Pellet stoves are becoming more popular than ever because the newer models require electricity to operate. Thus, they’re replacing the old-school wood pellet stove.
It’s not so long ago that a direct vent pellet heater was the option most homeowners picked. However, as it turns out, these heaters are only good for smaller spaces.
Nowadays, even for a room with a small space, a small pellet stove makes far more sense than a heater because in a stove, pellets burn cleaner, and the fuel costs are way less.
Do you want to buy a new stove? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s our selection for best pellet stove 2022:
- Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22 - Editor’s Choice
- Osburn 2500 Freestanding Pellet Stove
- US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway
- US Stove 5500M King Pellet Burner
- Breckwell SP24I
| Product | Details |
| Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22 | Heating Capacity: 50,000 BTU Hopper Capacity: 55 lbs Recommended Square Footage: 1,700 sq ft Dimensions: 24 x 25 x 32.5 inches Weight: 295 lbs Energy Efficiency: 84% |
| Osburn 2500 Freestanding Pellet Stove | Heating Capacity: 39,260 BTU Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs Recommended Square Footage: 700 - 2,000 sq ft Dimensions: 26.25 x 24.25 x 30.5 inches Weight: 275 lbs Energy Efficiency: 78.4% |
| US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway | Heating Capacity: 40,000 BTU Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs Recommended Square Footage: 500 - 1,500 sq ft Dimensions: 15 x 24 x 52 inches Weight: 141 lbs Energy Efficiency: N/A |
| US Stove 5500M King Pellet Burner | Heating Capacity: 48,000 BTU Hopper Capacity: 25 lbs Recommended Square Footage: 1,600 sq ft Dimensions: 25 x 34 x 26 inches Weight: 250 lbs Energy Efficiency: N/A |
| Breckwell SP24I | Heating Capacity: 50,000 BTU Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs Recommended Square Footage: 1,000 - 2,200 sq ft Dimensions: 26.5 x 38.5 x 21 inches Weight: 210 lbs Energy Efficiency: N/A |
The 5 Top Models
Who doesn’t enjoy the warm glow pellet stoves provide during the winter season? Are you looking for the best pellet stove on the market? Check out these 5 outstanding models!
1. Comfortbilt HP22- (Editor’s Choice)
The Comfortbilt pellet stove is among the best options in freezing temperatures owing to its excellent heating power. It produces high heat output that reaches 50,000 British Thermal Units (BTU), and the heat transfer through the fire pot into the room takes place instantly.
Although the recommended square footage for using the Comfortbilt pellet stove is 1,700 sq ft, it can provide heat for up to 2,800 sq ft with adequate insulation. Moreover, the smart controller allows users to control the fire using a programmable thermostat. The stove also allows remote temperature control while staying at a considerable distance from the stove.
The stove features an auto-light ignition system to draw in the cool air and start the combustion process. The heated air is then immediately released into the room. You can see the flames inside the fire box through a glass viewing panel, offering the user a classic fireplace experience.
In terms of capacity, this pellet stove comes with a large hopper that can hold 55 pounds of pellets. This is more than what most pellet stoves accommodate, so you’ll enjoy the warmth for prolonged periods. As for safety, there’s a vacuum switch that you can use in case of an emergency. If you use the switch, the machine will shut down instantly.
Cleaning the Comfortbilt stove is a simple task as the burned pellets are stored in the ash pan so you can safely dispose of the contents. Lastly, the stove is EPA-certified and follows all necessary safety requirements.
Pros:
- Extremely efficient
- Auto-ignition and remote temperature control
- Low heating costs
- The stove is approved for mobile homes
- High energy efficiency rate
- Comes with a remote control
- 1-year extended warranty on parts
Cons:
- The auger motor gets slower with time
- The ventilation pipe require frequent maintenance
- No hearth pads
- Heavy (295 lbs)
2. Osburn 2500 Freestanding
Next, we have another heavy duty pellet stove, the Osburn 2500, that offers astonishing build quality as it's made from steel with a large ceramic glass window that's 17.25 x 9.5 inches. This makes it one of the best alternatives for an existing fireplace and an old-school wood-burning stove, especially that it comes with a lifetime-limited warranty.
