How we compare heaters

One page, one model

Every product page covers one exact model and shows its model number. Its figures (heating area, heat output, flue size, maximum log length, hopper capacity, burn time, venting, fuel, wattage) come from that model's own listing or maker page, and the passage each figure came from is kept on file.

Where a listing doesn't give a figure, the page says it isn't stated. We never borrow a figure from a sister model or a different size.

When the figures disagree

Listings sometimes contradict themselves: a heating area in the title that differs from the specification table, carton dimensions in place of the unit's, or a burner input presented as heat output. Each figure is compared with the listing's title and bullet points, and one that contradicts them is left off the page.

Flueency math

Our calculators print their inputs and formulas. Three conversions appear across the site:

• Electric heat: watts x 3.412 = BTU per hour (EIA: 1 kWh = 3,412 BTU). A 1,500-watt fireplace gives about 5,118 BTU per hour.
• Gas use: BTU per hour / 1,036 = cubic feet of natural gas per hour, or / 91,452 = gallons of propane per hour (EIA heat contents).
• Fuel cost: price per unit / (BTU per unit x efficiency) x 1,000,000 = dollars per million BTU delivered, with heat contents from EIA and typical efficiencies from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory's fuel value table, which readers can replace with their own heater's figure.

The size calculator lists heaters whose maker-stated heating area covers the open space you enter, closest fit first. It never lists a heater rated for less.

How lists are ordered

Every pick list says how it's ordered: by a maker figure such as heating area, output or hopper size, or in an editor's order written for the list's purpose, with a note for each heater. A list never claims an order it doesn't follow.

Safety information

Installation, chimney, venting, gas and electrical requirements come from the makers' manuals and are described so a qualified installer or chimney sweep can confirm them. Safety guidance cites its source: EPA for wood smoke and burning practice, NFPA and the US Fire Administration for heating fire safety, CPSC for carbon monoxide.

Updated October 2026.