Buying a pellet stove is a big decision. A good stove can provide years of dependable heat and help reduce how often your main heating system runs. The wrong stove may be too large, too small, too loud or difficult to clean.
I have learned that the biggest and most expensive pellet stove is not always the best choice. The right stove is the one that fits your home, heating needs, budget and daily routine. This guide will walk you through the most important things to consider before you buy.
First, Decide What You Want the Pellet Stove to Do
Start by deciding whether the pellet stove will be your main source of heat or a backup for another heating system. Heating one living room is very different from trying to heat an entire house.
A smaller stove may work well if you only want to heat the room where your family spends most of its time. This is often called zone heating. The pellet stove heats the main living area while the oil furnace, boiler or other heating system handles bedrooms and rooms farther away.
If you want the pellet stove to heat most of your house, room layout becomes very important. Heat moves more easily through a home with an open floor plan. Closed doors, narrow hallways and several floors can make it much harder for the heat to reach the rest of the house.
Before visiting a dealer, write down what you expect the stove to do. Be honest about whether it will provide primary heat, backup heat or heat for one part of the home.
Choose Between a Freestanding Stove and a Pellet Insert
Most homeowners choose either a freestanding pellet stove or a pellet fireplace insert.
Freestanding Pellet Stoves
A freestanding pellet stove sits on a proper floor-protection pad and connects to an approved venting system. You have more choices for where to place it, but the location must meet the stove manufacturer’s clearance and venting rules.
Freestanding stoves are available in many shapes, sizes and styles. Because the entire stove is visible, it may also give off some heat from its sides and top.
Pellet Fireplace Inserts
A pellet insert fits into an existing fireplace opening. It can be a good choice if you want to use an old fireplace without placing a stove somewhere else in the room.
Before buying an insert, carefully measure the height, width and depth of the fireplace. The installer must also determine how the unit will be vented and how it can be pulled out for cleaning and repairs.
Neither type is automatically better. The best choice depends on your available space, fireplace, room layout and installation needs. You can also browse our pellet stove reviews to learn more about individual models.
Do Not Choose a Pellet Stove by Square Footage Alone
Pellet stove advertisements often say that a model can heat a certain number of square feet. Treat that number as a rough guide, not a promise.
A drafty home in northern New Hampshire may need much more heat than a newer, well-insulated home of the same size. Ceiling height, windows, air leaks, outdoor temperatures and room layout can all change how much heat you need.
The location of the stove also matters. A stove in the center of an open home may spread heat well. The same stove placed in a closed room at one end of the house may not heat distant rooms.
Do not rely on one rule such as 25 BTUs for every square foot. That might provide a quick starting point, but it is not a proper heat-loss calculation.
The EPA recommends considering the size of the space being heated and taking a floor plan to an experienced hearth retailer. A good dealer can look at the home’s layout, climate and heating goals before recommending a model.
Compare the Stove’s Minimum and Maximum Heat Output
EPA-certified pellet stoves cover a wide range of heating capacities. Current models generally range from about 8,000 to 90,000 BTUs per hour.
Do not look only at the highest BTU number. The stove’s lowest heat setting is important too. A stove that is too powerful may make the main room uncomfortable during warmer fall and spring weather.
A stove with a wide operating range gives you more control. It can run lower during mild weather and turn up when it gets very cold.
Also check whether a manufacturer is listing fuel input or actual heat output. Fuel input is the amount of energy going into the stove. Heat output is the amount the stove can deliver after normal heat loss. Those numbers are not the same.
You can review the EPA pellet stove information page for more information about heat output and efficiency.
Look for an EPA-Certified Pellet Stove
Before buying a new pellet stove, check whether it is EPA certified. The EPA maintains a searchable database of certified wood heaters, including pellet stoves.
The database lets you compare models by manufacturer, efficiency, emissions and other tested information. This is more useful than relying only on a sales brochure.
EPA-certified pellet stoves generally test between 70% and 83% efficiency, although individual models may fall outside that common range. Compare the tested efficiency of the exact models you are considering.
You can search the EPA Certified Wood Heater Database before making your final choice.
Make Sure You Are Comparing the Same Efficiency Number
Pellet stove efficiency can be confusing because manufacturers may show more than one number. You may see HHV efficiency, LHV efficiency or another type of rating.
HHV means Higher Heating Value. LHV means Lower Heating Value. An LHV percentage will normally look higher, so do not compare one stove’s LHV number with another stove’s HHV number.
The safest approach is to use the EPA database and compare the same efficiency measurement for each stove. If you are not sure what a number means, ask the dealer to explain it before you buy.
A higher efficiency rating can mean that more of the pellet’s energy becomes useful heat. However, efficiency is only one part of the decision. Proper sizing, installation, cleaning and pellet quality also affect real-world performance.
Check the Hopper Size
The hopper is the storage area that holds the pellets. A larger hopper can allow the stove to run longer before it needs to be filled again.
