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Some garages are heated, but many, especially older garages, are not. If you're not lucky enough to have heat, you should consider investing in the best wood stove for a garage to warm things up. It's good for your health, and a good wood stove always brings a feeling of coziness to any room. If you're not sure you need one, imagine the following:
You're working in your garage, and it's about 8 degrees Fahrenheit outside. You've got hours of sorting and packing to get through, but your fingers already feel like popsicles. So there you are, shivering as you expel your frozen white breath like a chimney stack. You grab your coffee cup only to discover that it's now a solid block of ice. The good news is that you can kick those nasty cold temperatures to the curb by using the best wood stove for a garage available.
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Before buying a new wood stove, it's important to consider several factors. These include coverage, efficiency, design, heat output, combustion, the type of door, ventilation, firebox, and certification.
Ensuring that a stove provides adequate coverage is the first thing you want to consider before purchase. Every stove model should offer you information regarding the total square footage of space that the unit can heat. It's important to make sure that you're not getting too much heat for a small garage or too little heat for a large garage.
Not all wood stoves burn fuel the same way. In fact, each stove burns wood differently. Make sure that you have a clear idea of how long the stove will burn with one load of wood. Some models will also advertise their efficiency percentage.
When it comes to design, the best wood stove for a garage typically offers three styles to choose from. These are traditional, modern, and portable.
Stoves with a traditional design are usually freestanding. These models could have small or large fireboxes. However, they do not use blowers, which means that they may lose heat. These models also typically have ventilation at the top, but sometimes it's in the back of the stove. These stoves are generally made with materials such as steel or cast iron and are very heavy.
Modern design stoves can either be self-standing or inserts that fit into a fireplace. These models usually have large fireboxes, burn more wood, and use blowers to increase heat output. Modern stoves can offer both top and back ventilation. They're also constructed from lighter materials than traditional models.
Portable stoves consist of a simple yet efficient design. These stoves are small and typically lightweight. They are also easier to assemble than other models. Most of these models also have unique features that allow you to transport them with ease, such as built-in handles. These models need to operate in a well-ventilated environment.
Make sure your stove has sufficient heat output. A stove model will usually advertise its maximum heat output in British Thermal Units or BTUs. For example, it may say that it puts out 60,000 BTUs.
While wood stoves are pretty simple to operate, not every model makes heat the same way. In fact, there are two types of combustion that a wood stove can offer: catalytic and non-catalytic combustion.
If a wood stove uses catalytic combustion, it will usually be more expensive, but also more efficient. These models have a more advanced design but offer more consistent heat output while burning wood longer. However, the main problem with these stoves is that you'll have to replace the combustion element periodically, usually every two or three years.
Wood stoves that don't utilize catalytic combustion are generally cheaper. However, customers may sometimes prefer these models because they tend to generate more powerful fires that are also more pleasant to watch. But while these models can produce excellent heat output, the heat is inconsistent and will steadily decline faster than catalytic models.
The size of a wood stove's firebox is also very important. A larger firebox means larger capacity. Therefore, it will hold more wood inside. Size is also important because it will determine the maximum length of wood that can fit into the stove. More expensive models typically have larger fireboxes. Moreover, these models are usually best suited for large rooms and may overheat smaller areas.
Many wood burner stoves offer a ceramic glass door that allows you to view the fire better, adding to the room's ambiance. The ceramic glass door not only adds to the aesthetics of the stove, but it also acts as a heat conductor thereby also improving the stove's overall efficiency.
Many wood stoves will have ventilation points on either the top, side, or back. These points connect to pipes that are used to vent out excess smoke. It's a good idea to have an idea of how much pipe you'll need as well as where you want to vent the smoke. Typically, a lot of people will use a 90-degree connecting pipe to push the smoke out through a side wall in their garage. However, you can also vent it through the roof.
You never want to buy a wood burning stove that's not certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification ensures that it isn't constructed with cheap materials that will break down and prove a potential fire hazard. It also provides better protection against excess harmful emissions.
Proper installation for a wood stove is extremely important. Many wood stove models have very detailed instructions on how to install them. Although some models are relatively simple to put together, others require a bit more skill. Prior to installation, make sure that you have a good location that has access to appropriate outdoor ventilation. Here's a video that walks you through a typical wood stove garage installation.
image source: Pexels
Before buying a new wood stove, it's important to consider several factors. These include coverage, efficiency, design, heat output, combustion, the type of door, ventilation, firebox, and certification.
