We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Dominate Cooking With The Best Pellet Stove

  1. Drolet HT2000 High-Efficiency DB07200 Pellet Stove
  2. FOTILE GLS30501 30” Stainless Steel 5-Burner Gas Pellet Stove
  3. US Stove 69FAK Fresh Air Kit for Corn and Pellet Stoves
  4. Summers Heat Pellet Stove
  5. Harman P68 Pellet Stove
  6. Drolet HT2000 High-Efficiency DB07200 Pellet Stove
  7. US Stove 69FAK Fresh Air Kit for Corn and Pellet Stoves
  8. Kismile 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Pellet Stove
  9. Hudson River Saratoga Pellet Stove
  10. Buyer's Guide

Pellet stoves are increasing in popularity as a more affordable way of heating a home or a specific room in the home. These stoves run by burning pellets, which are usually made of sawdust, bark, or other wood or agricultural waste. They are extremely efficient, and provide heat at a much lower cost than traditional furnaces.

Best Pellet stoves in 2022 are available in two main styles: freestanding and fireplace insert. The freestanding type looks much like an old-fashioned wood stove, and are reported to be more reliable than the fireplace insert types. The fuel can be inserted either through the top or bottom of the pellet stove, and is stored in a hopper. When choosing a pellet stove, you should consider the performance, ease of cleanup, installation, price, and efficiency.

Best Pellet Stoves Worth Considering in 2022

Drolet HT2000 High-Efficiency DB07200 Pellet Stove - Best Pellet Stove Overall

This pellet stove usually costs about $1,200, and has a large hopper in order to go days without having to fill the stove with pellets. Unlike some budget pellet stoves, this one does not require premium pellets. It offers adjustable controls that can help the stove deal with varying grades of fuel. With an output of 48,000 BTU and nine heat settings, many people would expect the price to be higher. There is no thermostat included, although it is compatible with most wall thermostats. The stove is surprisingly efficient for a budget pellet stove, and many people use it as a primary heat source in houses up to 1,200 square feet. As with many budget pellet stoves, parts like the auto starter may need to be replaced - but this is usually covered under the warranty.

FOTILE GLS30501 30” Stainless Steel 5-Burner Gas Pellet Stove - Runner Up

Although this stove is among the more expensive of the budget pellet stoves, it shares many of the features of full-priced stoves while still remaining under $2,000. The black steel stove is more utilitarian than decorative, but it is extremely durable and burns a variety of types of pellets and other fuels. The stove includes a removable ash pan - not found in many budget pellet stoves - making for infinitely easier cleanup. The blower has nine settings, and the digital controls make operation extremely easy. The stove is a good primary heat source, as it heats up to 2,000 square feet, but it tends to be noisier than more expensive models - and even some other budget models. The stove is approved for mobile home use.

US Stove 69FAK Fresh Air Kit for Corn and Pellet Stoves - Honorable Mention

While the Forester pellet stove has many of the problems common to budget pellet stoves, it can heat up to 1,600 square feet - impressive for a stove that hovers around the $1,200 price range. With 44,000 BTU output (when the listed fuels are used) and a 40-pound hopper capacity, the stove does not seem like too much of a compromise. It has a viewing window that makes the stove pleasant in any home, lending a fireplace-like atmosphere to the room. As with many budget models, the Forester stove may need some replacement parts before too long, especially with the pellet delivery system. While on the high end of the budget pellet stoves, this model features automatic ignition and electronic controls, making it easy for anyone to use. The stove weighs about 200 pounds, unloaded, and is safe for use in mobile homes.

best Summers Heat Pellet Stove

Summers Heat Pellet Stove - Consider

The Summers Heat 55-SHP10L has many of the same advantages and disadvantages as most budget pellet stoves. It tends to be noisier than higher-priced stoves, and it requires premium pellets in order to not void the warranty. It saves money over heating oil, though, and can heat up to 1,500 square feet. Many people use it for a primary source of heat as long as their house is not too large. As with many budget pellet stoves, there is no ash pan, making cleanup much harder than with more expensive pellet stoves. Although various parts may have to be replaced, they are often covered by warranty.

best Harman P68 Pellet Stove

Harman P68 Pellet Stove - Best Pellet Stove Overall

Although a little more expensive than some other pellet stoves, this Harman stove is well-known for being reliable and efficient. The 68,000 BTU output is controlled by "smart" controls, and needs very little maintenance. Combined with automatic ignition, a new and improved door latch, and a patented feeder, the stove can use any quality of fuel, and not just the most expensive type of pellets. The Harman P68 pellet stove won the Vesta award for excellence in pellet stoves within the first week it was available. This pellet stove is not only functional but also very elegant, with delicate etching around the door and handles. This stove is the best option for someone willing to spend a little more in order to spend less time and money on maintenance and heating down the road.

