Wood burning stoves have advanced in the past 30 years to become a centerpiece in many homes today. They have beautiful glass doors and stylish looks that fit in with almost any décor from modern to early American. I have researched and found, in my opinion, the top 25 wood burning stoves.
The stoves are divided into three categories; large stoves of 40,000+ BTU’s per hour, medium stoves that range from 40,000 to 25,000 BTU’s per hour, and small stoves below 25,000 BTU’s per hour.
After the stoves were selected on size, the criterion was then based on the longevity of the brand, the relative looks of the stove and the range of price.
All stoves are indoor wood burning stoves. Pellet burning stoves are covered in a separate article. Every stove in this list is also EPA certified to 2015 standards.
LARGE WOOD BURNING STOVES – 40,000 BTU’s AND ABOVE
These stoves will heat a 3,000 sq. ft. home and some of the larger stoves in the list are capable of heating a 4,000 sq. ft. home. Each will hold a large amount of wood and will burn a sizable stack of wood in a season. The price tag may be a bit steep on some, but the features and technology are some of the best. There are a few stoves that you may find are a bargain also.
Buck Stove (New Buck Corporation) Bay 91
Buck stoves have been a mainstay in the wood stove manufacturing business since the 1970s. The model Bay 91 is an insert that will heat up to 32,000 sq. Ft. and has a catalytic type burner.
Buck stoves have innovated its design to stay up to date while meeting the EPA standards.
Iron Strike – Grandview 300
This stove is a free standing model, claiming to have a 100,000 BTU/hr. output. That would heat a 4,000 sq. ft. home. Quite a feat for a single stove. The price is reasonable for the size at $2,620.00.
This is a non-catalytic type stove and exceeds the 2015 EPA standards, definitely worth a look.
Stove Builders International FL-050 Flame NXT-I
This stove comes in third on my list of large stoves. The price versus size places it here. For $1,837.00 this stove boasts an 80,000 BTU/hr. output while meeting the 2015 EPA standards. A bargain if you are willing to order it and install yourself.
Jotul – North America F600
Jotul has a line of modern looking gas and pellet stoves, but the F600 is a full wood burning stove model that lists an 81,500 BTU/hr. output.
This stove made the list due to its old-style, cast iron look. Inside, it has a non-catalytic firebox to meet the EPA standards. It will also meet you with a slightly higher price of $3,300.00 for that cast iron look.
Travis Industries – 44 Elite
By far the highest priced stove in the list is the 44 Elite. It tops the list at $7,290.00. It boasts a catalytic burner and a maximum BTU output of 76,700 BTU/hr.
United States Stove Company – Defender 2500
Not many companies operating today were founded in 1869. Originally called Perry Stove Works, this long history lands them their large size stove on the list at number six.
A freestanding stove with 75,000 BTU/hr. output and a price tag under $1,200.00.
Wood Stock Soapstone Company – Progress Hybrid
This unique large stove uses both catalytic and non-catalytic processes to re-burn the smoke and reach its maximum efficiency of 1.3 grams/hr. of particulate matter output. This makes this stove one of the most efficient stoves (by EPA standards) in the larger stove category. It can also put out 73,200 BTU/hr. while maintaining that efficiency.
High Sierra Stoves Ltd. – 4700 TEC
An insert with low-end output for large stoves of 42,600 BTU/hr. The price is a little higher for a lower output stove, but Sierra has also been building a quality product for over 30 years. This model runs $3,290 MSRP.
Hearth and Home Technologies – Quadra Fire 5100i
This insert has a much larger BTU/hr. rating of 67,800. A non-catalytic model which can also be purchased as a free standing stove (drop the i). The S100 lists a burn time of 14 hours which is due to the large firebox area.
Regency – I3100
The last stove on the large stove list is an insert by Regency Stoves. The I3100 notes an 80,000 BTU/hr. output for a catalytic stove. The MSRP on this model had my interest at $2,507.
