:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Pellet-Stoves-SPR-tout-c0f3f3701b234c5dae96de07ecbbc7cf.jpg)
Tractor Supply
A pellet stove is a great choice for homeowners who are looking for a clean-burning, reliable heat source. “Before committing to a pellet stove purchase, understand that you’re installing a heating source that requires more maintenance than a traditional furnace or boiler,“ advises Deane Biermeier, a home repair expert and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. “This is especially important if you’re planning on using your stove as a primary heating source and are replacing a wood-burning stove that you only use occasionally for ambiance.”
When researching the best pellet stoves, we evaluated products based on their size, capacity, burning, and efficiency, as well as ease of cleaning, installation, and maintenance.
Here are the best pellet stoves for your heating needs.
Best Overall
ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove 2,200 Sq. Ft. EPA Certified
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ComfortBiltStove2200sqftpelletburningwoodstove-7d48828c1fa2438082c32f2c58109771.jpg)
Home Depot
High heat output
Burns unattended for up to 22 hours
LED control panel and remote control
Self-cleaning window
Expensive
Noisier than other options
Thanks to a large hopper and powerful exhaust fan, the ComfortBilt HP50 Pellet Stove is an excellent option, especially for heating larger-sized rooms. With a maximum heat output of 44,000 BTU, this stove can warm spaces up to 2,200 square feet. It has a top-mounted 47-pound hopper that will keep the stove burning continuously for up to 22 hours.
The feed rate, blower speed, and thermostat can be adjusted via the LCD control panel or with the remote control. To achieve the ideal amount of warmth, there are five heat settings and a thermostat you can set from 61 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
This stove has some other convenient features that make it easy to operate. Pellets are lit automatically with the one-touch ignition, and since the stove produces a minimal amount of ash, it only needs to be emptied about once every three weeks. An air wash system cleans the large glass window automatically and keeps flames clearly visible.
One potential downside to this stove is the noise level. We have read a few reports that say the blower is loud, even on the lower settings. With its extremely long runtime and advanced features, it’s no big surprise the ComfortBilt HP50 is significantly pricier than other options.
Price at time of publish: $1,799
Dimensions: 38 x 20.25 x 27 inches | BTUs: 44,000 | Heating Area: 2,200 square feet | Hopper size: 47 pounds | Weight: 237 pounds | Energy Efficiency: 81 percent | Burn Time: Up to 22 hours
Best Budget
Castle Serenity Stove 12327 Wood Pellet with Smart Controller
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Castle-Serenity-Pellet-Stove-41bf5427be8f495981eff613e991dbd5.jpg)
Amazon
Affordably priced
Attractive, compact design
Smart control with thermostat
Easy to clean
Smaller coverage area
Some reports of malfunctions
The Castle Serenity Pellet Stove features a stylish, compact design and comes with an affordable price tag. Measuring 34 x 18.25 x 23.75 inches, the smaller footprint allows for versatile placement, even in tighter spaces. With a 1,500 square feet heating capacity, however, this stove does have a smaller coverage area than most of our other picks. It produces 31,960 BTUs of heat, and the 40-pound hopper can burn for up to 24 hours without needing a refill.
This unit is equipped with a smart controller that can be programmed on a daily or weekly schedule, ensuring you have the right amount of heat when you need it. This stove is also extremely easy to clean without any hard-to-reach chambers, tubes, or removable panels. All you need to do is empty the firepot and ash pan, and sweep out the exhaust pipe.
This stove requires installation, but the process is simple enough for a do-it-yourselfer and usually takes less than two hours. Since the unit can be direct-vented, there’s no need for a chimney. We've read some reports of malfunctions so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems.
Price at time of publish: $1,112
Dimensions: 34 x 18.25 x 23.75 inches | BTUs: 31,960 | Heating Area: 1,500 square feet | Hopper size: 40 pounds | Weight: 186 pounds | Energy Efficiency: 69.8 percent | Burn Time: Up to 24 hours
Best Large Capacity
Vogelzang Pellet Stove with 120 Pound Hopper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vogelzang-Pellet-Stove-with-120-Pound-Hopper-cf0513e008eb46deb558c1fe9e133c5a.jpg)
Home Depot
Extra-large, 120 pound Hopper
Can burn for up to 60 hours
Powerful heat output
LED display and remote control
Bulkier than other options
Some durability issues
With a whopping 120-pound hopper, the Vogelzang Pellet Stove can burn for up to 60 hours before needing a refill. It puts out 65,000 BTUs and effectively heats up to 2,200 square feet even in extreme cold. This stove is fully automatic and features an LED control panel that allows users to set precise temperatures. It also comes with a remote control to make operation even easier.
