Stay Cozy with These 9 Pellet Stoves to Efficiently Warm Your Home (2024)

Stay Cozy with These 9 Pellet Stoves to Efficiently Warm Your Home (1)

Pellet stoves look almost exactly like wood-burning stoves, except for one key difference. They burn pellets made out of sawdust and other materials instead of logs, making them much more energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, pellet stoves generate very little air pollution.

Jasmine Cheng, a sustainability blogger and green energy expert at The Gentle Album, adds, “They use renewable resources, produce minimal smoke, and have a higher heating efficiency to reduce air pollution.”

We evaluated the best pellet stoves on the market to see which models were best suited to use in homes. In addition to Cheng, we spoke to Allen Hoxie, an NFI-certified expert at Woodland Direct for his recommendations on what shoppers should look for when choosing a pellet stove.

What We Researched

  • Size and Hopper Capacity: We researched pellet stoves with hopper capacities from 18 to 150 pounds to find products with different heating durations, efficiency levels, and sizes.
  • Heating Area: We considered the heating area of each pellet stove and included products that provide a range of heading areas from under 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet.
  • Temperature Accuracy: We looked for pellet stoves that provide accurate temperature readings. We also considered a variety of stoves with manual and programmable temperature controls.
  • Features: We researched pellet stoves with special features like programmable thermostats, remote controls, wireless sensors, automatic ignition, and variable-speed fans.

Best Overall

ComfortBilt HP50 Grey Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • It can heat large rooms (up to 2,200 square feet) for 22 hours without needing a refill.

Keep in Mind

  • The heat it generates varies based on the size and layout of your home.

The best pellet stoves are high-quality and offer even heating—and if they come at a decent price, bonus points. The ComfortBilt HP50 provides a range of premium features, including a 47-pound capacity hopper and LED control panel to manage its five heat settings.

You can manage heat settings via a remote or the panel on the front of the stove. The hopper holds enough fuel to run the stove for 22 hours straight. It provides 40,000 BTU of heat, which is enough power for rooms up to 2,200 square feet.

Just be aware that the amount of heat it delivers may vary depending on your home’s insulation, outside temperatures, and general layout of the house. The stove features a one-touch ignition, making it easy to light the stove and quickly circulate the heat.

Plus, it has an air wash system that pulls in air from outside to keep the glass window clean and clear. There is an ash drawer below the stove to collect the ash, but since pellet stoves typically generate less ash than wood stoves, you probably won’t need to worry about cleaning it daily.

Because it runs on a sustainable energy source, you can also receive tax credits for this stove, which will reduce the overall cost. The stove comes with a one-year warranty.

Product Details: Dimensions: 38 x 20.25 x 27 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 80.4% | BTUs: 40,000 | Heating Area: 2,200 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 47 pounds | Weight: 237 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • There are some useful modes such as a weekly mode that allows you to customize a heating schedule.

Keep in Mind

  • You’ll need to assemble the stove yourself.

If you’re looking for a bargain, the Castle Serenity Pellet Stove is the best pellet stove to snag. Not only does it offer plenty of bang for the back (relatively speaking), but you’ll find that it competes easily with other stoves with a higher price tag.

Just keep in mind that it lacks a couple of extra features—which is understandable considering its lower price tag. That said, it produces a respectable 32,000 BTU, which is an adequate amount of heat for 1,500 square feet.

Plus, it has a 40-pound hopper capacity, which will provide enough fuel to run it for 24 hours continuously without needing to refill it. We also like that there is no extra tubing or hard-to-reach chambers, so it’s fairly easy to clean.

There are five heating levels to choose from, and it also comes with additional heating modes, such as an eco mode that automatically switches the heat on and off to save electricity and a weekly mode that lets you create your own custom heating schedule.

Overall, it’s a fantastic option for smaller homes, apartments, or garage conversions. Our only complaint is that it doesn’t come pre-assembled, so be prepared to put it together yourself (or enlist some professional help!)