Think about how often you are willing and able to load the stove. A smaller hopper may be fine for occasional use. A larger hopper may be more convenient if the stove will run all day or overnight.
Do not assume that hopper size guarantees a certain burn time. Burn time changes with the heat setting, feed rate, pellet size and fuel quality. A stove running on high will use pellets much faster than the same stove running on low.
Also check the height and location of the hopper opening. Make sure you can comfortably lift and pour a 40-pound bag into it without spilling pellets behind the stove.
Listen to the Stove Before You Buy
Most pellet stoves use an auger to move pellets into the burn pot. They also use blowers to move exhaust and warm room air. These moving parts make noise.
Some stoves are quiet, while others have noticeable fan or auger sounds. This can become important if the stove will be close to a television, bedroom or home office.
If possible, listen to the stove running in a showroom. Ask the dealer to operate it at low and high settings. A few minutes of listening may tell you more than a brochure ever will.
Understand the Electrical Requirements
Most pellet stoves need electricity. Electricity powers the control board, pellet-feeding auger, igniter and blowers.
If the power goes out, most pellet stoves will stop running. Some models offer a battery-backup option, while a small number of gravity-fed pellet stoves can operate without electricity.
Ask what happens to the exact model during a power outage. Find out whether the manufacturer offers an approved battery backup and how long that backup may operate the stove.
Do not connect a stove to a generator, inverter or battery system unless that setup meets the stove manufacturer’s electrical requirements. Poor-quality power can damage sensitive controls.
Look at the Controls and Thermostat
Pellet stove controls range from simple knobs to touchscreens and phone apps. More controls are not always better.
At a minimum, make sure you understand how to start, stop and adjust the stove. Check whether it can be connected to a room thermostat and whether that thermostat is included.
Some stoves can lower their feed rate when the room reaches the set temperature. Others may shut down and restart automatically. Ask the dealer to explain exactly how the stove controls room temperature.
If the stove has Wi-Fi or app controls, find out whether basic operation still works without an internet connection. You should not need an app just to keep your home warm.
Make Sure the Stove Is Easy to Clean
Every pellet stove needs regular cleaning. Ash, carbon and fines can collect in the burn pot, ash pan, heat exchanger and venting.
Before buying, open the stove and look at the parts you will need to clean. Make sure the burn pot and ash pan are easy to remove. Ask how to reach the heat exchanger, exhaust passages and blowers.
A stove may look beautiful on the showroom floor but become frustrating if basic cleaning takes too long. Easy access can make a big difference during a cold winter.
The EPA recommends cleaning pellet stoves regularly and having them professionally cleaned at least once a year. Always follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your exact model.
Our pellet stove cleaning guide explains what should be checked throughout the heating season. You may also want to review our list of must-have pellet stove tools and gear.
Plan the Installation Before Buying the Stove
Do not buy a pellet stove and assume it can go anywhere. Each model has rules for venting, floor protection and distance from walls, furniture and other materials that could catch fire.
Local building and fire rules may also apply. Some towns require a permit or inspection. Insurance companies may want proof that the stove was installed correctly.
A qualified installer should inspect the planned location before you buy. The installer can look at vent placement, electrical access, floor protection, outside-air needs and required clearances.
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommends using a trained professional and provides information about finding a qualified fireplace or pellet stove installer.
Never copy the venting setup from a different stove. Clearances and installation requirements can change by model. Follow the manual that comes with the exact stove being installed.
Consider Where the Heat Will Go
A pellet stove does not move heat through a house the same way as a furnace or boiler. It mainly heats the room where it sits and the nearby area.
Doorways, stairwells and open rooms can help heat travel. Closed doors and long hallways can block it. Small doorway fans may help in some homes, but they cannot fix a bad stove location.
Think about where your family spends the most time. A pellet stove in the main living area may reduce the use of your oil or gas system even if it does not heat every room.
If lowering heating-oil use is your main goal, read our heating oil versus wood pellet cost comparison.
Check Which Pellets the Stove Requires
Read the owner’s manual before choosing your fuel. Many stove manufacturers recommend or require graded pellet fuel from a qualified producer.
The Pellet Fuels Institute operates a third-party standards program. Qualified facilities are inspected and their fuel is tested. Bags from qualified producers can carry the PFI Quality Mark.
Using the wrong fuel could cause poor burning or create warranty problems. Check the manual to see exactly what pellet grade and fuel type the manufacturer allows.
You can view the PFI Standards Program and our directory of wood pellet mills before choosing your fuel.
Make Sure Good Pellets Are Available Near You
A great stove is not very useful if you cannot find good pellets at a fair price. Pellet brands and prices can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Before buying a stove, call local pellet dealers. Ask which brands they normally carry, whether they deliver and what happens when popular brands sell out.
