With winter approaching, every average person is thinking of the best way to heat up his/her house. Some people use electric heaters, others use central heating systems, whereas others prefer the reliability and simplicity of the classic wood stove. The only problem here is that a wood stove would require a significant quantity of wood to run properly – wood that can cost quite a lot of money.
But what if we told you that you could cut away from those costs and use less wood for the same heat? It sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Well, it’s really not – not with the best heat-powered stove fan. These units can enhance the performance of your stove, not allowing any of the heat to go to waste.
However, you will have to be very careful about which one you purchase, as each unit is different in its own way. For this reason, we have put together some of the best wood stove fan reviews, so that you make the most appropriate choice for your preferences.
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What Is a Wood Stove Fan? What Is It Designed For?
A wood stove fan or blower is a unit that is meant to take the hot air that has been produced by your stove and circulate it throughout the room. This is advantageous for a variety of reasons – but mainly because it brings down the air that has risen and became trapped in the upper area of your room.
A wood stove fan is pretty much like your average window fan – the kind that you use for summer. It just has a few extra kicks. While that kind of fan helps circulate the air from below, making it cooler, wood stove fans work differently. The blades of a wood stove fan rotate in the opposite direction – circulating the trapped warm air from above.
This way, the room can stay warm without you using too much wood in the process. This is because the wood stove fan is not necessarily designed to modify the flame – but to make use of the heat that has already been created. This way, you will not have to burn more wood when the heat rises – mainly because you can bring that heat down easily by circulating the air.
Last but not least, perhaps the best part of a wood stove fan is that it does not even have to be connected to a power source – at least most of them. This is because the majority of these units use the power of the stove to work.
Why Do You Need a Fan for Your Wood Stove?
Everyone likes cuddling near the stove when winter hits. The warmth radiated by it will keep you warm and comfortable. Just some wood to start a fire, a nice place to burn that wood (i.e. a stove), and you are good to go.
The problem is that when the winter gets particularly cold, you will have to burn more and more wood to keep things nice and warm. And we all know that nowadays, wood is not exactly cheap – and the more you use, the bigger the hole in the budget will be. And without the airflow to circulate it, the warmth will go straight to the ceiling. Thus, it will warm up everything except you.
So, if you feel that your home is not getting warm fast enough, or properly enough, it might mean that the air is not being circulated throughout the house. You will need the fan to give the warm air a kickstart into the house, to make it circulate properly in every direction. Plus, if you are on a budget, you need it to save some money – all while keeping your house warm and comfortable.
Benefits of a Stove Fan
If you’ve paid any attention to your physics class, then you will obviously know that heat rises. The problem is that, when it rises in your house, it just tends to stay there, around the ceiling, where no one can reach.
Sure, you may be warm as you are sitting right next to the stove – but all that romance will die quite fast when you get away from it and are met by some cold, unwelcoming sheets. In this regard, a wood stove fan can lead to a dramatic change in your house and actually improve your comfort level – all while saving you money. This is how:
Faster warming
When the heat rises, it pools around your ceiling – and stays there. Without any air currents to move it (which tends to happen during winter, when every window is closed), the air will not come down – which means that the area where you are staying will remain cold. Not to mention that it might take a while until the warmth goes out of the stove and into the room.
However, a well-designed fan will not only take the air that was immediately produced – but will also make use of the hot pools that have already formed in the room. This is why, if you need your home to get warmer, faster, then you might need a wood stove fan.
Saves resources
The fan will not only help circulate the air through the room much faster – but since it will make use of all hot air pools in the room, you will no longer need to burn as much wood.
This is why a fan for your wood stove will also protect your budget from burning up. Plus, since you won’t be buying as much fuel, there will also be less cutting – which gives extra points for convenience.
Long-lasting comfort
With a wood stove fan, you may keep the house warm for a long time after the wood has burned out. Since your stove will continue radiating heat, the fan will take that heat and circulate it through the room. The fire may be gone, but your house will remain warm.
Best Heat Powered Wood Stove Fans Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
ECOFAN AirMax Wood Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
CAFRAMO Wood Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
GALAFIRE Start Silent Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Ecofan UltrAir, Heat Powered Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Sonyabecca Heat Powered Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
TOMERSUN 3 Blades Heat Powered Stove Fan |
| View On Amazon |
Best Wood Stove Fan Reviews – Editors’ Choice
1. ECOFAN AirMax Wood Stove Fan
If you are looking for a larger wood stove fan capable of directing air through a spacious room, then this unit is certainly an appropriate choice for you. Thanks to its larger blades, it features the ability to warm up a room up to 38% faster.
