Wood Stove

Last Updated: September 2017

The guy said he got ripped off buying what Amazon would have you believe is the best wood stove fan…what???? Let me backup a bit, the current bestselling stove fan isn’t all what it seems. If you read the most helpful review (from the “guy” I mentioned above) it turns out the company is making false claims about their product. Instead of getting scammed, read the reviews below and make an EDUCATED decision. I took the info from Amazon and aggregated it. Hopefully you can find an efficient fan with power to suit your specific needs. Read on for my full recommendations…

Top 5 Best Wood Stove Fans of 2017

	Product Name	Cubic Feet Per Minute	Start Temp (Farenheit)	Rating	Price
	Ecofan 812 AirMax Caframo	175	150		$$
	Home Complete	N/A	200		$
	Kenley	110	120		$
	Vulcan	200	150		$$$
	Warpfive Grasshopper	260	158		$$$

Stove Fan Reviews+Inside Look

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#1Ecofan 812 AirMax Caframo – Best Overall Stove Fan

Quick Facts

• CFM: 175
• Start-Up Temp: 150F

This is the tried and true fan for wood stove enthusiasts, and it is the best value wood stove fan for the money. With over 600 reviews and a 4.3 AVG rating this is a popular stove that people LOVE.  Made by the Canadian company Caframo, this fan has a CFM rate of 175, and will do a great job of circulating the hot air around your home. This unit is incredibly quiet, and pushes a respectable amount of air. You will have to experiment with placement on top of the stove in order to find the spot where the fan heats up quickest. Also, the fan may need to be pushed to start at lower temperatures-although this may be a quirk of a specific unit that was received.  This fan deserves our recommendation and you should definitely check it out, because they sell fast!

#2Home Complete: Cheapest Stove fan for sale (SCAM ALERT)

 

Quick Facts

• CFM: N/A
• Start-Up Temp: ~200F

This is currently the best selling wood stove fan available on Amazon, but not all is what it seems. Although, the reviews seem fantastic, most of them were written in exchange for free product/discounts. The fan is a Chinese knockoff of the ecofan. The claims it makes about CFM are not accurate, and the statement that the fan does not need maintenance is false as well. There are fans that are more powerful, and all fans need maintenance. The price is cheap, but the poor airflow is not worth it. You already spent a decent sum to get the best wood stove, so might as well spend the extra money and get one of the other better heat powered fan options.

#3Kenley – Great Budget Option

Quick Facts

• CFM: 110-130
• Start-Up Temp: ~120F

This is your best option when it comes to budget heat powered stove fans. The Kenley comes in either 2 or 4 blades, and will cost you far less than an Ecofan. That being said, the quality is definitely NOT far less. The Kenley produces 110 CFMs with the two blade variant and 130 CFMs with the four blade version. These stoves are reliable, but just don’t have quite as much airflow as the Ecofans. The benefit is that they have low start up temperatures, so it will not take much heat to initiate spinning. One option is to buy two Kenleys and set them up in tandem. Overall, this is our top budget recommendation.

 

#4Vulcan Fan – All Around Best Choice…if you can afford it

Quick Facts

• CFM: 200
• Start-Up Temp: 150F

Now for a fan with legendary status. The Vulcan moves an incredible 200 CFMs of air, and is capable of operating at higher stove temperatures (past 250 degrees Farenheit) at which point fans like the Ecofan would struggle. Additionally, the Vulcan will last longer because of its unique engine design. It uses a stirling engine, which uses heat from the stove to rapidly heat and then cool a fixed quantity of air. The expansion and contraction of this air (due to heating and cooling) drives a piston up and down, thus powering the blades. The only downside to this stove is the high price, but the combination of compact design, high CFM, and reliability is hard to beat.

 

#5Warpfive Grasshopper – Most Powerful but Pricey

Quick Facts

• CFM: 260!
• Start-Up Temp: 158F

Warpfive is a fitting name for the company that produces this incredibly powerful and technologically advanced fan for wood stove tops. The Warpfive is known as a stirling engine fan, because it uses a stirling engine, and by the merit of its larger blades is able to output a ridiculous 260 CFM. It has the added benefit of having a start up temperature (minimum stove temp for blades to begin spinning) of only 158 degrees. Unfortunately, this fan does not look as attractive sitting atop a pellet or insert stove due to its large size. Speaking of large, this stove costs quite a lot, but if you want the most CFMs with the lowest starting temperature  there is no better option than a Warpfive.

How do heat powered wood stove fans work? (Hint: It’s not batteries)

These non electric woodstove fans are powered by the heat coming from the top of the stove (heat activated). After you load stove and ignite the fuel, the stovetop starts to heat up (warming the fan as well). When the base of the heat fan reaches a certain temperature (different per fan) it converts the thermal energy to electricity via a thermoelectric motor which causes the blades to spin. The spinning blades cause the heat from the stove to circulate around the room, and warm your room quickly and evenly. This unique power source means you don’t need batteries, and the fan will function automatically. Just set it and forget it. The only part that will need periodic replacement is the motor, which gets worn out after a while. Although, to be honest, most people will replace the entire fan. That’s why it’s a good thing that you’re here to read our heat powered stove fan review.

