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. Our top pick, the ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove, has a large coverage area, powerful heat output, and plenty of convenient features. Here are the best pellet stoves for your heating needs. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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, Sage 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, Sage interviewed Deane Biermeier, a home repair expert and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