Do not assume you must burn hardwood pellets. Hardwood, softwood and blended pellets can all perform well when they are properly made. What matters most is how the pellet burns in your stove.
Start with our guides to the best hardwood pellets, best softwood pellets and best blended pellets. You can also use our wood pellet dealer locator to find sellers near you.
Think About Service, Parts and the Warranty
Pellet stoves have motors, blowers, sensors, switches and electronic controls. At some point, one of those parts may need service.
Before choosing a brand, find out who will work on it. Ask whether the local dealer keeps common parts in stock and whether service is available during the winter.
Read the warranty before buying. Find out what parts are covered, how long the coverage lasts and whether labor is included. Check whether professional installation, yearly service or a certain grade of pellet is required.
A cheaper stove may not be a bargain if no one nearby can repair it. Good dealer support is worth paying for.
Calculate the Full Cost
The price on the stove is not the final price. Your total project may also include:
- Delivery
- Professional installation
- Pellet venting
- A hearth or floor-protection pad
- Outside-air equipment
- Electrical work
- Building permits
- A thermostat or room sensor
- Battery backup
- Cleaning tools
- Yearly professional service
- Your first supply of pellets
Ask for a complete written quote before agreeing to the purchase. The quote should clearly show what is included and what will cost extra.
Looks Still Matter
After you have narrowed the list down to stoves that fit your heating and installation needs, you can think about appearance.
A pellet stove becomes a major part of the room. Some models have a traditional cast-iron look, while others have a cleaner and more modern style.
Choose a stove you will enjoy looking at, but do not let appearance outweigh heat output, efficiency, service or ease of cleaning. The best-looking stove in the store will not feel like a good purchase if it is noisy, difficult to maintain or poorly sized for your home.
Pellet Stove Buying Checklist
Bring this checklist with you when visiting a stove dealer:
- Will the stove provide primary heat, backup heat or heat for one room?
- How many square feet do you want to heat?
- Is the floor plan open or divided into small rooms?
- Is the stove EPA certified?
- What are its minimum and maximum BTU ratings?
- Is the listed BTU number input or output?
- What is its tested HHV efficiency?
- How many pounds of pellets does the hopper hold?
- Can you comfortably fill the hopper?
- How loud are the auger and blowers?
- Can the stove use a thermostat?
- What happens during a power outage?
- Is a battery backup available?
- How often does the stove need cleaning?
- Can you easily reach the parts that need cleaning?
- What installation and venting work is required?
- Who provides local repairs and warranty service?
- Are replacement parts available nearby?
- Which pellet grades are approved?
- What is the complete installed price?
The Bottom Line
The right pellet stove is not always the largest, hottest or most expensive model. It is the stove that matches your home, runs comfortably in both mild and cold weather, is easy to clean and can be serviced locally.
Start by deciding what area you want to heat. Then compare EPA certification, heat range, efficiency, hopper size, noise, controls and maintenance access. Have a qualified installer review the location and give you a complete installation price before you buy.
Finally, make sure you can find good pellets near you. Read our wood pellet reviews, compare the best wood pellets and test a few bags before buying a full ton.
If your new stove is not burning correctly, do not immediately blame the pellet. Run through our 15-minute pellet stove troubleshooting check first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pellet stove do I need?
The right size depends on your climate, insulation, room layout, ceiling height and how much of the house you want to heat. Do not choose a stove based only on the square-foot number in an advertisement. Bring a floor plan to an experienced dealer or installer.
How efficient are pellet stoves?
EPA-certified pellet stoves commonly test between 70% and 83% efficiency, although individual models can vary. Compare the same type of efficiency rating for each stove.
Do pellet stoves need electricity?
Most pellet stoves need electricity to operate the auger, blowers, controls and igniter. Some models support battery backup. Gravity-fed stoves that do not need electricity are available, but they are less common.
Can one pellet stove heat an entire house?
It may be possible in a smaller or open home, but results depend on the floor plan, insulation, outdoor temperature and stove location. Many homeowners use a pellet stove for the main living area and keep another heating system as backup.
How often does a pellet stove need cleaning?
Cleaning schedules vary by model and pellet quality. The EPA recommends regular cleaning and professional cleaning at least once a year. Always follow the schedule in the owner’s manual.
Should I buy a freestanding pellet stove or an insert?
A freestanding stove gives you more placement choices. A pellet insert fits into an existing fireplace. The better choice depends on your space, fireplace measurements, venting and heating needs.
What type of pellets should I burn?
Use the grade and type of pellet listed in your stove’s owner’s manual. Many manufacturers recommend PFI-graded fuel from a qualified producer. Test a few bags in your stove before purchasing a full ton.
Should I buy the pellet stove with the largest hopper?
Not always. A larger hopper may reduce how often you need to refill the stove, but it can also make the stove larger. Choose a hopper that fits your heating schedule and is easy for you to load.