What to Look For in Non Electric Fans for Stove Tops

• CFM Rate: How many cubic feet of air the fan moves. The higher the value the bigger the difference the fan will make in circulating air throughout the room.
• Start-Up Temperature: This is the minimum temperature required for the fan blades to start moving of their own accord. If you normally run your stove at a lower temperature then it makes sense to buy a fan with a low starting temperature (100-150F). Otherwise, you will have to manually start the fan by giving it a spin. It is not a big deal, but we prefer the completely hands off approach.
• Pellet vs. Wood Burning?/ Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic?: Doesn’t make a difference. Regardless of your fuel type or burning style these fans will work!
• Design: Different stove fans have different appearances that fit the look of your room/stove better or worse. While design is the least of considerations when choosing a fan it is still something to consider. Unfortunately, some of the better designed models such as the Vulcan are currently unavailable on Amazon.

Child Safety Warning

The design of these fans can be dangerous to younger children who may try to stick their fingers into the fan blades. We recommend you watch your child closely around the stove and prevent them from playing with the fan. We do not take responsibility for any accidents that may occur, but we would hate for such a thing to happen. Please exercise caution, we cannot stress that enough!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, our wood burning stove fan reviews. There are many heat activated fans for wood stoves, and they are a small accessory purchase that can make a big difference in the performance of your wood stove. You will love feeling warm faster, and being able to sit further away from the fire while still feeling the heat. Finally, we would be lying if we didn’t admit that there is something plain fascinating about a fan that operates without any wires or batteries. It’s almost like magic, but then again prehistoric man thought fire was magic so maybe our obsession with these fire fans is a logic evolution of this primal belief.

Last Updated: October 2017

Finding an efficient and little wood powered stove for RV campers/travel trailers, cabins, or a tiny house can be a grueling task with excessive research required. Heating a small space should be convenient and inexpensive, and the ideal solution should be easy to purchase for everyone. So whether you’re a hobbit or a high-tech enthusiast, we built this site with you in mind, and spent hours researching some of the greatest ways to heat small spaces. Extra small wood stoves have gained immense popularity over the past several years because of their convenience and money saving value. With tons of options on the market, we’re going to help you find the one that is right for you!

Tiny Wood Stoves – 2017 Buying Guide

	Product Name	EPA Certification	Heat Radius	Our Rating	Price	Use In:
	Dickinson Marine Newport	Yes	1,000 Square ft.		$$	Boat & RV
	Vogelzang Tr001 Defender Stove	Yes, 75% Efficiency	1,200 Square ft.		$$$	Home & Cabin
	Pleasant Hearth	Yes, 85% Efficiency	2,200 Square ft.		$$$$	Home, Cabin, & RV
	Hi-Flame FF-905 Shetland	Yes	800 Square ft.		$$$$	Home & Cabin

Reviews + Usage Cases (Cabins, RVs, Boats, Trailers, and Tiny Houses)

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#1 Dickinson Marine Newport Solid Fuel (Boat and RV)

This unit is one of the smallest log/stick heaters available on the market. As a result, it is a great option for boat use or any other confined space. While it was built for marine usage don’t let that scare you. Like many boat heaters (e.g. the sardine) the Dickinson Newport is built to last for decades with proper maintenance and provides quick warmth. Installation is simple, because it only requires 3” diameter chimney parts as well as a minimum 4ft chimney. For fuel, this model burns one to two one inch thick woodfuel or pesto logs, and a handful of charcoal briquettes or coal. It does NOT burn marine stove fuel. Reviewers love the flexibility in fuel choice, and the consistently reliable heat output. It also comes equipped with a removable ash drawer and damper control for easy cleaning. The Newport Solid Fuel  is the smallest and most economical choice on on our site for a rv wood stove.

Usage in a Camper or RV

Although developed for marine usage this micro machine is excellent in small spaces like portable homes, etc. The usage of solid fuel makes it convenient, and the fact that it doesn’t burn you if you touch the outside (protective metal exterior) is a big benefit for those worried about mistakenly burning themselves in a mini space.

Below is a video by Matt Stohrer who provides a look into the Dickerson he installed in his tiny Airstream mobile home.

Features

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 15.6 inches ; 12.6 lbs.
• Non-rust, stainless steel build, safe, reliable, and clean
• Heat Output: Low: 3000 BTU, High: 8000 BTU
• Decorative laser cut door
• Creates a dry heat to dry out moisture inside room

 

#2 Hi-Flame Shetland (Home, Cabin)

A perennial favorite on this site, this European style very small wood stove features state of the art energy efficiency. The Shetland is a small majority cast iron unit (the front and top panels are made of cast iron) that provides a substantial amount of heat for its pipsqueak size. It is sturdily built, easy to install, heats up quickly, and maintains warmth for awhile. The added benefit is that it is easy to control the burn rate and intensity, because this model has two air adjustment panels. The end result of these features is a little product that does its job while looking great and earning rave reviews from friends and family. Keep your cabin and home cozy warm year-round in-style with this beautiful mini log heater.