Product Details: Dimensions: 23.84 x 18.23 x 36.35 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 75% | BTUs: 32,000 | Heating Area: 1,500 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 40 pounds | Weight: 186 pounds

Best Splurge

Harman Absolute63 Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • It precisely controls and maintains temperature through a wireless sensor.

Keep in Mind

  • It might be too powerful for a small space.

Anyone who wants to uplevel should check out the Harman Absolute 63 Pellet Stove. It looks like a cross between contemporary and country design and comes with extra bells and whistles that make it a dream pellet stove for your home.

Due to its size, it is the best pellet stove for large rooms or homes. You can also use it as a supplemental heat source to your main central heating system. The stove features a 14,100 to 61,800 BTU range, providing warmth for up to 3,400 square feet. If you have a much smaller space, this option might be too powerful.

In place of a remote, a wireless sensor is installed separately to monitor and help balance temperatures. You can place the sensor up to 30 feet away from the stove and it syncs with the stove to keep the temperature within one degree of your chosen temperature.

In the event of a blackout, the wireless sensor automatically resets the stove's settings to the last heat and time setting used. If the batteries die, the pellet stove will continue to work via a backup battery.

Like many pellet stoves, it features an auto-ignite button. However, it only turns on if the temperature is higher than the temperature of your room. This is the most expensive pellet stove on our list, but you can offset some of the cost with tax credits.

Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 32 x 29 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 77% | BTUs: 14,100 to 61,800 | Heating Area: 3,400 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 72 pounds | Weight: 337 pounds

Best for Small Spaces

Mr. Heater Mini Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • The smart features and app allow you to control the pellet stove from your phone.

Keep in Mind

  • The capacity is the smallest on the list.

Small and compact, the Cleveland Iron Works No.215 Mini Pellet Stove is a great option for smaller homes. Made out of cast iron and steel, it is super sturdy and specifically designed to heat spaces sized from 800 to 1,200 square feet.

While it can be a little challenging to set up at first, the heater’s biggest plus is that it has smart features and works with an app, allowing you to set temperatures and schedule when you want it on or off. You can also set the temperature with the remote control (it displays both °F and °C).

It has a digital control panel with an LCD screen on the top, which displays room temperature and time. Another refreshing feature is its whisper-quiet blower, which means it will heat your home without any noise. (Pellet stoves are notorious for being loud.)

It has an 18-pound capacity, which is the smallest capacity on this list. Although it is sufficient for heating a small space, the heat is not going to last for long. If you plan on all day and night heating, be ready to refill the hopper one or more times to make it last.

Product Details: Dimensions: 20 x 18.25 x 28.5 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: Not listed | BTUs:2

Best for Large Spaces

Grand Teton Teewinot Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • The pellet stove can be voice-controlled via Google Home and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

Keep in Mind

  • You can only buy it at Tractor Supply.

For anyone who wants a heater to warm their entire house, the Grand Teton Teewinot Pellet Stove is a great choice. It heats spaces ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Plus, the hopper holds up to 130 pounds.

The Grand Teton comes with advanced smart settings that work with wifi, making it more convenient to operate. There is also a color touchscreen control panel that allows you to adjust temperatures and change heat settings.

In addition, you can control the stove with your voice, as it is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. And it works in tandem with an app that allows you to adjust heat settings and more remotely.

Don’t assume because it’s big, it will be noisy—it most certainly isn’t. That’s because it features whisper-quiet blower technology that keeps the stove running at a 250 CFM sound level. You also receive a 30% tax credit when you purchase this stove.

The pellet stove features air wash technology, which is important for two reasons: it sucks in air from the outside of the stove, allowing the stove to heat the room evenly, plus the air keeps the glass window clean. But you can’t find this stove everywhere—it is sold exclusively at Tractor Supply.

