Pellet Stoves Are a Good Alternative to Wood Stoves
Pellet stoves have a distinctive look and are available in freestanding models as well as inserts that slot into fireplaces. They require less clearance than wood stoves but require proper installation and venting.
Choose a pellet heater that will meet your heating needs. Be aware of the BTU rating of the stove which is a measure of how much heat it generates.
1. The ComfortBilt XXV
The ComfortBilt XXV Pellet Stove is a high-quality model that offers the best performance and value. This compact unit is able to heat a small house or sunroom with ease thanks to its highest rating of 26,224 BTU/Hr and 81% efficiency. This model also comes with a convenient 25-pound hopper capacity that lets you keep your home warm for hours. The thermostat is programmable to maintain consistent room temperatures and efficient use of pellets.
This popular pellet stove from ComfortBilt features a sleek, modern appearance and a large bay view window that can make a statement in any home. Its top-quality engineering and reliable performance have earned it excellent reviews from people across the country. This model is designed for premium wood pellets that generate the most heat per kilogram. It can provide heat to up to 2,800 square feet of space in moderate temperatures and is EPAcertified and CSA-certified, allowing it to comply with federal emission standards.
One of the most appealing features of this model is that it permits you to choose between manual and weekly fire settings. If you switch between the temperature and manual modes too fast, it may cause problems with the stove operation. It could cause the feed auger to stop and the fans to shut off, which will starve the flame and cause your stove to run out of gas.
This unit is also available in bronze or charcoal finishes to complement your existing home decor. It comes with a one-year limited warranty on parts and service. It's also important to note that you shouldn't use corn or any other type of biofuels in this stove as it could invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. Only use high-quality wood pellets.
2. The Hearth & Home Store Outdoor Heater
Pellet stoves are a practical, efficient and safe way to heat your home. They generate heat by burning pellets, which are small chunks of biomass compressed from wood byproducts or agricultural residues. The pellets are stored in a hopper which is connected to the burner chamber of the stove. A blower or fan distributes heat throughout your home while exhaust systems remove the combustion byproducts, and then vent them out to the outside.
Unlike wood stoves, pellet stoves are typically easier to maintain and don't require the regular attention of a chimney or venting system. To maintain their optimal efficiency pellet stoves require regular professional maintenance and inspection. Professional maintenance involves cleaning the burners as well as the exhaust system and the ash compartment. It also includes examining for and fixing any issues that might arise.
One of the most tech-forward models in our list This pellet stove comes with built-in WiFi and a touchscreen control panel that allows users to alter the settings and set a heating schedule on your smartphone. It also comes with a 66-pound fuel hopper that can provide up to 22 hours of continuous burning and you don't have to worry about refilling the stove.
When selecting a stove, make sure that the BTU output (British Thermal Units) is in line with your living space and needs. A stove with a BTU rating up to 60,000 is able to efficiently heat a home that is average in size, whereas an appliance that produces 30,000 BTUs is perfect for homes that are up to 1,300 square foot.
3. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove
If you're looking for an approach that is more relaxed to heating, pellet stoves may be the best choice. They make use of recycled sawdust which has been compressed and dried to fuel a fire that burns cleanly without creosote accumulation. The pellets are loaded into an hopper and set your desired temperature. The stove automatically ignites. The pellets are continuously pumped into the stove's chamber for combustion through an auger that is driven by a motor, and the blower pushes the heat into the room.
If you frequent your pellet stove, the hopper can hold up to 120 pounds of pellets. Depending on how much heat you want, it may be necessary to fill the hopper every at least once or twice per day. To make the process more efficient you should look for a stove with a large hopper and an automatic feed system that ensures the hopper is full without needing you to fill it manually.
They also have a smaller footprint than wood burning stoves which is good news for those who are limited on space in your home. They are also smaller in dimensions and require a smaller hearth making them ideal for those who live in a log home or with a small area like a basement or a three-seasons room that isn't connected to the central heating system.
Pellet stoves are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces because they produce 50 percent less carbon dioxide and help you reduce your utility bills. They're also a great choice for those who want to not have the hassle of lighting a fire and aren't afraid of cleaning and replacing components that are more fragile than their wood-burning counterparts. But, they do require some maintenance and upkeep, including regular cleaning of the heat exchanger, venting system, ash pan, and glass, and periodic servicing to ensure that the unit is in compliance with all safety requirements.
4. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet Stove Freestanding
Pellet stoves resemble wood stoves in appearance and function, but they use sawdust for biomass fuel instead of logs. You can pick between freestanding stoves and fireplace inserts to heat a single room or an entire area according to the layout of your house.
If you decide to purchase a pellet stove, search for one that has Environmental Protection Agency certification for effectiveness and safe burning. Make sure the stove you choose is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ULC (Canadian Underwriters Laboratory) and is certified for safety. Dealers can ask to suggest models that will best suit your needs. However wood and pellet stove is recommended to check out the manufacturer's site for ratings and reviews.
Pellet stoves differ from oil or gas stoves because they burn small wood pellets. You can purchase them in 40-pound bags. The pellets are placed in the hopper, and then pushed into the combustion chamber via an electric auger. As the flame heats air, it blows exhaust through a flue pipe that runs out a sidewall or into your chimney. These stoves provide a more consistent, controllable source of heat than gas stoves and can last up to 10 years if you take proper maintenance and cleaning.
They run more efficiently due to the fact that the pellets are compressed, and tiny. Traditional wood stoves can use up to a gallon each hour. Pellets are also carbon-neutral. They emit the same amount as they absorb when they grow.
The top pellet stoves come with automated features that allow you to set the temperature and then monitor the stove without having to intervene. Some have built-in alarms that let you know when it's time to fuel or to clean the ash. They can help reduce your heating costs by supplying a continuous stream of heat for up to 24 hours.
5. The Hearth & Home Store Pellet stove Wall Mount
This compact pellet stove made by Cleveland Iron Works is a excellent choice if you're the market for a compact pellet stove. The compact design saves space, and the 28-pound hopper is able to last for 35 hours. This model can produce 24000 Btu which can heat up to 1,000 square feet. This model has a smartphone control and remote, which means you can control it from anywhere within your home.
Similar to free-standing pellet stoves, the energy efficiency of a wall-mounted unit is contingent on the capacity of the hopper and blower fan size. Look for an efficiency of 70-83 percent. (This indicates the percentage of the fuel that actually heats your home, versus the amount lost in combustion or by venting.)
While pellet stoves don't use the same amount of electricity as gas heaters, you will have to connect them to control their automated controls as well as the blower fan which keep the fire burning. There are models that have batteries backup systems as well as manual ignition options that may remain operational during a power outage.
While they're not able to replace a central heating system, pellet stoves are ideal for providing supplemental heat between seasons or in homes with limited ductwork. They emit less creosote, and are also carbon neutral, than wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. If you choose a high-efficiency model, you'll also cut down on costs for utilities and help encourage green energy initiatives.