Wood Stove Reviews

Last Updated: August 2017

This is one of our favorites, and although it is currently out of stock on Amazon, we just had to tell you more. This model is created by the Chilean company BOSCA whose initials stand for Burn Our Smoke Clean Air. This name speaks to the high efficiency of the product. Between aesthetics, durability, and function there’s a lot to discuss with this stove, so let’s dive in!

 

Key Features

• Heating Capacity: 1,800 sq. feet
• BTUs:~47,600
• Model Number: BCWL450
• Mobile Home Approved: Yes

 

 

 

What We Like

✔Design:The BOSCA features form and function put together in an elegant balance. You get a decently sized firebox, large ceramic glass viewing window, and built in storage for logs. Now you won’t need to purchase a firewood rack, or at the very least you can keep it out of site and simply restock from the Limit 450. The window is made from airbrushed glass and allows the flames to pop against the dark black exterior. Finally, there is a removable ash pan that helps speed up your cleaning process. The bottom line is that this wood burning stove looks fantastic!
✔Heating:The heating range is decent, and there is some technology baked in that makes the usage process a bit easier. The BOSCA has adjustable airflow, which allows you to channel more air into the firebox when you are trying to start the fire (and more oxygen is needed) and then decrease the flow once the fire has started (so it doesn’t burn too quickly). There are firebricks lining the inside which provide a nice benefit. They allow the temperature inside the room to be maintained  better, because the bricks slowly release their heat as the room cools-thus raising the temperature.
✔Durability:Style and function would be meaningless if this product couldn’t withstand the test of time and repeated usage-thankfully, that won’t be a concern. The firebox is made of heavy duty steel that has been folded. The exterior of the stove is covered in a paint that is heat resistant and improves the radiance of the heat throughout the room-all while improving the overall product  durability.

What We Don’t Like

This is a top product for a reason, because there isn’t much that we dislike we are going to have to be a bit picky, so bear with us…

✖Availability: At the time of this article’s writing, the product is currently unavailable on Amazon. I am not sure when it will come back in stock. My hope is that as winter draws near and stove demand rises BOSCA will come through for us.
✖Smoking While Loading:A user reported that there was a small smoke release when the front door was opened to refuel the fire and stoke the flames. This problem can be alleviated by turning up the stove to high heat before adding more logs. It will help burn up the gases causing the smoke, so when you do re-load you’ll get less/no smoking.

 

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Final Thoughts

In the end, this is a fantastic option for your flame tending lifestyle. You get an attractive design, functional features, and an imported premium product. Don’t worry about support, because you get access to the US Stove Company’s customer service. On top of everything, this model fits in a variety of spaces (both aesthetically and physically) it is even certified for RVs, which make it a great option if you’re always in your camper. We recommend you do yourself a favor and check out the Bosca Limit 450, and elevate your natural heat lifestyle!

Last Updated: August 2017

There are countless products in the cluttered flame tending market, so I wanted to shed light on a great product built by a company aptly called Hi-Flame. Their pint sized stove -The Shetland- is a standout product that has been featured on multiple top 10 lists and continues to be commended for its gorgeous design and efficient performance. In this post I’ll dive into some of the specifics that help make this a top rated stove. Let’s take a closer look…

 

Key Features

• Heating Capacity: 800 sq. feet
• BTUs: 21,000
• EPA Rating: 85%
• Log Capacity: 12′

 

 

 

What We Like

✔Design:Most products we discuss only have a have a portion of their components made from cast iron-Hi Flame goes above and beyond and manufacturers the both the front and top side from cast iron. This creates a solid/sturdy design with a classic European look that will charm anyone who sees it. Also the glass viewing window affords a great look inside at the flickering flames. This is probably the most aesthetically pleasing wood burner we have ever reviewed. Looks wise this will destroy a pellet burner any day.
✔Clean/Efficient:This is an extremely clean burning non-catalytic stove that is respected for its high efficiency. Non-cats have air streams located where the smoke would escape thus causing the smoke to combust and more heat to be released. This increased air flow extracts the maximum possible heat from the fuel, but also happens to cause the logs to burn faster. There may be tradeoffs, but one thing is certain-the burn style produces a mesmerizing flame pattern.  
✔Easy to Control:Adjusting airflow is accomplished via dampers, and this model features two of them. One located on the underside and one on the front. In practice you would open the dampers when lighting the fire to get maximum oxygen inside, and then close them partially once the logs have ignited. Two dampers gives you a lot more control over how fast and hot the stove is burning. This is a great feature to have.