Product Details: Dimensions: 41 x 26 x 28 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: Not listed | BTUs: 39,460 | Heating Area: 2,000 to 3,000 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 130 pounds | Weight: 226 pounds

Best Large Capacity

PelPro PP150 Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • In addition to a 150-pound hopper capacity, you can add another 200 pounds if you buy a separate extension.

Keep in Mind

  • It uses a dial to set the temperature instead of a digital panel.

With a 150-pound hopper capacity, the PelPro Pellet Stove surpasses other stoves on our list. It’s a massive heater that can last for about four days at a time—which is perfect for wintry days when you can’t be bothered to refill it every few hours.

The stove provides 49,200 BTU of heat, covering up to 2,500 square feet. It also comes with a 265 CFM blower to distribute heat evenly and quietly. It’s ideal for heating entire homes, garages, or cabins on colder days.

It has 10 heat settings (double the number of most models on the list), plus, it comes with a built-in thermostat that ensures the right temperature at all times. While it does not include a digital panel, there is a dial that you can use to adjust the heat.

You also receive a fresh air kit with it, which provides the air needed for it to burn efficiently.If you really want to maximize the stove, you can add another 200 pounds of fuel with a hopper extension. But, it is sold separately.

And because it is a sustainable energy source, you can receive up to 30% off in tax credits upon purchase. Note that this unit is heavy, so you may need help with moving it around.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24.5 x 38.5 x 22.8 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 87.5% | BTUs: 49,200 | Heating Area: 2,500 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 150 pounds | Weight: 239 pounds

Best Non-Electric

US Stove Non-Electric Gravity Fed Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • It’s EPA-certified and can run for 36 hours without being refilled.

Keep in Mind

  • It is quite large, so you need to make sure you have enough space to accommodate it.

In case your heater stops working, it’s always good to keep another radiant heat source as a backup. The US Stove Company Wiseway, does not need electricity, making it the best pellet stove for when the power goes out.

This makes it an ideal option for anyone who likes to go camping off-grid. The pellet stove is in a class of its own as it is the only EPA-certified non-electric pellet stove available on the market.But it’s not a compact model by any means and requires a lot of space to install it.

It features clear glass going up the sides, so you can see the fire while it burns. The 40,000 BTU output—more than double the amount of many similar models—can heat up to 2,000 square feet. Also, the pellet stove is designed to vent directly to your chimney.

The hopper has a 60-pound capacity and it runs for around 36 hours without having to refill the tank. The brand says that it’s a modern design, but this is arguable depending on your taste. Overall, it’s rather large, so you should definitely consider your available space before buying it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 24 x 15 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 75% | BTUs: 40,000 | Heating Area: 2,000 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 60 pounds | Weight: 131 pounds

Best Insert

ComfortBilt Fireplace HP22i

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Why You Should Get It

  • It includes a programmable thermostat, one-touch ignition, and five heat settings.

Keep in Mind

  • It does not come with a remote.

If you already own a fireplace, you may want to consider getting a pellet stove insert like the ComfortBilt Fireplace HP22i instead of buying a whole new stove.

“Pellet stove inserts are designed to retrofit into existing fireplaces. They improve heating efficiency and seamlessly transform a traditional fireplace into a more efficient and eco-friendly heating source,” Hoxie says.

To use the ComfortBilt Fireplace HP22i, your fireplace needs to be at least 24.5 inches high, 19 inches wide, and 18 inches deep Once inside, it generates 41,000 BTUs and offers heating for up to 2800 square feet.

You’re not shortchanged in terms of features, as it functions like a regular pellet stove with a programmable thermostat, one-touch ignition, five heat settings that you can adjust manually or with the thermostat, and an air wash system.

The hopper can hold up to 47 pounds and can run for around 18 hours straight when it’s on the lowest setting. The one thing it doesn’t come with is a remote control, so it’s not the best pellet stove option if you're looking for that extra convenience.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24.5 x 18 x 19 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: 80.5% | BTUs: 41,000 | Heating Area: 2,800 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 47 pounds | Weight: 273 pounds

Best Wall-Mounted

Ashley Hearth Products 1000-sq ft Pellet Stove

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Why You Should Get It

  • It comes with a remote control to adjust heat settings and all tools needed to mount it on the wall.