It is called the Regency Classic, and the “Classic” design is simple but very nice looking as an insert into an existing fireplace.
| Co | Mdl | BTU 1000 | Type | Price |
| New Buck | Bay 91 | 50.4 | Cat | 2,550 |
| Ironstrike | Grandview 300 | 100 | Non | 2,620 |
| Stove Builders International | FL-050 Flame NXT-I | 80 | Non | 1,837 |
| Jotul North America | F-600 | 81.5 | Non | 3,300 |
| Travis Industries | 44-Elite | 76.7 | Cat | 7,293 |
| US Stove Company | 2500 | 75 | Non | 1,135 |
| Wood Stock Soapstone Co | Progress 1.3 | 75 | Cat | 3,990 |
| High Sierra Stoves Ltd. | 4700 TEC | 42.6 | Cat | 3,288 |
| Hearth & Home Tech. | 5100i | 67.8 | Non | 3,520 |
| Regency | I3100 | 80 | Cat | 2,507 |
MID-SIZE WOOD BURNING STOVES – 25,000 to 40,000 BTU/hr.
These are the typical stoves found in most homes today, average size, and average price. I have sorted out my picks for value, price, looks, and features. These stoves get a little pricy toward the end of the list, but they may have the features you are looking for.
If you are looking for inexpensive wood stove heat, the first three are for you.
Hearth and Home Technologies – Quadra-fire Millennium 2100
This is the best stove for the dollar. At $1,069.00 this stove will heat a 2,200 sq. ft. home while meeting the 2015 EPA standards. A free standing stove with an ash removal tray in front (easy access) and basic stove look with a single glass door. Simple, functional and efficient!
Vermont Casting – Flexburn
This stove is available in catalytic and non-catalytic and both keep the output under one gram/hour which is one of the lowest EPA ratings available. This model is available in a range of colors to match any décor. A cast iron rack extends over the top on both sides of the stove. You truly have to see this stove to appreciate it.
Appalachian Stove and Fabricators – 30CD
A catalytic wood burning insert with a classic black stove look. Appalachian stoves have several models that are within this size range, but this model was chosen for its classic look and middle of the range MSRP, $2,285.00.
New Buck Stove – 21NC
At just $1,450.00 MSRP, the 21NC is a basic stove at a very reasonable price for a non-catalytic wood stove. The low emissions level means this stove will be around past the 2020 deadline with stricter standards set to occur.
Blaze King – Ashford 30
Another low emissions stove at only .8 grams/hr. output, the Ashford 30 is a slightly larger stove of 35,500 BTU/hr. A free-standing catalytic stove, the price reflects the engineering and classic look this cast iron stove warrants. At $2,795.00 it is one of the higher priced units in this category.
Hearthstone Quality Home Heating Products Inc. – Tribute 8040
At 36,000 BTU/hr. this is one of the larger stoves in the category. This stove is also a work of art. Built with cast iron and set in stone to hold the heat longer, this is another stove you have to see to appreciate. This stove is also available in several color combinations of cast and stone color.
Hearth and Home Technologies – Quadrafire Explore I
Hearth and Home Technologies has multiple stoves in this category, and I chose a second higher priced version as number seven. This non-catalytic stove is a free-standing version that has several high-end add ons. The auto light system and the ash removal system (ARS) are part of the upgrades this stove sports. The higher price also reflects this at an MSRP of $2,439.00. Cast iron, glass doors, and available in five different colors, make it a very nice looking option for heating a home or cabin in the woods.
Jotul North America – F45
What they lack in their stove name, they make up for in style. A cast iron, free standing stove for a smaller space of under 1,800 sq. ft. The non-catalytic stove by Jotul is a classic cast iron stove with a reasonable MSRP of $2,049.00.
Sierra Products – Ambassador 4700TE
Almost the same insert as in the large stove category, this slightly smaller version only has an output of 37,600 BTU/hr. The same insert look of all black and brass doors is available from Sierra.
