There's nothing like the nostalgic winter warmth of a wood stove fire, brightening up the room and keeping your toes glowing. However, you may find that you go through fuel like it's water.
Equally, while some areas get nice and toasty, others stay as little frost pockets. By installing a wood stove fan, you’ll find that you have a more evenly spread heat, which also helps to reduce your fuel consumption. This saves you money and keeps you nice and warm this winter.
Check out our guide to understand which models are great at the job!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Wood Stove Fans
- OUR TOP PICK: Ecofan AirMax Wood Stove Fan
- RUNNER-UP: VODA 4-Blade Heat Powered Stove Fan
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: VODA VDSF654B
Comparison of the Best Wood Stove Fans
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What is a Wood Stove Fan?
A wood stove fan helps to circulate the air around the room that is produced from a wood-fired stove. The fan has rotary blades which work to circulate the hot air around the room. To create an evener heat distribution. While a wood stove tends to produce radiant heat, the wood stove fan helps to circulate this heat to warm the room quicker, without cold pockets.
While there are some electric models, most rely on the heat from the stove to turn, meaning they need no external power source. It also means they don’t need to reach from a plug socket to the stove.
How Does a Wood Stove Fan Work?
There are two main mechanisms for powering wood stove fans nowadays. Most commonly the technology used is either a Sterling Engine or Thermoelectric Power Generator (TEG). The TEG is perhaps the more commonly used technology as it is highly reliable.
The Sterling Engine mechanism works by using the heat produced by the stove. Through the compression and expansion of heat as the force moves through its cycles.
Heat Distribution Diagram (Source)
A piston contracts as the hot air expands, while another piston retracts due to the cold air contained within. This motion converts this heat energy to the motion of the fan. With Sterling Engine Technology, the heat is produced directly by the stove. There is no electrical transfer occurring in this mechanism.
Thermoelectric Power Generators, the most frequently seen technology, have positive and negative semiconductors. In this instance, the heat moves from the stove to the cooler metal of the fan. This transference of energy leads to an electrical current.
This is due to a scientific phenomenon coined as the Seebeck Effect. This energy causes the fan to rotate.
What is the Ideal Location for a Wood Stove Fan?
The location of your fan will affect its performance. Place your fan on a flat surface. Look for a soft material as a harsh surface can damage it. Ideally, you want your stove fan placed in the center or the back of the stove. That said, the fan should be as far as possible from the flue pipe.
The perfect position is at the edge of the stove in the middle. The cooler air can be sucked from behind the stove and passed over the blades, helping to kickstart the mechanism.
Features to Consider Before Getting a Wood Stove Fan
When thinking about the purchase of a wood stove fan, consider a few of the added bonus features that come with the fan.
While wood stoves can be beautifully nostalgic, fans can be a little distracting due to their whirring sound. Look for fans with noise-control technology to quiet the device when in operation.
Secondly, think about the installation. While most of these fans are plug-and-play, some will need to be installed properly for ideal use. Make sure you know where you’ll place the fan and find a model that suits this position.
Automatic control means that you can set your fan to move and it will work on its own. You will experience many of these models on your search, and you’ll find they do the job without too much hassle.
Some wood stove fans are cool to the touch. While they are few and far between, they’re better if you have small children or pets.
Stove Fan Diagram (Source)
Reviews of the Best Wood Stove Fans
Check out the advantages and disadvantages of these wood stove fans to create a clearer picture of what you’re looking for. Bear in mind your own needs, the space you have, and how often you use your stove.
Best Overall:
ECOFAN 812AMXBX AirMax Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan
PROS
CONS
This fan needs no electricity and has a 2-year limited warranty. Designed to heat rooms faster, it is ideal for large or small rooms and is made from durable materials. It is an aesthetically pleasing fan which helps to lower fuel costs and evenly heat the room. It doesn’t have a lasting lifespan but gives a good boost without extra electricity.
This Ecofan model is mid-sized and helps to warm a room up to 31% faster. It works well for rooms of up to 240 square feet and needs no electricity. It has a 2-year limited warranty and has been tested in Canada’s cold winters.
