During the winter, it is impossible to rest peacefully in the living room without chilling from head to toe. We have to dress warmly with several blankets on our knees. To put ourselves at ease, we can opt for a Best pellet stove. We have chosen the best to help you with your purchase.
What are Pellet Stoves
Table of Contents
A pellet stove is characterized mainly by being a cleaner and cheaper source of heat than other methods we use to heat our home.
In these times in which other types of energy such as electricity, natural gas or gas oil do not stop increasing their price, more and more people are depositing in the pellets their confidence to spend the coldest months of the year. way.
The pellets represent a 100% renewable fuel with very low emissions compared to other fuels and, in addition, its price is much cheaper. Throughout this comparison of pellet stoves or also known as biomass, not only are we going to show you the cheapest and most efficient models of today, but we will also review the savings that the pellet represents compared to other fuels that even now you have consumed.
Types of stoves
For some years, biomass heating has become one of the best options to heat the home. In the market there are several types of stoves that you should know before making a decision because each model is designed to meet a series of very specific needs:
1. Air pellet stoves
The air pellet stoves are, as its name suggests, the stoves that burn the pellet and that expel the heat resulting from the combustion to the room in which the installation is made. They are the most common and the cheapest since their installation is very simple.
2.Ductile pellet stoves
The ductile pellet stoves have a very important feature, which is that they are capable of heating the room in which they are installed and the adjacent room. This is possible thanks to an additional channel that has in its back, to which we can attach a tube to expel heat to other rooms.
They are somewhat more expensive, but whenever it is possible to use this type of machines, it is a good option.
3. Pellet Thermostats or Hydro-Stoves
Pellet thermostats work in the same way as air heaters, but they also have the capacity to heat the water of the radiators and thus make the most of their power.
They are more powerful, usually have a larger fuel tank and when it is time to completely heat a place they are much more efficient, exceeding 90% of performance.
Best Pellet Stove | Comparison Table 2022
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Iron Works PS20W-CIW Mini Pellet Stove, WiFi Enabled, Black | Mr. Heater | Check Price | |
| Cleveland Iron Works PSBF66W-CIW Bayfront Pellet Stove, WiFi Enabled, Black | Cleveland Iron Works | Check Price | |
| Cleveland Iron Works PS60W-CIW Medium Pellet Stove, WiFi Enabled, One Size, Black | Cleveland Iron Works | Check Price | |
| pelpro Pellet Stove, 2,500 Sq Ft, PP130-B | Pelpro | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Pellet Stove | 2022 Reviews
1. Cleveland Iron Works PS20W-CIW best rated pellet stoves
- 26% Tax credit for 75% efficiency or higher
- Built-in WiFi – Smart Home Technology
- Heats up to 800 sq ft
- 18 lb large capacity hopper capacity
- Digital control panel and remote included
- Whisper quiet blower
- Fresh air supply kit included
2. Cleveland Iron Works PSBF66W-CIW best pellet stoves for the money
- 26% Tax credit for 75% efficiency or higher
- Built-in WiFi – Smart Home Technology
- Heats up to 2500 sq ft
- 66 lb large capacity hopper capacity
- Digital control panel and remote included
- Whisper quiet blower
- Fresh air supply kit included
3. Cleveland Iron Works PS60W-CIW
- 26% Tax credit for 75% efficiency or higher
- Built-in WiFi – Smart Home Technology
- Heats up to 1200 sq ft
- 60 lb large capacity hopper capacity
- Digital control panel and remote included
- Whisper quiet blower
- Fresh air supply kit included
4. Pelpro Pellet Stove
- POWERFUL HEATER features 50, 000 BTU input and 40, 600 BTU output that equals less loss of heat. The stoves easy to use controls include automatic ignition and intuitive dial thermostat for easy, comfortable heat.
- UP TO 2, 500 SQ FT OF HEATED SPACE due to the high BTU output and the large capacity hopper provides up to 96 hours of burning time. The stoves powerful variable-speed blower is 120 v and plugs into a 110 outlet.
