Let’s talk about buck stoves
That appears to be the choice of many barndo owners in a recent poll among Facebook group members, although many also said pellet stoves are more efficient at heating. And old fashioned seemed to carry the day when asked about new and ultramodern wood stoves like the one a little farther down. Perhaps, since going back to country roots is such a big part of the barndo lifestyle, many owners want something akin to the cast iron kitchen stove so prevalent in 1930s farmhouses.But there are lots of choices, options and decisions
Among the many variables to consider when shopping for a wood stove:- What size barndo will it be installed in?
- What is the decor/theme?
- Is it mainly for heating, centerpiece decoration, corner stove, decorative,
- kitchen cook stove,
- stove for the den?
- industrial stove to heat the shop? or….
- some combination of the above.
- What size lumber is readily available?
- Does it need to able burn big logs, broken down pallet pieces.or what, exactly?
- And finally, does it need to stay burning overnight?
Today’s best sellers and some vintage wood stoves
A couple of notes to begin: We haven’t included anything below $1,000, though they are available, starting at about $500. Big retailers like Home Depot and Lowes carry them. The reasons we excluded them?- No current barndo owner recommended any wood stove below $1500
- All agreed that cheap was cheap, and you won’t be happy even short term with one that is poorly made.
- Some of the ones that did make our list are downright pricey, though, even if they do provide significant added value.
- Like nearly 180-degree views of your roaring fire. And heat throw of as much as 95,000 BTUs.
Some priceless historical perspective
- Cast iron heats up fast
- Soapstone holds radiant heat a very long time
- Pellet stoves are super hot and must be designed specifically for pellets
- Enameled cast iron is beautiful.”
He goes on to say:
- “Cook stoves are beautiful centerpieces but useless for heating.
- Swedish corner ‘tower palace’ (only I call them that) corner stoves are beautiful but also useless for heat.”
- Intrepid by Vermont Castings
- Hearthstone
- Jotul
- Lange.
HearthStone Bari Wood Stove
We’ll get the most expensive option out of the way first.
Looking a little like a silver gray water heater with a (we hope) a fireproof glass door, this seems to be the Cadillac of freestanding wood stoves.
We would explain the reason it costs so much (just under $5,000) but we thought we’d let the pros at RockyMountainStove.com do it instead
The ideal complement of color strategy and design, the soft texture and sustained warmth of natural soapstone, the enduring relevance of its pleasing cylindrical shape.
Capable of rotating 180° and being locked in 13 different positions, it extends its invitation throughout a space, a curved glass window providing visual passage to an amazing spectacle of cyclonic fire.
Plus, because it warms with the radiant heat of soapstone, it maximizes comfort with a minimum of effort.
A 1.25 cubic foot firebox accepts 17″ logs (vertically). The large front door provides maximum loading ease and unparalleled views of the fire.
Click here for more information.Morso 2B Standard Wood Stove
Based on 1930s Morsø Forest Wood Stove, Morsø has launched the 2B standard.
As with all current Morsø stoves, the 2B Standard wood stove is equipped with the very latest in combustion technology for greatly reduced smoke emissions.
An ‘air-washed’ glazed door has been added for a comfortable uninterrupted view of the fire and the long, spacious firebox has been adapted to burn wood briquettes and logs up to 18” long.
The 2B Standard produces enough heat to warm up to 1000 sq ft.
Click here for more information.Hearthstone Heritage Wood Heat Stove
Hearthstone’s signature stove. Functional, beautiful and just the right size for your barndo.
Top or rear flue exits, large fire box for extra heat output and soapstone facing on the oven-style side-loading door (available with left or right door). Glass stays clean for fire viewing.
The soapstone body is over an inch thick. All that thermal mass means steady, comfortable heat, whether the fire is roaring or just embers. Buy it with porcelain finish, and the entire stove exterior is super smooth, and wipes clean with a damp cloth.
Click here for more information.Drolet High-Efficiency Wood Stove – 95,000 BTU
“The full load run time will be approximately 8-12 hours depending on the type of wood burned. “
“It holds 2 each 9 inch round 21″ in length and can add some filler wood around the edges and top. Piece size depends on the amount of coals, It burns at low setting for 10 – 12 hours for larger log night loads. Makes for a restful night without having to restoke the fire.”
And, here’s what the manufacturer has to say:This Drolet High-Efficiency Wood Stove heats up to 2400 sq. ft.
Built ruggedly with a 5/16in. steel top plate, the spacious 3.93 cu. ft. firebox is lined with firebricks and accepts logs up to 22 in. long.
Heavy-duty cast iron door has an adjustable handle. Single easy-to-operate air control above the door. BTU rating is related to seasoned cord wood, the more common fuel burned in this stove.
Click here for more information.Osburn SOHO Wood Stove
Manufacturer notes
The Soho, a small wood stove with an ultra modern design, features an exceptional view of the fire, and comes with an easy-to-operate door latch system that complements the clean lines of the appliance.
The Soho can be personalized according to your tastes and décor, thanks to its modular side panels available in different finishes and it offers two convenient and safe pedestal choices to store your logs.
This stove can be equipped with an optional blower and thermodisc, in addition to being ready for a fresh air connection kit without the need for any special adaptor.
The Soho is an ecological heating appliance that will please those seeking efficiency and contemporary design.
Options also include a variable speed blower, and a five inch fresh air connector. Click here for more information.The Viking 30 Wood Stove
The Viking 30 Wood Stove is a mini wood stove with a timeless design and all the benefits of modern advancements.
This tiny wood stove is not only compact but only requires only 2” of lightweight concrete walls on both sides for fire protection.
It has a high level of efficiency and a short heat up time.
Click here for more informationPellet stove with 40 lb. hopper and auto ignition
The least expensive of all the options so far, it’s also the most convenient. We can see why it would have its own fan base of barndo owners.
A very nice alternative to the harder-to-start-and-maintain buck stove. And there’s even a bit of a fire to view. But with pellet stoves, it’s apparently not about the ambiance.
It’s more about heating efficiency and lower price.
Anyway, here’s a writeup from your friendly nearest Home Depot, where you can pick one of these up next time you’re in town. Or just elect free shipping directly to your door.Reinvent the way you heat your home with Castle’s Serenity wood pellet stove and new smart controller.
The Serenity features a 24-hour programmable controller for each day of the week that has the ability to cycle on and off and adjust to a built-in thermostat depending on when heat is needed.
The smart controller allows you to choose manual, thermostat and weekly operational modes to heat your home on your schedule.
As with any Castle Pellet Stove, you’ll experience affordability, style and practicality. Its space-saving shape and attractive design will make it a welcomed addition to any room.
With the new smart controller, heating your home efficiently on your terms has never been easier.
- Heating capacity of 1,500 sq. ft.
- 31,960 BTU/hour
- 40 lb. hopper capacity
- Automatic ignition
- Hopper safety switch
- High-temperature paint-over temp protected
- Vacuum safety switch
- Air wash system
- EPA certified
- Mobile home approved
- Click to learn more about wood and wood pellet stoves in our buying guide
Want to see our all time most popular article? Click here.