By Tony Carrick | Updated Mar 2, 2022 7:39 PM

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In a hard-to-heat area, such as a sunroom, a cabin with no central heating system, or any living or sleeping area of the home, a pellet stove can provide warmth during the colder months. Although a pellet stove looks similar to a wood stove, it burns hardwood pellets instead of wood. These pellets burn more efficiently and cleanly than wood.

Unlike a wood stove, which requires owners to constantly add fuel to the fire, pellet stoves contain hoppers that automatically load pellets into the firebox. These hoppers can hold enough fuel to keep the pellet stove burning for up to 3 days before running out of fuel. Pellet stoves come in various sizes and styles to meet different-size homes, so choosing the right one can get confusing. Keep reading to learn which factors to consider when shopping for the best pellet stove, and don’t miss our list of the top models on the market.

Understanding how much heat a pellet stove produces, as well as its venting requirements, is key to purchasing the best stove for a home. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of pellet stoves.

The three types of pellet stoves are freestanding, wall-mount, and insert.

The heat output of a pellet stove is expressed in BTUs (British thermal units), which is a measure of the amount of heat the stove produces. Most pellet stoves produce between 20,000 and 48,000 BTUs, which is enough to heat between 1,500 and 2,400 square feet of space.

Pellet stoves burn hardwood pellets, which are fed into the stove’s firebox via a motorized hopper. The hopper’s capacity determines how long the pellet stove can burn before needing a refill. Most hoppers hold between 30 and 50 pounds of hardwood pellets, which can supply up to about 35 hours of burn time on a low setting. Stoves with large hoppers can hold 100 pounds or more and can run for days before needing more fuel.

Pellets come in two grades: premium-grade with an ash content below 1 percent; and standard-grade, with a higher ash content of between 1 and 3 percent. Premium-grade pellets burn longer and produce less ash than standard-grade varieties.

Pellet stoves certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—the most recommended purchase—typically have between 70 percent and 83 percent efficiency. The percentage delineates the amount of heat created by the stove that provides warmth for a room versus the amount lost through the stovepipe. For example, a pellet stove that is 75 percent efficient will lose 25 percent of its heat through the burning process, which is usually through the stove’s vent.

The pellet stove’s thermostat collects air from the room, then adjusts the airflow to the stove as well as the amount of fuel the hopper delivers to the firebox.

Temperature controls on pellet stoves vary. Higher-end models have digital controls that allow the user to set a specific temperature, and some even come with remote controls. Lower-end models have analog dials with low and high settings rather than specific settings.

Electric pellet stoves use a mechanical hopper powered by electricity to deliver a constant supply of fuel to the firebox, which means it must be near an electrical connection. Nonelectric pellet stoves use either a gravity feeder to deliver pellets to the firebox or require the user to load pellets into the stove’s firebox manually.

Pellet stoves produce emissions that must be vented to the outside of the home via a flue and come equipped with a 3-inch exhaust port and 2-inch air intake for proper venting. Follow these guidelines when venting a flue:

In addition to an exhaust vent, pellet stoves have air intake vents that supply the combustion chamber with a sufficient amount of oxygen. The air intake can take oxygen directly from the room or draw air from the outside, in which case it requires additional components to connect the vent to the outside of the home. If the intake vent takes air directly from the room around it, the room may need an external wall air vent to prevent the stove from lowering oxygen levels in the room.

Pellet stoves produce less ash and mess than wood-burning fireplaces, but they still require cleaning. Easy-to-clean pellet stoves have firepots and ash pans to remove and dump out, making them simpler to clean than models without these features. Some pellet stoves have air wash systems that constantly draw air over the window to help keep smoke and gases off the glass.

This list trims the field to some of the best-rated pellet stoves on the market. These stoves produce enough heat to warm spaces ranging from 800 square feet to 2,200 square feet, and they feature high-capacity hoppers that can burn for days without requiring a refill.

With a large hopper capacity coupled with high heat output and multiple heat settings, the ComfortBilt HP50 is a good option for providing supplemental heat in a home. Its 44,000-BTU maximum heat output is enough to warm up to 2,200 square feet, while its five heat settings provide adequate control for its output. This stove is also easy to clean, thanks to an 81 percent burn efficiency rating that requires emptying the stove’s ash pan only about once every 3 weeks.

A large 47-pound hopper keeps the fire burning unattended for up to 22 hours on the lowest setting, while a powerful blower (142 cubic feet per minute) circulates heat through the space. The thermostat, which ranges from 61 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, is adjustable via an LED panel or the handy remote control.

Get the ComfortBilt HP50-Grey Pellet Stove at The Home Depot.

Though not as large as some of the other pellet stoves on the market, this model makes up for it with its efficient design. This Pleasant Hearth model puts out 35,000 BTUs with 85 percent efficiency, ensuring users get the most out of each bag of pellets they load into its 40-pound capacity hopper.

While it’s not as large as other pellet stoves, it still produces enough heat to warm up to 1,750 square feet. Its analog control knob isn’t as precise as an LED or digital control, but it allows for temperature changes in small increments. The Pleasant Hearth pellet stove includes an air wash system that keeps its window clear for viewing flames. And, at just 21.5 inches wide and 34 inches deep, it’s more compact than other pellet stoves.

Get the Pleasant Hearth Pellet Stove at Northern Tool & Equipment, Tractor Supply Co.,  or Wayfair.

With a price tag that’s lower than most similar-size pellet stoves, Ashley Hearth Products’ EPA-certified 48,000-BTU model is one of the best pellet stoves for the money. It’s large enough to warm a space up to 2,200 square feet and contains a 46-pound hopper that can supply fuel for up to 32 hours at the lowest setting.