What We Don’t Like

While this is probably our favorite stove (although we are partial to some others….) there are still a few downsides that we would like to address. Again, not deal breakers, but it helps to have a more balanced perspective sometimes. 

✖Price: This is a high quality machine that performs extremely well, so the price is going to be more expensive than some other options. That being said, this product is definitely worth considering due to its great heating, design, and overall aesthetic. You get what you pay for.
✖Firebox Size: The interior is accommodating to smaller logs, so you’ll have to choose your firewood a little more carefully. This is the case with any small stove though.
✖Chinese Production: This product is made in China, which could be a turnoff for some, but it seems to have a solid track record.

WARNING: NOT MEANT FOR USAGE IN RV or MOBILE HOME.

What Users are Saying

• Richard S. (owner of 3 months) loves how easy it is to use, and is thinking of replacing his other burners with Shetlands.
• Suzanne S. is impressed with the heat output for its size
• Donna R. loves hers, but wishes it was a little bit taller…

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Final Thoughts

Reviewers enjoy the Hi Flame Shetland FF905 for its classic European look, excellent heating performance, and great efficiency/control. If your budget permits and you are trying to heat a smaller area of your home then this is a fantastic choice. There’s a reason why it consistently ranks as one of our favorites! 

Last Updated: August 2017

For all of you potential stove buyers with cramped living requirements (e.g. mobile homes/boats/small sheds) this stove is the answer to your prayers. The Newport is both compact and reliably, providing soothing heat to a variety of environments. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it’s flexible fuel options and consistent performance make it the highest recommendation on our tiny stove list.

  

Key Features

• Heating Capacity: Ideal for 20-25 sq. feet
• BTUs: 3,000-8,000
• Weight: 12 lb
• Model Number: 00-NEWSF

 

What We Like

✔Fuel Variety:Some stoves limit you to burning a specific fuel type such as wood, ethanol, or pellet. The Newport allows for burning of multiple types of solid fuel including: wood, peat,  charcoal, coa, and prestolog. It can not burn pellets, but based on the small design of this stove it would be a hassle to load pellets anyhow. That being said, you could insert pellet fuel into the stove, but the heat production would not be optimal.
✔Easy Installation:Established in 1932 Dickinson Marine has been producing high quality equipment for use on boats. The Newport-Dickinson is a favorite of boaters for it’s simple usage and longevity. The heat output is especially great for a room in a houseboat, because it dries out the air and removes feelings of clamminess. This solid fuel heater is not just for boaters though, it is also great for heating tiny homes. The stove is well built and there do not seem to be any reports of easy breakage, so a long period of use is expected. The other advantage with the stove is that it’s relatively cheap price point means you won’t worry as much if you need to replace it.
✔Reliability:The Newport Marine does not require extensive installation. You will need to purchase  a chimney and the recommended length is 4-6 feet (6 preferred). Additionally, if you are going to buy the 6ft stovepipe then a barometric damper should be looked into. There is contention on whether or not a damper is required, so be sure to do some due diligence on the issue. These additional components will run about ~$150.

What We Don’t Like

There’s not much to dislike about this stove, because it fulfills a very niche task (heating small spaces) and it does it admirably. To say the heating size is too small would be neglecting the stove’s intended function.

✖Design: The all metal design is polarizing, some may find it unappealing after being used to the stunning designs of some home wood stoves, but I find a certain rugged attractiveness in the design. You can still see the masked flicker of the flames through the metal grate, and quite frankly that’s the most important aspect in our opinion.

 

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Final Thoughts

If you need to efficiently heat a small space, and don’t want to have to worry about super specific fuels, complex installations, or reliability then this is the stove for you. The Newport is a popular seller on Amazon, and we give this tiny wood burning heater our highest recommendation. Stay warm!

Last Updated: August 2017

The Ponderosa is a powerhouse of stove that packs a punch when it comes to heating capacity, but still maintains a relatively lightweight price point. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible feature set.

