There are overviews with bullet points and then full reviews that detail the pros, cons, features, and “bottom line” for all of the units.
The reviews are followed by a brief buying guide that will assist you in making a purchase decision that you will be happy with.
Best Small Pellet Stoves Reviews
Following is a detailed look at the top 7 smallest or mini Pellet Stoves. These stoves can be used to heat small to moderate homes, single rooms, tiny homes, mobile homes, and cabins.
#1 Castle 12327 “Serenity” Pellet Stove
Best Overall
This small pellet stove uses a unique space saving design that will fit with any interior.
Features: This well designed unit includes all of the features you’re looking for in a small pellet stove.
- Full hopper will provide 16-18 hours of burn time
- EPA Certified – Emissions – 1.1 grams per hour
- 31,960 BTU’s
- Built in fan and ash pan
- Smart Control – 24 hour programmable controller for each day of the week
- Easy clean with no tubes, corrugations, or hidden chambers
Ratings: This stove turns up on many top 10 lists and about 70% of Amazon customers rate this stove as excellent.
Pros: This well made stove operates at a 69.8% efficiency rate and comes with an auto ignition and a heat shield. The innovative heating system provides 2.5 sq. ft. of additional surface area for maximum thermal exchange in a small space. The Smart Control allows for manual or programmable 24- 7 thermostat operation.
Cons: One customer indicated that the stove had problems with the igniter as soon as he got it. Castle did replace the igniter.
Bottom Line: This is a reliable, efficient small pellet stove and one of the more affordable on the market, making it our choice for Best Overall.
Available Accessories: The stove comes with everything you need. There are no additional accessories necessary.
Here’s a link to a video showing details about this stove:
#2 Drolet Eco-55 Pellet Stove DP0070
Best Value
Drolet might be the best pellet stove manufacturer today. This easy to use, Drolet pellet stove is well made and has a clean, modern appearance.
Features: You’ll get all of the features you’re looking for in this small pellet stove.
- EPA Certified – Emissions – .96 grams per hour
- 60 lb. hopper provides 51 hours of burn time
- 39,250 BTU’s
- Large viewing window with air wash glass
- Operates at 75.8% efficiency
- Mobile home approved with included fresh air intake kit
Ratings: This high-quality stove receives very positive on-line customer ratings for reliability and ease of use.
Pros: This stove will heat up to 2,000 square feet at an efficiency rate of 75.8%. The stove features a built in programmable thermostat but can be run on manual, if desired, and includes a 210 CFM blower fan. This Canadian stove is very well made and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons: Some customers felt that the fan was too loud and the stove is somewhat difficult to clean.
Bottom Line: This well made stove has a lot to offer at an affordable price, making it our choice for Best Value.
Available Accessories: 80 lb. Hopper Extension, Stove Cleaning Kit, Glass Hearth Pad, Heat Shields.
#3 U.S. Stove 5660 Bay Front Pellet Stove
Best Fire View
This attractive, automatic, small pellet stove has just what you need to keep your home warm in the winter months.
Features: This fully loaded stove includes all the features you’re looking for and an appearance that will fit into any style home.
- 45 lb. hopper provides 30 hours of burn time
- Easy to use, LED, electronic controls
- Wide bay front glass – 3 sided viewing window
- Produces very little ash
- EPA Certified
- Includes 120 CFM blower with automatic circulation
Ratings: Over 60% of customers give this stove excellent reviews for function, ease of use, and value.
Pros: This stove is easy to install, easy to use, and can easily heat up to 2,500 sq. ft., it’s fully automatic and comes with auto ignition and electronic controls. The stove includes a faux log set and a brick fireplace backer to provide the look of a traditional fireplace, if desired.
Cons: Some users might find that pellets don’t drop consistently. One creative and effecive solution is to drill the holes larger. If you try this, use a bit about ⅛” larger, and go up in small increments if needed until you get a free flow of pellets.
Bottom Line: This is a well functioning, easy to use, small pellet stove available with a Bay Front – three sided window design, making it our choice for Best Fire View.
#4 U.S. Stove AP5000 Wall Mount Pellet Stove
Most Space Saving
This pellet stove saves space by mounting on the wall, making it perfect for heating a smaller home. If floor space is limited, this is a great solution in your house, shop, cabin and similar locations where a compact pellet stove is essential.
Features: The sleek design provides a modern appearance to this small pellet stove and it includes all of the features you’ll need.