This pellet stove has a tall, narrow design that’s suitable for homes in which floor space is a premium. Despite its lower price, it includes add-ons usually only on higher-end stoves, including a remote control and digital display. A large window provides a view of the burning pellets while a top-mounted blower distributes heat throughout the room.

Get the Ashley Hearth Products EPA Certified Pellet Stove at The Home Depot or Ace Hardware.

Those who don’t like constantly adding fuel to their pellet stove will appreciate the massive 120-pound hopper on this pellet stove from Vogelzang. When fully loaded, the automatic hopper can keep the fire burning for up to 60 hours. It puts out 65,000 BTUs, enough to heat up to 2,200 square feet even in colder climates.

A large blower at the top of the unit is powerful enough to distribute warm air to the far reaches of larger rooms, while an LED display on the stove’s side allows the user to dial in precise temperature settings. A window on the front door provides a view of the flames.

Get the Vogelzang Pellet Stove at Tractor Supply Co.

This pellet stove from Cleveland Iron Works is an ideal option for smaller spaces. It produces enough heat to warm an 800-square-foot space and features digital controls that allow the user to dial in specific temperatures. A window that takes up most of the stove’s front door makes the flames completely visible.

With its Wi-Fi connectivity, this stove can operate remotely via a user’s app or voice when combined with a virtual assistant. The stove also comes with a standard remote control. A powerful 250-cubic-feet-per minute blower distributes heat evenly throughout the home. While the stove’s 18-pound capacity hopper may be smaller than other models, it’s large enough for this mini model to keep the stove running all day.

Get the Mr. Heater Cleveland Iron Works Mini Pellet Stove on Amazon or at Appliances Connection.

What this Pelpro Pellet Stove lacks in flashy controls it makes up for in raw power and capacity. With its 50,000-BTU output, this large pellet stove can warm up to 2,200 square feet even in frigid temperatures. That ample heat output coupled with an 82 percent burn efficiency makes it an ideal choice for larger rooms.

This pellet stove boasts a large 130-pound hopper, allowing it to burn for a whopping 80 hours before needing a refill. Temperature adjustments are made via an analog control on the back of the unit. A large 256-cubic-feet-per-minute blower circulates warm air from the stove, while an auto igniter makes it easy to start.

Get the Pelpro Pellet Stove at Northern Tool & Equipment or Tractor Supply Co.

This US Stove Wiseway pellet stove uses a gravity feeder that requires no electricity, so it’s a good choice for mountain cabins or homes that experience frequent wintertime power outages. The hopper can hold 60 pounds of wood pellets, which is enough to supply up to 36 hours of heat before needing a refill. Air intakes on the front of the stove allow the operator to adjust the stove’s heat, which radiates from 3½-inch tubing and steel baffles at its rear.

The stove produces 40,000 BTUs of heat, which is enough to warm up to 2,000 square feet of space. Since it has no electrical ignition, the stove requires a propane torch to light it. Though not as visually attractive as conventional pellet stoves, it features a small window for viewing flames.

Get the US Stove Wiseway Gravity Fed Pellet Stove at The Home Depot.

With a large-capacity hopper that can run for up to 22 hours on a single load, an ability to warm up to 2,200 square feet, and advanced controls that include an LED display and remote control, the ComfortBilt pellet stove tops our list for the best wood pellet stove. Those looking for a more affordable model may want to consider the Ashley Hearth Products pellet stove, which offers similar performance at a lower price.

We considered numerous criteria when analyzing the features of more than 20 pellet stoves for this guide. How well a stove can heat a space is crucial, so we selected models with ample heating power. Our selections range from a mini stove that can heat up to 800 square feet to full-size stoves that can warm up to 2,200 square feet. A pellet stove shouldn’t have to be tended constantly, so we chose models with large hoppers capable of burning for a day or more without refilling. Finally, we went with stoves that provide controls that make it easy to adjust to the desired temperature.

The biggest advantage of owning a pellet stove is its ability to provide supplemental heating during those cold winter months, taking pressure off a central heating system. A pellet stove can even serve as a home’s sole source of heating in the fall and spring.

Pellet stoves also are easier to use than wood-burning stoves or fireplaces since there is no need to chop and start wood. Moreover, they make less mess and burn more efficiently. Pellet fuel is easier to transport and takes up less space than firewood.

Pellet stoves use recycled materials and produce fewer emissions than other types of fuel. This versatile heat source can be placed anywhere in a home as long as the stove is properly vented, and, if necessary, near an electrical outlet. The best pellet stoves:

Since pellet stoves use combustion to create heat and produce emissions, it’s crucial to follow certain safety guidelines when using them. Pellet stoves get very hot, so keep young children and pets away from the stove while it’s in use. A pellet stove can potentially release carbon monoxide into the air, so make sure to install carbon monoxide detectors in the same room as the stove.

Clean the pellet stove regularly to ensure it vents and functions properly. Finally, use only those pellets recommended by the stove manufacturer.

If you’re wondering how pellet stoves compare to other types of heating or how safe they are, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these heating appliances.

If you make sure to properly vent the pellet stove and follow safety guidelines, pellet stoves are a safe way to heat your home.

Though prices can fluctuate, a ton of pellets and a cord of firewood generally cost about the same. Since a ton of pellets will burn longer and create more heat than a cord of firewood, pellets are cheaper to burn than wood.

A 20-pound bag of pellets should last about 12 hours depending on the heat setting on the stove.

Pellet stoves are between 70 percent and 83 percent efficient according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This percentage is the amount of heat produced by the stove that goes into warming the air around it.

No. Pellet stoves can burn wood only in pellet form. Attempting to use a pellet stove to burn other types of wood is dangerous.

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