Ensuring that a stove provides adequate coverage is the first thing you want to consider before purchase. Every stove model should offer you information regarding the total square footage of space that the unit can heat. It's important to make sure that you're not getting too much heat for a small garage or too little heat for a large garage.
Not all wood stoves burn fuel the same way. In fact, each stove burns wood differently. Make sure that you have a clear idea of how long the stove will burn with one load of wood. Some models will also advertise their efficiency percentage.
When it comes to design, the best wood stove for a garage typically offers three styles to choose from. These are traditional, modern, and portable.
Stoves with a traditional design are usually freestanding. These models could have small or large fireboxes. However, they do not use blowers, which means that they may lose heat. These models also typically have ventilation at the top, but sometimes it's in the back of the stove. These stoves are generally made with materials such as steel or cast iron and are very heavy.
Modern design stoves can either be self-standing or inserts that fit into a fireplace. These models usually have large fireboxes, burn more wood, and use blowers to increase heat output. Modern stoves can offer both top and back ventilation. They're also constructed from lighter materials than traditional models.
Portable stoves consist of a simple yet efficient design. These stoves are small and typically lightweight. They are also easier to assemble than other models. Most of these models also have unique features that allow you to transport them with ease, such as built-in handles. These models need to operate in a well-ventilated environment.
Make sure your stove has sufficient heat output. A stove model will usually advertise its maximum heat output in British Thermal Units or BTUs. For example, it may say that it puts out 60,000 BTUs.
While wood stoves are pretty simple to operate, not every model makes heat the same way. In fact, there are two types of combustion that a wood stove can offer: catalytic and non-catalytic combustion.
If a wood stove uses catalytic combustion, it will usually be more expensive, but also more efficient. These models have a more advanced design but offer more consistent heat output while burning wood longer. However, the main problem with these stoves is that you'll have to replace the combustion element periodically, usually every two or three years.
Wood stoves that don't utilize catalytic combustion are generally cheaper. However, customers may sometimes prefer these models because they tend to generate more powerful fires that are also more pleasant to watch. But while these models can produce excellent heat output, the heat is inconsistent and will steadily decline faster than catalytic models.
The size of a wood stove's firebox is also very important. A larger firebox means larger capacity. Therefore, it will hold more wood inside. Size is also important because it will determine the maximum length of wood that can fit into the stove. More expensive models typically have larger fireboxes. Moreover, these models are usually best suited for large rooms and may overheat smaller areas.
Many wood burner stoves offer a ceramic glass door that allows you to view the fire better, adding to the room's ambiance. The ceramic glass door not only adds to the aesthetics of the stove, but it also acts as a heat conductor thereby also improving the stove's overall efficiency.
Many wood stoves will have ventilation points on either the top, side, or back. These points connect to pipes that are used to vent out excess smoke. It's a good idea to have an idea of how much pipe you'll need as well as where you want to vent the smoke. Typically, a lot of people will use a 90-degree connecting pipe to push the smoke out through a side wall in their garage. However, you can also vent it through the roof.
You never want to buy a wood burning stove that's not certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification ensures that it isn't constructed with cheap materials that will break down and prove a potential fire hazard. It also provides better protection against excess harmful emissions.
Proper installation for a wood stove is extremely important. Many wood stove models have very detailed instructions on how to install them. Although some models are relatively simple to put together, others require a bit more skill. Prior to installation, make sure that you have a good location that has access to appropriate outdoor ventilation. Here's a video that walks you through a typical wood stove garage installation.
To find the absolute best wood stove for a garage, we researched numerous garage forums, articles, videos, and social media pages. We then compiled a list of the most-recommended products and eliminated those that didn't have high customer scores. The remaining models made the cut to be on our best wood stove for a garage lineup.
After an exhaustive search, we found the best eight wood stoves that are perfect for garages. The prices for these models range from $120 to $1,600. Also, the warranty periods can vary from one year to the lifetime of the product.
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4/5 stars
The first model in our best wood stove for a garage lineup is the Vogelzang Durango. The Durango will get you fired up with some of its features, which include:
Northern Tool and Equipment customers rated this stove 4.0 out of 5 stars.