- Full hopper provides 6 to 24 hours of burn time
- EPA Certified
- 24,000 BTU’s
- Automatic Ignition
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Operates at 78% efficiency
Ratings: Customers enjoy the extra room a wall mounted pellet stove provides them. The insulated box allows for wall mounting without the threat of causing a fire by close proximity to the wall. More than 70% of users give this unit high marks. Always be sure to read Customer Reviews to see why a stove receives the ratings it does. Some negative ratings, such as it arrived damaged (Amazon is great about replacing such items at no cost) might not be relevant.
Pros: This compact, mini pellet stove is easy to use, due, in part, to the digital control system making adjustments simple and it’s easy to clean. Everything you need to mount and vent the stove is included.
Cons: Some think the auger motor is underpowered, but our experience is that it feeds the fire quite effectively. In some instances, the stove might shut down “unexpectedly,” but upon inspection, this is a result of the fire not getting adequate air supply, in which case the stove is designed to shut off. Finally, keep in mind that this stove’s compact size means it isn’t designed for very large spaces – it is ideal for 800 to 1,000 square feet.
Bottom Line: This small, affordable, pellet stove is so compact, that it’s our choice for Most Space Saving.
Available Accessories: There are no available accessories.
Following is a video about installing and operating this stove:
#5 Enviro Mini Pellet Stove
Most Modern
This attractive pellet stove will fit a modern or contemporary style small home.
Features: Small, but efficient, this mini pellet stove has all of the features you’ll need to heat up to a 1,000 sq. ft. space.
- 30,000 BTU’s
- Operates at 78% efficiency
- Includes a bolt-on hearth pad and leveling legs
- EPA Approved – Emissions at 1.6 grams per hour
- Large size viewing glass
- Top loading for easy filling
Ratings: This small pellet stove receives positive ratings for reliability, ease of use, and performance.
Pros: Clean burning, this stove makes very little ash and is also very quiet. The Enviro Mini features an attractive appearance that fits with a modern home. The stove comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It is easy to fill, and if you enjoy relaxing in front of a fire, the large viewing window makes it more enjoyable.
Cons: This unit does not come with a thermostat, but one can be purchased from the manufacturer.
Bottom Line: This small pellet stove is sleek and reliable, making it our choice for Most Modern.
Available Accessories: Optional thermostat. We recommend making an investment in the thermostat.
#6 Pleasant Hearth 3500 Pellet Stove
Most Efficient
This stove is found on many top rated lists for small pellet stoves. It’s useful efficient performance, features and quality workmanship make it an easy choice for our list.
Features: You’ll find all of the features you’ll need and want in this Pleasant Hearth stove.
- EPA Certified – Emissions – .34 grams per hour
- 35,000 BTU’s
- Mobile Home Approved – outside air kit included
- Exclusive Comfort Control System
- Automatic built in blower for quiet operation
- Operates at 80% efficiency
Ratings: Pleasant Hearth stoves turn up on many top pellet stove lists. This model receives good reviews for being very easy to light, tend and clean. You’ll go through pellets more slowly with this stove compared with most competitors.
Pros: This stove operates at 85% efficiency, making it one of the most efficient stoves on the market. The Pleasant Hearth 3500 comes with auto ignition, outside air kit, convection blower, and a limited 5 year warranty.
Cons: One review reported that the stove arrived damaged. The company did replace the stove at no charge.
Bottom Line: This highly efficient, small pellet stove, is available at an affordable price and is our choice for Most Efficient.
Available Accessories: There are no available accessories.
#7 Thelin Gnome
Most Traditional Appearance
This small pellet stove is designed to look like a traditional pot belly stove. We think you’ll like the classic design, just as we do.
Features: This little stove includes just what you’ll need to keep your space warm during the coldest months.
- 27,000 BTU’s
- Operates at a LHV efficiency of 63.3% and a combustion efficiency of 94%
- EPA Certified – Emissions at 1.2 grams per hour
- Available in 6 porcelain enamel and 8 paint colors
- Easy to use push button controls
- Automatic electronic ignition
Ratings: In general, reviews are very positive for this stove including for saving space and sturdiness. And it is a very handsome pellet stove.
Pros: This little stove comes with a lot of useful features including battery backup, built in convection blower, and automatic ignition. It is available in a wide variety of colors, so you’ll likely find one that will look fantastic with your design scheme, from clean and contemporary to rustic and comfortable.
Cons: Some of the reviews indicate that stove parts including the fan didn’t last as long as they should and were unable to get Thelin to replace them without charge.
Bottom Line: This well-made, small pellet stove, features the look of a pot belly stove, making this stove an easy choice for Most Traditional.
Available Accessories: Nickel Trim Package, Gold Trim Package, wall mounted and remote thermostat. The color options and accessories allow you to customize the look of the stove.
#8 Cleveland Mini Pellet Stove
We recommend this compact pellet stove for small spaces like cabins or sunrooms due to its smart features and space-saving design.
