Stove Ratings, A Repairman Rates 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 home, that is the brand we would choose. When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive model. Along with the rating, we have included the manufacturers' web addresses as well as our reviews of their products.

Our first group is wood stove ratings. These units burn logs and are stand alone heating appliances. If you would like to compare units that burn wood and deliver the heat to the home through a duct system, you can check out our biomass furnace page.

For a comparison of stoves that burn other biomass materials, you can go to our pellet stove ratings page. There you will find reviews of units that burn wood pellets and/or corn or other grains.

If you would like the look and feel of the wood or pellet stoves but do not want to deal with the mess or loading fuel, you should consider a gas fired unit. With our reviews of the brands you get buying advice from a repairman's point of view.

AARROW--------------aarrowfires.com--------------2* This brand is from ARADA LTD. and is available throughout Europe. The ECOBURN models are available in four sizes and wood only or multifuel models. They offer an optional slab boiler for connection to the radiators for central heating. The units require manual adjustment of the combustion air for proper burning. They have a UK stockist locator by postcode on their website. The units are backed by a very good guarantee.

APPALACHIAN STOVE-appalachianstove.com----------<1* This brand is available in several models. They are sold through dealers and feature a three speed blower motor.

ARCHGARD------------archgard.com-----------------2* This brand is made in Canada and is available in North America, China, and New Zealand. The CHALET units are available in two models and feature an air wash system for the glass doors. The units have stainless steel secondary combustion tubes for durability. They offer an optional two speed fan and an outdoor combustion air kit. The units are backed by a very good guarantee and there is a dealer locator by state/province on their website.

AUSTROFLAMM---------austroflamm.com-------------<1* This brand has a wide variety of units available. They feature a patented "HEAT MEMORY SYSTEM" which is a special material that absorbs the heat and then slowly releases it into the room. The warranty on this brand is not very good.

AVALON--------------avalonfirestyles.com--------<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES INC and is available in the U.S. They offer non-catalytic units with low, medium, or high heating capacities. They offer an optional convection fan and an outdoor air kit. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

BARBAS--------------barbas.nl--------------------1* This brand is from INTERFOCOS and is available in Europe. The ECO models are available either in cast iron models for the traditional look or steel units for more modern styling. They have an optional wood storage drawer and a floor plate. The units use wood gasification technology for clean and efficient burning. They have a dealer locator by country and the units are backed by a good guarantee.

BLAZE KING----------blazeking.com---------------<1* This brand is made in Canada by VALLEY COMFORT SYSTEMS and in the U.S. by BLAZE KING INDUSTRIES. The PRINCESS 1006 model is a catalytic unit for medium to small sized homes and features a thermostatically controlled damper to maintain efficient burning. The KING CLASSIC units are catalytic units for larger homes. The BRIARWOOD model is non-catalytic and has a large glass door for viewing the fire but it requires manual draft control. The warranty on the units is not very good.

BOSCA---------------boscastoves.com-------------<1* These units are made in Chile and are available throughout the Americas and in Europe. They offer a variety of units with modern styling and EPA certified performance. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BRECKWELL-----------breckwell.com---------------<1* This brand is from NATIONAL STEELCRAFTERS OF OREGON INC. and is available in North America. The W3000FS is a non-catalytic unit that uses natural draft combustion. They have a dealer locator by state/province on their website but the warranty on the unit is not very good.

BROSELEY------------broseleyfires.com-----------<1* This brand is available in the U.K., Ireland, Cyprus, France, and Germany. They offer a wide variety of multifuel (wood and coal) units in cast iron models as well as contemporary styled models. They offer boiler stove models as well to supply hot water to the central heating system. They have a store locator on their website but the guarantee on the units is not good.

BUCK STOVE----------buckstove.com---------------<1* The MODEL 91 units use a catalytic combustor and has a heat output of 50400 btu/hr. The unit has air wash to keep the door glass clean and a factory installed blower. The MODEL 74 is a non-catalytic unit with an output of 40900 btu/hr and an optional blower kit. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

CAMINOS-------------caminos.de------------------<1* This brand is made in Germany. They offer a wide range of units and feature an "automatic combustion system" which maximizes the efficiency of the unit. The warranty on the firebox is not as good as many brands.