This unit has a top-mounted blower, which is powerful enough to distribute hot air to the farthest corners of the room. The glass window provides a nice view of the flames. We have read some reports of broken parts and malfunctions, however, the stove comes with a warranty to protect your investment. Considering its large capacity, it’s no big surprise that this pellet stove is a bit bulkier and less attractive than other models.
Price at time of publish: $2,200
Dimensions: 35 x 27.75 x 27 inches | BTUs: 65,000 | Heating Area: 2,200 square feet | Hopper size: 120 pounds | Weight: 265 pounds | Energy Efficiency: Not listed | Burn Time: Up to 60 hours
Best for Small Spaces
Mr. Heater Cleveland Iron Works Mini Pellet Stove
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mr.-Heater-Cleveland-Iron-Works-Mini-Pellet-Stove-2cc8f676b29842b1933d1a1394228d62.jpg)
Amazon
Compact size
Whisper-quiet blower
Heats evenly and efficiently
Wi-Fi connectivity and app
Smaller coverage area
Much shorter burn time
This pellet stove from Cleveland Iron Works can heat up to 800 square feet, making it an ideal choice for small spaces. It has plenty of smart features that make it easy to use, including Wi-Fi connectivity and an app that lets you control the stove’s settings. The stove also comes with a standard remote control for added convenience, and you can use the digital control panel to set specific temperatures.
Another welcome feature is the whisper-quiet blower, which distributes heat quickly and evenly throughout a home. This stove also has a large viewing window, so you can see the full effect of the flames. One potential drawback to the 18-pound capacity hopper, which is on the smaller side, is that it has a fairly short runtime and will need to be refilled a lot more frequently than larger models. On the upside, at 20 inches wide and 18 inches deep, this pellet stove is more compact than other options.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Dimensions: 22.04 x 34.25 x 20.27 inches | BTUs: Not listed | Heating Area: 800 square feet | Hopper size: 18 pounds | Weight: 143 pounds | Energy Efficiency: 75 percent | Burn Time: Not listed
Best for Large Spaces
PelPro Pellet Stove PP130-B
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PelPro--Pellet-Stove-PP130-B--d781402819e3473ebc77a43a89057e11.jpg)
Tractor Supply
Powerful heat output
High efficiency rating
Extra-large 130-pound hopper
Can burn for up to 80 hours
Analog temperature control
Lacks any high-tech features
Compared to other models, the Pelpro Pellet Stove is more utilitarian and lacks any high-tech features, but it packs a whopper when it comes to heating power. It has a 50,000-BTU output and can heat spaces up 2,500 square feet. Thanks to its extra-large, 130-pound hopper, this pellet stove can burn for 80 hours before needing to be refilled. The 82 percent efficiency rating means you’ll spend less money on pellets.
This stove has an automatic ignition, which makes it easy to start. You can adjust the temperature easily enough with the single dial control, though it is more rudimentary than other models. Unlike units with a digital control panel, it can't be set at a specific temperature. Its cast iron door has a large window, providing a clear view of the flames. We also appreciate the self-emptying firepot and large ash collection area that help reduce the number of cleanings required.
Price at time of publish: $1,300
Dimensions: 36.5 x 24.5 x 23 inches | BTUs: 49, 200 | Heating Area: 2,500 square feet | Hopper size: 130 pounds | Weight: 239 pounds | Energy Efficiency: 82 percent | Burn Time: Up to 80 hours
Best Non-Electric
US Stove Wiseway Non-Electric Gravity Fed Pellet Stove
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US-Stove-Wiseway-Non-Electric-Gravity-Fed-Pellet-Stove-c6a0876fd63c4cc9a6073c07d0d3b26f.jpg)
Amazon
Requires no electricity
Can burn up to 36 hours
Large heating capacity
Silent operation
Not as attractive as other stoves
Doesn’t have any advanced controls
Featuring a natural gravity feed system that requires no electricity, the US Stove Wiseway pellet stove is a great choice for areas that are prone to power outages. It has a 40,000 BTU output that can heat up to 2,000 square feet, and the 60-pound hopper can provide up to 36 hours of continuous heat. Since there is no electrical ignition, you will need a propane torch to light the stove. You can adjust the temperature by opening and closing the fresh air intake on the front. Since this unit contains no moving parts, operation is completely silent.
Measuring 15 inches deep by 14 inches wide, this stove offers small clearances on the rear and sides that make it easy to install. Its fairly compact design makes it ideal for mountain cabins and other off-the-grid structures. On the downside, this unit is not as attractive as traditional pellet stoves, and it lacks the advanced controls that they offer. However, it does have a glass viewing window that allows you to monitor the pellet levels.