Pros
- Compact size fits in tight spaces
- WiFi-enabled with smartphone control
- Qualifies for 30% tax credit
Cons
- Noisy auger operation
- Confusing instruction manual
- Limited heating capacity
This mini pellet stove packs efficient heating into a remarkably small 20-inch wide frame. The 18-pound hopper provides steady warmth for spaces up to 1,200 square feet.
Smart features set this model apart from traditional pellet stoves. The built-in WiFi connects to a smartphone app for remote temperature control and monitoring.
The solid steel construction and cast iron components demonstrate durability. Maintenance access points are conveniently placed for quick cleaning. The whisper-quiet blower helps distribute heat, though the auger noise may be noticeable during operation.
#9 US Stove 5040 Compact Pellet Stove
We recommend this small pellet stove for moderately sized spaces due to its efficient heating capabilities and user-friendly controls.
Pros
- Digital control board with simple operation
- Compact size ideal for smaller homes
- Extended burn time up to 40 hours
Cons
- Installation materials sold separately
- Limited availability (not sold in CA or WA)
- Mixed customer feedback on reliability
The US Stove 5040 stands out with its space-saving design and heavy-duty steel construction. Its sleek profile makes it an excellent choice for condos and modest living spaces where square footage is limited.
A large viewing window with air wash glass enhances the visual appeal while keeping maintenance manageable. The four heat settings offer precise temperature control through an intuitive digital interface.
Mobile and modular home owners will appreciate this unit’s versatility with the optional fresh air kit. The 40-hour burn time proves particularly valuable during cold spells, reducing the frequency of pellet reloading.
#10 Wiseway Non-Electric Pellet Stove
We recommend this innovative gravity-fed pellet stove for off-grid locations and areas prone to power outages, though its unique design requires a learning curve to operate effectively.
Pros
- No electricity needed for operation
- Silent gravity feed system
- Large 60-pound hopper capacity
Cons
- Requires manual lighting process
- Learning curve for temperature control
- Limited temperature adjustment options
The Wiseway’s gravity-fed design eliminates the need for mechanical parts, resulting in fewer maintenance requirements and potential breakdowns. Its 40,000 BTU output can heat up to 2,000 square feet of living space.
Small clearance requirements make this stove ideal for tight spaces, while the 3-inch pellet venting system allows for straightforward installation. The window provides a pleasant view of the flames traveling up the body.
The natural draft system takes time to master, with manual adjustments made through the front air intakes. A propane torch is needed for startup, making the process more involved than traditional electric pellet stoves.
#11 US Stove Compact Cast Iron Stove
We recommend this stove for small spaces and cabins, though quality control issues make it a moderate choice in its category.
Pros
- Heats up to 900 square feet effectively
- Cool-touch safety handle stays safe during operation
- Compact size fits well in small spaces
Cons
- Inconsistent manufacturing quality
- Difficult to find compatible pipes
- Some units arrive damaged
This compact wood stove delivers up to 54,000 BTUs of heating power, making it suitable for cabins and small living spaces. The cast iron construction combines classic styling with modern functionality, while the cool-touch handle adds an important safety feature.
The 19-inch log capacity reduces the frequency of refueling trips. At 33 inches long and 18.5 inches wide, this stove occupies minimal floor space while providing efficient heating performance.
Manufacturing inconsistencies raise some concerns about long-term durability. Users report challenges finding compatible piping systems, which can complicate installation. The limited lifetime warranty on the firebox provides some peace of mind, though other components only carry one-year coverage.
#12 Canyon Lodge Mini Pellet Stove
We cannot recommend this pellet stove due to its poor customer feedback and reliability concerns.
Pros
- Smart home WiFi integration
- Quiet operation technology
- Tax credit eligible
Cons
- Very low customer ratings
- Limited real-world performance data
- High price point for features offered
The Canyon Lodge Mini stands out with its compact design and modern features like WiFi connectivity and smart home integration. Its 18-pound hopper provides decent runtime for a small unit.
This stove aims to heat spaces up to 1,200 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms or open floor plans. The included fresh air kit and whisper-quiet blower technology suggest thoughtful engineering.
The digital control panel and remote offer convenient operation options. While the specifications look promising on paper, the extremely limited customer feedback and low ratings raise significant concerns about real-world performance and reliability.
#13 US Stove Tiny Wood Heater
We recommend this compact wood stove for small spaces under 750 square feet due to its efficient heating and space-saving design.