CENTURY HEATING--- century-heating.com -------<1* This brand is from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL and is sold through dealers. They offer both trqadtional or pedestal style units that have an air wash system to keep the glass clean so you can enjoy the view of the fire. They offer an optional blower but the warranty on the units is not very good.

CERAMICHE SAVIO-----ceramichesavio.it------------1* These units are made in Italy and are available worldwide. The units feature a cast iron firebox with ceramic tile surrounding it. They have an electronically controlled fan and use double combustion for clean efficient burning. The units are very beautiful and are backed by a good guarantee.

CHARNWOOD-----------charnwood.com---------------<1* This brand is from A J WELLS & SONS LTD. and is made in the U.K. The brand offers a wide variety of units with either contemporary or traditional styling. They also offer models with a built in boiler for central heating. They have a dealer locator by country but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CONTINENTAL----continentalfireplaces.com---------2* These units are from WOLF STEEL LTD. and are available in North America. The units are basic B vent models with traditional styling. They use wood gasification technology for clean and efficient burning. They offer an optional variable speed blower kit as well as an outdoor combustion air kit to improve efficiency. The units are only sold through authorized dealers but are backed by a very good warranty.

CONTURA-------------contura.eu------------------<1* This brand is a part of the NIBE GROUP. The units are made in Sweden and are available throughout Europe. They offer pedestal units as well as wall hanging units. The units feature modern styling but the standard units do not have a convection fan.

COUNTRY FLAME-------countryflame.com------------<1* This brand has both catalytic and non-catalytic units available. The BBF units are catalytic units with a variable speed temperature controlled blower. The OVATION series features non catalytic unitsin three different sizes. The warranty on the units is not very good. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

DIK GEURTS----------geurts.nl-------------------<1* These units are available in Europe and feature modern styling. The DESIGNER range features units with a really unique look and feel. They have a dealer locator by country with links on the manufacturers' website. The website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

DOVRE---------------dovre.co.uk-----------------<1* This brand is available in Europe. They offer a variety of models from traditional cast iron to modern styles. They offer wood only units as well as multifuel units that will burn coal. The units use B venting and offer optional outdoor air for combustion. The warranty on the units is not very good.

DROLET--------------drolet.ca--------------------4* This brand is manufactured in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC. The units offer many options including a fresh air kit and a variable speed blower. The units are backed by a very good warranty and they have a dealer locator by zip/post code on their website.

DRU-----------------drugasar.co.uk--------------<1* This brand is available in Europe. They offer wood only or multi fuel units. They have traditional cast iron look and feel and have a convenient side loading door. The units use wood gasification technology for clean efficient burning. The manufacturers' website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

DUTCH WEST----------vermontcastings.com----------1* This brand is from VERMONT CASTINGS which is a part of MONESSEN HEARTH SYSTEMS COMPANY. The brand features three sizes of catalytic units as well as three sizes of non-catalytic units. The non-catalytic units have a good warranty and receive the 3* rating while the catalytic units receive a <1* rating. They have a dealer locator by zip code or city/state on their website.

ENERGY KING---------energyking.com--------------<1* This brand is from RJM MANUFACTURING INC. The BAY 2000C is wood stove that uses dual catalytic combustors and is lined with firebrick. The units feature a three speed blower and air wash to keep the glass door clear. They have a dealer locator by state with links on their website. The warranty on the units is not as good as other brands.

ENERZONE---------- enerzone-intl.com ----------4* These units are from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. They offer EPA certified models that feature a self-cleaning glass system for optimal fire viewing and a standard blower for better heat circulation in the room. They are sold through dealers and have a very good warranty.

ENGLANDER-----------englanderstoves.com---------<1* This brand is from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. The units are non-catalytic, EPA certified units and are available in two sizes. They feature an air wash system to keep the glass door clean and a convection blower is an available option. They warranty on the units is not very good.

ENVIRO--------------enviro.com------------------<1* This brand is made by SHERWOOD INDUSTRIES LTD. The KODIAK series units are available in three sizes and feature "progressive burn technology". They offer an optional blower kit and outside combustion air kit. The units have a pretty good guarantee and are available through dealers internationally.

