Pellet Stove Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

We have given each brand a rating of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a unit for our own home, that is the brand we would choose. When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive (if it was available). We have also included the manufacturers' web addresses as well as our comments concerning their products.

ARCA-------------------arcacaldaie.it-----------<1* This brand is made in Italy and is available in Europe. The AIRPELLET units feature variable speed drafting and modulating heat output. They have a built in daily temperature programmer and a standard convection fan. They are available in three sizes (8, 10, 12kw) to fit most average sized homes. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ARCHGARD---------------archgard.com--------------4* This brand is made in Canada and is available in North America, New Zealand, and China. The OPTIMA PS1 has a self modulating convection blower, air wash system, and a large (95lb) hopper. The unit can be manually controlled or automatically with a thermostat. The brand also offers a multi-fuel burnpot version. They have a dealer locator by state/province on their website and the units are backed by a very good warranty.

AVALON-----------------avalonfirestyles.com-----<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES INC and is available in the United States. The NEWPORT models are units that feature an easy loading top, a 55 pound hopper, stainless steel firepot, and a variable speed fan. They offer a hand carved log set as an option to give you the look and feel of a traditional wood stove. The ASTORIA model offers a higher heating capacity and a larger hopper. They have a dealer locator by zip code to help you to find an authorized retailer. The warranty on this brand is not as good as many other options.

BIXBY------------------bixbyenergy.com----------<1* The MAXFIRE line of stoves can burn pellets as well as corn. They feature a self cleaning burnpot and push button starting. They have a large (106lb) hopper and a variable speed convection fan. The UBB units are for larger applications. They have a dealer locator by postcode on their website.

BOSCA------------------boscastoves.com-----------1* These units are made in Chile and are available throughout the Americas and in Europe. They feature a two speed convection blower where the speed is controlled to match the feed rate of the wood pellets. They have a built in heat exchanger cleaner that requires manual operation about every 2 or 3 days. Their website is not much help.

BUFFALO------------buffalopelletstoves.com------<1* This brand is from SNYDER MANUFACTURING INC. The B100 units have an integrated thermostat and can also be controlled manually. They feature a self cleaning grate, dual air wash system, and a variable speed circulation blower. They can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer but the warranty on the units is not very good.

BRECKWELL--------------breckwell.com------------<1* This brand is from NATIONAL STEELCRAFTERS OF OREGON INC. and is available in North America. The SP6000 FS units are multi-fuel units featuring digital controls and a variable speed convection blower. The units require manual ignition and daily maintenance. They have a dealer locator by state/province on their website but the warranty on the units is not very good.

CALIMAX----------------calimax.com--------------<1* This brand is available throughout Europe. They offer basic automatic units as well as units with a built in hot water heat exchanger. They have a dealer list by country with links on their website. The warranty on most parts is good but the guarantee on the heat exchanger is not.

COUNTRY FLAME----------countryflame.com---------<1* The HARVESTER models can burn either corn or wood pellets. They have a large (75lb) hopper and a heat output of up to 50000 btu/hr. They feature "INTELLI-CHOICE" touchpad control and can operate in the manual mode (with 5 heat settings) or automatically. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website but the warranty on this brand is not very good when compared to others.

CUMBERLAND--------cumberlandstoveworks.com-------5* This brand is a divison of ARDISAM INC. The MF series units can burn a variety of biomass products. They are available in a manual ignition model (MF3700) or an automatic ignition model (MF3800). The units feature an air filter on the convection blower to help to keep the unit clean and to improve the homes' air quality. They also have a unique detachable controller that can be used for wall mounted control or as a hand held remote control. The units use modulating heat control and a variable speed convection fan. They are backed by a very good warranty.

DELL-POINT -----------pelletstove.com----------<1* The EUROPA 75 model features a 75lb hopper and a battery backup system. During a power outage, the unit can still operate if it is connected to an optional battery.

DROLET-----------------drolet.ca-----------------2* This brand is made in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC. The ECO-35 has a small hopper (35lb) and requires regular daily cleaning but the units are backed by a very good warranty. The units use their patented "combex combustion" where a single motor drives both a combustion air supply fan and an exhaust fan. The units also have a variable speed convection fan that automatically varies the airflow with changes in the feedrate of pellets. They have a dealer locator by zip/postal code on their website.

