If you are looking for the best pellet stove for your home, the most important things to consider are its BTU rating, hopper capacity, and difficulty of installation. I have picked my favorite products based on these features. Read on to learn more about why they might be important to you.
When I think about heating my home during the winter, one of the first things on my mind is to install a pellet stove. Unlike a traditional fireplace, this kind of stove uses a pellet-shaped fuel that comes from recycled materials such as sawdust and wood shavings. Hence, a pellet stove is more efficient and cleaner than regular wood.
But with so many products on the market, it can be relatively difficult to choose one that best suits your needs and budget.
Fortunately, I got you covered!
I researched countless articles and customer reviews to come up with this list of the best pellet stove on the market. Each product includes a detailed review as well as a list of pros and cons.
I will also walk you through the factors to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision. And to sum things up, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pellet stoves in general.
Let us get on with it!
What Is a Pellet Stove?
Before I discuss my top picks, I would first like to discuss the definition of a pellet stove.
So if you are already familiar with this type of stove, you can go ahead and skip to my detailed review below. Otherwise, continue reading this section.
A pellet stove looks similar to conventional stoves. It is available in either a free-standing model or an insert into a fireplace.
A pellet stove does not use any firewood, unlike a wood stove. Instead, it burns only compressed wood pellets, which results in cleaner air. Thus, it is less of a hazard to the environment. Plus, it eliminates the need to store and chop firewood, ultimately making your job easier.
A pellet stove also allows you to adjust the rate at which the pellets are consumed. These wood pellets load into the hopper at the back of the unit. Then, the automatic feed system of the stove will feed these pellets into the fire. By allowing adjustments, it provides you with more control over the amount of heat produced.
Finally, some models of pellet stoves let you attach a thermostat and timer. The former can keep an even room temperature. Meanwhile, the latter ensures automatic switching on and off.
Top Reasons To Buy a Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves offer several advantages over conventional stoves.
The first benefit of pellet stoves is that they produce little air pollution compared to standard wood-burning stoves. An EPA-certified stove uses the cleanest solid fuel and burns pellets instead of wood. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a green solution for your heating needs.
While it depends on the exact brand of furnace you choose to install, pellet stoves are also relatively cheaper than wood stoves. Their installation costs range from $1,700 to $3,000. And since they do not require you to add an extra chimney or flue, a pellet stove can help you save money when installing the entire system.
Furthermore, this cost-effectiveness can hold up over the long run as well. Pellets burn longer and more efficiently. Hence, buying pellets in bulk can save you money in the long run compared to purchasing firewood, even if the latter’s shelf price is higher.
Lastly, EPA-certified pellet stoves burn around 70% to 83% combustion efficiency on average. They can even reach an efficiency of up to 90%. That means that nearly all of the pellets you put inside the furnace are converted into usable heat for your home. In comparison, a wood fire in an open heart can only reach up to 20% efficiency. Meanwhile, a wood stove can reach between 60% and 90% depending on the specific model.
So when you consider all these benefits together with its overall low costs and straightforward maintenance needs, pellet stoves are an excellent option for heating your home.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022
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Editor’s Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-Up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
5 Best Pellet Stoves to Heat Your Home
Below are my top picks for the best pellet stoves on the market today. Each product can effectively heat your home during the winter.
1. Comfortbilt HP22 Pellet Stove – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best pellet stoves is the Comfortbilt HP22.
This freestanding pellet stove boasts a BTU rating of 50,000. That means this furnace can generate heat to provide warmth over 2,800 square feet of area. So whether you have a large living room or want to heat up your dining and kitchen as well, the Comfortbilt HP22 can help you get much-needed warmth.
Additionally, the EPA-certified pellet stove uses a powerful room blower. It can efficiently produce the maximum amount of heat from your wood pellets.
And speaking of pellets, this Comfortbilt pellet stove has a 55-pound hopper capacity with a large removable ash pan. There is no need to worry about ashes falling. The stove will burn the pellets completely, so you only need to empty the drawer once every two weeks.
Furthermore, this Comfortbilt pellet stove comes with a programmable 7-day internal thermostat to control the heat output. It allows you to monitor the temperature and pellet use for more efficient burning.
There are even five power settings available for further customization. These enable up to 20 hours of continuous burning of wood pellets, even when using the lowest heat output setting.
As for the exterior, this Comfortbilt pellet stove does not disappoint. It features stainless steel trim around the glass window for easy viewing of the fire. Plus, a heavy external gauge makes it easy to clean your stove.
Despite all these advantages, there are still a few cons to consider before buying this pellet stove. First, the manufacturer does not deliver the product to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It is best to look for other stoves when you live in these areas. Second, a few users wished that the hopper door was bigger to prevent difficulty when adding pellets.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, I deemed the Comfortbilt HP22 as the best pellet stove on the market today.
Pros:
- Certified 50,000 BTU output can produce heat to areas over 2,800 sq. ft.
- 55-pound hopper capacity with a large removable ash pan.