Drolet HT2000 High-Efficiency DB07200 Pellet Stove - Best Pellet Stove Overall

This pellet stove usually costs about $1,200, and has a large hopper in order to go days without having to fill the stove with pellets. Unlike some budget pellet stoves, this one does not require premium pellets. It offers adjustable controls that can help the stove deal with varying grades of fuel. With an output of 48,000 BTU and nine heat settings, many people would expect the price to be higher. There is no thermostat included, although it is compatible with most wall thermostats. The stove is surprisingly efficient for a budget pellet stove, and many people use it as a primary heat source in houses up to 1,200 square feet. As with many budget pellet stoves, parts like the auto starter may need to be replaced - but this is usually covered under the warranty.

US Stove 69FAK Fresh Air Kit for Corn and Pellet Stoves - Honorable Mention

While the Forester pellet stove has many of the problems common to budget pellet stoves, it can heat up to 1,600 square feet - impressive for a stove that hovers around the $1,200 price range. With 44,000 BTU output (when the listed fuels are used) and a 40-pound hopper capacity, the stove does not seem like too much of a compromise. It has a viewing window that makes the stove pleasant in any home, lending a fireplace-like atmosphere to the room. As with many budget models, the Forester stove may need some replacement parts before too long, especially with the pellet delivery system. While on the high end of the budget pellet stoves, this model features automatic ignition and electronic controls, making it easy for anyone to use. The stove weighs about 200 pounds, unloaded, and is safe for use in mobile homes.

Kismile 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Pellet Stove - Best Pellet Stove Overall

This pellet stove is a freestanding, non-compact variety, with a 60-pound hopper. It is a great price for a stove that can easily heat a 2,200 square foot area, and a variety of types of fuel can be used for different levels of heat. The main downside to this stove is that it needs to be cleaned more frequently than other brands, but customers are still generally very happy with it. Customer service from the company tends to be excellent and extremely helpful with both big and small problems. The stove is not as elegant as some, nor as fancy, but its utilitarian looks do not take away from its performance. Any kind of pellets can be used in this stove with no ill effects.

best Hudson River Saratoga Pellet Stove

Hudson River Saratoga Pellet Stove - Best Pellet Stove Overall

The Saratoga pellet stove from Hudson River is very compact, and can fit into many different parts of the house to provide heat in addition to (or instead of) central heating. Although the gray and red two-tone look doesn't fit into everybody's decor, the unit is not as utilitarian as many other compact pellet stoves. The "smart" controls make it easy to adjust the temperature, and the ash drawer slides out easily to be emptied. A variety of pellet types can be used in this stove. When fully stocked, the stove can run for 40 hours without being refueled, and it can create an output of up to 30,000 BTUs. The hopper fits 45 pounds of pellets, and this stove falls right in the middle of the price range for pellet stoves.

Buyer's Guide

The idea of warming up your home in the frigid winter days with low-costing heating methods is an enticing prospect. However, there’s so much more to consider when it comes to buying the pellet stove that’s right for you. Let’s crack the mystery and find out the elements you should consider before making the purchase.

Why Should You Opt for A Reliable Pellet Stove?

Other than keeping you warm and cozy, there are many perks and advantages to owning pellet heaters.

They’re Good for the Environment (If Not Great)!

Pellet stoves are considered environmentally efficient because the burning fuel is composed of waste and recyclable materials. In comparison to other traditional heating options, it produces minimal carbon emissions and wood smoke.

Cost-Efficient Fuel and Installation

Oil and gas are expensive options when it comes to heating your home. Similarly, electric heaters are even more costly, but using pellets as a heat source is cheaper, rounding up to an average of 7-ton usage each season.

Ease of Use

Efficient and high-quality pellet heaters are not only cost-savvy, but they’re also convenient to utilize. From setting up the temperature via remote or control panel to refilling the hopper with wood pellets, these heaters are hassle-free.