This unit requires no electricity, and it is also very easy to install. Moreover, it saves you on fuel, requiring you to use 18% less fuel.
It has the ability to operate temperatures between 185 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit – thus, it provides you with warmth even when the fire runs out. It’s perfect for maintaining a pleasant temperature for a longer period.
Pros:
- Capable of circulating air through rooms of all sizes
- It features a generous 2-year warranty
- It is made from a high-quality material
Cons:
- You have to manually spin it to give it a start
- It spins very slowly at a low temperature
2. CAFRAMO Wood Stove Fan
If you liked the way in which the ECOFAN looked but want something made from a different material, this stainless steel one is certainly something you might want to look into.
With its ability to reduce fuel usage by 18%, this one allows you to save money by not using as much wood in the stove. Moreover, since it does not use electricity, it saves you money on the power bill.
Designed to be placed at the top of a freestanding stove, this unit can warm up the air 38% faster. This means you will not have to waste fuel by simply waiting for the heat to come out.
Pros:
- It is very efficient when it comes to warmth delivery
- Quiet operation, as it does not use electricity
- Made from durable materials
Cons:
- The airflow might be rather weak with low flame
- Some users complained that it might not circulate air properly
3. GALAFIRE Start Silent Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan
Medium-sized rooms might benefit a lot from using this fan. Powered by heat, this fan starts spinning automatically when it reaches a certain temperature – and also shuts itself down automatically when it seems to overheat.
Since it features a compact design, this fan can be placed on narrow spaces as well. However, considering that it has four blades, it can easily circulate a fair amount of warm air – making it perfect for any kind of room.
This wood stove fan was made to burn less fuel – and barely make any noise. It’s the perfect choice if you are a fan of your quite time.
Pros:
- Quiet blade-spinning action
- Efficient when it comes to circulating warm air
- A lifetime of technical support
Cons:
- Some say the air circulation is weak
- The warranty does not cover much
4. Ecofan UltrAir, Heat Powered Stove Fan
Those of you searching for a good mid-size fan might want to take a look into this particular model. With the ability to warm the air up to 31% faster, this one is perfect to use in small to mid-sized rooms.
The fan requires no power source, as it uses the hot air in the stove and converts it to electricity. It’s perfect if you want something eco-sustainable that can save up on the power bill.
Plus, unlike products that have a limited one-year warranty, this one is backed by two years. This means that if anything goes wrong and it malfunctions, you will receive technical support.
Pros:
- It comes with a lengthy warranty
- It is perfect for warming up small to medium-sized rooms
- Efficient circulation of warm air
Cons:
- It is rather expensive
5. Sonyabecca Heat Powered Stove Fan
If you want something that is not too expensive, nor too cheap, then this is something that you might consider as “just right.” Featuring four large blades, this can easily circulate air throughout medium-sized rooms – circulating the air entirely.
This fan can withstand heat going from 50 degrees Celsius to 350 degrees. The hotter the air gets, the faster the fan will begin to spin – but it is also very efficient when the flame is low.
The fan is made from anodized aluminum. Not only will it not rust or corrode, but it is also very resistant to heat. This product is expected to last for quite a long time.
Pros:
- Great price-to-value ratio
- It is made from durable materials
- Very quiet action
Cons:
- May not be very efficient when it comes to bigger rooms
6. TOMERSUN 3 Blades Heat Powered Stove Fan
If you are seriously on a budget and lack space, then you might want to look into this product. With a small frame but bearing three fans, this one is very efficient when it comes to circulating warm air throughout the entire room.
With a whisper-quiet action, you won’t even know this is running until you realize that the flame went down and that the air is still warm. Plus, it requires no electricity or battery power – which means that you will not see any hits on your power bill either.
Manufactured from sturdy aluminum, this fan was made to last for a fairly long time. Plus, it has safety features to ensure that it does not overheat.
Pros:
- Quiet action that is barely a whisper
- It is compact in size
- Very efficient when it comes to circulating warm air
Cons:
- Some have complained about the durability of the frame
7. CRSURE Fireplaces Stove Fan
If just one is not enough for you, then you might want to try two fans at the same time. Featuring 8 blades, this one can circulate the air up to 50% faster – ensuring that you get the most out of your stove in little time.