- 130 POUND HOPPER capacity provides up to 4 days between refueling and features a self-emptying fire pot that extends time between cleanings.
- EPA CERTIFIED for clean-burning performance, 58% more heat output than the competition. The pellet stove is also EPA certified for best in class fuel economy at 87. 5%.
- COVERAGE provides a 5-year Firebox and 1-year Electrical for the pellet heater. This stove is mobile home approved with the included fresh air intake.
- Material Type: Steel
How to choose the Best Pellet Stove? Buyer’s Guide
As you can imagine, there are many pellet stove models, as well as many brands competing for the market. But then, what are the criteria of choice to determine which would be best suited to our needs and our budget? Here are some answers.
The Power :
As with many other devices, power is one of the aspects in which we first focus our attention. In the case of this type of stoves, the manufacturers usually show us the power in kilowatts (kW). In the market, we can find models with powers that can vary between 6 and 14 kW. It is evident that the more power we choose, the more surface we will be able to heat with the same machine. Of course, if we intend to heat large areas, the power is as important as the place where we place the stove and the distribution of the house.
The price
Needless to say, buying a pellet stove is an important investment. The price will then necessarily be one of the first criteria of choice. For that, do not forget that it is about a long-term investment and that the apparatus will participate a lot in the economy on the heating. In all cases, it should be noted that we can find models offered at just under 1000 euros, functional and reliable models.
Performances
Of course, the performance of the device will also depend on the price. But still, think about comparing the performance of each device. In general, there are two types of efficiency, the maximum power, which is often less than the reduced power. The more the rate of return approaches 100%, the better.
Also, remember to check the consumption of pellets. Again, the consumption will be different depending on whether you choose the maximum or minimum power. In direct relation with the consumption, one then has the autonomy which can also vary according to the power used. At this level, it should be noted that some devices can reach an autonomy of 48 hours. The capacity of the pellet tank is also to be checked.
Also, think about checking and comparing thermal power, power consumption, CO2 and fine particle emissions, etc.
Pellet deposit :
The main advantage of this type of stoves is that the fuel supply is very fast and clean, not as it happens with other heating systems such as firewood. The stoves have a deposit or hopper of a certain capacity in which the pellets will be stored. In smaller models, the hopper usually has a capacity of about 15 kg, which precisely matches what weighs a bag of pellets. The more capacity you have the better since we will have to reload the pellet machine much less frequently, but it should not be a determining factor when choosing. The capacity can range from 15 to 30 Kg in the case of air pellet stoves, but then there are biomass boilers whose deposit can be 100 Kg or more.
Fuel consumption:
The consumption of pellets in some way is also linked to performance, so it is another aspect that we must take into account to know which pellet stove to buy cheap. The manufacturer himself usually tells us the maximum and minimum consumption, although this value also depends on the power of the machine. The consumption is expressed in Kg of fuel per hour. In general, most models range from 0.5 kg/ha minimum power and up to 3 kg/ha maximum power.
The options
Here, we especially want to talk about ease of use. Check if the device has an automatic mode that will allow it to self-regulate according to the ambient temperature, and/or a “standby” mode, allowing it to stop when the temperature is reached, and to restart when it goes down. Remember also to check the possibility of programming, to choose the hours of operation of the device.
As said above, some devices even offer the possibility of remote control, either via remote control [provided or not?], Or via a smartphone or computer through an application.
The accessories
It is important to check the accessories supplied with the unit. While some models are provided with everything needed, especially for the vent pipe [flanges, housings, wall collar, elbow, duct, straight element, etc.], others are not.
Design
A pellet stove is a piece of furniture that will participate in the decoration of the room where it will be installed. In general, it is found in the living room, and it must be pretty. Moreover, as not everyone benefits from the same spaces/surfaces in their homes, the brands have also designed models of different sizes. Some are imposing, others are less so, and may, for example, be installed in a corridor.
Security
Cheap pellet stoves incorporate a multitude of security systems to avoid any kind of mishap. In the presence of low oxygen or too high a temperature, it will automatically turn off and lock until the conditions are optimal to start working again.
How does a pellet stove work?