Technical Terms You Should Know Before Buying A Pellet Heater

Once you embark on the journey of selecting the best pellet stove, you’ll come across many technical terms and jargon. Therefore, you must know the most important terms to make an informed purchase.

What does BTU rating imply?

The term ‘BTU,’ which stands for British Thermal Units, will crop up continuously during your research for buying pellet stoves. So, BTU is a unit that is a scale for heat production that is also relative to the area of your room. Bigger spaces require higher BTU output and vice versa.

What is a thermal efficiency rating?

The Thermal efficiency rating describes the amount of heat that a pellet stove will generate. When your stove pellet has a higher thermal efficiency percentage, it will utilize less fuel and deliver consistent heat.

Essential Considerations to Make When Purchasing Pellet Stoves

With various features, from design aspect to heating capacity, finding the best pellet stove isn’t as easy a decision as you might think. Before you double down on the perfect pellet stove for your home space, there are many factors that you should consider. Let’s explore!

Size Consideration

When you plan to buy the pellet heater, you must calculate the dimension of your home space. Investing in a heater that won’t fit in the allocated location in your home will be a costly mistake. In a smaller room, fitting in a larger stove would only cause complications and vice versa. An improper heater size would only cause installation difficulties and uneven heating issues.

Heating Capacity and Space

Two factors that are essential in the selection process of pellet stoves are heating capacity (BTU) & the area (square feet). The bigger the space and area of your home is, the higher BTU capacity you should look for in a heater. The heating capacity of your home space is also dependent on the insulation. The BTU output requirement will drastically change depending on the insulated and non-insulated home space. For instance, an insulated 1000 square feet space will heat up within 24,000 – 30,000 BTUs; whereas, a non-insulated space of the same area will require 42,000 – 50,000 BTUs.

You can use online BTU calculators to determine which pellet heater will be suitable for your home, depending on the space.

Determining the Hopper Size

Hopper is an essential part of the pellet heaters. It is a basket-like container where you feed your pellet fuel to heat the whole area. If you have a smaller hopper basket, then you will have to restock the fuel more frequently. Depending on the model, hopper size ranges from 20-60 pounds. If you’re someone who does not want to restock pellets frequently, then go for bigger hopper sizes.

How To Maintain Pellet Stove For Efficient Performance?

If you want to maintain the longevity of your heater, then you must not overlook its maintenance. Do not expect to restock the hopper with pellets and leave the heater to its own operations. You must ensure that the ash drawer is emptied at a regular interval; and you should properly clean the air vents, glass screen, and burn pot. Additionally, hire professional services annually to make sure that your pellet stove is functioning without any hitch.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Pellet Heaters

The following tips will accelerate the selection and installation process of wood pellet stoves.

1. Location matters! Pellet stoves require a ventilation duct to expel the gas and smoke buildup. So, make sure wherever you place your heater, it has a proper ventilation setup.
2. You will need a consistent electricity supply for your heater. Therefore, always set up your pellet stove near a power source.
3. Make sure you do not have leaky windows and cracks in your home. Otherwise, you’ll have to invest more bucks in a heavy-duty heater to make up for heat loss.
4. Take account of your ceiling height when you are deciding which BTU rating will be suitable for you.
5. Choose a pellet heater that comes with controls for temperature variation. So, you can maintain the temperature through chilly and freezing days, according to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is buying a pellet stove worth it?
A: Yes, buying a pellet heater is worth it for many reasons. It’s an extremely cost-effective option in comparison to more mainstream heating methods. Plus, it gives an affordable fireplace-like ambiance and view if you can’t afford one.

Q: Can I install the pellet heater myself?
A: You can install the pellet heater yourself, only if you have the skills to set up the ventilation ducts and assemble the many mechanical parts. Due to the technicalities involved in the installation, we recommend reaching out to the HVAC experts to kickstart your pellet stove.

Q: What are the safety measures in a good pellet stove design?
A: The best pellet heaters have sophisticated safety features that minimize the chances of any mishaps. It includes features like Pressure Switch (instantly turns off the stove if improper pressure builds up), Automatic Shutdown (pellet stove turns off if burn rate increases), and Exhaust Sensing Probe (detects temperature abnormalities and shuts down).

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
RELATED CONTENT
Go to top