Price at time of publish: $1757
Dimensions: 52 x 24 x 15 inches | BTUs: 40, 000 | Heating Area: 2,000 square feet| Hopper size: 60 pounds | Weight: 131 pounds | Energy Efficiency: Not applicable | Burn Time: Up to 36 hours
Best Wall-Mounted
Ashley Hearth Products 1000-sq ft Pellet Stove with 28-lb Hopper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ashley-Hearth-Products-1000-sq-ft-Pellet-Stove-with-28-lb-Hopper-125029f4d94c4419bec5573e89285b09.jpg)
Lowes
Sleek, space-saving design
Burns up to 25 hours
Easy to install
Comes with a remote control
Smaller coverage area
Not as stable as a conventional pellet stove
If you’re looking to save floor space, this sleek, wall-mounted pellet stove is an excellent solution. This stove produces 24,000 BTUs, which is enough to heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet. An automatic ignition makes this heater easy to start up. The 28-pound hopper allows it to burn for up to 35 hours before you'll need a refill. It also includes a remote control so you can easily adjust the temperature.
Thanks to a direct vent and insulated box, this unit can be safely mounted on a wall without the need for a chimney. This stove requires installation, but all of the necessary hardware is provided. According to the manufacturer, the mounting process is similar to a flat-screen TV installation. It’s important to note that a wall-mounted heater isn’t quite as safe or stable as a floor heater, so be sure this unit is properly installed and cleaned on a regular basis.
Price at time of publish: $1,526
Dimensions: 33.5 x 36 x 12.43 inches | BTUs: 24,000 | Heating Area: 1,000 square feet | Hopper size: 28 pounds | Weight: Not listed | Energy Efficiency: 78 percent | Burn Time: Up to 35 hours
Best Insert
US Stove Multi-Fuel Fireplace Insert
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US-Stove-Multi-Fuel-Fireplace-Insert-0fb9abb56e344f97b39e66936083652d.jpg)
Amazon
Elegant design
Customizable heat output
Can be used with various fuel sources
Automatic ignition
Expensive
Some reports of broken parts
The US Stove Multi-Fuel Fireplace Insert fits into an existing fireplace to create a more seamless aesthetic. It puts out up to 52,000 BTUs and can heat spaces up to 2,000 square feet. With five blower speeds and a digital control panel, this unit is highly customizable, allowing you to achieve the ideal temperature, and the automatic ignition makes startup a breeze. This pellet stove insert is significantly more expensive than conventional pellet stoves, but it is one of the more sophisticated options on the market.
Thanks to a large viewing window, the flames are clearly visible. For added convenience, the window is self-washing. (Forced air helps keep the inside of the window clean.) In addition to burning wood pellets, this stove can burn corn, soy beans, olive pits, and other compressed biomass fuels. We have read a few reports of broken and missing parts, so be sure to take advantage of the warranty, which varies by specific part.
Price at time of publish: $2,904
Dimensions: 23.75 x 27.75 x 31 inches | BTUs: 52,000 | Heating Area: 2,000 square feet | Hopper size: 40 pounds | Weight: 320 pounds | Energy Efficiency: Not listed | Burn Time: Not listed
Best Outdoor
Even Embers Pellet Fueled Patio Heater
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Even-Embers-Pellet-Fueled-Patio-Heater-cde33be018994c2a9f0e16f28843102a.jpg)
Walmart
Attractive design
Powerful heat output
Adjustable heat settings
Built-in rollers for portability
Windows tend to get smoky
Much shorter burn time than indoor options
If you want to add some warmth to your outdoor space, the Even Embers Pellet Fueled Patio Heater is a great option. With a heat output of 70,000 BTUs, it can cover over 100 square feet of outdoor space. This unit has a 25-pound hopper, which can burn for up to six hours. The stove is fueled by 100 percent hardwood pellets, which are ignited easily with a lighter. With low and high settings, you can adjust the pellet flow system to get the right amount of warmth.
This stylish pellet stove creates a cozy, campfire-like ambiance in your backyard. There are glass viewing windows on the front and sides, but we have read some reports that the glass gets smoky while the stove is in use. On a positive note, this unit features an ash-cleanout system that allows for a quick and easy cleanup. Some assembly is required, but the process is simple and straightforward. Once assembled, this patio heater is easy to move around, thanks to two built-in rollers.
Price at time of publish: $690
Dimensions: 83.86 x 25.59 x 22.44 inches | BTUs: 70,000 | Heating Area: 100 square feet | Hopper size: 25 pounds | Weight: 72.42 pounds | Energy Efficiency: Not listed | Burn Time: Up to 6 hours
Our best overall pick is the ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove, which can run up to 22 hours and warm spaces up to 2,200 square feet. It has an LED display and remote control for convenient operation. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Castle Serenity Pellet Stove is stylish and compact, and it can burn up to 24 hours before needing a refill. However, its 1,500 square-foot coverage area is smaller than that of other pellet stoves.
What to Look for in a Pellet Stove
Type
There are three main types of pellet stoves: freestanding, wall-mounted, and insert.