EASYFIRE---------------sierraproductsinc.net----<1* This brand is made by SIERRA PRODUCTS INC. The units burn wood pellets and are controlled digitally. Their control system uses DC power and they offer an optional battery backup system which allows the stove to operate normally even during a power outage. The manufacturers' website is not much help and the warranty on the units' heat exchanger is not very good.

ENGLANDER--------------englanderstoves.com------<1* This brand is from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. They are available in three sizes and feature a double auger system, air wash to keep the glass doors clean, and a variable speed convection blower. They also offer a multi-fuel unit. The units are sold through many hardware stores and home improvement centers but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

ENVIRO-----------------enviro.com---------------<1* This brand is made by SHERWOOD INDUSTRIES LTD in Canada. The Empress models feature a variable speed fan and a traditional cast iron look. The OMEGA units are multifuel units with a self-cleaning burner. All of the units have three operating modes (manual, thermostat auto/on, and thermostat hi/lo). They are available internationally and are backed by a good guarantee.

FIREBELLY--------------firebellystoves.com------<1* This brand is made in the U.K. and sold in Europe. The MAYA range will burn a mixture of wood pellets and corn and is auto start. The units can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer. The guarantee is not very good when compared with other brands.

GLOW BOY---------------dansons.com--------------<1* This brand is made in Canada and sold in North America. The units feature a three speed fan and can be controlled manually or with an optional thermostat. They have a dealer locator by zip/postal code on their website. The guarantee on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

HAAS+SOHN--------------haassohn.com-------------<1* This brand is available in Austria and Germany. The units feature a fuel quality detection system that adjusts the unit for the specific characteristics of the fuel. The units also have a weekly programmer built into the control system as well as a digital readout of the status on the control panel. The units can be remotely controlled through a typical cellular phone. The guarantee on the units is not very good compared to other brands.

HARMAN-----------------harmanstoves.com----------1* The ADVANCE units can burn corn or other pellets as well as wood pellets. They are microprocessor controlled units that automatically adjust to the different grades and types of fuels. They do not require daily maintenance and are backed by a good warranty. They also offer an optional outside air kit.

HEAT TECH------------ heat-techstoves.com ----<1* This brand offers basic units with a warranty that is not as good as many brands.

HUDSON RIVER-----------hudsonriverstoves.com-----4* The SARANAC model stoves have a heat output of 50000 btu/hr and feature modern styling with bay view doors. The units have automatic controls, an electronic ignitor, and are thermostat ready. The units are backed by a very good warranty. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator by zipcode.

JAMESTOWN--------jamestownpelletstoves.ca-------<1* This brand is made in Canada and is available in two sizes throughout North America. The units have available etched glass doors with a variety of wildlife and country scenes. The units have a variable speed convection blower that is controlled in proportion to the fuel feed rate. The units require daily cleaning of the firepot and their warranty is not very good compared to other brands.

KLEINING---------------kleining.de--------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and offers a wide variety of units. Their website is not much help to the consumer.

KOZI-------------------kozistoves.com-----------<1* This brand is manufactured in Canada by APR INDUSTRIES LTD and is available in North America and Europe. The PREVIA model pellet stoves feature a large 60 lb hopper, a variable speed convection blower, and a durable stainless steel burn pot. The units can be operated manually or with a thermostat. The units require manual draft control adjustment and heat exchanger cleaning. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not very good.

KOZY HEAT--------------kozyheat.com-------------<1* This brand is made by HUSSONG MANUFACTURING and is available in North America. The WOODLAND units have a large (80lb) hopper and use digital control. The units require daily maintenance and their warranty is not as good as many brands. They have a dealer locator by state/province on their website.

LENNOX------------lennoxhearthproducts.com-------5* This brand features "SMART HEAT" technology where the variable speed convection fan is controlled by temperature. The units have an "airburst" feature for cleaning the burn pot. The MONTAGE units are a part of their ELITE series and offer a more modern sleek look. The Traditions model features vintage cast iron styling but the warranty is not as good (those units receive a 3* rating). They have a dealer locator by zip/postal code on their website. The units are backed by a very good warranty.

