What is a wood-burning stove? 

A wood-burning stove is a heating appliance that is generally crafted from cast iron or steel. The wood stove burns wood fuel within an enclosed firebox often lined with firebrick. Wood fuel includes firewood, pellets, sawdust, wood chips, charcoal, timber, and kindling. Unlike a fireplace which features a wide opening to access the fire, wood stoves will generally feature a door that closes and seals the fire within the unit. Most wood stoves will still feature a glass door so you can see the fire burning within, but wood stoves are designed to be heat-producing appliances. Having the sealed door allows the wood stove to be more efficient and increases the amount of energy that is processed through the burning of wood.

All wood stoves will radiate heat. Some units are just heating appliances whereas some units can also function as cooking appliances. Cooking wood stoves have built-in ovens, and/or radiant top plates that allow you to cook on the top of the stove. 

Wood stoves are a popular choice among homeowners who are looking for an alternative heat source that’s going to help them lower their home heating bills. In just one season, a wood stove will pay for itself with the money you save on your annual heating bill. This is why many homeowners will use a wood stove as their primary home heating source or as an alternate heat source for zone heating. It gives homeowners the freedom to take back control of their home heating and save money at the same time.

How do I choose the best wood fire stove for my house or home?

When choosing a Wood Stove there are a few factors you will want to keep in mind. The first thing is to determine the purpose of adding a wood stove. Are you wanting to add it as a heat source or is it more for ambiance and style? If you are wanting to use it as a heat source then you will need to consider the size of the area that you are looking to heat. Wood Stoves are generally sized based on the square footage of an area that they can heat. They are placed into three categories small, medium, and large. A small wood stove will heat between 600 and 1,000 square feet, whereas a medium wood stove will generally heat between 800 and 2,000 square feet and a large unit will heat an area between 800 and 3,000 square feet. The more area you need to heat, the larger the unit you will want to choose.

Do I need a large, small, or medium size? 

When determining the size of the wood stove to purchase, you will want to consider the layout of your home as well as the overall size of the area you wish to heat. Some people want a wood stove to be the main heat source for the home, whereas others are looking more for supplemental heat. It really all comes down to your overall goal with wood stove heat. 

You do not want to put an undersized unit in your home, because it will never be able to burn enough wood to sustain a comfortable temperature. Also purchasing a unit that is too large for a space, can make the room too hot to be comfortable in. Factoring in the burn time of a unit and the BTUs that a unit can produce will help you determine the proper size unit for your space.

It’s also a good idea to double-check your homeowner’s insurance policy and any building codes for your area. You will want to make sure that your home is approved for the use of a wood-burning appliance. In the case of manufactured and mobile homes, you will want to make sure that the appliance is approved for use in these types of dwellings because not all units are approved for this use.

It is also important to know if your home is well-insulated or poorly insulated and you will also need to pay attention to how many windows are in your home as well as how tall your ceilings are. The more you know about your home and the space you need to heat, the easier it will be to choose a wood stove that is right for your home.

Next, you will want to determine the style and type of wood stove that appeals to you. There are free-standing wood stoves as well as wood stove inserts that can be installed within a fireplace opening. Some units feature compartments to store wood and some units can vent from the top and some are rear vents.

A majority of the wood stove units are rated in BTUs which stand for British Thermal Units and is a measurement of heat output per hour. This helps you determine how much heat a wood stove unit will produce and when calculated with the burn time of a unit you can determine how long a wood stove will continue to burn the wood fuel and provide heat. 

Wood Stove Budget

Wood stoves range from affordable budget-friendly options to high-quality top-rated wood stoves. When determining the budget for your wood stove project, keep in mind that the appliance is only part of the overall project. Along with the wood stove itself, there will also need to be a venting run installed and you may also need a hearth pad or may need to update the flooring options underneath the base of the unit. Then there are also a variety of accessories from blowers, firewood holders, log racks, hearth rugs, ash pans, ash buckets, and hand tools, just to name a few.

What We Offer

North Line Express offers some of the best wood stoves on the market. We have over 35 years of experience in offering quality home leisure products that improve the quality of life for our customers. And we take pride in offering products from the most trusted brands in the industry. We know that you have a variety of options to choose from when making a purchase for your home and we appreciate you giving us a chance to earn your business. 

When it comes to wood stoves the number of choices and options can get a bit overwhelming, but we have created this article to help you compare the different brands, models, and options that are available.

