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A wood-burning stove provides an effective heat source for a home, cabin, or even a tent. It also creates a rustic feel and a warm, cozy ambience.
Wood-burning stoves are made from steel, cast iron, or soapstone and consist of a firebox with a chimney. They can produce up to 70,000 BTUs or more of heat, enough to warm a small home. Some are also designed to double as actual stoves for cooking. Wood-burning stoves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including stand-alone models, wall or hearth inserts, and portable stoves.
In this guide, I delve deep into the world of wood stoves to identify what features you should consider when shopping for one of these old-school heating appliances and review the models that meet these criteria. I researched some 20 different wood stoves, meticulously comparing the features and specifications on each model and scouring through dozens of customer reviews, to make our list of the best wood stoves.
- BEST OVERALL: US Stove 900-Square-Foot Cast-Iron Log Wood Stove
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: StarBlue Camping Rocket Stove
- UPGRADE PICK: Woodstock Soapstone Progress Hybrid Wood Stove
- BEST INSERT: Ashley Hearth 1,800-Square-Foot Wood Stove Insert
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Winnerwell Nomad View Large Wood-Burning Tent Stove
- BEST COMPACT: Ashley Hearth 1,200-Square-Foot Pedestal Wood Stove
- BEST LARGE: Drolet HT-3000 Wood Stove
- BEST OUTDOOR: Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove
How We Chose the Best Wood Stoves
I considered numerous criteria when narrowing the field of wood stoves to these top selections. A wood stove’s ability to produce heat is key, so we only considered models that could provide heat for 900 square feet of space or more (except for the portable and camping categories).
Since the visible flames are a large part of a wood stove’s appeal, I mainly selected models that provide a good view of the firebox with large windows on the doors. Build quality is crucial, so we only chose models with higher-gauge steel construction and forged-iron doors, except for our upgrade pick, which uses soapstone.
Our Top Picks
The list below takes into account our shopping considerations to feature the best wood-burning stove models on the market. It includes stand-alone models and indoor wood-burning fireplace stove inserts, as well as portable wood stoves for outdoor use.
Best Overall
US Stove 900-Square-Foot Cast-Iron Log Wood Stove
Pros
- Compact size fits easily into most spaces; great for smaller cabins
- Very easy to assemble with clear instructions; good heat coverage for a compact unit
- Cast-iron construction is built to last; very durable wood stove
Cons
- Quite pricey for a smaller unit compared to similar options
With its classic appearance and high heat output, this wood-burning stove from US Stove is a worthy choice for warming the home. It consists of a cast-iron body with a modern U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified interior suitable for clean burning. The slim design can fit snugly in most homes taking minimal space while effectively heating areas of up to 900 square feet with its 54,000 BTUs.
This cast-iron wood stove also includes an integrated cooking surface on the top of the unit, ideal for preparing small meals. The deceptively small interior can accept wood of up to 19 inches in length.
Product Specs
- BTUs: 54,000
- Dimensions: 33 inches long by 21.89 inches wide by 25.6 inches high
- Type: Noncatalytic freestanding
Get the US Stove wood stove at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best Bang for the Buck
StarBlue Camping Rocket Stove
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry around; includes a carry bag and packs flat
- Stainless steel construction is rust-resistant and simple to keep clean
Cons
- This stove’s small size requires more frequent feeding of wood
- Not intended for heating spaces; only intended for outdoor cooking
This circular, freestanding wood stove from StarBlue is a great option for those on a budget looking to provide wood-burning heat. Made of stainless steel and weighing in at just 13.8 pounds, it is significantly lighter than cast-iron alternatives, allowing users to tote it around easily on a camping trip.
The Rocket Stove is designed to be assembled very quickly without tools, providing quick access to heat when needed. It also comes with a carrying case and packs away flat, which is a great storage space saver. While not intended to be used as a space heater, this is certainly a budget-friendly option for camping enthusiasts looking for a simple cooking tool that uses natural fuel.
