A Buying Guide on Indoor Wood Burning Stoves

This type of wood stove comprises a catalytic combustor that allows for a more complete combustion of wood gases. A catalytic wood stove offers benefits like cleaner emissions and better heat efficiency. This is typically constructed with ceramic or metal due to their heat-resistant nature.

Catalytic wood stoves reduce the release of pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They also result in a higher heat output and lower fuel consumption. This minimizes creosote deposits in the chimney, which can lead to a fire hazard.

The second type of wood stove is a non-catalytic one, which uses the natural combustion process to create heat. It doesn’t consist of a catalytic combustor, resulting in higher emissions. Non-catalytic wood stoves are more cost-effective and low maintenance than their catalytic counterparts. Regular cleaning and maintenance are a must to prevent creosote buildup.

The most efficient wood stoves are constructed from materials like cast iron, steel or a combination of these two materials. A cast iron wood stove depicts a more traditional look while being highly durable. It has high heat retention properties but is heavy and more difficult to install. 

Comparatively, a steel wood stove offers contemporary designs and is more affordable. It’s also lighter, making it easy to install and move around. This type of wood stove might not retain heat for as long as cast iron stoves.

When deciding on the size of the wood stove, consider your home’s heating requirements. Also, take into account the size of the logs when deciding on the wood stove model you want. Larger fireboxes can accommodate more wood logs, while others might be more suitable for just a few logs. The more wood you place inside the firebox, the more heat you will be able to produce with a single fire.

The size of your wood stove can be categorized into small, medium and large. The small one is ideal for heating up 1000 sq. ft. or a small living room. A medium-sized wood stove can heat up to 2000 sq. ft. while a large one is sufficient for up to 3000 sq.ft. Placing the indoor wood burning stove in a central location allows it to heat up the entire room uniformly.

While most indoor wood burning stoves are compatible with seasoned hardwood, some stoves can burn softwood and wood pellets as well. Hardwood is dense and burns efficiently compared to softwood, which may produce more smoke and creosote. Pellet stoves are specially designed to burn wood pellets. Since they don’t burn wood logs, they emit fewer gasses and offer a higher heat efficiency.

Wood stoves offer multiple door configurations based on your preferences. A single door option is the most affordable and allows you to place the logs inside and clean them after every use. A two-door option makes it easier to clean and is slightly more expensive than the single door one.

Wood stoves are also available with side doors that help you place the logs inside easily. You can move the logs and add some more while the stove is burning as well. Cleaning and maintenance become easier due to its better accessibility. A wood stove with a glass door is considered an investment as it allows clear visibility without having to open the door.

A good quality wood stove can last for years if maintained properly. Regular maintenance also prevents any fumes from getting trapped in the house. Things like removing the ashes after every use and using the stove only when necessary helps increase its lifespan. A non-catalytic wood stove requires less servicing compared to a catalytic one.

A wood stove with an ash drawer helps with cleaning and maintenance after every use. Features like an air wash system are convenient to prevent the glass door from blackening from frequent use. Some models offer a rear heat shield which prevents any damage to surrounding walls and surfaces.

Any type of wood stove is cost-efficient to heat up your home since wood is more affordable than oil or electricity. If you have knowledge of strategic zoning, you can make optimal use of a wood stove. This is essentially placing your wood stove in an area of your home that transmits heat better. Wood stoves can also prevent heat loss, making them a valuable investment.

Since you can place these appliances anywhere you desire, you can provide targeted heating to any place that requires it. Make sure there is adequate ventilation before you install a wood stove in any room.

Both types of wood stoves utilize radiant heating to increase the temperature of your home. This means that the heat in a specific radius increases to create a cozy atmosphere. Comparatively, an electric heater just blows hot air inside the room constantly. With a wood stove, the heat will be focused on where you’re sitting instead of the entire room.

Power outages, while not desirable, are a natural occurrence for many regions in the winter. This might be because of the higher usage of electricity. A wood stove doesn’t require energy to burn wood logs and provide heat. So, if the power cuts off, you can still depend on your reliable wood stove to heat up your space.