Reasons to Invest in Gas Stoves

In contrast, here are the benefits of investing in a freestanding gas stove.

Easy to Use

A freestanding gas stove has simple on/off controls, there is no need to worry about storing wood, chopping, building, and lighting a wood fire when the warmth and comfort you crave is simply a push of a button away.

Efficient Zone Heating 

Freestanding stoves are perfect for heating specific areas, or zones, of your home where you spend the most time. Turn down your central heating/furnace and enjoy the warmth of your fireplace.

Sealed Firebox 

Direct Vent units have a sealed firebox and use outside air to feed the fire, keeping your home warm and improving indoor air quality.

Flexible & Straightforward Installation 

With direct vent gas stoves, you get lower clearances compared to wood stoves, there is no need for a hearth pad to be installed and you have the choice to vent up or vent out through the side wall – limiting the amount of venting pipe you see!

Propane or Natural Gas 

If you live in an area without natural gas, no need to worry, gas stoves are available/can be converted to operate on propane.

No Power, No Problem 

All gas stoves work without electricity. Although the blower will not be functioning the gas stove will continue to produce radiant heat, warming the home, and venting emissions safely.

Features of the Types of Stoves

Functionality and Operation

Wood-Burning Stoves:

Wood-burning stoves have been a traditional choice for heating and cooking for centuries. They operate on a simple principle: burning wood to generate heat. The combustion of wood in these stoves is what produces warmth, making them a classic and rustic option.

Gas Stoves:

Gas stoves, on the other hand, operate using either natural gas or propane. They ignite and burn gas to produce heat for cooking or heating purposes. Gas stoves have a convenient and instantaneous heating mechanism, making them a popular choice in modern households.

Installation

Wood-Burning Stoves:

Installing a wood-burning stove typically requires a chimney or a flue for venting. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the stove operates efficiently and safely. The installation process involves setting up the stove, connecting it to the chimney, and ensuring the ventilation system is appropriate.

Gas Stoves:

Gas stoves require a gas line to be installed in the home. Professional installation is essential to ensure that the gas connections are secure and that the stove is functioning correctly. Ventilation requirements differ for natural gas and propane stoves.

Efficiency

Wood-Burning Stoves:

Wood-burning stoves are known for their high heat output and efficiency. The combustion process in these stoves can extract a significant amount of heat from a small quantity of wood. However, the efficiency can be affected by the quality and dryness of the wood being burned.

Gas Stoves:

Gas stoves are highly efficient in terms of heat production. They provide precise control over the flame and heat, allowing users to adjust the temperature as needed. Moreover, gas stoves distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface.

Environmental Impact

Wood-Burning Stoves:

Wood-burning stoves, if operated inefficiently or with wet wood, can contribute to air pollution. Burning wood releases particulate matter and other pollutants. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of cleaner-burning wood stoves, reducing their environmental impact.

Gas Stoves:

In contrast, gas stoves are considered a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option compared to wood-burning stoves. The combustion of natural gas or propane produces fewer emissions and pollutants, making them a greener choice.

Maintenance

Wood-Burning Stoves:

Wood-burning stoves require regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. This includes cleaning the chimney or flue, checking for creosote buildup, and inspecting the stove for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, ash removal and proper wood storage are part of routine maintenance.

Gas Stoves:

Gas stoves generally require less maintenance compared to wood-burning stoves. Regular cleaning of burners and ports, checking for gas leaks, and ensuring the gas lines are in good condition are essential maintenance tasks. Professional inspections are recommended periodically.

Wood Stove Buying Guide

Listed below are some features you need to check when buying a wood stove.

Choose the right size

Ask yourself, how big a wood stove do you need in your home? Most first-time buyers think that getting the biggest stove is the best. Many wood stoves available nowadays come with huge fireboxes, ranging from 3 to 5 cubic feet with high heat outputs.

However, the updated insulation and the supplementary heat that most houses have now are usually too much. Wood stoves act as space heaters, where they can heat one zone of your house. 

If you’re heating a spacious area, you generally want a larger wood stove, whereas a smaller one is for a tiny space.

Decide whether a freestanding stove or fireplace insert

There are two common types of wood stoves available: freestanding and fireplace inserts. Freestanding stoves are usually mounted in areas without previous masonry fireplaces. 

Moreover, these kinds of stoves come with many configurations, where you can install them on the floor with legs or put them on elevated areas or pedestals. Meanwhile, fireplace inserts are more into incorporating a wood heater into a fireplace.

Efficiency

Old-model wood stoves tend to be inefficient and waste more wood, which is not good for the environment. To check for efficiency, look for wood stoves that have EPA-listed efficiencies of 70% or above to get the most out of your money.

An efficient wood stove means less money spent on wood, less chopping and stacking, and a product that’s better for the environment.

Clean Air

New EPA regulations have set the standard, limiting wood stove emissions to only 2.0 grams/hour. When looking for a wood stove that emits the cleanest and most efficient burn, choose wood stoves with EPA-listed emissions below 2.0 g/hr.

Choose Catalytic Wood Stoves

When they were first introduced in the 80s, wood-burning stoves used non-catalytic combustors to reduce emissions, which got an ill repute. These initially designed wood stoves were unlikely to get started and went bad after a few years.

Nowadays, new catalytic stoves don’t have these issues anymore. Most of the catalytic wood stoves available nowadays emit cleaner air and more efficiently than their non-catalytic counterparts. Moreover, they can last for 10 years or more.

Smart Wood Stoves

Technology is fast-changing, making innovations in different things, like phones, cars, and even appliances, and modern wood stoves are no exception. Most modern wood stoves feature remote control burns and are easy to start, preventing possible chimney burns.

Buying a wood stove that comes with these smart features can protect your family while doing a little less work. Generally, smart wood stoves cost a bit more than regular ones; nevertheless, these added features are more than worth it.

Gas Stove Buying Guide

Freestanding gas stoves have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking efficient and stylish heating solutions. Offering versatility and aesthetic appeal, these stoves can complement any living space. However, selecting the ideal freestanding gas stove requires consideration of various factors to ensure it fits seamlessly into your home and meets your heating needs. Let’s explore a comprehensive buying guide to assist you in making an informed decision.

Size and Dimensions

Consider the available space in your home and choose a freestanding gas stove that fits well within the allocated area. Measure the width, height, and depth of the space to ensure a proper fit and aesthetic balance.

Style and Design

Freestanding gas stoves are available in various styles, from traditional to contemporary. Select a design that complements your home’s decor and personal aesthetic preferences.

Venting Options

Consider the venting requirements of the gas stove. Venting options include direct vent, vent-free, and natural vent. Choose the one that suits your home’s layout and meets safety regulations.

Safety Features

Prioritize stoves equipped with safety features such as oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) that shut off the gas supply if oxygen levels drop to unsafe levels. This ensures safe operation within your living space.

Ignition Systems

Gas stoves come with either a standing pilot ignition or electronic ignition. Electronic ignition is more efficient and offers cost savings compared to the standing pilot ignition system.