Travis Industries – Lopi Evergreen
Last but not least on the list is the Lopi Evergreen. An optional green-start ignitor can be added to the stove so you can push the button and walk away. The stove will light automatically. This catalytic stove also has a low 1.5 Grams/hr. of emissions.
| Company | Model | BTU Output | Type | Price |
| Hearth and Home Tech | Millinnium 2100 | 37,00 | Non-catalytic | $1,069 |
| Vermont Castings | Flexburn | 26,700 | Both | $2,269 |
| Appalachian Stove & Fab | 30CD | 39,000 | Catalytic | $2,285 |
| New Buck Corp | 21NC | 28,900 | Non-catalytic | $1,450 |
| Blaze King Industries | Ashford 30 | 35,500 | Catalytic | $2,795 |
| Hearthstone Quality | Tribute 8040 | 36,000 | Non-catalytic | $2,289 |
| Hearth and Home | Quadra-Fire Explorer | 32,000 | Non-catalytic | $2,440 |
| Jotul North America | F45 | 26,500 | Non-catalytic | $2,049 |
| Sierra Products Inc. | Ambassador 4700TE | 37,600 | Catalytic | $2,895 |
| Travis Industries Lopi | Evergreen | 35,000 | Catalytic | $2,450 |
SMALL WOOD BURNING STOVES – UNDER 25,000 BTU’S/HR.
These stoves are designed to heat small spaces. Under 1,500 sq. ft. They could be used in a small home or in a cabin. Some are even designed to be installed in tiny homes (under 400 sq. ft.). I chose five stoves of varying cost and efficiency.
Vermont Casting – Aspen 1920
Designed for under 18,000 BTU/hr., a non-catalytic solution that is a tiny cast iron stove. It is deeper than wide and loads from the front. The look of this says; small home, cabin.
United States Stove Company – Ashley AC1100
Available at Tractor Supply this is up to 25,000 BTU/hr., so the largest in this category. A classic welded steel stove that will heat a small room or rooms efficiently but not use up all the space. A reasonably priced stove with MSRP of $1,799.00.
New Buck Corporation – 18
The Buck Stove Company has been building stoves since the early days of airtight stoves. The appearance of this small stove is striking. A trapezoid-shaped stove with the large face in the front and small windows on the corners.
It is available as a free-standing or insert version. A slightly higher MSRP of $2,015.00 should be expected for this looker!
Jotul North America – F118 Black Bear
Free-standing stove with a small footprint, a small heating area, but a lot of attitude. The F118 Black Bear boasts the slow “cigar” type burning of the fuel. A look of small cast iron, “skinny” stove and EPA efficiency approved.
Jotul makes a quality product with a limited lifetime warranty. The $2,200.00 MSRP is middle of the road for a small stove.
Unforgettable Fire LLC – Kimberly
A truly non-traditional stove. This stove looks like a large stainless chimney pipe with a door. Efficient to EPA standards and able to heat to 22,300 BTU/hr., if you are looking for something different, this is it. It will also hit your wallet hard at $3,995.00 Take a look if you really need to save space and money is not an issue.
| Company | Model | BTU Output | Type | Price |
| Vermont Castings | Aspen 1920 | 18,000 | Non-catalytic | $1,129 |
| United States Stove Co. | Ashley AC1100 | 25,000 | Non-catalytic | $1,799 |
| New Buck Corp | I8 | 22,400 | Non-catalytic | $2,017 |
| Jotul North America | F118 Black Bear | 21,500 | Non-catalytic | $2,200 |
| Unforgettable Fire LLC | Kimberly | 22,300 | Non-catalytic | $3,995 |
Conclusion
Indoor wood burning stoves are available in a multitude of sizes, shapes, colors, and prices. If you are price conscious, there is a model for you. You will have to forgo some of the features, such as self-lighting and easy load ashtrays. Just like car shopping, you pay more for a Mercedes Benz than a Kia, but you also get more.
There are also models that are capable of heating very large homes to very small homes. Do not make the mistake of purchasing a large stove for a small home. A large stove, 40,000 BTU/hr. will overheat a small space and you will not be able to dial it down to a meet the needs of a small space.
There is also an enormous variety of pellet burning stoves on the market today. If you are looking for an alternate heat source but do not have a source of wood available, then you may want to look at pellet stoves.
They also come in a range of sizes, shapes, and prices: inserts and freestanding or even furnace replacements. I will review pellet stoves in a future article.
Additional Resources
What are the best accessories available for my wood burning stove? The most important accessory for a wood burning stove is a digital temperature sensor. See my article on the 16 Best Accessories for a Wood B
What are the EPA rules for wood burners? The EPA has set the grams/hour output for manufacturers to meet. The last change was in 2015. Stricter rules will be enforced in 2020. See the full article at EPA Rules and Wood Burning Stoves.