Transform your home into a cozy, relaxing space this fall and winter with a stove heater from Ace Hardware. We carry the latest styles of pellet stoves and wood-burning stoves that improve energy efficiency while adding a charming touch to any space. Whether you're searching for an indoor wood-burning option or one you can use on your outdoor deck or patio, we've got you covered.
Wood Pellet Stoves Vs. Wood Burning Stoves
The obvious difference between pellet stoves and wood-burning stoves is in the fuel that they burn. Pellet stoves burn wood pellets, while wood stoves burn firewood. However, there are a few more differences—and similarities—to keep in mind.
- Automatic heat settings: A modern wood pellet stove typically has automatic heat settings like modern wood stoves. The use of built-in thermostats and control panels in newer wood heaters also makes it easier to keep your home at a consistent temperature.
- Fuel-burning mechanism: Pellet stoves have a built-in auger where you can store pellets for burning. As the fuel is slowly burned, a control unit inside the stove alerts the auger system to send in more pellets to keep the fire going strong. Wood-burning stoves simply use the firewood you feed it manually, requiring more upkeep.
- Maintenance requirements: Pellet stoves have many parts, so regular maintenance is required to ensure your stove works properly. A modern wood stove, however, is much simpler in design and requires less maintenance.
- Cleanup: While wood-burning stoves require little maintenance, they typically produce more waste products and will need more frequent cleaning. Pellet stoves typically produce a lot more fumes and ashes than wood pellet stoves.
What to Look for in Your Next Wood Stove
Like other types of heating appliances, choosing the right home heating stove will depend on a few different factors unique to your home. If you're in the market for a pellet or indoor wood-burning stove, answer these questions to make the right choice.
What Size Wood or Pellet Stove Will You Need?
If you install a small pellet stove in an oversized room like a living room, it may not warm the space sufficiently. On the other hand, if you install a larger stove in a room with minimal square footage, it could make the room feel uncomfortably warm.
Pellet and wood stoves have different BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings designed to deliver various heat output ranges. Generally, heating larger spaces will require stoves with higher BTU ratings. And while they have similar BTU ratings, a classic wood stove will typically have higher BTUs than a similar pellet stove.
Where Will You Install the Stove?
Before purchasing a new wood or pellet stove, remember that you should designate a space that will provide the most coverage for maximum heating efficiency. Place it in a central location that allows the blower to push and transfer warm air throughout the room. For safety reasons, you should never place one in a bedroom.
How Often Will You Use the Stove?
If you want constant heat throughout your home, choose a pellet stove with a higher BTU rating and a larger hopper that will store more pellets and allow longer burn times. If you plan to use your stove only occasionally, a small pellet stove with a lower BTU rating can work. If you choose a classic or modern wood-burning stove, you will have to regularly feed it firewood.
Shop Pellet and Wood Burning Stoves Near You at Ace
Explore the array of classic and modern wood and pellet stoves near you at Ace Hardware now. Shop online for quick delivery to your home or free in-store pickup at your local store. Then, find a large assortment of pellet stove accessories and firewood to fuel your new stove to help you stay warm when the weather gets cold.