Although this pellet stove has a BTU rating of only 39,260, the heat produced is enough to heat up to 2,000 sq ft while using quality pellets which is beyond all expectations. You can even add an extended hopper if you want to use it in larger homes; just make sure to pick dry pellets with low moisture.
Moreover, it features a 60 lbs hopper, which makes it burn longer than expected, with a maximum burning time of 51 hours. The burning rate ranges between 1.2 and 4.7 lbs per hour, depending on whether you're using a low heat setting or a high one. Also, you can either use the thermostat or manually control the temperature.
The Osburn 2500 pellet stove is approved for mobile homes as it can be used as a primary heat source or a backup option if it’s manually adjusted, so it’s considered one of the most energy-efficient pellet stoves.
As you can tell from the title, this pellet stove is freestanding. This is a good thing because although it looks like an old furnace, it’s far more convenient than a fireplace insert and easier to place.
Pros:
- Excellent construction
- Lifelong warranty
- Prolonged burn time
- Relatively big hopper
- Reliable and heats up to 2,000 sq ft
- High Energy efficiency (78.4 %)
- The stove is EPA-certified
Cons:
- Good for smaller homes only
- Requires frequent maintenance
- Looks like an old furnace
3. US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway
The US GW1949 is the best small pellet stove on our list, and even though it’s smaller than the other models, it provides warmth over a relatively large area reaching 1.500 sq ft. thanks to its powerful heating output of up to 40,000 BTU.
The unique design of the US GW1949 pellet stove makes it a great catch for users who prefer modern appliances and contemporary styles. The stove is only 141 pounds, which contributes to the easy installation process and low costs.
The 60 lbs hopper can only last for 30 hours, which is a bit lower than the other units; however, it’s expected from such a small pellet stove. The stove is among the most affordable options on the market, though, so it seems that the short running time is a small compromise.
Because the US GW1949 is a non-electric pellet stove, it’s suitable for areas with frequent blackouts. Also, it stays silent as the pellets catch on fire and radiate heat into your house. Last but not least, this pellet stove is EPA-certified, so it can produce hot air without releasing any toxic gases.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Occupies minimum space
- Great price
- Features a strong heating output
- Excellent design and build quality
- Mobile home approved
- The stove is easy to install
Cons:
- No electronic controls
- Average burn time
- Relatively small burn pot
4. US Stove 5500M King Pellet Burner
The US Stove 5500M is another good option to keep your home warm with its authentic design and relatively large built-in windows through which you can see pellets as they burn.
The thermostat features 5 heating settings so you can increase the temperature if more heat is needed and lower it if it gets too high. The blower of the stove is pretty strong, which explains why it can evenly distribute the heat. Nonetheless, as the speed increases, the stove gets quite loud.
The reason why we still consider this stove one of the best pellet stoves on the market is that it was ahead of its time, offering 48,000 BTUs despite the 25 lbs hopper. This is incredible compared to many pellet stoves that were released later yet produce less heat.
Moreover, it features an automatic ignition system, and you can customize the fan settings according to your personal preferences. The device is approved for mobile homes as a primary source of heat.
It’s essential to use premium pellets with the US Stove 5500M. Otherwise, the efficiency significantly drops. If you need to heat a large area or a big house using the US 5500M king pellet stove, you can simply add an external hopper.
Pros:
- The stove features 5 heat settings
- A freestanding pellet stove
- Built-in digital control panel
- Built-in viewing window
- Strong blower that spreads heat evenly
- The stove is easy to clean
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Installation tools are not included
- The hopper of the stove is 25 lbs only
- Efficiency changes from time to time
5. Breckwell SP24I
The Breckwell SP24I is among the best pellet stove inserts of all time, with its 60 lbs hopper that releases more energy than most stoves at its price range, roughly around 50,000 BTU. This is more than enough to heat up to 2,200 square feet.
The stove features auto-ignition, offering 70 hours of burn time at 5 different heating settings with a feeding rate of 1 to 5 pounds of pellets per hour, so you don’t have to refill the hopper frequently.
Despite not being EPA-certified, we couldn’t detect any issues with the stove in terms of producing clean air. Actually, it produced less ash than many other pellet stoves that are capable of producing the same amount of heat.
The best thing about the Breckwell is that its size doesn’t affect the performance, which makes it the best small pellet stove for larger houses. Meanwhile, it doesn’t take any space at all as it’s inserted into the wall.