LOPI-------------------lopistoves.com-----------<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES. The YANKEE is a large model with an 80lb hopper and a standard wall thermostat while the PIONEER model is a compact pellet stove. The units feature a stainless steel firepot for durability and variable speed fans for quiet comfortable heating. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

MAGNUM------------americanenergysystems.com-----<1* This brand is available in the U.S. and Canada. The COUNTRYSIDE models are multi-fuel units that can burn shelled corn, wood pellets, or many other biomass products. They feature an "ash drop" system as well as a self cleaning firepot. The BABY COUNTRYSIDE models feature an available battery back-up system. The WINCHESTER models feature a classic step top for cooking. The units can be purchased online or they have a dealer locator by zip/postal code. The warranty on the units is not very good.

NAPOLEON------------napoleonfireplaces.com------<1* This brand is from WOLF STEEL LTD. The NPS40 units have a heat capacity of from 8000 to 40000 btu/hr and have a 55lb hopper. They feature a variable speed auger and convection blower. They have a dealer locator on their website but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

Nature's Comfort----naturescomfortllc.com-------<1* This brand is new to pellet stove manufacturing. Their first entry into the market is new for 2009 and features a 55 lb hopper and electric start ignition.

OLIMPIA SPLENDID-------olimpiasplendid.it-------<1* This brand offers a variety of units. They feature double combustion for clean and efficient burning and an optional remote control.

OSBURN--------------- osburn-mfg.com ----------4* This brand is from STOVE BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL INC. The unit burns wood pellets and has a heat output of 45000 btu/hr. The unit has six manual heat settings or can be controlled by a thermostat. The unit features their patented "combex" combustion technology which basically is a fan for combustion air as well as exhaust air. The units have a good warranty and can be purchased online.

PELPRO-----------------pelprostoves.com---------<1* This brand is from DANSONS GROUP. The FREESTANDING models are small units and the guarantee is not very good when compared with other options. They also offer a corn burning stove.

QUADRA-FIRE ----------quadrafire.com-----------<1* This brand is from HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES. The MT VERNON AE units are multi-fuel units with auto cleaning and lighting. They also offer an optional outside air kit.

REGENCY-------------- regency-fire.com -------<1* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD. and are available worldwide. The GREENFIRE GF55 features a variable speed convection fan and an average size hopper. They have a dealer locator by country on their website.

SAEY-------------------saeyheating.com----------<1* This brand features basic units in two sizes (6 or 8kw). The manufacturers' website is very little help and the warranty on the units is not very good.

SERAPH--------------- seraph-industries.com --<1* The GENESIS line of units is available in two sizes. They use a programmable controller and can burn corn, wood pellets, or a variety of other biofuels.

SPARTHERM--------------spartherm.com------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and Poland and sold throughout Europe. The CANO H2O units feature an integrated water heat exchanger for connecting the units to radiators in the home. These units do not have a convection blower and do not require electricity for operation. They have a dealer search function by postcode on their website.

ST CROIX---------------stcroixheat.com----------<1* This brand is manufactured by EVEN TEMP INC. and is available in North America. The units feature a stainless steel heat exchanger, self cleaning grate, and digital control. The SMARTSTAT mode keeps the unit burning on the lowest setting for an hour after the thermostat is satisfied. This allows the unit to react quicker to drops in room temperature. They have a dealer locator by zip/postal code but the warranty on the units is not very good.

SUMMERS HEAT-----------englanderstoves.com------<1* This is another brand from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. They are sold through many hardware stores and home centers but the warranty is not very good.

THELIN-----------------thelinco.com-------------<1* This brand is available in North America, New Zealand, Sweden, and the U.K. The units feature a battery backup system to allow operation during a power outage. The PARLOUR 3000 model offers the classic look of an old pot belly stove. They have a dealer locator by country on their website but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

THERMOROSSI------------thermorossi.com----------<1* This brand is available in europe. The ECOTHERM models feature a remote control with built in thermostat as well as a weekly programmer. The manufacturers' website offers very little help and has no stated warranty policy.

TIMBER RIDGE-----------englanderstoves.com------<1* This is another brand from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. They are available through hardware stores and home centers but the guarantee is not very good.

US STOVE---------------usstove.com--------------<1* The ASHLEY and KING models are basic wood pellet stoves but have large hoppers to maximize burn time between loading. The HEARTH FOCUS units are multifuel with manual and automatic control. They have a dealer locator by state or zip code on their website.

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