A pellet stove uses more or less the same principle as an old fireplace. It involves burning wood, or more precisely sawdust in the case of a pellet stove, to spread the heat in the room. The smoke is sent to the outside. But the system used by the pellet stove is much more advanced.
Granules or pellets
Thus, sawdust is used which is called pellets or pellets. These have the advantage of having a low humidity, which promotes the quality of combustion. Located in the tank, this biofuel is gradually transported to the combustion chamber by means of a worm. We can control the speed of this routing.
Obtaining and diffusing heat
While burning, the pellets in the combustion chamber emit heat, which will diffuse into the room, or into other rooms using a ventilation system. Note that today’s models embody systems allowing precise adjustments and programming to activate combustion, using simple control buttons. Some models even allow remote control, via remote control or via an application on Smartphone or computer.
Note that biofuel is burned using an electrical resistor. In other words, the device works on the AC outlet. Finally, as the combustion will generate ashes, it will regularly empty the ashtray.
Pellet stove or wood stove?
Each of these two different types of stoves is interesting because it uses biofuel. They thus offer a certain advantage in terms of heating costs. That said, everyone also has its advantages and disadvantages. We will try to name a few, to help you choose better.
Fuel
The wood stove uses logs of wood, like the good old chimney. If the logs are cheaper to buy, however, it will be necessary to store them somewhere outside. They are also messy and can harbor insects. Moreover, they have an effectiveness and a limited autonomy. A log usually offers a battery life of 4 hours, after which it will supply the device.
For its part, the pellet stove uses sawdust, with a lower humidity, which ensures better combustion. The pellets are also cleaner and are stored in bags. They do not require a special location outside, they can be stored in the house, in a room away from moisture. In contrast, sacks of pellets cost more. But pellet stoves offer more autonomy.
By cons, with a wood stove, we find the warm atmosphere of the good old fireplace, with the crackling and the special smell of wood burning. While with a pellet stove, it will be especially the sound of the fan that will be heard.
A pellet stove also requires much more maintenance than a wood stove. It will regularly clean the system to prevent it is clogged with ashes and/or grease.
The effectiveness
In terms of performance, it turns out that pellet stoves are more efficient, both in terms of heat propagation and ease of use. Their coverage is significantly higher, thanks to the diffusion of heat through ventilation, compared to the woodstove that usually only covers the area nearby, much like a good old fireplace.
In terms of user comfort, some models of pellet stoves can even be controlled remotely, using a remote control or a smartphone or computer. On the other hand, they are more difficult to mount because of their complex system.
How to choose the location of the pellet stove
The choice of location is very important, as it will also depend on the efficiency of the stove, especially for nearby rooms. In general, it will always be better to place it towards the center of the main room. If you also want it to heat the upper floor, it will be more judicious to place it near the stairwell.
On the other hand, if the unit uses a piping system to distribute the heat in all rooms, then the location will not really matter.
Mounting
As it is a device of a certain size, it is rare that it is delivered all assembled. You will usually have to assemble it yourself. As the embedded system is rather complex, it is advisable to follow the assembly diagram provided in the operating instructions. That said, with patience and a little elbow grease, the operation should be within everyone’s reach.
Install the vent pipe
Ideally, you already have an operational exhaust duct, like all dwellings built since 2006. If necessary, you will have to use the old chimney, for example, provided you check the water tightness of the chimney. It is also possible to pass a newly sealed conduit in the latter.
If not, you should also know that some models are now equipped with horizontal ducts, which will cross [will] join the nearest outer wall. However, this type of installation is not really suitable for condominiums, only in individual housing.
Conclusion
When you buy an innovative device to install in your living room, you must surely be more demanding for its aesthetics.
But this is not yet a primary criterion for judging the necessity of this product. You also need a device that best meets your needs, which can bring as much warmth to the whole family.
That’s why we recommend the Invicta Idol pellet stove which has a sleek design and works with a maximum power of 10 kW.
It is able to heat a large room with a volume of 300m 3. The carbon monoxide emission rate is minimal, with only 0.044%. It is the ideal device to face the winter.
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