Pros:
- Features Auto-ignition
- Hopper size is 60 lbs
- Heats around 2,200 sq ft
- Saves up space
Cons:
- Can’t be used for a mobile home
- This stove isn’t EPA-certified
- More expensive than stand-alone stoves
Buyers Guide
In this section, we’ll tell you the different features to look for in a wood stove. This way, it’ll be much easier for you to pinpoint the right pellet stove.
Types: Electric vs. Non-electric
The majority of pellet stove users prefer electric stoves to non-electric ones. Electric pellet stoves are more convenient because they rely on automatic ignition, so the user can control the temperature at a touch of a button.
Moreover, many modern pellet stoves feature smart control through a programmable thermostat; hence, you can easily adjust the temperature according to your personal preference. In other words, you can choose higher heat settings in colder months and burn fewer pellets during early or late winter days when it’s not as cold.
Because electric stoves use electricity to run, they consume less fuel, and thus they’re more efficient than non-electric stoves. This makes them a great investment for homeowners keen to pick a cost-effective heating appliance and still get high-tech features.
Unfortunately, electric stoves aren’t the best option in areas with frequent power outages, which is a common issue in many cities. In such a case, a non-electric pellet stove can be more efficient, not only as a primary heating source but also as a secondary source in case of a power outage.
Another reason why users might prefer a non-electric pellet stove is that it won’t require regular maintenance despite long burn times. In fact, you can use non-electric pellet stoves for years and only clean them every couple of months or whenever necessary.
These stoves don’t easily heat, and the fire eventually fades out on its own even if you use the stove in well-insulated rooms. However, they offer good value, particularly if you’re on a low budget.
On the other hand, if you want a smart controller and a reliable source of heat with multiple stove features, then an electric pellet stove makes more sense.
Operation
A pellet stove is either electric or non-electric. It's essential to understand how pellet stoves work and how the combustion process takes place to decide whether pellet stoves are worth it or you better just build a traditional fireplace.
First, wood pellets are fed into the stove, mostly at the top, but some electric pellet stoves are fed with pellets at the lower portion. The auger then feeds the burn pot with the wood pellets.
In the case of an electric stove, the pot comes with an included igniter that burns the pellets immediately. A non-electric pellet stove, however, needs to be started manually. Unlike electric stoves, the non-electric ones stay quiet as pellets are burned.
Next, the heat exchanger pulls in cold air through a blower fan, aka convection fan, and forces the warm air out. The heat exchanger pipes are designed to avoid cooling of the warmed air even if it’s freezing cold outside.
As this process takes place, the resulting materials are stored in the ash pot and should be removed later. The stronger the fire is, the more ash you should expect, and the more frequently you’ll need to empty the ashtray.
Now that you’re familiar with the process, the main reason why pellet stoves are better than old wood stoves is that they offer more control over the combustion process because everything is automated, so there’s little to no chance for errors.
Meanwhile, traditional fireplaces and manual stoves are prone to errors because you manually control the amount of firewood as well as ventilation. And let’s not forget that traditional wood stoves release harmful gases and materials like carbon monoxide gas, whereas pellet stoves are carbon neutral; thus, they’re eco-friendly.
Another thing to keep in mind when thinking about the operation of a pellet store is its efficiency. An energy-efficient pellet stove can maintain a warm environment while consuming a renewable energy source.
As you may already know, almost all pellet stoves offer high efficiency. Still, some of them are more efficient than others and thus have a higher efficiency rating.
If you want a pellet stove to maintain proper performance, ensure it’s properly vented. This isn’t much of an issue nowadays because many models come with a vent kit to ensure adequate ventilation. Nonetheless, even if your pellet stove doesn't have this kit, placing it close to a chimney will do.
Additionally, you can install an outside air kit. As the name implies, an air kit is installed from the outside and guarantees constant fresh air intake so that your machine can maintain the combustion process.
Sometimes, the manufacturer includes the kit with the pellet stove, but if they don’t, you can find multiple options that suit different types of stoves online.
Capacity
The pellet stove capacity is measured using the British Thermal Unit, or BTU. To pick an appropriate pellet stove, you should first determine the area that needs heating, which is measured in square feet (sq ft), then choose the corresponding heat output.