- 7-day internal thermostat for constant temperature and economical pellet use
- Five adjustable power settings for 20 hours of continuous burning
- Easy to clean heavy gauge exterior
Cons:
- Comfortbilt does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
- Some users said that the hopper door is tiny, which makes it difficult to add pellets without spilling them
2. Comfortbilt HP50S Pellet Stove – Runner-Up
The Comfortbilt HP50S Pellet Stove is another excellent pellet stove worth considering, especially if you are on a budget.
This pellet stove has a certified 42,000 BTU output. It can effectively heat 2,200 square feet of area or more, given that the temperatures are mild.
Additionally, the HP50S pellet complies with all federal emissions mandates. Hence, it produces less air pollution compared to wood-burning stoves, ultimately making them environmental-friendly.
Moreover, the programmable thermostat lets you monitor constant temperature and economical pellet use.
There are even five power settings that allow up to 24 hours of continuous burning on the lowest heat output setting.
Meanwhile, the rear-mounted exhaust port and standard air intake ensure easy installation.
As for the hopper capacity, this pellet stove can accept up to 47 pounds of pellets. But similar to the previous model, the Comfortbilt HP50S includes a large removable ash pan. This is where the ashes will fall automatically after complete pellet burning=.
On top of all these benefits, the Comfortbilt HP50S pellet stove comes with a one-year limited warranty on parts and service. So if you ever received a defective product, you can easily ask for a return or refund.
However, before buying this stove, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users experienced a malfunctioning power switch. Second, a few customers also said that this furnace suffered from electrical issues.
With that said, many praised the prompt customer service, which allowed them to fix the problem.
In this regard, I included the Comfortbilt HP50S in this list of the best pellet stoves on the market today.
Pros:
- Powerful 42,000 BTU output to heat up your house
- The built-in thermostat can regulate constant temperature and economical pellet usage
- Five power settings allow 24 hours of continuous burning on the lowest setting
- 47-pound hopper capacity with a removable ash pan to catch ashes
- One-year limited warranty on parts and services
Cons:
- Some users experienced a malfunctioning power switch
- A few customers also faced electrical issues
3. Comfortbilt HP22i Pellet Stove
Do you already have an existing fireplace but want to switch to burning pellets? Then, consider getting a fireplace insert such as the Comfortbilt HP22i Pellet Stove.
This particular model offers all the benefits of the Comfortbilt HP22 pellet stove.
First, this insert pellet stove has a BTU rating of 42,000. It can heat rooms with an area of 1,700 to 2,000 square feet.
Meanwhile, the large bay view window allows you to choose between three directions where the warmth can radiate. There is also an easy-to-clean heavy gauge exterior.
What’s more, the Comfortbilt HP22i is EPA and CSA Certified to comply with all federal emissions mandates. It is among the most environmental-friendly options on the market today.
There are also an auto-ignition and programmable thermostat to regulate constant temperature. At the same time, they create economical pellet usage.
Plus, the five power settings let you choose from different heat settings. They even allow for up to 18 hours of continuous burning on the lowest setting.
Finally, this pellet stove insert has a 47-pound hopper capacity, which is more than enough for most homes.
There are still a few downsides to consider before buying this best pellet stove insert. First, the installation was relatively tricky as it required a flexible exhaust vent. Second, a few users received error messages prompting low temperatures.
Overall, though, the Comfortbilt HP22i is among the best pellet stove inserts to consider today.
Pros:
- BTU rating of 42,000 can provide warmth to large areas
- Programmable thermostat can ensure constant temperature and economical pellet usage
- It allows you to choose from five power settings
- 47-pound hopper capacity with built-in ash container
- Large bay view window and heavy gauge exterior are easy to clean
Cons:
- It requires the exhaust vent to be a flexible line
- A few users experienced getting error messages when operating the pellet stove
4. Castle Pellet Stoves Serenity Stove with Flame Window and Smart Controller
The Castle Pellet Stoves Serenity Stove is another furnace worth considering.
This model offers a BTU input of 31,960 and an output of up to 22,226. It can provide warmth to rooms up to 1,500 square feet.
The Serenity Stove also provides an energy-efficient Smart Controller. It enables you to choose from three modes—manual, thermostat, and weekly operational—to heat your home on schedule.
Furthermore, this wood pellet stove comes with safety features. These include thermal overload protection, safety shut-off, and heat shields to prevent possible hazards.
Plus, this furnace has a heating capacity of up to 40 pounds of pellets. It can burn these up to 24 hours when using the lowest heat setting.
Finally, the Serenity Stove does not have any tubes, corrugations, or hidden chambers. Hence, it is easy to clean.
Despite these benefits, there are a few cons to consider. First, the small hopper capacity might require you to put wood pellets multiple times when heating a large room. Second, some users said that this freestanding pellet stove is loud during startup and shutdown.
Nevertheless, the Castle Pellet Stoves Serenity Stove is among the best pellet stoves available today.