Keep in Mind

  • This stove doesn’t include any smart functions.

If you want a pellet stove that is out of the way, consider the EPA-approved wall-mounted pick from Ashley Hearth. The stove is compact and can be installed using wall brackets in both regular and mobile homes. It measures 36 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

The stove is a 24,000 BTU model and heats up to 1,000 square feet, making it an ideal unit for heating specific areas or a small cabin or tiny home. It has a small 28-pound hopper capacity which can run for 35 hours, but you’ll need to refill it to keep it going for that length of time.

The pellet stove comes with all the parts needed for installation, including a mounting bracket and vent attachment. However, we recommend getting a professional to install it if you’re not the DIY type.

Although it has no smart functions, there is a digital panel that you can control with a remote. Plus, you can adjust the heat with the remote control. Like most pellet stoves, it comes with automatic ignition, so you don’t need to worry about lighting it manually.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 12.4 x 36 inches | Energy Efficiency Rating: Not listed | BTUs: 24,000 | Heating Area:1,000 square feet | Hopper Capacity: 28 pounds | Weight: 185 pounds

The Bottom Line

The ComfortBilt HP50 is our top recommendation because it’s effective and relatively affordable. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Castle Serenity Pellet Stove, which generates 32,000 BTUs and is a great pick to heat spaces under 2,000 square feet.

What to Know About Pellet Stoves Before Shopping

Size and Hopper Capacity

You can find pellet stoves in a range of sizes. But standard stoves are typically about 2 to 3 feet tall. “Hopper capacity can vary, with some holding 40-80 pounds of pellets,” Hoxie says.

Larger stoves, like the PelPro Pellet, can store as much as 150 pounds in its hopper. What’s great about large hoppers is that they burn for extended periods and require fewer refills.

Heating Area

The amount of area that a pellet stove can heat varies, but you’ll most commonly find ranges between 1,000 to 2,500 square feet. “Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact coverage,” Hoxie says.

Temperature Accuracy

What’s nice about pellet stoves is that you can set temperature controls with a programmable thermostat (just like a heater) which is something that you’re not able to do with the average wood-burning fireplace.

According to Hoxie, many models include thermostats and digital controls, allowing you to set and maintain the desired room temperature with high accuracy.

Features

Some pellet stoves come with additional features including programmable thermostats, remote controls, wireless sensors, automatic ignition, and variable-speed fans.

Your Questions, Answered

Can a pellet stove heat an entire house?

Even though pellet stoves can heat substantial areas, whether or not they can heat an entire house depends on other factors such as size and layout. “Larger homes may require multiple pellet stoves or an integrated HVAC system,” Hoxie says.

Is it cheaper to burn wood or pellets?

In general, pellets can be cheaper than burning wood because of how efficiently they heat a home. “They provide more heat with less fuel,” Hoxie says. However, he advises shoppers to check the prices of wood and pellets in their area, as this can vary depending on the region.

Do pellet stoves use a lot of electricity?

While pellet stoves use electricity to operate fans, controls, and the pellet feed system, Hoxie says that their electricity consumption is relatively low and shouldn't significantly impact your overall energy bills.

What is the life expectancy of a pellet stove?

Like other appliances, it all depends on the quality and the level of maintenance. “High-quality stoves can last 15-20 years or more with proper care,” Hoxie says.

Who We Are

Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best pellet stoves, she looked at various pellet stoves, including non-electric, wall-mounted, and insert types. She also spoke to Allen Hoxie, an NFI-certified expert at Woodland Direct, and Jasmine Cheng, a sustainability blogger and green energy expert at The Gentle Album.

Stay Cozy with These 9 Pellet Stoves to Efficiently Warm Your Home (2024)
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