A little slow to work, this model is great for cold winters once it gets going. A little noisy, it will help to reduce fuel consumption.
Runner-up:
VODA 4-Blade Heat Powered Stove Fan
PROS
CONS
Designed to work silently, this model runs without electricity or batteries. It is made from a long-lasting material and will operate to speed up when the room is hot and slow down when the room is cool. It can function at temperatures up to 660F.
It needs to be handled with care, but it works great when placed in the correct location. It has a long lifespan and can help with fueling the fire.
Best for the Money:
VODA VDSF654B
PROS
CONS
With maximum temperatures of 660F, this model is durable and operates silently. It requires no external power and has 4 aluminum blades.
Lightweight, this model works well when put in the right place. It operates very quietly and is efficacious in spite of its compact design.
Best Wood Stove Fan No Electricity:
Ecofan 810CAKBX
PROS
CONS
This Ecofan model is mid-sized and helps to warm a room up to 31% faster. It works well for rooms of up to 240 square feet and needs no electricity. It has a 2-year limited warranty and has been tested in Canada’s cold winters.
A little slow to work, this model is great for cold winters once it gets going. A little noisy, it will help to reduce fuel consumption.
Best Thermoelectric Fan Wood Stove:
TOMERSUN 3 Blades Wood Stove Fan
PROS
CONS
Compact in size, this model needs no external power source. It works using TEG and is silent in operation. The bimetallic safety device helps to protect the internal components at high temperatures.
With safety measures to protect it and silent operation, this model is a good little-added extra to get more from your stove. It is not the most powerful, so it is better for small rooms.
Types of Wood Stove Fans
Wood stove fans have a few types. These include:
Built-in Wood Stove Fans
Such fans are included in the stove at the time of manufacture. They are not an accessory or a side purchase and can be seen displayed on the stove’s front. They may not be as efficient in working as compared to a separate stove fan.
EcoFan Wood Stove Fan
EcoFans are small in size and are placed on top of the stove. They do not require electrical energy and work on the principle of conversion of energy. They take up heat from the stove and convert it to electrical energy.
The heat from the stove heats up the fan's aluminum base, which creates a temperature difference. This difference creates low voltage electricity, which in turn, rotates the fan. Such units are good in function and do not use electricity.
AC Infinity Muffin Fan
The AC Infinity Muffin Fan requires electricity to work. It can work as a replacement for various projects. It has aluminum vanes and a heavy-duty cord attached to it.
Von Haus vs. Ecofan Wood Stove Fan - Comparison Overview
Following is a comparison made between the Ecofan and Von Haus Wood stove fans. This can help you determine the most suitable option.
Similarities
Both of these fans require no power source for function. They work by converting the heat from the fireplace to electrical energy, which in turn rotates the blade.
They have almost the same operating temperature.
Being quite efficient, they have a higher fan speed.
As they require no electricity for their function, you can save a lot of money on the electricity bill as compared to electricity-driven fans.
Differences
One of the main differences between both of these fans is their blade count. The Ecofan AirMax has two blades while the Von Haus has four blades, which can be increased up to six blades.
They have different CFMs. The Ecofan has a CFM of 175, whereas the Von Haus has a CFM of 190.
The Von Haus Stove Fan does not have a warranty, whereas the Ecofan stove fan has a two-year warranty.
Another difference is between the spread of warmth and intensity. The Von Haus spreads heat to a larger distance as compared to an Ecofan Stove fan.
Von Haus Stove Fan (Source)
How to Choose a Wood Stove Fan
While looking for a good wood stove fan, you need to keep the following aspects in mind. Not only will these features assist you in making a worthy purchase, but they will also benefit you in the long-term. They are as follows:
Silent
When looking for a wood stove fan, you need to check the decibels it produces. The reason is that you do not want to end up buying something that produces a lot of unwanted sounds. Not only will that be troubling to you and your family, but it will be a source of anxiety for many. Therefore, invest in a stove fan that produces minimum to no noise.
Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a great factor while looking for any appliance or product. A stove fan should be energy efficient as it will not only help in saving money on your electricity bill, but it will also save energy. So, not only is it good for your sake, but it is also good for the environment.