Product Specs
- BTUs: Unlisted
- Dimensions: 15.35 inches long by 7.87 inches wide by 15.35 inches high
- Type: Portable freestanding
Get the StarBlue wood stove at Amazon or StarBlue.
Upgrade Pick
Woodstock Soapstone Progress Hybrid Wood Stove
Pros
- Produces very low emissions; burns clean for 14 hours or more
- Great for cold winters; produces enough heat to warm larger homes
Cons
- Very expensive compared to similar wood stoves on the market
While this stove from Woodstock Soapstone costs twice as much as or more than other wood stoves, its ability to burn cleanly while producing an exceptional amount of heat makes it one of the top-performing models available. As a catalytic stove, it produces low emissions of just 0.63 grams per hour while delivering up to 47,220 BTUs of heat—enough to warm homes of 2,200 square feet or larger.
This high-efficiency wood stove is designed to burn for 14 hours or more on a single load of wood. Its white-and-black marbled soapstone exterior and vintage cast-iron molded frame also provide visual appeal, with four other color options to choose from. The large front window provides an excellent view of the flames, which are enclosed by a 7-gauge-thick welded firebox.
Product Specs
- BTUs: 47,220
- Dimensions: 25 inches long by 30.5 inches wide by 28.5 inches high
- Type: Stand-alone
Get the Woodstock Soapstone wood stove at Woodstock Soapstone.
Best Insert
Ashley Hearth 1,800-Square-Foot Wood Stove Insert
Pros
- Item’s heavy plate-steel and cast-iron construction offers good heat retention
- Integrated blower helps circulate warm air; automatic adjuster allows for easy installation
Cons
- The blower can start to make a rattling noise over time
A compact size and high BTU output make this Ashley Hearth model from US Stove one of the best wood stove inserts on the market. With its 69,000-BTU output, it’s capable of heating up to 1,200 square feet. It’s made from 4.76-millimeter-thick plate steel with firebrick lining on the interior. The 16.5-inch-by-9-inch door is made from cast iron and comes with a ceramic glass window, which provides a wide view of the flames.
The stove is large enough to burn logs up to 18 inches long and has a 65.5 percent efficiency rating. A blower on the bottom of the insert helps circulate warm air through the room. The entire heater measures 20.1875 inches long by 26.5 inches wide by 22.375 inches high and has a spring-loaded automatic adjuster that makes it easier to install into a wall.
Product Specs
- BTUs: 69,000
- Dimensions: 20.1875 inches long by 26.5 inches wide by 22.375 inches high
- Type: Wall insert
Get the Ashley Hearth wood stove at Wayfair or Woodstovepro.
Best for Camping
Winnerwell Nomad View Large Wood-Burning Tent Stove
Pros
- Lightweight; can be converted to compact size for transport; includes chimney extensions
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction that is easy to keep clean
Cons
- Requires more frequent refilling than a larger wood-burning stove
This large, well-designed wood stove from Winnerwell is ideal for cooking with wood while camping. At 108 inches long by 25 inches wide by 20 inches deep and weighing 34 pounds, this stainless steel stove is compact enough for taking to the campground to heat a tent, yurt, or tepee. It’s made from stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion from rain. It includes five sections of 3.5-inch-diameter chimney pipe that attach to the exhaust pipe at the top of the stove for venting smoke to the exterior of the tent or structure.
The flat top is large enough to support a pot for boiling water or a pan for frying up eggs. Two grates fold out and serve as side racks for cooking. The firebox is accessible via windowed doors on the front and side of the stove.
Product Specs
- BTUs: Unspecified
- Dimensions: 108 inches long by 25 inches wide by 20 inches high
- Type: Portable
Get the Winnerwell wood stove at Amazon or Winnerwell.
Best Compact
Ashley Hearth 1,200-Square-Foot Pedestal Wood Stove
Pros
- Small size; takes up less space in a room than similar wood stoves
- Firebrick lined and durable; built sturdy for long life and combustion efficiency
- The brushed nickel spring door handle and pedestal base bring elegance to any room
Cons
- Can only accept relatively small pieces of wood; may require extra work
Most wood stoves require a big chunk of space. This Ashley Hearth model from US Stove comes in at just under 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep—a much smaller footprint, making it ideal for heating tinier rooms and homes. Despite its compact size, it still puts out enough heat to warm a 1,200-square-foot room.