One customer described the Durango as absolutely amazing. He said the stove heated his uninsulated 1,600-square-foot barn with no issues. Conversely, another customer complained that his began to fall apart after only two years.
You can heat things up with your very own Vogelzang Durango wood stove for $650 to $1,300. This product also has a variable period limited warranty, which covers three years for the firebox, blue collar (if equipped), and all doors. Then, one year for the firebox baffle, door gaskets, all electrical components (including blower if provided), cabinet, and trim.
No products found.
4.1/5 stars
This Pleasant Hearth small stove is the second model in our best wood burning stove for a garage lineup. Here are some of its features:
Tractor Supply Company customers rated this stove 4.1 out of 5 stars.
One customer said that it heated his 900-foot cabin during the middle of winter in upstate New York. However, another customer complained the unit started to smoke out after a few months.
This Pleasant Hearth model will cost you between $800 and $1,000. Plus, it includes a five-year limited warranty.
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4.5/5 stars
The next model in our best wood stove for garage review is the Summers Heat Tranquility small wood stove. This model features:
Lowes customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars.
One Lowes customer said that it gets hot fast and has an excellent damper control. However, another customer complained that the manufacturer's stickers ruined the paint job.
You can buy this Summers Heat Tranquility model for between $650 and $800. It also includes a five-year limited warranty.
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4/5 stars
The Drolet Pyropak 22-inch wood stove represents another great choice in our best wood stove for a garage. This product features:
Home Depot customers gave this product 4.0 out of 5 stars.
One Home Depot customer remarked that the stove has solid construction and heats well without any smoke escaping. Then again, another customer complained that he bought a unit with broken firebricks and it had the wrong instructions.
You can own the Drolet Pyropak 22-inch wood stove at the cost of $600 to $800. You'll also get a limited lifetime warranty with your purchase.
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4.1/5 stars
This hot little number in our best wood stove for a garage lineup is the Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Stove. This model features:
Customers on Amazon awarded this stove 4.1 out of 5 stars.
One Amazon customer noted that the stove provided great heat for his uninsulated workshop, and it took less than an hour to set up. Then again, another customer complained that installation was difficult and required a lot of extra parts.
You can be the proud owner of the Guide Gear outdoor wood stove for around $120 to $150. The stove also includes a lifetime warranty.
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4.7/5 stars
We present the Drolet kigh-efficiency wood stove as the next offering in our best wood stove for a garage selection. This model features:
This product earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers.
One customer proclaimed that after 17 years of owning 6 different wood burning stoves, this product was by far the best. However, another customer claims that his product arrived damaged, but he seemed more upset with the delivery than with the product.
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The Drolet high-efficiency wood stove can cost between $1,100 to $1,600. You'll also receive a limited lifetime warranty with purchase.
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4.7/5 stars
We proudly present the HiFlame small wood burning stove as the next model on our best wood stove for a garage lineup. The HiFlame features:
This stove raises the bar with a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One customer described the product as "out of this world" and said it was the best-burning little stove out there. Nonetheless, another complained that there was a manufacturing imperfection on his stove that required him to modify it with a grinder.
You can start heating your garage with a HiFlame small wood burning stove for between $550 and $750. HiFlame offers a variable period limited warranty for different parts of the stove. The warranty covers:
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4.3/5 stars
Last we offer your consideration the Vogelzang Defender as a part of our best wood burning stove for a garage collection. The Defender features:
This stove earned a 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
One customer described the product as well put together and relatively easy to install. He also noted that it burns a beautiful slow flame and distributes a ton of heat. However, another customer complained that he received a unit with a bent leg.
You can become the next proud owner of a Vogelzang Defender wood stove for $600 to $1,000. It also includes a variable period limited warranty. It covers three years for the firebox, blue collar (if equipped), and all doors. Then, one year for the firebox baffle, door gaskets, all electrical components (including blower if provided), cabinet, and trim.
Owning the best wood stove for a garage has numerous benefits. These stoves can allow you to work in your garage no matter how cold it gets outside. They can also provide your outdoor pets a warm place to stay during the night. Ever get a craving for some roasted marshmallows or 'smores? The good news is you won't need to bother with grouchy bears, countless bloodthirsty insects, or even starting a campfire. Now you can enjoy a campfire experience in the comfort of your own garage. Plus, a wood stove is also a great way to save on your energy bill. We hope that you've found this information helpful and we wish you the best of luck in your search.