Price Point
You certainly do not want an appliance that is at a higher price point and does not last you a long time. Invest in a product that not only works efficiently but is also affordable and has a reasonable price point.
Conclusion
Installing a wood stove fan on your wood stove is a great idea to increase the warmth of your room more quickly. The fan will help to circulate the air, spreading the radiant heat more evenly.
You will be surprised to find yourself enjoying more comfortable temperatures without cold pockets. And you’ll also find that your fuel consumption lowers! A wood stove fan can be an excellent money-saving device that keeps your winter warmer than ever.
People Also Ask
If you want to feel cozy and comfortable in those chilly winter nights, then a wood stove fan can ensure that the wood-burning stove in your home is evenly distributing the heat to all parts of your home to make you toasty and warm. Here are a few FAQs that you can look into before buying one for your home.
Before buying or investing in any sort of appliance, people have a lot of questions and queries. They want answers to their questions, and we are here to help them. This section of the article is intended to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by consumers or interested buyers regarding wood stove fans.
Why Does a Wood Stove Fan Get Louder as it Gets Hotter?
A wood stove fan may start producing more noise as it gets hotter. As the fan starts producing more heat, it starts moving faster. Some are louder than others because they have more powerful motors. Greater speed can cause the fan to create a higher level of noise.
Which Way Should a Fan Turn in Winter For Wood Stove Heat?
Wood stove fans have a different angle of rotation in different seasons. In winters, the wood stove fan turns clockwise, which is opposite to the rotation of ceiling fans in summers. This distributes the warm air throughout the room evenly by displacing the cold air up to the ceiling.
How Do Heat Powered Wood Stove Top Fans Work?
Heat-powered wood stove fans work by converting heat energy to electrical energy. It does so by taking heat energy from the stove from an aluminum base. It acts like a sink that draws energy. The temperature difference between the base causes low voltage energy production, which causes the fan to rotate.
How Loud Are Wood Stove Blower Fans?
Wood stove blower fans do produce sound. The sound level can increase according to the fan speed. More fan speed leads to more noise. Generally, wood stove fans can produce about fifty decibels of noise.
What is More Efficient, an Eco Fan Or Built-In Fan in a Wood Stove?
An EcoFan wood stove fan is more efficient as compared to a built-in fan. It not only produces minimum noise, but it also produces heat efficiently while being an affordable option. It saves energy and warms the room faster as compared to a built-in fan.
How to Lubricate Wood Stove Fan Bearings
To lubricate wood stove fan bearings, apply a few drops of motor oil on them individually. Refrain from over-lubrication. If there are specific oil ports in the machine, lubricate them as well. You might need to take out the access plates to lubricate the ports.
Why Won’t My Attached Wood Stove Fan Turn On?
Your attached wood stove fan might not turn on maybe because it is not getting enough heat energy. Stove fans convert heat energy from the stove to electrical energy, which turns the fan on and gives it the energy to run. Not enough heat energy will not enable the fan to turn on or give off heat.
Do Wood Stove Fans Use Electricity?
No, wood stove fans do not use electricity. They get heat energy from the stove and convert it into low-voltage electrical energy to rotate the fan and give off warmth.
How Does a Wood Stove Fan Work?
The fan can draw in the warm air coming from the stove. The upper portion of the fan helps the fan stay at a lower temperature to make sure that its revolutions are constant and consistent. It is equipped with a low torque motor to circulate heat evenly.
Are Wood Stove Fans Effective?
Yes, they are effective as they help the home get warmer quicker and do not waste any electricity while doing so. They are also noiseless, so you do not have to worry about the fan being too loud. They can also ensure warmth 20% faster than having no stove fan.
Where Should You Place a Stove Fan?
To get the maximum results, make sure that you place it on top of the wood-burning stove, and not directly in front of the stovepipe, as that can be dangerous.
Can a Wood Burning Stove Heat the Whole House?
Yes, they are quite effective in radiating and transferring heat into the entire home without wasting a lot of it by sending it out of the ventilation spot or chimney. They are fast and efficient, and if you have a back boiler installed, you can heat up the entire house.