The stove consists of plated-steel construction with a cast-iron door that features a large glass window to provide a nice view of the burning logs. Despite its small size, the door is wide enough to handle logs up to 18 inches long. A brushed-nickel handle on the loading door and ash drawers add an elegant look to this rustic wood stove.
Product Specs
- BTUs: 68,000
- Dimensions: 21.2 inches long by 22.5 inches wide by 31.7 inches high
- Type: Noncatalytic freestanding
Get the Ashley Hearth wood stove at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best Large
Drolet HT-3000 Wood Stove
Pros
- Easily heats most spaces, up to 2,700 square feet
- Large firebox size allows for longer logs, meaning less frequent reloading
- Large viewing window adds a cozy atmosphere to the space
Cons
- Will require substantial space in the home; large footprint
Experience unparalleled warmth and comfort with the Drolet HT-3000 wood stove, an ideal heating solution for large homes. Boasting a noncatalytic design, this stove efficiently generates a maximum of 110,000 BTUs using dry cordwood, ensuring consistent and powerful radiant heat production. The 3.5-cubic-foot firebox accommodates substantial log sizes, up to 22 inches in length, reducing the need for frequent reloading.
Designed for spacious living, the HT-3000 can effortlessly heat areas of up to 2,700 square feet, making it the ideal choice for those seeking reliable warmth throughout their home. With a minimum chimney height requirement of 12 feet, installation is adaptable to various settings. Elevate your living space’s ambience while maintaining an eco-friendly approach to heating. Choose the Drolet HT-3000 wood stove for its exceptional heating capacity and efficiency, transforming your abode into a cozy retreat during cold seasons.
Product Specs
- BTUs: 110,000
- Dimensions: 31.25 inches long by 28.125 inches wide by 36.375 inches high
- Type: Noncatalytic
Get the Drolet wood stove at Northern Tool + Equipment, L&M Fleet Supply, or Drolet.
Best Outdoor
Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove
Pros
- Compact and portable; ideal for outdoor cooking on camping trips
- Durable galvanized-steel construction; top can be used as a cooking surface
Cons
- Small firebox must be loaded more often; can be more work than usual
With its durable galvanized construction, this wood stove from Guide Gear is a great backyard option for providing a cozy hearth to gather around on a chilly day. It consists of galvanized steel with a high-temperature finish. A cast-iron hinged door opens to the firebox, which features vent holes on the front to control temperature.
Its box design with a large flat top allows it to function as an actual stove that’s capable of bringing water to a boil or cooking bacon and eggs. The tall smokestack on the back directs smoke away from the stove. It can also go on the road, thanks to its detachable legs and compact size—just 19 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches high. It weighs a manageable 43 pounds.
Product Specs
- BTUs: Unspecified
- Dimensions: 19 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches high
- Type: Stand-alone
Get the Guide Gear wood stove at Amazon or Sportsman’s Guide.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Stove
Understanding the two types of wood stoves, the materials used to make them, and their heating capacity are all vital when shopping for one of these appliances. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of the best wood stoves.
Types of Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are available in two types: catalytic and noncatalytic. Catalytic wood stoves differ from noncatalytic in that they produce fewer exhaust fumes and burn more efficiently. In addition to burning wood, catalytic wood stoves also have a combustor that burns smoke and byproducts. This design allows the stove to burn cleaner with a slower burn rate, conserving fuel. Efficiency ratings for a catalytic wood stove range between 63 and 84 percent, making them ideal options for use as a primary source of heat.
Noncatalytic stoves are cheaper but not as efficient. They are better suited for use as a supplemental heater.
Material
Most wood stoves are made from one of three materials: cast iron, plate steel, or soapstone. Cast iron, the most commonly used material, heats up quickly and retains warmth longer than other materials. However, it does crack more easily and is more expensive than other materials.