This one also has overheating protection. This means that when the fan begins to overheat, the inbuilt production system will automatically stop.
The fan was made from high-quality anodized aluminum – ensuring its durability. Moreover, since it has a working noise below 25dB, you will barely even notice it functioning.
Pros:
- Very quiet operation
- High-quality construction that is bound to last for years
- It can help warm up the air faster than the average fan
Cons:
- Fairly small frame
- Some people have addressed some quality issues
Wood Stove Fans Buying Guide
Things to Consider
When you’re looking to purchase a wood stove fan, there are several aspects that you might want to keep in mind. Here are some of the factors that you should consider carefully:
Automatic Control
Automatic control means that the stove and the fan will detect a particular temperature, triggering it to start running. The advantage of this feature is that you will no longer have to turn the unit on and off by yourself – something that is quite easy to forget, believe it or not.
Most fans are actually heat-powered, meaning that they use the energy and heat produced by the stove. This is commonly referred to as the Peltier effect, and it’s something that may easily save you on battery power.
Noise Control
Every wood stove fan will create a certain level of noise – some of them are noisier, while others are quieter. If you live in a small home or are particularly affected by noise, then you might want to go for a heat-powered fan, as it tends to be quieter in comparison to an electric tower fan. Since the latter runs on a motor, it produces more noise.
Number of Blades
The more blades it has, the more heat is bound to be circulated into the room. Most fans feature two blades, but you may also come across wood stove fans that have three or four blades.
Installation
When you are looking to install a new product, perhaps the last thing that you want is to spend hours trying to install it and get it running. Look for a unit that does not require you to make any modifications to your stove and something that can be easily attached or placed in its position.
Compatibility
Bear in mind that not every wood stove fan is compatible with every type of fan. So, you might want to ensure that the fan you buy is compatible with the unit you have. It might be a cheap and convenient fan – but if you have to reconstruct everything for it, then it might not be worth the investment.
The Size of the Apartment
When you get a wood stove fan, you also have to carefully consider the size of your apartment. For instance, if you have a small apartment, not only will a large fan seem rather loud – even if it’s heat-based – but it may also be too powerful. Instead of making you feel warm, the fan will circulate things too strongly and make you feel cold instead.
The Capacity of the Wood Stove
How much heat can the wood stove generate? Do you know its BTU rating? These things might sound like science fiction to you – but in truth, they are actually very important. If your stove’s output is too low, then a regular fan might not be as efficient. You will have to find something that can function properly using low heat levels.
Temperature Capacity
Not every wood stove fan can resist high fire capacity – which is why you may want to read the fine print and ensure that your model of choice does. The last thing you want is for your product to break down simply because the temperature was too high – in which case, even the warranty will not be able to cover the repairs. You want to be certain that the model you get is compatible with the temperature produced by your wood-burning stove.
CFM Rating
The CFM rating stands for cubic feet per meter, and it concerns how many cubic feet the fan can flow in just a minute. The higher the fan’s value, the greater your airflow will be. This will be especially important to think about if you have a large room. The bigger the room is, the higher the CFM should be.
Design
For some people, this is the last thing they think about. What does it matter if the fan looks good or not, as long as it can do a good job? Well, you’ll be surprised to find out how many people refuse to buy a particular fan, simply because it does not look aesthetically pleasing. And true enough, if the fan is placed in a visible spot and looks like it just went through a war, then it might ruin the design of the entire room.
Material
Keep in mind that this fan will continuously be in a very hot area, which means that you have to buy something that is made from higher-quality metal. This metal must be able to withstand quite some high temperatures. Thermoplastic fans, for example, might be less expensive – but if you expose them to high temperatures, then they might end up melting.
At the same time, you might want to refrain from using something made from softer metals. These can accumulate a lot of heat – and in the end, they will present themselves as a burning hazard. For this reason, you might want to pick out a fan that is made from steel, and that does not have any plastic fans that may be easily damaged.
Warranty
The warranty is also a very important aspect to consider – particularly if you paid quite a high price for that wood stove fan. Obviously, you may want to go for a product with as long a warranty as possible. The average manufacturer will give you a one-year warranty – but you may also get an extension to it if you pay extra. Also, other manufacturers give you a longer warranty if you register your product within a designated time.
