comes with a digital control board that controls its fuel feed system. Although it doesn’t have as many features as the above models, it still is an option worth taking into consideration. |
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Everything You Need to Know About Stoves
These products are some of the most popular additions to the home heating world. They are using compressed biomass pellets or wood to create a heat source for either industrial or residential space. They may have a simple look, but they have a complex method of operation which will allow you to control the heat and the rate at which pellets are burned. First of all, you need to know that there is a hopper which is filled with pellets. An auger is connected to this hopper and move the pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber. For example, if your unit features a thermostat, the feed rate can determine how hot the fire burns.
Another important element of such a unit is the combustion chamber. This chamber has a burner ring where the auger delivers the pellets. More than that, air is blown into this chamber to maintain the flame. It’s very important to understand that some items have a manual ignition, while others come with a self-igniting flame. Once the heat exchanger is connected to the combustion chamber the air from the room is blown over it. As we already mentioned, these items are using a complex method of operation to ensure that you can control the heat.
Unlike other products, including the wood stoves which can operate exclusively on a chimney draft principle, they feature sealed exhaust tubing as a method to prevent exhaust gasses from escaping into your home. Plus, it’s important to know that they will need to be certified double wall venting during installation. Keep in mind that proper installation is vital for safe operation. Nowadays, most people are buying them instead of wood-burning stoves, because they are less messy than wood models. Plus, they may not need refilling on a daily basis. However, this depends on the hopper size and local weather.
What’s Behind our Ratings
Before you order such a unit, you need to do some research and find one that is able to fulfill all your requirements. There may be a lot of interesting models on the market, but you need to have a look at their technical and physical specifications. This will help you choose the most suitable unit for your home.
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Efficiency and power output
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Hopper capacity
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Ash pan
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Blower
When it comes to the best models, it comes to the ability to heat your home, as well. An efficient stove should be the right size. Aside from fitting in well in your room, it should heat the space properly, as well. This type of unit should normally have a BTU output rating of around 40,000 to 50,000 BTU but this may vary slightly. Also, most of them are around 70% to 90% efficient. You need to take into account all these values, but this doesn’t mean that the stove will operate up to these expectations exactly.
These types of heaters come with an internal hopper or fuel store. There is the place where the pellets are prepared for the burner. Usually, the units store a day’s worth of fuel, but this depends upon the heat output of the device. It can be anywhere between 40 and 120 pounds of pellets. Clearly hopper capacity is an important factor to consider when deciding on the best product for you.
The ash pan is the place where the pellets are settled after they have been burned. You can clean it frequently because it can be easily removed. The ash pan should be cleaned before you start the stove because it is more dangerous to clean it when it is still hot. However, with some of the newer models, you don’t need to clean it more than once a fortnight.
As we already mentioned, some units come with a powerful built-in blower to help circulate the heat, while the other will provide you with a blower as an optional purchase. Several experts recommend trying a wood or stove pellet without a blower since heat can circulate well by natural convection. The blower is a mechanical device, such as a fan that produces a current of air. Therefore, when you buy such a product, you need to ensure that it is close to an electric socket so that it can have power for the auger and the blower.
The Advantages of Owning a Top Tier Model
Owning a quality unit of this kind can bring you excellent benefits. There are plenty of benefits to be enjoyed when you opt for a pellet burning stove over any other fuel burning unit.
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Fewer carbon emissions
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Efficient
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Easy to use
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Great value for money
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Controllable
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Easy to store
If you are looking to purchase such a product, you need to know that the biggest plus of this unit is the fact that it uses pellets which produce fewer carbon emissions, in comparison with other fuels such as gas, oils, and logs.
If you own this type of product, you surely know that it is one of the most energy efficient appliances available on the market. Thanks to advances in technology, some units have an efficiency rate of up to 95%. This is much better than any other alternative fuel burning heater.
These appliances can be operated easily and safely by simply loading the pellets into the base of the unit. Combustion is instantaneous, so the unit will begin to produce heat faster than other heaters. Plus, you can control the temperature using the thermostatic control.
If you are thinking about buying this kind of product, you also need to take into account their costs. Wood pellets are usually quite affordable and they don’t experience dramatic price fluctuations throughout the year. Furthermore, they are available across the country, so buying some pellets in an emergency isn’t difficult.
