Top 10 Best Small Wood Burning Stoves (Reviews)

Have you considered upgrading your home with a small wood-burning stove? A small wood-burning stove is energy efficient and it provides an elegant, yet cozy aesthetic.

It is estimated that this type of stove is present in more than 12 million homes.

Before you start shopping, it is important to see what these stoves are capable of and the available products.

The best place to start is right here where you will learn more about these stoves and some of the best options out there 🙂

The most fun part of learning more about small wood-burning stoves is seeing the options that are available. The 10 listed here are among the best options to choose from.

US Stove Cast Iron Logwood Stove – Our Top Pick Overall

The US Stove EPA Certified Cast Iron Logwood Stove has a nostalgic look, and it is made from a durable cast iron.

This stove measures about 22 inches by 19 inches by 28 inches. It weighs approximately 120 pounds.

This rustic stove offers a clean-burning heating solution. It is certified and tested to UL 1482.

It has a two-piece safety handle, ensuring that it is safe to use. When you are using the stove, the handle remains cool for safety. The cooktop is solid and provides ample space for creating meals.

This reliable stove can heat areas up to 900 square feet. The maximum heat output is 54,000 BTUs. The firebox measures about 23 by 15 by 11 inches.

Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove with Leg Base – Small-sized with Big Energy Efficiency

The Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove with Leg Base is a small and efficient option.

It has a simple design and the features are user-friendly. Seasoned cord firewood is recommended with this stove.

This stove can heat an area up to 1,200 square feet.

It measures about 24 by 24 by 39 inches. It weights approximately 243 pounds.

The firebox is brick lined. Enjoy cleaner air thanks to the air wash system.

The handles are made of chrome and you load the fire through the front of the stove.

Easily see the fire as it burns due to the ceramic glass viewing area.

Vermont Castings Encore 2-in-1 Wood Stove – The Top Choice for Luxury and Efficiency

The Vermont Castings Encore 2-in-1 Wood Stove is a sizable stove with a classic design. It is matte black, and the large front door makes it easy to see the fire.

The flue collar is six inches, ensuring proper containment of the ash and smoke.

This also increases the overall load capacity. The heating is even and long due to the thermostatically-controlled combustion.

The griddle top of made of cast iron. This ensures versatile cooking and that it is durable. The heating capacity is approximately 1,300 to 2,800 square feet. It puts out up to 56,000 BTUs per hour.

This stove measures about 38 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 29 inches high. The firebox capacity is 3.1 cubic feet. It can accommodate logs up to 24 inches.

Napoleon Small Wood Burning Pedestal Stove – The Best Contemporary Pedestal Stove

The Napoleon Small Wood Burning Pedestal Stove is matte black and is 26 inches. It measures 25.5 inches wide, 22 inches deep and 32 inches high.

This stove requires a wood chimney vent, and the fuel type is wood. The ash drawer slides out for quick emptying. The pedestal base is easy to place.

The ash pan, door and cross bar are made from cast iron.

The viewing area has extra-large glass, making it easy to see the fire. The firebox top is heavy duty and it measures 0.31 inches.

The firebox itself has a 1.7 cubic feet capacity. It uses a ceramic fiber baffle system and a vortex combustion system.

The heat output is 11,700 to 42,200 BTUs. This maxes out at 55,000 BTUs. This stove can accommodate logs up to 18 inches, and the average burn time is seven hours.

BioLite Basecamp – The Best Choice for Camping and Outdoor Use

The BioLite Basecamp Wood Burning Stove is a compact and portable option for outdoor activities.

This stove stores energy that it creates from the excess heat.

This is then sent to a powerbank that can be used to charge and operate devices that connect via USB.

The grill surface is 138 square inches, allowing you to cook for multiple people at a time. You can use natural wood to fire this stove, so it is ideal for campers who want to gather wood from the campsite area.

It has a gooseneck USB light, making it possible to see at night when you are cooking. The stove weighs less than 18 pounds.

It measures about 21 by 13 by 23 inches.

Hi-Flame Shetland Extra Small Wood Stove – Our top pick For Small Spaces

The Hi-Flame Shetland Extra Small Wood Burning Stove is black and has a simple design.

It features a top cover and door made from cast iron to ensure optimal durability.

This stove burns clean, making it a safe choice in any home.

The flame pattern is adjustable, and maintenance is easy since you can remove the baffle plates.

