If you’re considering buying a wood burning stove, there are many factors to consider before making your purchase. In this article, we’ll go over some of the more important things you need to know before taking the plunge and purchasing your first outdoor wood burner.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Wood Burning Stove
When you’re ready to buy your first outdoor wood burning stove, there are a few things you should consider. Here are four tips to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
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Size and Capacity
Your first consideration when purchasing an outdoor wood stove is size and capacity. You’ll need to decide how much wood you want to burn at once and how large of a fire you want to generate. Some stoves have capacities of up to 500 pounds, while others can hold only 100 pounds at a time. Make sure the stove you select has enough room for the amount of wood you plan on using and the size of the fire you want to create.
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Fuel Options
Another important factor to consider when purchasing an outdoor wood burning stove is fuel options. You’ll need to decide which kind of fuel will work best with your stove. Wood, pellets, or both? Gas or propane? There are a variety of fuels available, so make sure you choose one that will work with your specific stove.
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Fire Control and Safety Features
One of the most important features to look for in an outdoor wood burning stove is fire control and safety features. Look for stoves with automatic start/ stop capabilities, and ones that will automatically shut off in the event of a fire. There are also features that allow you to regulate how much heat and smoke is released from the stove by a simple adjustment of the knobs or levers.
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Material and Construction
Another important factor to consider when purchasing an outdoor wood burning stove is material and construction. You’ll need something with a durable steel frame to withstand high temperatures. There should be solid cast iron leg braces for extra support on uneven surfaces; this means extra weight and bulk, but it’s necessary to make sure your outdoor wood burning stove will stand up to regular use. Look for sturdy construction with high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and heavy duty steel.
How to Buy an Outdoor Wood Burning Stove
When you purchase your outdoor wood burning stove, you’ll want to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right one for you.
- Decide what type of stove you need. There are three main types of outdoor wood burning stoves: wall-hung, freestanding, and portable. Wall-hung stoves are usually the largest and most expensive, but they’re also the most durable and versatile. Freestanding stoves are smaller and more affordable, but they may not be as reliable or as sturdy as wall-hung stoves. Portable stoves are the smallest and least expensive option, but they don’t always have the best performance.
- Determine your fuel type. Wood burning stoves use different types of fuel to produce heat: hardwood, pellets, or briquettes. Hardwood is the traditional choice for outdoor stoves, but it’s more expensive than pellet or briquette options. Pellet and briquette stoves are more affordable, but they may not produce as much heat as hardwood burning stoves.
- Consider your budget. The price of a wood burning stove will vary depending on the type of fuel you choose and your climate.
- Check out your options online. Online retailers offer some of the best deals on wood burning stoves, so browse their inventory before you take a trip to the store or wait around for delivery after you order it online. This guide should help you determine which kind of wood burning stove is right for your needs and budget, but if you’re still unsure about buying one, talk with a professional installation company to learn more about your options and safety concerns before making a final decision.
Things You’ll Need for Your Outdoor Wood Burning Stove
When purchasing your first outdoor wood burning stove, several factors must be considered. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process. Additionally, as you set up your outdoor space, consider complementing your wood burning stove with suitable outdoor furniture to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living area.
- Location. Your stove will need access to plenty of fresh air, so make sure it’s placed where the smoke and heat can reach the chimney safely. If you’re planning on using your stove in an enclosed area like a porch or deck, be sure to factor in the space needed for the firebox and venting system.
- Size. The size of your stove will depend on how big your fireplace is and how much wood you want to burn at once. A good rule of thumb is to buy a larger stove if you have a large fireplace and want to burn multiple logs at once, or a smaller one if your fireplace is smaller and you only want to burn one or two logs at a time.
- Type of Wood Burner. There are two main types of woodburning stoves: open-air and closed-air. Open-air stoves use an array of tubes called flues that channel the heat from the firebox to the stove’s burners. They are less efficient than other types of stoves, and require more maintenance. Closed-air stoves work in much the same way, but are better at heating a space because they can be closed off for storage.
- Energy Efficiency Rating (often called SEER). If you want to be sure that your wood burning stove will save you money on your energy bills, then look for a model with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. This is considered one of the best ratings in terms of efficiency, because it means that it consumes less energy per hour than other models that perform at a lower level of performance.