TOP 10 best wood-burning fireplace stoves for a country house: rating 2021-2022 and description of model characteristics

Updated: 03/06/2021 15:00:32

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

There are different ways to solve the problem of heating a country house. One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly options is to install a fireplace stove. This device becomes not only a source of heat, it can become an interior decoration and a place for a pleasant pastime. Today, the Russian consumer is offered an impressive range of fireplace stoves, both domestic and foreign. To choose the most efficient heating device, you should consider the following expert recommendations.

How to choose a fireplace stove

1. Fireplace stove power
   . The performance of the fireplace stove is selected for a specific home or room. In order not to make a mistake with the power, it is necessary to calculate the volume of the room. Most often, productivity is indicated in cubic meters. Simplified, you can divide the area of ​​the room by 10 to find out the minimum power of the heating device for a room height of 2.5 m.
2. Case material
   . Most fireplace stoves are made from two materials.
3. Cast iron models
   take longer to heat up, but they retain heat longer. This type of stove is ideal for houses where people live permanently.
4. Steel fireplaces
   provide heat 15-20 minutes after lighting. But as soon as the wood burns out, the stove begins to cool down quickly. Heating devices made of steel are optimally suited for summer residents who come to the countryside for the weekend in cold weather.
5. Decoration Materials
   . To increase the safety of residents when using the fireplace stove, as well as to improve its appearance, manufacturers finish the outer surface. The best option would be to use ceramics or natural stone, tiles or majolica.
6. Duration of combustion.
   When you have to spend the night in a country house, an important characteristic of the fireplace stove is the duration of combustion on one tab. In order not to disturb the residents' sleep, the stove should be operational for 6-8 hours. Otherwise, the cold will force you to wake up and throw firewood into the firebox.
7. Type of fuel
   . There are many energy sources that can be used in fireplace stoves.
8. The simplest and most affordable type of fuel for Russian residents is firewood
   . They provide heat quickly and can smolder for a long time. But one addition to the firebox is not enough to burn for 6-8 hours.
9. Peat or coal
   briquettes have high heat transfer. They are able to slowly smolder all night, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the house. But it is very difficult to light such fuel without firewood, and after combustion it is necessary to remove a lot of sludge from the stove.

We have selected 15 of the best fireplace stoves for review. All of them are sold on the domestic market. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and user reviews were taken into account.

Air heating system

We have already reviewed the most effective solutions related to the production and installation of fireplaces. But releasing heat and using it as much as possible are two different issues that will have to be solved separately from each other.

Let's remember physics and take into account that the thermal conductivity of air is low. Therefore, filling a room with warm air is possible only by transfer of matter, that is, convection. Natural convection is good when each room has its own source of energy. In order for one heating fireplace or stove to heat the whole house, it is necessary to direct air flows from it to all rooms.

The fireplace insert is designed in such a way that cold air enters from below. Since the possibility of natural convection is immediately excluded, a fan is used to pump in cold air. Getting into the space between the combustion chamber and the body, it quickly heats up.

Operating principle of the air system

Here it is necessary to understand that the maximum surface area of ​​​​the chamber helps to increase efficiency. But the dimensions of the chamber should not exceed the dimensions of the body; moreover, too small a gap between the walls will create unnecessary resistance. Technological calculations and experiments made it possible to achieve optimal geometric parameters. That’s why it’s theoretically possible to make a heating fireplace yourself, but it’s not recommended.

Good to know: Cassette-type fireplace, its operating principle, pros and cons, installation

The heated air enters the air ducts and is distributed to different rooms. This method is convenient because it serves as heating for a two-story house. It is advisable to plan a fireplace for heating the house during construction work. After all, the chimney and air ducts must be built into the wall. The only drawback of the air system is its dependence on power supply and the excessive noise of the fans.

Rating of the best fireplace stoves

The best wall-mounted fireplace stoves

To heat two adjacent rooms at once, it is better to purchase a wall-mounted fireplace stove. Such models fit organically into the interior of the room, occupying a minimum of usable space. Experts liked the following heating devices.

La Nordica Isetta

Rating: 4.9

The La Nordica Isetta stove-fireplace stands out with its neat execution and Italian design. Durable cast iron with an enameled coating is used as the main material for the manufacture of the body. The stove is decorated using original textured patterns. Experts pay attention to the soft and pleasant warmth emanating from the fireplace, which does not dry out the air. The manufacturer took care of the convenience of ignition by equipping its product with a special valve. To accommodate long logs in the firebox, there is an additional side door. The model deservedly becomes the winner of our rating.

Homeowners have had time to appreciate the efficiency of the stove; it consumes about 2.1 kg of wood per hour. The fireplace looks compact and stylish. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• does not dry out the air;
• cast iron body;
• efficiency;
• nice appearance.

Flaws

• high price.