Plate steel, also a common material used in wood stoves, is durable and retains heat well, though not as well as cast iron. Soapstone is a high-end material for wood stoves. It retains heat better than cast iron, burns cleaner than other materials, and can burn for 24 hours or longer on a single load. Most wood stoves consist of either soapstone or plate steel with a cast-iron door.
Heating Capacity
A wood stove’s heating capacity determines how large of a space the wood stove can keep warm when it’s running with a full load of wood. The heating area for most stoves ranges from around 1,200 square feet for a small stove to as much as 2,200 square feet (or more) for a large model.
Keep in mind that, unlike a home’s central heating, which distributes heat through ductwork, a wood stove emanates heat from the fire, so the heat isn’t evenly distributed. The farther someone is from the wood stove, the cooler the temperature will be.
BTUs
The heat output of a wood stove is measured in BTUs (British thermal units). Wood stoves range in BTU output from around 50,000 to 80,000 BTUs. The more BTUs, the greater the size of the space the wood stove can heat. A large 70,000-BTU wood stove can warm up to 2,200 square feet. While BTU level is a great indication of how powerful the stove is, not all manufacturers provide BTU information for their stoves.
Burn Time
A wood stove’s burn time is the amount of time one load of wood lasts before the stove requires reloading. Each stove’s burn time is determined by how much wood it can hold as well as the heat output of the stove, which can be regulated using the stove’s damper. The type of wood being used also affects burn time. Hardwoods burn more efficiently than softwood, which is less dense and therefore burns more quickly and at lower temperatures.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves produce toxic emissions; they create carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if not properly vented outside. Wood stoves are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, which performs safety tests on wood stoves to make sure they’re safe for consumer use. The emission limit for wood stoves is 2 grams to 2.5 grams per hour, depending on the type of wood. Catalytic stoves produce well under the EPA’s maximum, with emissions of around 0.5 grams per hour. Never buy a wood stove that is not certified by the EPA.
Weight and Size
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when shopping for a wood stove is where it will go in the living space. Most freestanding wood stoves take up a significant chunk of real estate since they measure about 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep and require a buffer around them for safety. Portable models are much smaller—about 20 inches high and 10 inches deep and less than 40 pounds—allowing them to fit in the trunk of a car for a camping trip.
Keep in mind that the size of the stove also affects the size of wood they can burn. A standard freestanding or insert wood stove can hold logs up to 18 inches long, whereas portable models can typically handle logs that measure about 8 inches long.
Additional Features and Accessories
In addition to providing a source of heat, wood stoves also create an ambience that’s similar to a wood-burning fireplace. Most wood stoves have glass windows that allow people sitting around the stove to watch the burning logs.
Some wood stoves also serve as a cooking stove, with flat tops that will support a frying pan or pot. Stoves with cooking functions are typically designed for outdoor use and camping trips.
FAQs
The best place for a wood stove is as close to the center of the area requiring heat as possible. This allows the stove to radiate warmth in all directions, better heating the space.
Hardwoods—which include oak, maple, ash, and birch—are the best-burning woods. They will burn longer and hotter than softwoods like pine and also contain the least amount of pitch and sap inside of them.
Use a brush to sweep up any debris or ash that was not collected by the fireplace’s ash pan. Next, use a wire brush to clean off any buildup inside the flue pipe. Wipe off the exterior of the wood stove with a dry cloth. Be sure to avoid using liquids, which can leave streaks.
The average wood stove should last between 10 and 20 years, depending on usage and care.
It is safe to leave a wood fireplace on overnight, as long as you follow a few precautions. Allow the wood to burn for a few hours before going to bed. Before turning in for the night, add ash to the burning logs to dampen the flames and slow the burning process. Next, close the stove air vents to reduce the size of the fire, ensuring it will be safe even when burning through the night.
Yes. If the indoor wood-burning stove is not properly vented to the outside of the home, it can cause exhaust fumes to collect inside the home, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning. If a wood-burning stove is installed properly, vented to the outside of the home, and EPA certified, it is safe to use.
