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Today’s small wood burning stove is quite different from what they used to be. While they still provide the same advantages of traditional wood stoves, modern wood stoves are completely different when it comes to their overall structure and design. This has lead to modern wood stoves having more uses than traditional stoves such as having the built-in ability to be a home heat source. That said, there are a few more noticeable differences that a modern mini wood stove would have that traditional ones won’t. This includes having more placement flexibility, being more environmentally friendly, the ability to work during outages, and much more.
Having said all of that, choosing the perfect mini wood stove can get quite overwhelming considering how many options there are. Also, with many of these options offering the same results, being able to tell the difference can be even more difficult. However, we have a solution to this problem in the form of 3 wood stoves in particular. With this in mind, let us take a look at 3 of the best small wood stoves available on the market.
Top 3 Best Small Wood Burning Stoves
Here are the 3 best stoves:
| Wood Burning Stove Model | Heat Output (BTU) | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Stove Company 1269E Small Wood Stove | 54,000 BTUs | 30.5 x 25.8 x 21.5 | 120 lbs | Check Price |
| Vogelzang TR001 Defender Small Wood Stove | 68,000 BTUs | 21 x 23.5 x 28 | 224 lbs | Check Price |
| Pleasant Hearth Small Wood Stove Editor’s Choice | 50,000 BTUs | 21.5 x 22.9 x 28 | 243 lbs | Check Price |
US Small EPA Certified Cast Iron Logwood Stove
- 54,000 BTUs that allows heating up to 900 sq. ft
- Heavy-duty cast iron design made perfect for outside use
- Accepts logs up to 23 inches in length
- EPA-certified to the latest standards
- Includes solid cooktop surface and safety handles
- Its weight can be an issue when it comes to placement flexibility
- Not as home friendly as it is outside friendly
- Does not have the most adequate air supply system
- EPA certification means it doesn’t have desirable traditional stove features
At the very least, the US Stove Company Small EPA Certified Cast Iron Logwood Stove is a good outdoor stove. It more than delivers in environments such as a camping event, outdoor cooking, or fireplace gathering. While it may be a little more difficult to move because of its weight compared to other stoves, this stove works just fine being situated in one location for a long period of time. In the same breath, this can make repairing it somewhat of a hassle. If anything were to go wrong with the mechanics of it, the fact that it is usually in a fixed place will mean having to take it all apart. In any event, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be used as an indoor stove. If you absolutely want to use it indoors, just be prepared to do more upkeeping for this stove than you would have to for any other one. Nonetheless, this is still a solid wood burning stove.
Now, can it take the title as the best mini wood stove on the market? Let’s just say that there are other options to consider. To get an understanding as to what makes up the best stove, the main component is adaptability. In other words, can it perform as good inside as it can outside? As far as the US Stove Company Small EPA Certified Cast Iron Logwood Stove, we have concluded that it is more of an outdoor stove than anything else. If you want to classify it in the group of outdoor wood-burning stoves, then it can take the title as the best stove. However, it is still among 3 of the best stoves to choose from.
Vogelzang TR001 Defender EPA Wood Stove
- Can efficiently heat up to 1,200 square feet
- Has cast iron feed door with large ceramic glass window for viewing and locking in heat
- Heats up to 68,000 BTUs
- Can burn up to several hours in one fuel
- Designed with heavy-duty reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
- Adjustable legs allow for great placement flexibility
- It is not EPA certified
- Legs tend to break under the weight of stove
- Doesn’t hold up as an outside stove as good as it does inside
- May take longer to heat up compared to other small wood stoves
Frankly, it takes a do-it-all stove to be given the label as the best small wood burning stove around. More specifically, it takes top notch quality mixed in with minimal effort and functionality. Most people want a stove that takes the smallest number of steps to operate. That said, while this wood burning stove does add more value than your average stove, it does have some drawbacks. For example, while this stove is one of the most placement flexible stoves on the market, the legs that it stands on tend to break if moved around too often. Also, while it can burn up to several hours in one fueling at its peak, it does take some time to heat up. Simply put, if this stove didn’t have so many drawbacks, it can easily be labeled as the very best mini wood stove. However, the fact that it is still a very popular stove among buyers is a credit to its abilities. You can bet that the Vogelzang TR001 Defender EPA wood stove will not disappoint when it comes down to abilities such as economical heating and cooking convenience.