ABX Tartu 5

Rating: 4.8

The ABX Tartu 5 fireplace stove has the highest efficiency (83%). Considering the low power of the Czech appliance, this results in a very economical heating option. In an hour, the fireplace burns only 2 kg of wood. Thanks to the steel structure, heat enters the room quickly (15 minutes). Decorative glass can withstand flame temperatures (up to 750°C), but it is susceptible to mechanical damage. The maximum log size is 280 mm. The stove is designed to heat a room with a volume of 140 cubic meters. m.

Experts gave the model second place in our rating for its thoughtful design. The stove is equipped with a double combustion system and a compartment for storing firewood. According to users, the ABX Tartu 5 fireplace stove successfully combines affordable price and efficiency. Disadvantages include modest performance.

Advantages

• high efficiency;
• economical consumption of firewood;
• double afterburning;
• reasonable price.

Flaws

• modest performance.

ABX Bavaria K

Rating: 4.7

The Czech manufacturer also has more powerful stoves, one of them is the ABX Bavaria K model. The device is capable of heating a room with a volume of 200 cubic meters. m. The firebox is made of steel and cast iron; thick tiles are used as the external cladding. This design allows not only to provide high temperatures, but also to retain heat for a long time. There is a grate on top of the stove, which is convenient for heating water or food. The model is inferior to its neighbor in terms of efficiency (79.4%), and the stove is very heavy (270 kg). Experts note European quality, 10 color options, low firewood consumption (1.9 kg).

As for the shortcomings, users complain about the small ash grate and small firebox. And the burning duration (5-6 hours) is not enough to sleep warm all night.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• economical consumption of firewood;
• two chimney outlets;
• glass self-cleaning mode.

Flaws

• small firebox.

Rocal LL-15B

Rating: 4.6

The maximum volume of a room (up to 500 cubic meters) can be heated by the Spanish Rocal LL-15B fireplace stove. Thanks to high power (13 kW) and thoughtful design, the manufacturer managed to create an effective device. The fireplace insert is made of alloy steel; it is not afraid of temperature changes. The inside of the combustion chamber is lined with fireclay, and a special key handle is designed to open the door. The glass of the stove cleans itself during the combustion of wood. During an hour of operation, the device burns about 2.8 kg of wood. The model is in fourth place in our rating.

Homeowners highly appreciate the device’s performance, original appearance, and ease of use. The only disadvantages include the high price and the lack of a compartment for firewood.

Advantages

• high performance;
• original appearance;
• patented key handle;
• ease of use.

Flaws

• high price;
• no compartment for firewood.

Kratki Koza K9

Rating: 4.5

The optimal option for heating a country house with an area of ​​up to 100 square meters. m will be the Kratki Koza K9 fireplace stove. For its manufacture, the Polish manufacturer used gray cast iron 8 mm thick. Thanks to 3 heat-resistant glasses, the model has an aesthetic appearance. Firewood or briquettes (peat or coal) can be used as fuel. Experts liked the decoration of the fireplace, the arched door, and the special lever for adjusting the burning intensity. The device is equipped with a retractable ash drawer and a sliding grate. The model takes fifth place in our rating.

Summer residents praise the device for its quick heating, elegant appearance and affordable price. Users are dissatisfied with the rapid burning of solid fuel (4 hours), which is why they have to fire the stove frequently.

Advantages

• good performance;
• beautiful appearance;
• fast heating;
• ease of use.

Flaws

• no compartment for firewood;
• Fuel burns out quickly.

META Marseille 14

Rating: 4.4

Russian META Marseille 14 fireplace stoves are made of durable cast iron. Its thickness ranges from 8 to 14 mm. Many components are supplied from France, and heat-resistant glass ceramics are made in Japan. The result is a durable, highly efficient device designed to heat a room with a volume of 250 cubic meters. m. The fireplace can be heated with either wood or brown coal briquettes. The manufacturer prohibits the use of coal in any form. Experts paid attention to the uniform and gentle supply of heat and the convenient handle for opening the door.

On forums, users argue about the quality of Russian META Marseille 14 stoves. The stumbling block is the strength of cast iron. Therefore, the model occupies only sixth position in the ranking.

Advantages

• high-quality components;
• high power;
• long burning system;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• unstable quality of cast iron;
• no compartment for firewood.

THORMA Milano II

Rating: 4.4

THORMA Milano II fireplace stoves are very popular in European countries. When creating fireplaces, the Slovak manufacturer uses a combination of materials such as steel and ceramics. Experts drew attention to a number of useful functions that the stove has. This is a secondary combustion system, control of air supply to the firebox, convection chambers. The model looks elegant; the combination of a light body, black door and glass captivates the eye. As for performance, in this regard the device is inferior to many of the leaders in the rating (volume 124 cubic meters).

Users admire the beauty and compactness of the oven, the presence of convection channels, and its lightness (72 kg). Among the shortcomings, the fragility of the lining and the lack of instructions in Russian are noted.

Advantages

• beautiful appearance;
• compact dimensions;
• light weight;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• short-lived lining;
• modest performance.