Pros
- Space-saving design perfect for tiny homes
- Burns efficiently at 75% with 26,000 BTU output
- Long 8-hour burn time with 11-inch logs
Cons
- Limited heating coverage area
- Requires regular wood loading and maintenance
- Some customers report shipping damage issues
This petite wood stove packs impressive heating power into its modest 16-inch width. Its modern black metal design adds a sleek touch while maximizing space efficiency in smaller rooms.
The 75% efficiency rating qualifies for tax credits, making it an economical choice for supplemental heating. Mobile home approval provides added versatility for various living situations.
At 139 pounds, the freestanding unit offers solid construction. The viewing window lets you enjoy the ambiance of crackling flames while the stove effectively warms spaces up to 750 square feet.
What to Look For When Purchasing a Small or Mini Pellet Stove
Our brief small pellet stove buying guide answers common questions. The answers should provide guidance as you select a small pellet stove that is ideal for your needs.
Are Pellet Stoves Safe?
Let’s address this common pellet stove concern first.
Yes, pellet stoves are very safe, posing virtually no fire risk. They can be placed fairly close to walls, as they create minimal external heat due to well-insulated cabinets. This also makes them a good choice if you have children or pets that use the room where you’ll install the small pellet stove.
It is even safe to leave a pellet stove burning unattended, as long as the stove has enough pellets to last until you return or if your stove has an automatic shut off, in case it runs out of pellets.
Consider how much space you want to heat.
Do you need to heat a small space like a tiny home, cabin, mobile home, or maybe just a single room? Figure out the square footage you want to heat and look for a stove that meets, or slightly exceeds, that requirement. Usually stove manufacturers provide a heating range, for instance, 800 to 1200 square feet, so if your square footage is 1000, a stove that can heat up to 1200 sq. ft. would be a good place to start.
You also need to keep in mind how well your space is insulated, how cold it gets during your winter season, and whether this will be your only source of heat or will the stove supplement another heat source. Also, where you place the stove can make a difference on how the heat flows through the home.
There are sites online that provide information and formulas for figuring out the stove size requirements for various situations.
Consider the hopper size and how long the burn time is, for both the low and high heat settings.
The larger the hopper, the longer the stove will burn without needing to be refilled. That’s obviouis, but hoppers come in various sizes. The lower the heat setting, the longer the stove will take to burn all of the pellets, so a 24 pound hopper could burn anywhere from 6 to 24 hours depending on how high the heat is set to. If you need the heat at a high temperature most of the time, you will need a large hopper or be willing to refill the hopper throughout the day. Hopper extensions are availalbe from some manufacturers to extend burn time.
Consider the Features You Will Need and Want.
Some of these features include automatic ignition, which is generally standard on these stoves. Or you might like the convenience of a programmable thermostat which allows you to set different temperature levels for various periods throughout the day, for instance, setting a lower temperature while you’re at work or sleeping. A large viewing window might also be important if you like to watch the fire.
Consider How the Stove Will Fit Home Style.
Stoves are available in various styles, from modern to traditional, including a pot belly style. Some of the stoves give you the option of choosing from different finishes, colors, and trims.
Is the stove EPA Certified or Approved?
When purchasing a pellet stove make sure it is EPA Approved or Certified. This indicates that the stove meets the Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act requirements guaranteeing the stove will produce very low emission levels and maintain safe, clean air in your home or space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common concerns about small pellet stoves focus on sizing, safety features, maintenance requirements, and fuel efficiency for compact living spaces.
What features should I consider when choosing the best small pellet stove?
We recommend looking for programmable thermostats and automatic ignition for convenient operation.
A hopper capacity of at least 20 pounds ensures reasonable burn times between refills.
Safety features like automatic shutoff and heat shields are essential for compact spaces.
How do I determine the appropriate size pellet stove for a tiny house?
We calculate heating requirements based on square footage and climate zone. A basic formula is 25-30 BTUs per square foot.
For tiny homes under 400 square feet, a 20,000-30,000 BTU stove typically suffices.
What are the maintenance requirements for compact pellet stoves used in campers?
Daily ash removal and weekly burn pot cleaning maintain optimal performance.
Monthly cleaning of the exhaust system prevents buildup that could affect efficiency.
Is it possible to install a pellet stove in a bedroom and what safety considerations should I be aware of?
Local building codes often require specific clearances from walls and combustibles.
Carbon monoxide detectors and proper ventilation are mandatory for bedroom installations.
Can you estimate the running time for a small pellet stove using a 40-pound bag of pellets?
A 40-pound bag typically provides 24-48 hours of heat on medium settings.
Burn time varies based on heat settings and ambient temperature.
What factors influence the decision to replace pellet stoves with alternative heating solutions?
Fuel availability and price fluctuations affect long-term operating costs.
Space constraints and maintenance requirements might prompt consideration of electric alternatives.