EUREKA------------ eureka-heating.com ---------1* This brand is made and sold in Australia. They offer a wide range of units and use dual combustion for clean efficient burning.

FIREBELLY-----------firebellystoves.com---------<1* This brand is made in the U.K. and sold throughout Europe. The FB1 units are available in 4, 6, and 12kw sizes and can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer. They have an optional multifuel kit to enable them to burn soild mineral fuels (smokeless briquettes). The guarantee on the units is not as good as many other brands.

FLAME------------- flame-intl.com -------------4* This brand is from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The brand features a variety of EPA certified models. The units have an air-wash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. They offer an optional variable speed blower. The units are sold through dealers and offer a very good warranty.

HAAS+SOHN-----------haassohn.com----------------<1* These units are available in Austria and Germany. They feature contemporary styling and automatic combustion air regulation which allows for cleaner and more efficient burning. They have a wide selection of models including corner mounted models, boiler models, and panorama models. The warranty on the units is not very good compared to other brands.

HAMLET--------------hamletstoves.co.uk-----------1* This is another brand from ARADA LTD. and is made/sold in the U.K. The units feature secondary burn for clean efficient burning and an airwash system to keep the glass door clean. They offer an add in boiler for hot water production. The units are available through farming and country stores in the U.K. They feature a good guarantee.

HAMPTON----------- hampton-fire.com ----------<1* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD. The units have an air wash system to keep the door glass clean and use dual combustion. The H300 model has a cast iron cook top surface. The units offer a two speed blower option as well as an outside combustion air kit. They have a dealer locator by zip/post code on their website. The warranty is not very good on the units.

HANDOL--------------handol.eu-------------------<1* This brand is a part of the NIBE GROUP and is available in Europe. They offer a wide variety of models.

HARMAN--------------harmanstoves.com------------<1* This brand is a part of HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES and is available in North America, France, Ireland, and New Zealand. The TL300 features convenient toploading of the wood as well as automatic closing of the damper when the loading door is opened. The units convert to an open fireplace with the optional screen and offer other options for cooking. They have a U.S. dealer locator on their website using zip codes. The "HARMAN GOLD" warranty is very good for most parts but the stove body/heat exchanger guarantee is not very good.

HEAT TECH--------- heat-techstoves.com -------<1* This brand is available in a very limited number of sizes and models. They use dual combustion and have an air wash system as well as offering an optional blower kit. The warranty on this brand is not very good.

HETA----------------heta.dk---------------------<1* These units are made in Denmark and are available in Europe. They offer a wide variety of units including units with a water tank for central heating. They have a dealer locator by country but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HIGH VALLEY---------highvalleystoves.com--------<1* This brand is available in three basic models.

HITZER--------------hitzer.com------------------<1* This brand is offered in two basic models at 55000 or 92000 btu/hr outputs. They have a dealer locator on their website but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

HUDSON RIVER--------hudsonriverstoves.com--------3* The CATSKILL model units have a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger for durability and efficiency. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator by zipcode. The units have a good warranty.

HUNTER--------------hunterstoves.co.uk----------<1* This brand is available in the U.K. and Ireland. The units feature clean burn technology and offer wrap around or clip-in boiler options. They have a dealer locator by postcode on their website.

HWAM----------------hwam.com--------------------<1* This brand is made in Denmark and is available throughout Europe. They offer both free standing and wall mount units and feature their "automatic" combustion system to maximize efficiency. They offer an optional fresh air kit and a watertank stove model which can be connected to a central heating system. The warranty on the firebox is not as good as many brands.

J.A. ROBY-----------jaroby.com------------------<1* These units are made and sold in Canada. They offer a range of models with traditional cast iron styling. The units use wood gasification technology for clean and efficient burning. They also offer units with a built in oven for cooking. The units are available through dealers or hardware stores but the warranty is not good when compared to other brands.

JINDARA-------------jindara.com.au---------------1* This brand is made and sold in Australia. They offer a wide range of units and use dual combustion for clean efficient burning. They are backed by a good guarantee.

JOTUL---------------jotul.com-------------------<1* This brand features air wash to keep the glass doors clean and use dual combustion for clean efficient burning. They have a dealer locator by zip code or city/state on their website. The warranty on the heat chamber is not as good as many 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.