For example, to heat an area of 2,200 sq ft, you should get a 66,000 BTU pellet stove. Usually, these calculations are only true for electric stoves because non-electric pellet stoves are operator-dependent, so we can’t accurately measure their heating output.
In the following table, we’ll provide some information regarding the appropriate BTU rating to look for to cover a variety of room sizes, particularly if you use your pellet stove in a well-insulated room.
| Square Footage | BTU Output |
| 1,000 square feet | 30,000 BTU |
| 1,200 square feet | 36,000 BTU |
| 1,500 square feet | 45,000 BTU |
| 1,700 square feet | 50,000 BTU |
| 2,000 square feet | 60,000 BTU |
| 2,200 square feet | 66,000 BTU |
| 2,400 square feet | 72,000 BTU |
Hopper Size
The hopper size determines the number of pellets that you can accommodate into the pellet stove in one setting. If you want to heat a large space, get a pellet stove that has a big hopper. If an even bigger hopper is needed, you can always increase the hopper size by buying a hopper extension.
On the other hand, small hoppers are used for heating small spaces.
Safety Features
Safety is a big concern when using a pellet stove. Even if you decide to buy a non-electric pellet stove, you should ensure it’s meeting EPA standards.
An EPA certification indicates that the stove is environmentally friendly. Luckily, you can find many wood-burning stoves that are EPA-certified and thus capable of clean-burning without any compromise in terms of heating needs.
To pick one of the best pellet stoves, you have to take a look at various features, including:
Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, even at the least amount of leakage. Unfortunately, it’s naturally produced from combustion regardless of what’s burning. This is why we recommend getting a pellet stove that features a detector or buying a separate detector, even if you have a direct vent installed on your stove.
Automatic Switch: An automatic switch like the one implemented in the Comfortbilt pellet stove can be life-saving in case of emergency. Basically, this switch shuts down the entire system, allowing the user to instantly stop the stove.
Pressure Switch: This switch is sensitive to any change in pressure, whether it’s because
The venting system isn’t working, a chamber is leaking, or the ash drawer is open. It automatically stops the feeder of the stove regardless of the auger speed.
Installation
Every pellet stove has its own design, which makes it better fitted for one place than the other. It’s not a surprise that installing a pellet stove gets quite troublesome if the unit dimensions don’t match the spot where you want to install it.
The good news is that the requirements for installing a pellet stove aren’t as strict as installing an old-fashioned fireplace or a wood pellet stove. In worst-case scenarios, you just need to ensure proper ventilation by placing them near windows or chimneys.
Furthermore, the house design must be taken into consideration if you want to buy the best pellet stove for your household. For instance, do you have a chimney? What about the size of the room and the ventilation?
The available space and the ceiling height are often forgotten as well, although they’re extremely important. You should always keep your pellet stove at a safe distance from the wall and the ceilings, especially if the stove tends to get too hot.
It makes perfect sense to use a compact pellet stove for heating small spaces with lower ceilings and dedicate the large appliances for larger houses.
For exceptionally large rooms and houses, it’s also mandatory to use stoves with larger hoppers to provide enough pellets when adjusted to the highest setting so they can warm up the entire place.
Cleaning
Most pellet stoves require frequent cleaning, and that’s where some features come in handy. For example, direct vent pellet stoves won’t require much maintenance because the fumes are instantly cleared.
Additionally, a pellet stove that accumulates dirt and products of combustion in special hidden chambers will be easy to clean. For instance, the Comfortbilt pellet stove includes an ash vacuum that traps the resulting products of burning pellets and keeps them in a large pan that needs to be emptied from time to time.
Buying Guide: Pellet Stoves
How Much Fuel Does A Pellet Stove Burn?
A pellet stove uses predominantly natural resources like wood, leaves, and pellets to generate heat. A typical pellet stove will use about 100-125 pounds of fuel in an 8 hour burn period.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Pellet Stove?
Installing a pellet stove is not a do-it-yourself project by any means, but it doesn't require a lot of money either. In general, the cost of installing a pellet stove will mainly depend on the size and type of stove you select, as well as any additional accessories (such as chimney liner) that might be needed. Generally speaking, pellet stoves range from around $2,000 to $5,500, making them an affordable option for home heating. Fortunately, there are many discounts and rebate programs available that can lower the total cost of ownership even further.