Given how well-rounded the Vogelzang TR001 Defender EPA Wood Stove is, it does inch closer to being one of the best wood burning stoves. That being said, as mentioned before, it has too many drawbacks that prevent it from being the very best. However, being one of the most popular wood burning stoves goes to show you how effective it is. Compared to other stoves, this one is often given a five-star review. If the current state of this stove is upgraded to the best of its abilities, it could very well end up being the most sought-after small wood stove on the market.
Pleasant Hearth Stove
- EPA Certified With NSPS Phase 1 Approved
- Can quickly heat up over up over 1,000 sq. ft
- Heats up with 50,000 BTUs
- Come with a large ceramic glass for exceptional viewing
- Has an additional speed blower for quiet and powerful heat distribution
- Comes with an instructional DVD for easy assembly & operation
- Made in the USA with an additional 5 year warranty
- Tends to rust easily
- Cleaning and maintenance can be somewhat of a hassle
- Additional tools have to be bought separately as opposed to coming with the stove
- It is smaller in size compared to other wood stoves
Last but not least we have the Pleasant Hearth Stove. Right off the bat, the main feature of this stove is its smaller design. While we are talking about wood stoves, this one is definitely smaller in size compared to other stoves. Apart from this, it still delivers impeccable heating and placement flexibility. Additionally, its design also compliments the decor of most homes. In other words, not only can this stove provide you with an amazing output but, it can also serve as a home fashion statement. That last personal touch is one of the reasons it is one of the most beloved home stoves around. As far as adaptability, it is also the closest at being able to perform as good inside as it does out, despite it being more an inside stove than an outdoor one. It is also receives good reviews across multiple platforms. All in all, its qualities definitely make it the closest at taking home the title as the best stove available.
A quick search of any wood stove review is sure to bring up the Pleasant Hearth Stove. In most cases, this is because it is viewed as one of the best stoves to compare to because of its adaptability. However, the fact that it serves as more of an indoor stove than an outdoor stove means it has a little more ground to cover before being labeled the very best. That said, it sets the standard of excellence as for all other wood burning stoves on the market. In the end, it just adds a little more than any other wood burning stove.
How To Determine Which Wood Stove Is The Best For You
Out of these three wood-burning stoves, the main factor that will determine which stove is the best for you will come down to your living situation. While personal preference does play a role, which we will discuss as well, the majority of any stove buying decisions will first have to take into account where the stove will be placed. If you are considering getting more of an outdoor burning stove, that leaves you with a bit more flexibility in choice. The opposite is the case when it comes to inside wood burning stoves. However, we can’t forget the fact that each of these stoves does have placement flexibility. While some are more flexible than others, find comfort in knowing that you are guaranteed at least some breathing room depending upon which stove best fits your living situation.
Small Wood Burning Stoves As A Whole
As a whole, any one of these 3 stoves could do wonders for any buyer. All three of these can deliver in their promises to heat, cook, and be somewhat adaptable. However, where the separation for most wood burning stoves comes from is when it comes to added benefits. In other words, the stove that is able to do more than just your average wood burning stove will be the one that people gravitate towards. This includes any stove that can be a little more environmentally friendly, a little more flexible, and a little more convenient. At the end of the day, it is the small details that make the most difference.
Having said all of that, we have to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect wood burning stove. Despite what any mini wood burning stove review will tell you, the majority of decisions will come down to personal preference. For example, with any given five-star review, any person won’t hesitate to look for another one if that same stove doesn’t fit their personal needs. In extreme cases, no matter how good a stove’s abilities are, something as simple as the stove’s appearance can scare a buyer away. Speaking of which, there is a feature that adds a ton of value that has not been discussed in detail yet. In addition, it is a feature that is often looked over by buyers. When it comes to the style and appearance of the stove, as a buyer, you have to take into account how it will fit into the style of your home. Any stove that is too outside of your home’s style, despite how good it may be, may end up being a deal breaker when it is all set and done.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when getting a wood burning stove. Don’t let this process get the best of you. Instead, focus on these three main components: if a stove fits your style, is effective, and is adaptable, that should be enough to garner a buy.
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