We also have a team of certified customer service reps who would be happy to talk with you over the phone and help you find the perfect unit for your project. They can be reached at: 1.866.667.8454

If you want to check out our full line of wood stoves, you can Shop our Full Line of Wood Stoves.

Breakdown of different Brands and Most Popular Wood Stove Models within each Brand.

What are the best brands of wood stoves? What are the top 5 wood-burning stoves?

We have compiled a list of wood stove brands and our top-rated models from each brand. Whether you are trying to find a wood stove with an elegant look or a unit that exceeds all environmental protection agency standards we have what you are looking for. The most important thing is that you find a unit that you will be happy with for the life of the unit. 

Osburn Wood Stoves

Based out of Canada, Osburn Wood Stoves are manufactured by Stove Builder International Inc., also known as SBI. SBI is a family-owned company that produces high-quality residential heating products. Since SBI’s formation in 2003, the company has used its extensive product knowledge and innovative skills to produce wood stoves, pellet stoves, fireplace inserts, and furnaces. SBI produces multiple brands including Osburn, Drolet, and more. 

Under the Osburn brand, SBI produces an extensive variety of high-quality, EPA-efficient wood stoves that have sleek designs and are sure to meet all of your heating and burning needs. Osburn Wood Stoves are dedicated to offering a well-built and energy-efficient wood-burning product that is not only stylish but affordable too. Osburn wants you to get the most out of your burn time.

Shop Osburn Wood Stoves

EDITOR'S PICK - Osburn Model 2000 Wood Stove

Year after year, the 2000 model remains one of the most popular and highest-rated wood stoves in the Osburn product line and on the market today. The 2000 offers a 2.4 cubic foot combustion chamber and can heat an area between 500 and 2100 square feet all while producing an impressive 60 to 80 percent efficiency rating. This model comes with an included 130 CFM blower that can help distribute up to 75,000 BTUs an hour. 

The Osburn 2000 model proves that a wood stove can have an elegant design and still be a major source of heat for your home. Osburn's environmentally friendly 2000 wood stove uses an advanced wood combustion system, including a secondary air source, to reduce fuel wood consumption up to 33%. Heated air is circulated through perforated channels under the baffle, allowing for a more complete combustion; reducing wood consumption and cutting down on emissions released into the atmosphere. The unit also features a glass air wash system to help keep the ceramic glass in your door clean, making it easier to view the fire.

Osburn 2000 Wood Stove Specs:

• Metallic Black finish
• Heavy Duty Cast Iron Frame
• Heating area up to 2100 square feet
• Heating output of up to 75,000 BTUs
• Up to 80% efficiency rating
• 2.4 cubic feet firebox volume
• Accepts up to 20-inch log widths
• Heavy duty single pane ceramic glass
• EPA Certified
• Mobile home approved
• Alcove installation approved
• Glass air wash system
• Premium 130 CFM high-quality blower
• 390 pounds
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

New Buck Corporation Wood Stoves

The New Buck Corporation was formed in 1971 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. They are a family-owned and operated company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing wood, gas, and electric-fueled heating appliances. This veteran-owned company is dedicated to only purchasing American-made materials for use in the manufacturing of all of their products. 

The company started as a country store and eventually began manufacturing the popular Buck Stove. The New Buck Corporation now manufactures wood stoves and gas log inserts, outdoor living furniture, fire pits, and more. All of their products are manufactured at their Spruce Pine facility in North Carolina. They are dedicated to providing customers with the same quality and craftsmanship that they have come to appreciate.

Shop New Buck Corporation Wood Stoves

EDITOR'S PICK - BUCK WOOD STOVE with BLACK DOOR Model 21

The Wood Stove Model 21 manufactured by the New Buck Corporation is one of the most versatile wood stoves on the market because it can be installed as a freestanding stove or as a fireplace insert. This unit is one of the most popular wood stoves produced by the New Buck Corporation and can heat an area between 800 and 1800 square feet. It is an ideal choice for zone heating or for smaller-sized homes. This unit is also approved for use in most Mobile homes and is also pre-fab approved. Your small home or garage space is perfect for this unit. It is one of the best little wood stoves on the market today.

The Buck Stove Model 21 has an efficiency rating of 70 percent and has a BTU output of up to 29,999 BTUs. This is an American-made stove and is constructed of black steel. It comes with a factory-installed blower to help distribute heat. For added style, the optional Queen Anne pedestal legs can also be included. 

