A quiet pellet stove is a viable option for heating a space without relying on dirty fuel sources or central heating. Whether this is a winter cabin, a home backup, or something else, pellet stoves tick all the right boxes.
Of course, you’ll want the quietest pellet stove you can find so it doesn’t disturb you too much.
Luckily, that’s what I cover in this article. I review my top picks for the quietest pellet stove along with discussing what to look for when making your choice.
What is a Pellet Stove?
A pellet stove is a heating appliance that burns small pellets of compressed wood or biomass rather than wood or coal. These pellets sit in a hopper and are dropped into the burning area at a steady rate.
Pellet stoves also include fans to circulate air around the burning area and to push it from the stove. Many people prefer pellet stoves as a heater because they use much cleaner fuel than other solid-fuel appliances, and some can reach up to 90% fuel efficiency.
The main components in a pellet stove are:
- Hopper: holds the fuel pellets.
- Two fans: Exhaust and convection.
- Firebox: also known as the burn pot, where fuel combusts.
- Auger: moves the pellets into the firebox.
- Ash collection system and chimney
Depending on the model, the auger might use a motor or have a natural gravity feed system. Neither will be completely silent, but the gravity fed system at least won’t include motor sounds.
Factors Affecting Pellet Stove Noise
If you know a thing or two about soundproofing, you can probably already guess what components make noise in pellet stoves. The fans and auger are moving parts, so will always produce some noise. Also, pellets make a sound when they drop, which isn’t something you can avoid.
Aside from these, here are other factors that affect pellet stove noise.
Unbalanced Machine
If your pellet stove isn’t balanced properly, the fans might produce a rattling sound. It’s fairly common with all rotational devices and is pretty easy to fix.
Clogged Stove
Over time, pellet stoves will have ash and debris build up inside. This can lead to scraping or banging noises, particularly if it builds up around the fans, hopper, or auger.
Airflow Problems
Similarly, if waste builds up in the heat exchanger or chimney, it can impact airflow through the pellet stove. The resulting noise sounds like a vacuum cleaner, which, while not awful, can get fairly annoying.
Considerations When Buying a Pellet Stove
Of course, none of the factors I’ve mentioned matter when you’re buying the stove. These all relate to proper maintenance, which should be a given with a heating appliance. I cover some steps to make a pellet stove quieter towards the end of this article.
But when you’re buying a pellet stove, make sure you look for one with decent parts. This is the best basis for a quality appliance that’ll last. As usual, you can find this information by looking at buyers’ reviews and the length of warranty.
Top 5 Picks
Unfortunately for us, very few pellet stoves state decibel ratings for their products. So, to pick out the quietest pellet stove, we’ll have to rely on quality parts and information about efficiency.
1. Top Pick: Pelpro PP130-B Pellet Stove
- Heat Output: 40,600 BTU/hr
- Hopper Cap.: 130 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Thermostat: Yes
- EPA Certificied
- Warranty:
5 Yrs on the firebox
1 Yr on the electricals
The Pelpro is my top pick for the quietest pellet stove because it’s by far the most efficient on this list. It’s EPA-rated with a fuel efficiency of 87.5%, which is almost as good as it gets.
Also, its hopper capacity is 130lbs. of pellets, enough for 4 days of constant use. Considering it can heat up to 2500 square feet for this length of time, I’d say it’s a pretty good pellet stove.
It has a 120V, variable speed blower fan, giving you plenty of control over the heat output. Better yet, you set it with a thermostat dial, making it intuitive and easy to use.
As you might expect, there’s no official noise rating, but a reviewer states it’s incredibly quiet. Within the fire box is a fan that blows ash out, keeping it clean and efficient. Luckily, this is quiet, too.
The only real downside mentioned by users is the thermostat dial. Other models have an LED screen that displays the temperature. The dial isn’t difficult to use, but it can take a while to understand temperature levels. But, once you do this, it won’t be a problem.
- Massive 130lbs. hopper.
- Fuel efficiency of up to 87.5%.
- Variable speed blower fan.
- Temperature dial takes some getting used to.
2. Runner Up: ComfortBilt HP50S Pellet Stove
- Heat Output: 42,000 BTU/hr
- Hopper Cap.: 47 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Thermostat: Yes
- EPA & CSA Certificied
- Warranty: 1Yr
My runner up is the ComfortBilt pellet stove, which is the lowest priced stove this company offers. That said, it’s not the cheapest on this list, but its efficiency makes it a better pick if you can afford it.
It’s EPA certified and made from cast iron, which helps radiate and retain heat better than steel. The hopper holds 47lbs. of pellets. While this isn’t close to being the largest hopper, it’s enough for up to 24 hours of continuous use.
The stove heats rooms up to 2400 sq. ft. although this drops to 1200 sq. ft. if used on the lowest setting. It has a variable speed blower fan, which equates to 5 power settings, including an eco mode.
Importantly, reviewers state how quiet it is, even at the higher settings. It’s also easy to clean, which helps keep noise levels down because you can avoid clogging up the moving parts inside. The manufacturer states the ash pan only needs emptying every 2 weeks, which is a big bonus!