The maximum output of this stove is about 21,000 BTUs. It is fit for a flue of six inches. It is able to accommodate logs up to 12 inches.

There is a rear and top flue outlet.

Landove Nextstep Serenity Wood Pellet Stove – With Smart Controller

The Landove Nextstep Serenity Wood Pellet Stove is a smart home heating option, it allows you to switch between 4 heating modes and regulate the temperature.

It can heat an area that measures up to 646 square feet. The electronic consumption ranges from 100 to 400 W/H.

This stove measures about 20 by 29 by 18 inches.

It weighs approximately 143 pounces. The hopper capacity is about 17 pounds. It features an air inlet and air outlet pipes.

It does not put out any carbon monoxide emissions. The particulate emissions are minimal. The burning time ranges from seven to 13 hours. It uses wood pellets for fuel.

EcoZoom Versa Rocket Survival Stove – For Portability

The EcoZoon Versa Rocket Survival Stove is a tiny portable stove that you can use in just about any outdoor environment.

It measures about 14 by 13 by 12 inches. It weighs approximately 17 pounds.

The airflow is regulated due to the damper door. This stove is made from cast iron, silicone and stainless steel.

The door frames are reinforced metal. The stove top is three-pronged.

This mini wood stove insulation type is a ceramic fiber that is lightweight and resistant to abrasion.

The top door insulation and the combustion chamber are durable due to the refractory metal lining.

Vogelzang Ponderosa with Blower – For Bigger Needs

The Vogelzang Ponderosa with Blower can hold as much as 30 pounds of wood at a time.

This large stove is made from reinforced plate steel that is 3/16 inches thick, and it has a firebrick lining.

It has a sizable glass window and a cast iron feed door. This stove has clean lines and it is black, making it easy to incorporate it into many décor styles.

On one fueling, this stove burns for up to 14 hours. Once ash accumulates, remove the large drawer for disposal. The unit measures 34 by 24 by 33 inches.

Logs up to 22 inches long with fit into this stove.

It allows for up to 152,000 BTUs. This stove can heat an area of about 3,200 square feet.

Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove – Budget Solution For Outdoor Use, Sheds…

The Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove is a cheap wood burning stove, ideal for outdoor use since the thick galvanized steel ensures that the temperature is maintained.

There are two vent holes and a solid cast iron door.

The exact BTU range is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 50,000 and 70,000. The overall measurements are 17.75 by 11.75 by 16.26. The firebox measures 11.75 by 16.25 by 10.75.

There are five pipes. This stove also comes with a door opener and an ash rake. It is black in color and features a classic design.

Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to learn more about small wood-burning stoves to ensure that you make the best choice. There are multiple options depending on your needs, and where you are planning to use the stove.

What Are the Types of Wood-Burning Stoves?

There are two primary options that you will have to choose from, including those that use wood pellets and those that use actual wood.

Ultimately, the best choice for your home will come down to your preference and the capabilities of your home.

The classic wood-burning type

They incredibly efficient and an ideal choice for heating larger spaces. These usually must have a chimney that you can vent them through.

You will also need to use a manual ignition. Once they are installed, they provide even heating due to containing a blower. Ash bins will collect the ash and you simply empty it once it gets full.

This type usually has multiple safety features.

Pellet stoves

Pellet stoves use wood in the form of biomass or compressed pellets you can buy in bulk on Amazon. They are ideal for both industrial and residential spaces.

They can have an automatic or a manual ignition. You will feed the pellets into a hopper and these will be distributed to keep the heat going.

Compared to the wood-burning type, these are often easier to install.

You can choose to vent them either vertically or horizontally out of an exterior wall. You can often make it fit your existing chimney using inserts.

What is the Ideal Stove Size?

There are numerous sizes to consider and the best size depends on the area you are trying to heat.

Most stoves are able to provide heat to areas that measure 1,000 to 3,000 square feet.

Measure the area that you want this type of stove to heat. From here, consider the overall design of your home.

For example, an open floor plan will be easier to heat than an area that has a variety of walls and doors.

What Is the Maintenance and Cost Considerations?

Before buying your stove, you want to consider the different maintenance tasks that you will need to do to keep it up and running.

When it comes to maintenance and costs, think about the following elements:

• Some stoves require electricity, so it will use energy in your home when you are operating it
• Some stoves do not come with all of the installation materials that you need to get your stove up and running
• You want to ensure that the fuel type is affordable and easy to get in your area
• Make sure that you are able to clean the ash tray easily, and have any creosote removed that accumulates as you continue to use your stove
• You want to ensure that you choose a stove with solid efficiency since this will typically be less costly to operate over time

Are There Any Restrictions to Consider?