META Narva

Rating: 4.3

The META Narva stove-fireplace boasts the lowest price in our rating. Experts liked the domestic development not only for its accessibility, but also for its long burning time (8 hours). A small device with a power of 6 kW is capable of heating a room with a volume of 60 cubic meters. m. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a number of useful options. The furnace has systems such as glass self-cleaning, secondary combustion, air supply intensity adjustment, and long-term combustion. Decorative inserts and large glass make the fireplace an interior decoration. Inside the steel case there is a fireclay lining and a compartment for storing firewood.

The model closes our rating, because the power of the device is not enough to fully heat even a country house. You will only have to warm up in one room of 20 square meters. m.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• self-cleaning glass;
• secondary afterburning;
• long burning.

Flaws

• low power.

Water heating system

Another idea for heating with a fireplace is that there is no need to transport air to a room located at a distance. The heat capacity of air is small and it can significantly reduce its temperature until it reaches the desired location through the air duct. You can use an intermediate link - water. Due to its large heat capacity, it retains heat for a long time and can provide a transport function for energy.

The principle of operation of the water system

Then the fireplace for heating the house must have a heat exchanger or circuit and serve as a connection to the heating system. The radiators known to us will play the role of secondary heat sources in each room and heat the air.

In most versions, the heating system is open. This means that atmospheric pressure is created above the liquid and the highest point is an expansion tank. This design allows you to use the fireplace as a full-fledged boiler. But this system has a drawback - the temperature of the coolant is limited by its boiling point.

The fact that with increasing pressure the boiling point rises is used in closed systems. This increase in pressure is caused by thermal expansion of the liquid. A special pump is used for circulation. A heating fireplace with a circuit can operate on wood or gas. But it has one more important useful property. If the circuit is connected to the water main, the energy of the fuel will be transferred to the water. It can be used for bathing or washing dishes.

Good to know: Small fireplace for a summer house, choose a ready-made option or build it yourself

The best corner fireplace stoves

Corner stoves are the most compact in size and light in weight. Among the models offered in stores you can find stylish and effective devices. Experts suggest paying attention to the following products.

ABX Admiral

Rating: 4.9

The minimum usable space in the room is occupied by the corner stove-fireplace ABX Admiral. The Czech manufacturer managed to harmoniously integrate glass curved at a right angle and a compartment for storing firewood into the design. The firebox of the device is made of high-strength steel, and Brazilian sandstone is used for cladding. This model can be decorated using granite or soapstone. All materials are environmentally friendly, strong and durable. Among the technical characteristics, experts highlight a heated volume of 140 cubic meters. m, high efficiency 79%. The model wins our rating.

Russian users especially note the European style and high quality of the stove. It does not raise concerns either from a safety or environmental point of view. The only disadvantage is the high price.

Advantages

• original design;
• environmental friendliness;
• fire safety;
• durability.

Flaws

• high price.

META Cupid

Rating: 4.8

The Russian META Amur stove is not inferior to the winner of the rating in aesthetics. The trapezoidal facade harmoniously combines a glass door and a compartment for storing firewood. The manufacturer made the fireplace body from sheet steel and lined the firebox with fireclay tiles. It can withstand temperature changes for a long time; if necessary, the interior decoration can be repaired. Experts have appreciated the duration of combustion; one load of 3-4 kg allows you to receive heat for 6-8 hours. The glass is protected from soot using a clean air flow, which cuts off the combustion zone from the door. The model takes an honorable second place in the ranking.

Homeowners are satisfied with the price of the stove, the quality of workmanship, and the burning time. The disadvantage is modest productivity (90 cubic meters).

Advantages

• elegant design;
• burning duration;
• clean glass system;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• low power.

Teplodar OV-120 angular

Rating: 4.7

The low price and beautiful appearance attract the attention of domestic homeowners to the Teplodar OV-120 corner stove. This fact is confirmed by YaM statistics; in just two months, 2,393 people were interested in the product. The stove is designed to heat a room with a volume of 120 cubic meters. m. Moreover, the steel structure weighs only 67 kg. The manufacturer has equipped the device with a glass door through which you can enjoy the view of a natural flame. Under the firebox there is a box for ash, and even lower there is a compartment for storing firewood. Experts gave the model third place in our ranking.

Users are satisfied with the low price, simplicity of design, compactness and lightness. But due to limited functionality, the model could not rise higher.

Advantages

• low price;
• compactness and lightness;
• attractive appearance;
• compartment for firewood.

Flaws

• limited functionality.

Bottom line

A wood-burning fireplace is the center of the interior of any room Source bilenkadinlar.com
Wood-burning fireplaces for a country house are a very stylish accent in its interior. The choice on the market is huge, because interest in tradition continues unabated. Materials for a wood-burning fireplace - for every taste and budget. An important requirement in the use and installation of the main elements of such a structure is compliance with fire safety measures and the involvement of specialists in installation and periodic maintenance.