Thanks to their heat settings and fan speed settings these units are completely controllable. You can turn the heat up and down so the temperature in the room become more pleasant.
Most models feature a compact design and they are very easy to store. Usually, they fit nicely into compact corners. Additionally, the pellets are very easy to store. They don’t occupy much space and they can last for a long time without losing their quality. You should also keep in mind that wood pellets are much safer than other fuels.
How to Choose the Best Product
There are plenty of models available on the market, so it can be quite difficult to choose the right unit for your home. However, if you are looking to purchase such an item, you need to consider several things. Keep on reading the following lines, if you want to find out more about the most important aspects of this product.
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Types
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Appearance and style
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Type of hopper
Before you go shopping for such a product, you need to know that there are two basic types. Some appliances come with an integrated central heating system, while others are designed to look more like traditional wood burning stoves. The stoves which feature a central heating system are rarely aesthetically pleasing, but they are affordable and they can do a great work in any space. On the other hand, the second type looks much better than the first type, but it is a bit more pricey. Additionally, it’s important to know that both models require connection to a standard AC outlet. They cannot run without electricity provided with an outlet or a generator. Keep that in mind if you don’t want to be left in the cold without a backup plan when the electricity fails. More than that, you also need to know that they are available in two forms, such as: freestanding and insert stoves. The second category is designed to fit into an existing fireplace. However, your option will depend on your own particular heating needs and the space available in your home.
From fireplace inserts to freestanding items, there are various models available on the market, today, so you can choose the appliance that will fulfill the purpose that you require. There are a plethora of styles when it comes to buying your unit, so you are bound to find something that will fit in well with the existing décor of your home. It’s recommended to choose units that feature extra large viewing windows if you want to have a lively flame in your home. Plus, you need to buy a product that is made from high-quality materials, so it can last for as long as possible.
As we mentioned before, all stoves have an integrated hopper. This is a chamber that has to be loaded with pellets before you start the operation. The hopper can be placed at the top or the bottom of the product and there are advantages and disadvantages to both of these feeding methods. For example, a hopper at the top of the unit will provide you with a lower chance of fire from the burn area. However, you need to use premium grade pellets in order to prevent the chute from becoming clogged up with ash. This type of hopper is much safer, especially if you have children, but it is more difficult to be used as it is on top. On the other hand, a product which has a hopper at the bottom can be used much easier than the other. It can be loaded with pellets more easily and it will also allow you to use a lower grade of pellets as the ash is pushed directly into the ash pan. However, this type of hopper is not as efficient as top feeding models and the bags of pellets don’t last you as long.
Top Brands on the Market
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ComfortBilt
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Pleasant Hearth
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US Stove
ComfortBilt is one of the largest manufacturers of solid fuel heating appliances in America. It manufacturers hundred of products that provide quality, value, and convenience. Most of their models have a monobloc steel interior structure, carbon-steel doors, multi- stage tempered steel electronic ignites, heavy gauge steel exteriors, air wash low maintenance ceramic glass and two stage burn design. More than that, the ComfortBilt company manufactures products with premium features and advanced technologies and most of their items, are very affordable. Plus, each one of these items comes with a built-in smart controller that can be programmed to run a time specific routine. Also, the integrated thermostat will allow you to control and monitor the temperature. As mentioned previously, ComfortBilt tends to be a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of these kinds of stoves.
Pleasant Hearth is a leading brand specializing in all types of stoves, fireplace glass doors, fireplace accessories, electric fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, electric log sets, portable heating products and barbecue grill products. All of their items have been put through rigorous testing in order to ensure that they not only meet but exceed the industry standards of functionality, quality, and durability. Furthermore, it’s important to know that their items can be found at most home centers and internet retailers across North America. Along with their highest quality of products, you can find some of the best customer services, as well.
The United States Stove is one of the largest company in North America. In order to meet the needs of the American people, they manufacture cast iron ranges and heaters. The company is located in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee about 30 miles West of Chattanooga, but they have home centers all around the world. All of their appliances feature an advanced technology and were designed to heat homes more efficiently. One of their most popular products is the US Stove GW1949 Wiseway. This is the only EPA-certified and UL-listed non-electric model on the market today.