  

Key Features

• Heating Capacity: 2,600 – 3,200 sq feet
• EPA Certified: Yes
• Log Capacity: 22’
• Burn Time: 8-14 hours
• BTUs: 152,000
• Weight: 400 lb
• Model #: TR007
• Non Catalytic

 

 

What We Like

✔Heat Ouptut: This is the most powerful stove we have ever reviewed on the site. With the power to heat a small home and a large firebox capable of holding 30lb of wood, the Ponderosa is truly a powerhouse. It is worth noting that unless you follow the burning directions as laid out in the user’s manual, you will not get the same results. As one reviewer put it, even if you have been burning wood all your life you still need to read the manual.
✔Design: The front door is made from cast iron, and there is a large viewing window made from ceramic glass. This provides a perfect view into the ever changing flame patterns that natural wood stoves create. Additionally, there is functional design such as an adjustable blower (CFM 100-150) and removable ash tray. The blower helps circulate hot air around the house, and thus facilitates faster warming. The ash tray makes cleaning up after a fire much easier, because you simply sweep ashes into the tray and dispose of them.
✔Efficiency: Even with all this power there is still an excellent 82% efficiency rating and even mobile home approval. The average burn time is 8 to 14 hours. This level of burn time, heat output, and efficiency require solid understanding of operating the adjustable draft levers on the front of the stove. Operational instructions are laid out in the manual, as mentioned above, but we cannot stress enough how important it is to read them if you expect peak performance and efficiency

What We Don’t Like

There’s not much to dislike about this stove, because many of the errors are due to users who don’t read the manual or those who don’t understand you need to “cure” your stove. Curing means letting it burn 2-3 times outside while all the oils in the interior/exterior paints are “off gassed.” This process can be done indoors as well, just make sure the room is heavily ventilated.

✖Blower:The blower that is included is not that helpful at circulating the hot air. We would recommend a non electric stove top heat fan. These are relatively inexpensive, and don’t require any turning on/off or maintenance.
✖Certain Supplies Not Included:The main gripe with this stove is the lack of a stovepipe/chimney pipe. To be honest, this is a problem with other stoves as well, but it is worth pointing out.

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Final Thoughts

If you need maximum heating power for a larger space and are willing to put some time in to learn how to properly operate the stove then the Vogelzang TR007 Ponderosa is the right stove for you. It’s blend of power and efficiency make it one of the best stoves of 2017.

Last Updated: August 2017

The Pleasant Hearth stove is one of the best wood stoves currently on the market. It has an attractive design, large heating area, and affordable price. We like to think of this product as the “everyman’s stove.” If you are new to burning wood for home heating then this is the stove we recommend. Let’s take a closer look.

  

Key Features

• Heating Capacity: 2,200 sq. feet
• EPA Rating: 85%
• Log Capacity: 20’
• Burn Time: 8-10 hours
• BTUs: 77,000
• Weight: 354 lb
• Model #: LWS-130291
• Non Catalytic

 

 

What We Like

✔Efficient Heating: Stoves can look modern or artsy, but if they aren’t doing their job to heat the home then they’re worthless. The Pleasant Hearth takes this commitment seriously, and expands on that with a great EPA efficiency rating and only 3.6g/h of emissions. This means that you’ll be getting the most heat from your wood fuel. The addition of a blower helps quickly warm rooms, and the long burn times ensure that there’s minimal loading work involved.
✔Design: The stove has a classic cast iron door, chrome handle, and ceramic glass viewing window which add a rustic vibe to any space. This stove is about function as well. The interior firebox is lined with brick and features an ash catcher (similar to the grease pan on a grill) so the ash can be easily swept away. Finally, there is a draft control user on the front of the unit, so the user can control how much air enters the stove. These features allow the stove to heat up quickly, and allow the user to tweak the settings for maximum heat output.
✔MADE IN THE USA: It is always great support American manufacturing, especially with a product that was used by colonists to heat their homes.
✔5 Year Warranty: Always nice when a company provides a service like a warranty to make your buying decision a lot less stressful.

What We Don’t Like

✖Curing Time: The stove requires “curing,” which is the “off gassing” (during a fire) of paints and oils used in the manufacturing process. This is perfectly natural, but can produce some smelly results. We recommend lighting the first few fires outside or heavily ventilating your home. This way you won’t be subject to the fumes. After around 3 fires the stove will be fully cured, and will no longer produce any unnatural  fumes/odors.
✖OK Heat fan/blower: A blower is an internal fan that helps circulate hot air throughout the room by drawing cool air in. This comes with the stove itself, and does a decent job of moving air, but the variable speed settings do not make much of a difference.
✖Misc: A few cases of mishandling led to some products being damaged, but his was rare. Some reviewers also wished that the stove could accommodate larger logs.