Pros:
- 1,500 sq. ft. heating coverage
- Included Smart Controller allows you to heat your home on schedule
- Built-in safety features to prevent possible hazards
- Easy to clean unit due to the lack of tubes and hidden chambers
Cons:
- Small hopper capacity
- The unit is loud during startup and shutdown
5. Pelpro PP130-B Pellet Stove
The last product on this list of the best pellet stoves is the Pelpro PP130-B.
It features a 50,000 BTU input and 40,600 BTU output. This powerful furnace can provide warmth to areas up to 2,500 sq. ft.
Additionally, this Pelpro pellet stove is EPA-certified to ensure clean-burning performance. It produces 58% more heat output.
Furthermore, the large hopper has a heating capacity of 130 pounds of pellets. It provides up to 96 hours of burning time before refueling. Plus, the self-emptying firepot can extend the time between cleanings.
There is even an automatic ignition that allows you to set the heating schedule. Meanwhile, the thermostat regulates temperature.
Finally, Pelpro offers a 5-year firebox and 1-year electrical limited warranty coverage. There is no need to worry about the heater breaking down by accident.
But before buying this pellet stove, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some customers said that this pellet burner could suddenly stop running when using the lowest setting. Second, a few users experienced poor customer service.
Overall, though, the Pelpro PP130-B is still worth considering. It is my recommended wood pellet stove if you need something that can cover a wide area.
Pros:
- A large pellet stove can cover areas up to 2,500 sq. ft.
- EPA-certified and environmental-friendly heater
- Large hopper capacity can handle up to 130 pounds of pellet fuel
- Automatic ignition and thermostat for customized control, unlike other pellet stoves
- Limited warranty coverage on the firebox and electrical parts
Cons:
- The stove will not keep running on the lowest setting
- A few users experienced poor customer service
How to Choose the Best Pellet Stove for Your Home
By now, you probably have an idea of the best pellet stoves for your home. But if you are still unsure which product to buy, do not worry.
Below, this pellet stove buying guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider before choosing the pellet stoves for your home. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you will be more informed when making a purchasing decision.
BTU Rating
One of the first factors to consider when buying a pellet stove is the BTU. It stands for British thermal units, which are essentially a measurement of energy or heat.
The BTU rating of a stove indicates whether or not it will completely heat your home with regards to the exact specifications, such as its size and square footage.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most pellet stoves with a 60,000 BTU rating can heat a home with 2,300 square feet of area. Meanwhile, a stove rated at 42,000 BTU can heat a 1,300-square-foot space.
If you are not sure whether the BTU rating of the stove will be sufficient for your space, you can check the manufacturer’s specifications. You can also call the company directly to ensure the pellet stoves produce the required heat needed for your home.
Pellet Type and Hopper Capacity
You also have to consider the type of pellets and how much of these you can burn in your pellet stove.
You will find different kinds of pellets, with the most common being made of wood and corn. However, you will realize that most pellet stoves can only burn a specific pellet fuel. So, make sure to check that the same kind is readily available in your area. No one wants to buy a new pellet stove only to discover this heater does not accept pellets sold near your home.
Besides the pellet type, you also have to think about the hopper capacity. This indicates how many pellets your stove can handle at once. It also determines how often you will need to refill your heater. So if you want to run the stove for a long time, it is best to get a stove with at least 40 pounds of hopper capacity. This model can burn for up to 24 hours without the need to refill it.
Cost and Difficulty of Installation
Finally, you have to think about your budget for the installation of the pellet stove.
While it is easier to install them compared to a fireplace system, it does not mean they are cheap. Some models can be installed right out of the box, while others require you to add an exhaust vent or integrate them into an existing fireplace system.
Of course, it is best to let a professional handle the installation. However, expect to pay a large sum of money for their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to burn woods or pellets?
Pellets are cheaper to burn compared to wood. Although they are slightly higher in price upfront, they have a longer burn time than wood. That simply means that you get the most mileage out of your money.
Can a pellet stove heat an entire house?
It entirely depends on the size of your home. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that most pellet stoves have a capacity between 8,000 and 90,000 BTU (British thermal units) per hour. So if you have a 2,000-square-foot home, you will need a stove rated at 60,000 BTU. Those with smaller homes with an area of 1,300 square feet can get a heater rated at 42,000 BTU.
Can you use a pellet stove without electricity?
No, you cannot use a pellet stove without electricity. You need at least 100 kilowatt-hours per month to operate the stove and run all of its controls. If you are worried about electricity outages, you can consider investing in a backup generator to use the stove continuously.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top picks for the best pellet stoves. I highly recommend each product for its powerful heat output, large hopper capacity, and other advanced features.
But if I can only suggest one, it would be the Comfortbilt HP22. This pellet stove is rated at 50,000 BTU, which can cover over 2,800 square feet of area. Additionally, it has a 55-pound hopper capacity with a large removable ash pan for easy cleaning. Moreover, the built-in thermostat allows you to monitor the temperature and pellet use. Plus, the five power settings can provide up to 20 hours of continuous burning even when using the lowest setting. Finally, the stainless steel exterior with a glass window offers easy viewing of the fire.