LENNOX--------------lennoxhearthproducts.com-----4* The SPECTRA model is a part of their ELITE series . It is a non-catalytic unit and features the old cast iron look. Their COUNTRY COLLECTION contains a range of units to fit any size home. The brand features a ceramic fire blanket instead of the traditional firebricks. The blanket has an insulation value 10 times higher than the bricks. All of the critical internal parts of the units are made of stainless steel for durability. 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. They offer a wide range of units in different sizes and with or without cooktops. The units feature air wash and use dual combustion. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

MAX BLANK-----------maxblank.com----------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and is available worldwide. They offer a wide variety of units and feature dual combustion technology. The guarantee on the units is not very good.

MORSO---------------morsoe.com-------------------1* This brand is made in Denmark and offers a wide variety of units. They offer a unique wall mounted unit (MODEL 6170). They have a dealer locator on their website and the units are backed by a good guarantee.

NAPOLEON-------napoleonfireplaces.com-----------<1* This brand is from WOLF STEEL LTD. The VORTEX series units are available in pedestal and cast iron models as well as models with Queen Anne style legs. They offer optional blowers and outside air kits. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared with many other brands.

NESTOR MARTIN-------nestormartin.be-------------<1* This brand uses dual combustion for clean efficient burning. They have a programmable remote control with a built-in thermostat. They have a dealer map with links on their website.

NORDICA-------------nordicapf.com---------------<1* These units are from NORDIC STEEL PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL and are made and sold in Canada. They offer units with traditional styling as well as those with a modern bay window. The units use wood gasification technology for clean and efficient burning. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

OLIMPIA SPLENDID----olimpiasplendid.it----------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of units. They include two models that feature integrated water heat exchangers. This allows them to be connected to radiators to distribute heat to other rooms.

OLSBERG-------------olsberg.com-----------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and is available in a wide variety of models.

OSBURN------------ osburn-mfg.com -------------2* This brand is from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC. They are available in a variety of sizes and have an optional outdoor combustion air kit available. The units are backed by a good guarantee and can be purchased online.

PACIFIC-------------pacificenergy.net------------5* These units are made in Canada and are available in the U.S. as well. They offer a wide variety of styles, sizes and either steel or cast iron construction. The units use wood gasification technology for clean and efficient burning. They have a "Build-My-Stove" feature on their website where you can customize the units to suit your home. They also have a dealer locator by state/province and the units are backed by a very good warranty.

QUADRA-FIRE -------quadrafire.com--------------<1* This brand is from HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES. The MILLENIUM series uses their patented four point combustion technology for clean efficient burning. They offer an optional variable speed convection blower kit as well as an outside air kit.

RAIS----------------rais.com--------------------<1* This brand is made in Denmark and is available in Europe, North America, and Japan. They offer a wide variety of models but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

REGENCY----------- regency-fire.com -----------4* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD. and is available worldwide. They use dual combustion and have stainless steel air tubes for durability. They have a dealer locator by country on their website and the units are backed by a very good warranty.

ROMOTOP-------------romotop.cz------------------<1* This brand is from ARADA LTD. and is available throughout Europe. They offer a wide variety of units that can burn logs or ecobriquettes. Some of the units feature a central air inlet (CAI) to bring combustion air in from outside the home which can provide a significant fuel savings. The AVILA TURN, STROMBOLI, and BUSTO models feature a unique ability to rotate the unit to provide a view of the fire. They have a dealer locator map on their website.

SAEY----------------saeyheating.com-------------<1* This brand is from SAEY HOME & GARDEN and is made in Belgium. The units are available throughout Europe as well as in the United States and South Africa. The units feature cast iron construction for durability but with a modern look and feel. The units use a closed combustion system for added efficiency and safety. They have a dealer locator by country with links on their website but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

SCAN----------------scan.dk---------------------<1* This brand is from JOTUL and is made in Denmark. The units feature air wash and use dual combustion for clean efficient burning. They offer an optional outside combustion air kit.

SEDORE--------------sedorestoves.com------------<1* These units are available in the U.S. and Canada. The MODEL 3000 features corrugated walls which provides a larger surface area for heat transfer. The units do not have a blower and the combustion must be manually controlled. The units can burn other biomass fuels as well as logs.