Buck wood stove model 21 Specs:

• Black steel finish
• Heats between 800 and 1,800 square feet
• Heat output of up to 29,999 BTUs
• 70 percent efficiency rating
• 1.6 cubic feet firebox volume
• Accepts logs up to 11 inches long
• Weighs 317 pounds
• Does not include an ash pan
• Mobile home Approved
• Pre-fab approved
• Factory installed Blower
• 5-year limited warranty
• 1-year warranty on electrical components

U. S. Stove Wood Stoves

As a global brand, U. S. Stove designs & engineers its products in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. U. S. Stove manufacturing utilizes components sourced both domestically and globally for assembly in various manufacturing facilities both in the United States and abroad. Every day they work to bring their customers quality, affordability, and value to each and every product they make. They have been dedicated to keeping America warm since 1869.

For over 150 years, the U. S. Stove Company has been empowering the spirit of freedom, that can only come from watching a crackling fire in the comfort of your home. They are dedicated to creating heating appliances that keep Americans warm and self-reliant. As America’s hearths transformed from a nation-building necessity to a proud symbol of independence they have remained obsessed with inventing and building the heating appliances that make freedom possible. They are dedicated to continuing to perfect biomass heating because they know what keeps America’s home fires burning.

Shop U. S. Stove Wood Stoves

EDITOR'S PICK - Ashley Large Pedestal Wood Stove

The Ashley Pedestal Wood Stove is an extra large wood-burning stove that can produce an impressive 152,000 BTUs of heat and can heat a space up to 3,200 square feet. This beautiful stove is crafted with 3/16 inch steel and is also one of the cleanest burning, EPA-certified stoves on the market. It features clean lines and a simple design that helps to complement many interior designs. The Ashley Large Pedestal Wood Stove comes with a 100 CFM blower to help distribute heat evenly. 

This Ashley wood-burning stove also features a large pedestal base with an integrated ash pan and a large, arched glass window with a stylish brushed nickel door handle. The Ashley wood stove meets the stringent requirements of the EPA Certification Guidelines and has a 71 percent efficiency rating.

Ashley Large Pedestal Wood Stove Specs:

• Black finish with brushed nickel accents
• Heats up to 3,200 square feet
• Heat output of up to 152,000 BTUs
• Heavy gauge 3/16 in reinforced plate steel
• Heavy-duty firebrick lining for long life and to aid in combustion efficiency
• Large ash drawer with cast iron ash plug to help make cleanup easy
• Accepts logs 18 inches in length
• Includes adjustable high-speed 100 CFM blower for heat distribution
• Cast iron feed door
• Large ceramic glass window that measures 14 inches by 9 inches
• Pedestal base
• Brushed nickel door handle
• Weighs 370 pounds
• Limited lifetime warranty on Firebox
• 1-year warranty on all other parts
• 1-year warranty on all electrical components

MF Fire brand Wood Stoves

MF Fire takes a different approach when creating wood-burning stoves. They started MF Fire to deliver the best wood heat while using innovation to eliminate the undesirable aspects of wood stoves. They leverage their patented technologies, intelligent design, and state-of-the-art fire science to build stoves with high efficiency and low emissions, all while still providing customers with a simple and easy-to-use fire experience.

MF Fire knows that most customers are only going to purchase a new wood stove once every 10 to 20 years and they feel that customers deserve an attractive stove that they enjoy looking at while having the unit deliver all of their heating needs. They pride themselves on using the finest quality materials and expert craftsmanship. They produce wood stoves unlike any other in North America. They offer units that range from sleek and modern to sophisticated and high-tech. MF Fire is committed to creating and producing wood-burning stoves that meet the demands of modern living.

Shop MF Fire brand Wood Stoves

EDITOR's PICK - Nova Wood Stove

The Nova Wood Stove features a sleek design for a sustainable and simple-to-use product. The Nova Wood Stove can come in either a black or charcoal finish and is considered a small wood-burning stove. This wood stove is crafted with both you and the environment in mind. With the Nova wood stove, you can build hassle-free, powerful fires that warm your space as well as produce captivating flames that you will enjoy watching through the large glass viewing pane. 

One of the nice things about the Nova Stove is that it can be used as a rear vent unit, instead of a traditional top vent unit. This venting option helps to give the wood stove a more sleek design and adds to those needing a different venting option. It has a 79 percent efficiency rating and the Nova 1 wood stove can heat up to 1,500 square feet with its ability to produce 50,000 BTUs per hour. It will work for a small or medium home or space.