When it comes to this type of stove, there are sometimes some restrictions you want to consider so that you can be sure you choose the best one for your home.

Before buying a stove that is fueled by wood, you want to make sure that the one you want fits within all of the local, state and building requirements in your area.

You can check regulations for wood burning appliances here, local government office can typically provide this information.

You should also consider the type of home that you live in.

Many modern options are ideal for most home environments.

However, there are several choices that are not ideal for use in a modular or mobile home.

You should also learn about the permits and installation requirements in your area. This will ensure that you are able to install the stove without any issues happening in the future.

What Features Are Available?

When it comes to buying a small wood-burning stove, there are often multiple features to choose from. Knowing what some of these features are will help you to narrow down the features that are most important to you.

These features include:

• Air wash system: this helps to take fresh air from outside and push it so that the inside of the glass on the doors stays cleaner, saving you on cleaning and maintenance
• Removable ash bin: When you can remove this bin, it is much easier to just dump it and simplify overall maintenance
• Brick lining: This type of lining protects the different parts of the stove from the heat so that your stove has a longer life
• Digital controls: If you want a stove that has some automated parts, you want to look for one that has digital controls, like the Landove Serenity. This often includes features, such as remote operation and an automatic ignition
• EPA certified: This ensures that the stove you choose is efficient. Efficient stoves are better for the environment, and often most cost-effective to operate and maintain
• Firebox size: When you choose a firebox that is larger, you will be able to enjoy a longer burning time
• Fresh air kit: This ensures that your stove is operating at maximum efficiency and it reduces the risk of a backdraft

What Are the Main Material Options?

For the most part, there are two primary materials that you will need to choose from when you are looking at buying a compact wood-burning stove.

These materials are welded steel and cast iron. The two of them perform the same when it comes to heating performance.

Because of this, you want to look at the cost and aesthetics to determine which one will be best in your home.

Cast iron

Cast Iron often has more intricate designs and shape options, it is also rock solid.

However, cast iron also tends to be the most expensive option.

Every few years, you may have to have repairs made to the cast iron to ensure that it does not leak air. The work typically involves sealing the joints that are located between the panels.

Welded steel

Welded steel tends to be less expensive, but they are also plainer regarding the design options that you can choose from.

They are relatively low on maintenance too, so if you want to install it and not have to deal with frequent work, this might be a good option.

Overall, both of these materials are not as different when it comes to durability, but cast iron is still king.

If internal parts become distressed with frequent use, it is generally not difficult to find someone who is able to replace them.

Should I Choose a Fireplace Insert or Freestanding Stove?

This is ultimately dependent on your personal preferences.

The freestanding type often has more functions to choose from compared to the fireplace insert type.

However, if you already have existing masonry, it is best to look into a fireplace insert option since it will look better.

What Are the Design Elements to Look For?

There are numerous design elements that you want to look for when you are picking out a wood-burning stove. You should consider the following:

• When the stove is lit the fire does not start to spill smoke. This is due to modern stoves having the ability to recycle the smoke. This results in more consistent heating and hotter temperatures.
• You should not be able to smell the wood stove when it is operating. The stove you want will have a variety of parts that will prevent the various odors from getting out and into your home. There should be a tool that helps to prevent this type of airflow.
• Your chosen stove should not have any backdraft. This is important because a backdraft situation can be dangerous, especially if you are operating your stove indoors.
• You want to have a stove with weather protection, especially if it is one that you are planning to use outside. This ensures that your stove functions well in multiple weather types. It also ensures that your stove will not prematurely lose its durability due to being outside in the elements long-term.

Should I Choose Non-Catalytic or Catalytic Combustion?

Both types will combust creosote and harmful gases. catalytic stoves captures and burns these with its platinum grid.

– The non-catalytic type uses a secondary chamber that is hotter to combust these. The exhaust gases are directed into this chamber.
– The non-catalytic type tends to be easier to use and less expensive. However, the catalytic type often has more features and a greater level of efficiency.

With this information, you now know what to look for when you start shopping for a small wood-burning stove.

Which features do you want to have with the stove that you choose? If you could have any of the wood-burning stoves listed here, which one do you like the most?

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