A freestanding model is the most popular kind of pellet stove. This type of unit consists of a cast iron box that sits on a pedestal or four legs for support. A freestanding stove can be placed almost anywhere in a room, as long as it’s kept a few inches away from adjacent walls. Our best budget pick, Castle Serenity Pellet Stove, is more compact than other pellet stoves and allows for versatile placement.
Though not as popular as freestanding models, a wall-mounted pellet stove is a great way to save valuable floor space. Wall-mount pellet stoves are typically attached to a wall via brackets, and the installation process is similar to mounting a flat-screen TV. While freestanding pellet stoves create a rustic aesthetic, wall-mounted units are more modern and utilitarian in design. Wall-mounted pellet stoves often lack a window for viewing the flames. Our top choice in this category is the US Stove AP5000 Wall Mount Pellet Stove.
An insert pellet stove is installed in an existing fireplace, replacing the wood-burning fireplace with a more efficient, pellet-burning solution. Our top pick in this category, the US Stove Multi-Fuel Fireplace Insert, has an elegant design and lots of convenient features.
Size and Capacity
In order to heat your space adequately, it's important to choose a pellet stove that’s properly sized. A pellet stove’s heat production is measured in BTUs (British thermal units). As a general rule of thumb, a stove rated at 42,000 BTUs can heat approximately 1,300 square feet. A stove that puts out 60,000 BTUs can heat a 2,000-square-foot home. Our top pick for smaller spaces, Mr. Heater Cleveland Iron Works Mini Pellet Stove, can heat up to 800 square feet.
Burning and Efficiency
The most energy-efficient pellet stoves are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most pellet stoves burn at 70 to 83 percent efficiency. The percentage indicates the amount of heat that will effectively warm the room, versus the amount of heat that’s lost through the heating process or a vent. A simple rule to keep in mind: The higher the percentage, the more efficient the pellet stove. As an alternative, consider a pellet stove that requires no electricity, such as the US Stove Wiseway Non-Electric Gravity Fed Pellet Stove.
Installation and Maintenance
Most pellet stoves only require a direct-vent or smaller chimney system, making them fairly easy to install. To ensure safe operation, the flue should be vented through a chimney or outside wall. Inside a home, the flue must always be at least three inches from any combustible materials. Once outside, it must be far enough above the roof to prevent exhaust from blowing back into the house.
Easy to Clean
Although pellet stoves produce less ash than wood stoves, they still require regular cleanings. At the end of the season, you should remove unused pellets to prevent rust in the stove’s interior. It’s also important to clean the flue vent to prevent soot buildup. Many pellet stoves have removable firepots and ash pans, which are easy to dump out and clean. Another helpful feature is an air wash system that keeps the viewing window clear and free of smoke. Our best overall pick, the ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove, offers a self-cleaning window that keeps the flames completely visible.
Durability
On average, a pellet stove should last for 15 to 20 years. Pellet stoves contain a lot of moving electrical parts, including motors, fans, and switches. For that reason, they should be kept in good working order with proper cleaning and maintenance. Our best overall pick, the ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove, is covered by an impressive seven-year warranty.
-
What is the life expectancy of a pellet stove?
Pellet stoves have come a long way since the bulky models of years past. “I wouldn’t be surprised if consumers started seeing 15 years or slightly more of reliable use out of one,” says Deane Biermeier, a home repair expert and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, However, he recommends that owners have regular inspections to make sure everything is working properly.
-
Do pellet stoves use a lot of electricity?
According to Biermeier, “Pellet stoves consume between 1 and 4 amps of standard 110V electricity while they’re in use, and max out around 5 amps during startup.” On average, Biermeier says running a pellet stove will cost about $10 to $20 per month.
-
Can a pellet stove heat an entire house?
If the pellet stove is connected to ductwork and has proper airflow, it should be able to heat an average-sized home. If you have a larger home or one that’s drafty, you will likely need an additional heat source or a second stove.
-
Is it cheaper to burn wood or pellets?
Wood is generally cheaper to burn than pellets, especially if you have free access to firewood. As Biermeier points out, “Wood prices tend to remain stable over time, while pellets are manufactured products that can be subject to price fluctuations that reflect supply and demand conditions.” When it comes to pellet stoves, it’s important to note that burning any form of wood other than pellets is hazardous.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a writer and product tester for The Spruce. A native of New England and no stranger to cold weather, she’s thoroughly researched and personally tested space heaters, heated blankets, and more in the home heating sector. For this round-up, McHugh considered dozens of pellet stoves, carefully evaluating products on their size, capacity, burning, and efficiency, as well as ease of cleaning, installation, and maintenance. For expert insight on pellet stoves, McHugh interviewed Deane Biermeier, a home repair expert and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.