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Which Size Should You Buy?

If you choose to purchase this stove make sure you buy the right size. The 2,200 heating radius stove is classified as “Large” size, and should heat a small house. There are also relatively similar “Medium” and “Small” sizes. The medium should work well for a small cabin, and the small for a large room. These are only estimates, and it is hard to be accurate when room sizes vary and stove output is not always exactly what it claims to be. 

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Final Thoughts

Reviewers loved how the stove would keep them toasty warm throughout the long winter, and were pleasantly surprised at the heat that was milked out of each log. In the end, what really made them choose this stove was it’s price point and enduring reputation. Overall, these purchasing justifications seem to hold true. This is a decidedly “low-frills” stove, but it does the important things properly. In regards to the Pleasant Hearth though, we will agree with the reviewers, and say that the history of reliability, affordability, and style make it the http://bestsmallwoodstove.com top choice for first time stove buyers in 2017. 

The defender is an air tight steel wood burning stove. It has a beautiful charcoal black finish and is engineered for excellence.

The story of the stove dates back to 1974 when Vogelzang first started offering affordable heating products. The company is dedicated towards providing some of the finest selections in wood and pellet stoves. According to the company website, their motto is “our customers come first.”

When purchasing a Vogelzang stove you can expect the most pristine design as well as a high level of safety and support. All their products have been tested by their engineering department and the stoves meet the current safety standards.

If you’re looking to keep warm this winter, this is the stove to look out for.

 

Vogelzang Wood Stove – 3 Models

There are several types of Vogelzang stoves, the ones we’ll be reviewing today are the TR001, TR004, and the TR009.

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#1 TR001 Defender EPA Wood Stove

The defender is truly a feat of modern science. Its overall architecture is something to marvel at. It comes equipped with a heavy cast iron door that has a ceramic glass embedded within it to give provide a magnificent view of its inside.

The process behind its technology is simple. The air inlet at the front burns the wood upon starting up. The secondary air inlet at the back of the box feeds air to the upper side of the stove through 3 tubes. This allows air to easily circulate in and out of the stove to provide maximum efficiency and the highest level of warmth. In our opinion, this stove has a very efficient way of outputting the most energy for the wood put in.

Notable Features:

• Adjustable legs
• Can take logs up to 17”
• 75% Efficiency
• EPA Certification

Specifications:

• Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
• 68,000 BTUs
• 260 lbs

 

#2 TR004 Colonial EPA Wood Stove

This is a beautiful airtight fireplace that will definitely improve the efficiency of a normal fireplace. Like the TR001 it is constructed of a heavy cast iron door with a ceramic glass interior to allow for viewing of the inside. What’s nice about this specific stove is that it comes with a hearth surround to fully block off the existing fireplace. Installation is very easy thanks to its spring loaded automatic adjustment system.

Notable Features:

• Can burn up to 8hrs
• Accepts logs 18”
• 75% Efficiency
• Blower included
• EPA Certification

Specifications:

• Heat up to 1,800 sq. ft.
• 265 lbs
• 69,000 BTUs

 

#3 TR009 Performer EPA Wood Stove

The performer, like the name suggests, is an absolute powerhouse. It can produce extraneous amounts of heat for long periods of time. Coming in at 119,000 BTU’s, this stove can have a continuous burn of up to 12 hours on just a single load.

Unlike the TR001 and TR004, the TR009 is able to accept 20” logs, allowing for completely new possibilities. It has a much larger heating range of up to 2200 sq. ft.

It comes equipped with a heavy cast iron door and an air washed glass window that allows for a magnificent view of the inside. Another handy feature of the performer is a fire ash drawer to allow the user to easily clean the ash out of the firebox.

In our opinion, the best time to use this stove is when you need lots of heat for extended periods of time.

Notable Features:

• Up to 12hr burn time
• 20” log accepted
• Adjustable high speed (100 CFM)
• 75% efficiency
• EPA Certification

Specifications:

• Heats 2,200 sq. ft.
• 119,000 BTUs
• 356 lbs

 

Final Thoughts

If you are in search of a reliable wood stove to keep your home warm during the cold winter months, you can only expect the highest quality from the Vogelzang models. Depending on your house size and your needs, you can select between any of the three models. However, if you would like to check out some other reviews on stoves, visit our homepage for more information.