SIERRA--------------sierraproductsinc.net--------2* This brand is available in the U.S. and Canada. They offer a variety of units including both catalytic and non-catalytic stoves. The units require manual combustion control but are backed by a good warranty. They offer optional variable speed blower kits as well as an outside air kit. The manufacturers' website is not much help.

SPARTHERM-----------spartherm.com---------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and Poland and is available throughout Europe. Their NATURE LINE offers units that can also burn pellets. The AMBIENT K1 H2O units feature an integrated water heat exchanger that allows the unit to be connected to radiators in the home. Their LOFTLINE units feature sophisticated modern designs that look more like furniture than a heating appliance. They have a dealer search function by postcode on their website.

STRATFORD-------stratfordboilerstoves.co.uk-----<1* This brand is from ARADA LTD. and combines the traditional wood stove with boilers for whole home heating solutions. Their ECOBOILER model can provide enough heat for most average sized homes. The units feature secondary burn technology for clean efficient burning. The guarantee on the units is not very good.

SUMMERS HEAT--------englanderstoves.com---------<1* This is another brand from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. They are basic non-catalytic units with a warranty that is not very good. They are available through many hardware stores and home improvement centers.

THELIN--------------thelinco.com----------------<1* The PARLOUR T-4000 units are non-catalytic units with a guarantee that is not very good. They offer an optional blower kit.

THERMOROSSI---------thermorossi.com-------------<1* This brand is made in Italy and is available throughout Europe. They feature a wide variety of models. The manufacturers' website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

TIMBER RIDGE--------englanderstoves.com---------<1* This is another brand from ENGLANDS STOVE WORKS INC. They are basic units with a warranty that is not very good. They are available through many hardware stores and home improvement centers.

US STOVE------------usstove.com-----------------<1* The MAGNOLIA line are EPA certified units featuring an automatic blower. They have a dealer locator by state or zip code on their website. The warranty on the units is not very good compared to other brands.

VALOR---------------valor.co.uk-----------------<1* This brand is a part of the BAXI GROUP and is available in the U.K. The ARDEN multi-fuel stoves can burn coal, wood, or peat. The units require manual adjustment of the combustion air. They have a stockist locator map on their website but the guarantee on the units is not very good.

VERMONT CASTINGS----vermontcastings.com----------1* This brand is a part of MONESSEN HEARTH SYSTEMS COMPANY. The brand features both catalytic and non-catalytic units. The non-catalytic units are backed by a good warranty and receive a 2* rating while the catalytic units receive a <1* rating. They have a dealer locator by zip code or city/state on their website.

VILLAGER------------villager.co.uk--------------<1* This brand is from LYME REGIS ENGINEERING CO. LTD. and is made/sold in the U.K. The units are available in wood only models as well as multifuel versions. They require manual combustion air adjustment and the guarantee on the units is not very good.

VOGELZANG-----------vogelzang.com---------------<1* These units are made in China. The SHILOH units use wood gasification technology but the warranty is not very good. They offer a wide selection of units including traditional cast iron as well as barrel stoves.

WANDERS-------------wanders.com-----------------<1* This brand is made in the Netherlands and is available in Europe. The SOLEA MADERA units are free standing and can be rotated 360 degrees to facilitate viewing from all areas of a room. The DIAMANT is a wall mounted unit that features a distinctive shape that offers a lot of glass to view the fire. The warranty on the units is not very good.

WESTFIRE------------westfire.dk-----------------<1* This brand is available in parts of Europe. The UNIQ range of units is available in either 5 or 6kw heating outputs. They are basic stoves with modern styling. The manufacturers' website is not much help to the consumer.

YEOMAN------------ yeoman-stoves.co.uk -------<1* These units are available in the U.K. Many of the units are multifuel and can burn anthracite, smokeless fuels, and peat turf with a kit. They offer units in both traditional and contemporary styles. Some models offer an optional boiler kit for domestic hot water production. The COUNTRY INTEGRAL units have a built in boiler for central heating. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

If you do not plan on doing the installation yourself, it is important to research the contractor that will install your stove. We have teamed up with QualitySmith to help you. With their free service, you can get three quotes from local heating contractors without even leaving your home.

Return from stove ratings to home