With its low emissions and high efficiency the Nova wood stove also qualifies for rebates in most states, which helps save you even more money.

Nova Wood Stove Specs:

• Choose from a Black or Charcoal Finish
• Large fire viewing area
• Heats up to 1,500 square feet
• Heat output is up to 50,000 BTUs
• Efficiency rating of 79 percent
• 1.7 cubic foot firebox volume
• Accepts logs up to 18 inches
• Convertible between rear or top vent
• Option to use feet or tower pedestal
• 355 pounds
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Nectre - Dimplex

Glen Dimplex Americas operates in North America and is an ever-growing company that works hard to develop new products and technologies. Glen Dimplex Americas is a trusted brand with electric heating and now through Glen Dimplex Americas, they now have a dynamic portfolio of leading brands in several home comfort categories including electric heating, electric fireplaces as well as wood stoves and wood stove ovens. Dimplex and Nectre are two of the leading brands of products under the banner of Glen Dimplex Americas.

Nectre is proudly designed in Australia and manufactured in New Zealand and America. Nectre’s wood fire ovens and low-emission wood stoves can be found in twelve countries. With over a half-century of rich tradition, the Nectre brand is committed to quality and the timeless warmth of wood.

Shop Nectre Wood Stoves

EDITOR'S PICK - NECTRE 550 WOOD-FIRED OVEN

The Nectre 550 Wood Fired Oven allows you to heat your home while also cooking a delicious meal. The Nectre 550 combines the essential functions of a traditional wood stove and cook stove in one compact, charming appliance. This unit can effectively heat up to 2,500 square feet. It also features a top plate that allows you to cook with radiant heat on top of the unit as well as a conventional oven that will allow you to bake all sorts of warm goodies for you and your family. This unit is sure to bring out the baker inside of you. 

This unit has a 78 percent efficiency rating and can produce 65,000 BTUs an hour. The oven features a built-in thermometer and both doors feature cool-to-the-touch handles that make it easy to open the doors whether the unit is hot or cold. Best of all, the Nectre 550 Wood Oven is backed by a 10-year warranty. 

It's easy to see why the Nectre 550 Wood Fired Oven is one of the best wood cooking stoves on the market.

Nectre 550 Wood Fire Oven Specs:

• Black Finish with Gold accents
• Heats up to 2,500 square feet
• Efficiency rating of 78 percent
• 1.55 cubic foot firebox volume
• Accepts logs up to 19 inches
• Manufactured with long-lasting steel and iron
• Heat output of up to 65,000 BTUs
• Cast iron doors
• Ceramic glass
• Cool touch handles
• Adjustable bypass heat control for increasing and decreasing the amount of inlet air in the firebox
• Ash pan
• Direct radiant heat top plate that is ¼ inch
• 2 removable cook rings to use on the top plate
• The oven comes with 2 removable wire racks
• Built-in thermometer with both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature ratings
• 485 pounds
• 10-year Warranty
• Made in the United States of America

For more information on selecting a Wood Stove, you can also check out our Resource Center.

Wood Stove Buyer's Guide

Wood Stove Installation Guide

Wood Stove F. A. Q.

What is the best brand of a wood-burning stove?

North Line Express stands behind the brands that we offer. We are dedicated to offering you the top of the line wood-burning stove units. We offer wood stove units from five of the world's leading manufacturers including Osburn, U. S. Stove, MF Fire, Nectre, Dimplex, and New Buck Corporation. These brands each have qualities that put them head and shoulders above their competition. Each has high-efficiency rated models that can heat areas from 500 square feet up to 3,000 square feet and beyond. North Line Express is your go-to destination for stylish, efficient, and high-quality wood stoves to add that touch of heat to your home and living space.

Are woodstoves worth it?

If you are looking for a way to add supplemental heat to your home without having to rely on electrical and gas companies, then a woodstove is a great option to provide the heat you require while adding a stylish focal point to your living and working spaces. Compared to wood-burning fireplaces, a wood stove will produce more efficient heat in your area.

Where can I buy a wood-burning stove?

You can shop the North Line Express website for our full line of woodstoves here and we will ship the unit directly to your home. 

If you need assistance with your wood stove project, remember we have a team of certified customer service reps who would be happy to talk with you over the phone and help you find the perfect unit for your project. They can be reached at: 1.866.667.8454