What Is The Best Brand Pellet Stove?
When it comes to pellet stoves, there are a ton of them on the market. But which one is the best for you? Here’s our definitive guide to finding the best brand pellet stove. Whether you’re in the market for your first pellet stove or are looking to upgrade your current model, we have you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of pellets available, the features of each model, and the best brands for pellet stoves. Types of Pellets Available There are three types of pellets that are typically used in pellet stoves: hardwood pellets, mesquite pellets, and corn pellets. Hardwood Pellets: Hardwood pellets are made from medium-grade hardwoods like oak and hickory. They produce more heat and are more expensive than other types of pellets, but they also have a longer burn time and are considered more reliable than other types of pellets. Mesquite Pellets: Mesquite pellets are made from dried mesquite pods. They produce a decent amount of heat and tend to be less expensive than hardwood or corn pellets. They also have a shorter burn time than other
How Much Does A Pellet Stove Burn A Day?
A pellet stove typically burns around 1.5-2 gallons of pellets per day.
What Are The Dangers Of A Pellet Stove?
A pellet stove is an efficient and safe way to heat your home – but there are a few potential dangers to be aware of. The biggest risk with pellet stoves is carbon monoxide poisoning. This poisonous gas can come from the pellets themselves or from the stove itself, if it's not properly vented. If you notice headaches, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms after using your stove, it's important to get outside quickly and call 911. Also be weary of fire hazards. Pellet stoves can easily start fires if they're not correctly used – so keep a close eye on them while they're heating up your house. And always make sure children and pets are out of the room when the stove is in use.
What Are The Different Types Of Pellet Stove?
There are many types of pellet stoves. Here are the most common types:
- Centralized Heat and Air – This type of pellet stove centrally heats and cools the air around the combustion chambers. This type is usually energy efficient and quiet, but can be difficult to maintain.
- Direct Vent Pellet Stove – This type of stove direct vents the smoke and flame from the combustion chamber outside. These stoves are usually more efficient than central heat and air, but can be more labor-intensive to operate.
- Flame Path Pellet Stove – This type uses indirect flame to cook food. The heat is then applied directly to the cooking grate via a long gas flame. Having a longer flame path allows for even cooking without having hot spots.
- convection pellet stove – This type uses fan-forced convection to cook food. The convection forces heat into the stove from all directions, resulting in even cooking without hotspots.
How Much Does A Pellet Stove Cost?
What is Included in a Pellet Stove? A pellet stove will include the stove itself, a fuel container, and often an air filter. The price of a pellet stove will largely depend on its feature set and the brand. A simple pellet stove with minimal features may cost as little as $100. More comprehensive models may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. What Factors Influence Pellet Stove Prices? The size and power of the smoker are two important factors that influence pellet stove prices. Larger and more powerful smokers can often cook larger quantities of food at once, which drives up the price. Other factors that affect prices include brand name, features, and cooking accuracy.
What Is The Smallest Pellet Stove Available?
There is no one answer to this question as the smallest pellet stove available can vary depending on factors such as the model, brand, and size. However, some of the smaller pellet stoves that are available include the Apollo Mini Stove, the Coleman CPX-2, and the DeCamp Firepike.
What Does Pellet Stove Efficiency Mean?
The pellet stove efficiency means the amount of heat produced from a pellet stove as compared with an oven. The higher the efficiency rating, the more efficient the pellet stove is at producing heat.
How Do You Maintain A Pellet Stove?
Keeping your pellet stove in top condition is essential for its longevity. Maintaining the proper air flow and firing rate is important to help your stove heat efficiently. Make sure to check the air filter, stovepipe and igniter every few months. If the pellet stove starts making unusual noises, there may be a problem with the system that needs to be fixed.
Our Verdict
Picking a powerful pellet stove that burns efficiently and offers good value for your money isn’t easy. However, if you weigh the pros and cons mentioned above, you can make the right decision.
From where we stand, the Comfortbilt Pellet Stove HP22 is the best option on the market as it operates using electricity, takes a relatively small space, and doesn’t produce any hazardous gases as it burns.
The US Stove Company US GW1949 Wiseway is a great choice for users looking for a decent non-electric pellet stove that’s easy to install and features a great design and build quality.