Child Safety
If you have children, you know how easy it might be for them to stick their fingers into the fan when you are not looking. First things first, you might want to teach them how to stay away from the outdoor fire pit and to keep a close eye on them.
Some fans may have proper measures installed to keep your children safe from the flame. So, if you are concerned about the safety of your child, you might want to look into these particular features.
How Does a Wood Stove Work?
Depending on the technology that they use, wood stove fans will work in a particular manner: they are either powered by a TEG (Thermoelectric Power Generator) or function by means of Sterling Engine. Here is how they work, based on their source of power. You can also check out our inverter generator reviews.
TEG Powered Wood Stove Fans
Stoves that use TEG are likely the most common wood stove fans that you will come across. These devices will operate by means of thermoelectric modules, which will consist of both positive and negative semiconductors. Heat is then transferred from the hot zone (i.e. the stove), and directed to the fan’s cold metal, which will result in a current of electricity.
As such, the heat that the stove produces will be turned into electricity through a phenomenon referred to as the Seebeck effect. The energy that is produced will trigger the rotation of a motor, which will begin to work and make the fan move.
A great advantage of the TEG models is that they are quite reliable. They don’t need any energy source, which means you will not be adding more to your energy bill. Plus, since they do not have a need for moving parts, you could also say that they are likely the safest option to go for.
Sterling Engine Wood Stove Fans
The sterling engine – also referred to as the heat engine – will also use the heat energy that has been produced by the stove. This engine will use an expansion and compression cycle, which is caused by compressed air at various temperatures.
The heat from the stove will cause the hot air to expand, triggering the piston into contracting – all while the pistons in the engine part where the cold air is contained will cause the retraction of another piston. In the end, this will lead to an overall heat energy conversion that will do all the mechanical work and turn the fan blades.
What Is the Best Position for the Fan?
Bear in mind that in order for a wood stove fan to function properly, you will also need to position it correctly. Place it on a smooth, flat surface right on top of the stove. Make certain that you position it either in the middle or in the back of the stove. It needs to be as far from the flue pipe as you can possibly place it. At the same time, you might want to avoid placing it at the very front.
Ideally, you may want to place it in the middle of the stove. This is a perfect position so that you may help circulate the warm air.
Fire Stove Fans FAQ
1. How do I know if my stove is getting too hot for the fan?
This issue actually arises quite often – and there are a few ways for you to tell. The first method would be to analyze the behavior of your fan. If it becomes too overheated, then the fans might shift the position of their blades slightly – most of the time automatically shutting themselves down as to not exceed the maximum temperature.
One more way to tell if the temperature is too high for the fan is to buy a stove thermometer. This way, you will get an exact reading of the temperature, and you will know precisely whether it is too high for the fan or not. You will know because every wood stove fan will feature its own maximum temperature.
2. Do I need to conduct maintenance over my wood stove fan?
Not necessarily. In most cases, as long as the fan if of high quality, you will not need any maintenance. Plus, if the fan does malfunction, you will just need to have its parts – or the entire unit – replaced. Even a low-end fan should be robustly made to withstand a couple of years of use.
The only thing that you should be careful about is that you live in a particularly dusty area, you might want to wipe it periodically. That is to say, its efficiency will not be compromised – but if it’s dusty, all that dust will go straight into the room when the fan turns on. For the wrong person, it might actually become a health hazard.
3. Are wood stove fans very loud?
This depends. In most cases, you get what you paid for. If you go for a low-end stove, there is a high chance that it will be somewhat louder than you might expect it to. However, even under these circumstances, they are generally not noisy enough to be bothersome – unless you are standing straight in their way. In most cases, as long as you do not purchase a very low-quality fan, you should not even be aware of the fact that it is running.
See also the most useful fireplace grates we reviewed in detail.
Wrap Up
Finding the best wood stove fan is actually not very difficult to do as long as you are careful about several factors. The size of the room, the power of the fan, the way in which it can withstand temperature – all of these should be taken into account.
Hopefully, our wood stove fan reviews have proven to be useful in your search for a good product. All of our suggestions have been tested by previous users, and they all seem quite content with their purchase. The rest is up to you, your preferences – and obviously, your budget.
Check out our range hood reviews and top-notch furnace filters, too.