Features

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 18 x 24 inches ; 174 lbs.
• Overall Efficiency: 85%
• Heats up to 800 square feet
• Accepts logs up to 12”: 6” flue
• Up to 21,000 BTUs

 

#3 Vozelgang Defender (Home, Cabin)

A trusty presence on this website, the Vozelgang Defender is a gorgeous steel plated mini log burner. A sturdy cast iron door with air washed ceramic glass provides a fantastic view of the fire that will complement any setting. This unit has a dual mechanism burning process that results in a highly efficient burn . This means you will extract the maximum amount of heat from your fuel (ie. longer burn times). We love the large viewing window and the fact that this unit has a 100 CFM (cubic fee per minute) blower fan that helps circulate the air. All in all, it is a reliable choice.

How it Works: The burn mechanism

Here is a brief overview, if you were confused about the Defender’s internal processes. Air flows through the primary inlet at the front, and immediately ignites the fuel. Next, air is fed to the top through a secondary air inlet at the rear of the product. As a result, there is air igniting from the top and the bottom which evenly consumes the fuel.

Features

• Product Dimensions: 21 x 23.5 x 28 inches ; 260 lbs.
• Heats up to 1,200 square feet
• Accepts logs up to 17” in length
• Adjustable high speed (100 CFM) blower (optional)
• Up to 68,000 BTUs

 

#4 Pleasant Hearth (Home, Cabin, RV)

An Amazon favorite, this luxurious model is sure to warm your home with effective and efficient indoor heating. The Pleasant Hearth has a wide heating area, variable speed blower, and is approved for use in mobile homes. This unit is one of the top recommendations partially due to the small amount of assembly required. Pleasant Hearths come equipped with a brick lined firebox, chrome candles, and an automatic air wash system that cleans the big glass window. A 5 year warranty is also tossed in to give you that final layer of security. This is truly a value proposition, and should be a prime consideration for those looking for an affordable and well made machine for their compact house or camper.

Note about mobile home usage: You will have to buy a separate air intake, which can be found online

Features

• Product Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 31.5 inches ; 277 lbs.
• Heats up to 1,200 square feet
• Up to 50,000 BTUs
• Mobile Home Approved
• Includes blower for quiet, yet powerful heat distribution

The Benefits

Let’s examine some of the perks…

• Affordability: Mini burners have low operating costs and deliver a tremendous amount of heat to cabins, small rooms, and even boats.
• Quick Heat: the heat takes only a few minutes to get fully going, compared to some ventilation systems that can take substantially longer. Couple this with a space that is not very large, and you’ll get toasty warm in no time.
• Backup System: Little burners offer an essential backup to any existing heating systems.In case of a power outage, your rustic heater keeps you and your family warm and comfortable. The technology has advanced to the point where these mini miracles are powerfully efficient, and capable of burning very cleanly. This is great for people who place a premium on using environmentally friendly products.
• Ambiance: Small wood burners supply a cozy, homely ambiance that truly serves to attract people to your domain. There’s a reason there’s so many pictures of these beauties on pinterest.
• Cooking: Tiny portable wood stoves also come armed with a cooking surface. Incredibly, you have the ability to heat water and prepare meals on them. This may hearken back to the pioneer days, but it can be a quaint experiment once in a while. NOTE: We do not advise surface cooking, but it is technically a possibility.
• Exercise: If you don’t want to pay for your fuel you can always chop it yourself! It’s a great workout, and Floyd Mayweather (…we all know he’ll crush McGregor) does a chopping workout the night before big fights.

Alternative Methods for Heating Small Spaces

We enjoy natural heat due for a variety of reasons. There’s the ambiance created by the crackling logs, smoky smell, flickering flames, and the realization that you are using a system developed hundreds of years ago. There’s the fact that you labor to produce the warmth-you chop trees, scoop ash, and wipe away soot. Finally, there’s the uniqueness-people will ask you about your unique setup all the time.

That being said the above positives could easily be interpreted as negatives. It is all a matter of taste. For those of you who disagree with my tastes, I suggest researching other forms of warming micro spaces. The two I would suggest off the bat are propane and infrared. I would suggest infrared over propane due to the risks of having a tank indoors and the fluctuating fuel prices. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck in your search. Be sure to check out our articles on infrared heating if you end up going that route.

Conclusion

These minute marvels offer an affordable and sustainable way to keep you and your family warm this winter season. No longer will you suffer through the cold in your cabin or live in fear of the power going out in your cozy home. These products are efficient, reliable, and deliver the same ambiance of a fireplace minus the space concerns. This ultimate guide was intended to provide some perspective. Weigh out the advantages and disadvantages each model presents along with your personal preferences-and make your final decision. You can’t go wrong with any of the options above, so don’t strain yourself trying to pick one. If you would like to learn more about heating your tinywood home then we encourage you to visit our home page at http://bestsmallwoodstove.com