8 Types of Wood Stoves to Keep Your Home Warm

There’s nothing quite like a wood stove for creating ambiance fused with a toasty heat source. But with so many different types of wood-burning stoves on the market, choosing one can feel the opposite of cozy. Fortunately, the decision becomes much easier once you understand the available options. Let’s break it down. 

Types of Wood Stove by Ignition Source

There are two main types of wood stoves: catalytic and non-catalytic. We’ll start by explaining the difference.

No matter which you choose, your local wood stove company can help you with setup and installation. Wood-burning stove installation costs far less than installing a traditional fireplace and chimney on average, so you can enjoy a toasty crackle without breaking the bank.

1. Catalytic Wood Stoves

All wood-burning stoves create smoke, including hazardous gases like carbon monoxide. Catalytic wood-burning stoves include a catalytic combustor, which can help trap these icky exhaust products. 

Catalytic wood stoves tend to be more efficient and sustainable than non-catalytic versions—but they’re also more expensive since catalytic combustors include precious metals like platinum. Using chemical fire-starters or cheaper types of wood may break down your catalytic combustor more quickly, and replacements can be costly.

Best for: Those who live in very cold climates or plan to use their stove as a primary heat source

2. Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves

Non-catalytic wood stoves are more straightforward and lower-tech than catalytic ones, using a burn system known as a baffle to pump air into the stove so the fire will burn. 

Non-catalytic wood stoves cost less up-front than catalytic stoves but may burn fuel less efficiently, especially at lower temperatures, and create more smoke and ash. However, their maintenance regime is simple, and any wood stove part replacements or repairs tend to be less expensive.

Best for: Those looking for a straightforward, affordable wood stove

Types of Wood Stove by Material

After deciding between a catalytic or non-catalytic wood stove, your next major decision is what material you want the stove to be made of.

3. Steel Wood Stoves

Steel wood stoves are the most affordable option on the market, offering a simple design and aesthetic. They’re also quicker than other materials to heat up and cool down. However, steel may be more liable to warp or become damaged over time than other materials, like cast iron.

Best for: Those looking for a simple wood stove at an entry-level price point

4. Cast Iron Wood Stoves

The most common material, cast iron marries durability with heat retention to create an ideal medium for a wood stove. Cast iron stoves can often be welded into beautiful and intricate designs, and they’re so sturdy that they tend to have very good durability and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Of course, their heaviness makes them difficult to move, and they tend to be more expensive.

Best for: Those who like the appearance of cast iron and want a durable stove

5. Soapstone Wood Stoves

Soapstone wood stoves are the most efficient. Because soapstone is so dense and an excellent insulator, it retains heat for a very long time, offering a stove that can stay heated for days with a minimum fuel burn, even after the fire has gone out. Of course, such a finely tuned and robust device doesn’t come cheap—soapstone wood stoves tend to be an investment piece.

Best for: Those willing to invest in a top-of-the-line heating device

Types of Wood Stove by Design

Wood stoves come in various sizes fit for heating different spaces. Some wood stoves even have cooktops for those hoping to use them as both a heat source and a way to make a meal. 

6. Single-Door Wood Stoves

Single-door wood stoves are the simplest and most affordable on the market. However, they are less convenient to clean than wood stoves with two doors.

Best for: Those in need of a simple and affordable wood stove

7. Double-Door Wood Stoves

A double-door wood stove is more convenient to load and clean. However, the double door means it has two hinges to maintain, so you’ll need to keep on top of rusting, squeaking, or breaking. Furthermore, these stoves tend to be a bit larger than single-door wood stoves, and a bit more expensive.

Best for: Those who want easier access to load and clean the inside of their wood stove

8. Glass-Door Wood Stoves

Although among the more expensive design choices for a wood stove, glass doors are highly prized by many—after all, who doesn’t want to gaze into their wood stove at the beautiful crackling fire? Aside from aesthetics, this design also allows you to see when it’s time to reload your fuel before you start to lose heat.

Best for: Those who want the aesthetic of an open fire—without the mess