Some reviewers state they’ve had problems with the electrical components. However, it comes with a 1-year warranty for these parts, and all reviewers who state they had a problem also say ComfortBilt were great in getting it fixed quickly.
- Quiet even on higher settings.
- Up to 24 hours of continuous use.
- Easy to clean inside and out.
- Potential electrical issues – covered under warranty.
3. Castle Serenity Wood Pellet Stove 12327
- Heat Output: 22,226 BTU/hr
- Hopper Cap.: 40 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Thermostat: Yes
- EPA & ETL Certificied
- Warranty: 1 Yr
The Castle Serenity wood pellet stove was almost my top pick for quietest pellet stove because it’s pretty efficient and easy to keep clean. It missed out on the top spot because its hopper is comparatively smaller than the others. Also, its efficiency rating is only 70%, which is considerably lower than the Pelpro.
You can control the in-built fan speed. If the blowing noise disturbs you, you always have the option to control it at your convenience. While most users were happy with the stove, some claimed they prefered to run the fan below the highest setting.
Its firebox has no unnecessary parts, so all you need to do for cleaning is remove the ash pan and clean the sides. As such, you won’t have to deal with pipes and fans getting clogged, providing you clean it regularly, of course.
The hopper holds 40lbs. of pellets and can heat up to 1500 square feet of space. The burn time for a bag of pellets ranges from 12 to 24 hours depending on the setting. As such, it’d be ideal for heating your home overnight on low.
Speaking of settings, the stove has an electric controller, including 24-hour timer and digital thermostat. It means you can set it to turn on before you wake up or even adjust its temperature throughout the day. This makes it much easier to manage its efficiency.
The main downside mentioned by reviewers is the size of the hopper. While 40lbs. might sound a lot, other models can hold 60lbs. of fuel or more. However, you still get at least 12 hours of burn time from a bag of fuel, so it’s not all that bad.
- Up to 70% fuel efficiency.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Programmable thermostat and timer.
- Fan speed can be manually controlled.
- Hopper is fairly small.
- Digital screen’s backlight doesn’t turn off.
4. Cleveland Iron Works PSBF66W-CIW Pellet Stove
- Heat Output: 52,000 BTU/hr
- Hopper Cap.: 66 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Thermostat: Yes
- EPA Certificied
- Warranty:
8 Yrs on steel parts (except fire box)
1 Yr on electrical components
This Cleveland Iron Works pellet stove is a good choice if you want a smarter appliance in your home. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and a hopper capacity of 66lbs., which can provide more than 24 hours of burn time.
The manufacturer claims that the built-in fans are whisper quiet, although it doesn’t give a specific noise rating. Plenty of reviewers state it’s quiet, though, particularly running on eco mode.
It has a digital control panel and smart controller for adjusting the thermostat and setting the timer. However, it’s also Wi-Fi enabled, meaning you can manage its settings from a smartphone app. While not a super necessary feature, it does mean you can set it to turn on even when you’re not home.
The stove’s efficiency is up to 82%, and it can heat up to 2500 sq. ft. of space. Some reviewers even state that it gets too hot in smaller rooms, but you can manage this with the smartphone app and thermostat.
Other than that, users mention that you must cure the paint before running the pellet stove properly. This can take 30 minutes or more and really smells, so be ready for that!
- Massive hopper holds lots of fuel.
- Fan is very quiet in eco mode.
- Up to 82% fuel efficiency.
- Convenient Wi-fi controls.
- Paint needs curing before use.
5. US Stove 5040 Pellet Stove
- Heat Output: 40,000 BTU/hr
- Hopper Cap.: 45 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Thermostat: Yes
- EPA & ETL Certificied (Except Washington state)
- Warranty:
Limited lifetime on firebox
1 Yr on electrical components
1 Yr on other parts
This pellet stove from US Stove is listed as a small, but it still heats rooms up to 1800 sq. ft. It has a 45lbs. fuel hopper, which is more than enough to hold a standard bag of pellets. It’s best to refer to the manufacturer specification rather than the buyer’s page as some pieces of information are not totally accurate (BTU and hopper capacity).
It has 4 heat settings, and on the lowest, a full hopper will burn for up to 40 hours. You can change the heat settings using the LED screen. However, unlike other models on this list, it doesn’t feature a timer. This isn’t a massive issue, but some people might prefer it.
This pellet stove is relatively small compared to the other models on this list. It measures 24.5 inches square and stands 28.5 inches tall. As such, it’d be a good option for smaller condos or mobile homes, which it’s rated for.
A big downside of this model is that it doesn’t come with the necessary installation equipment. The Castle Serenity, for example, doesn’t need a flue, whereas this one does. Unfortunately, it means you’ll need to buy all the extra parts unless you’re replacing an existing pellet stove.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that some of the reviews on its sales page are pretty bad. These are a few years old now, and US Stove has since revised its design and is compliant with more recent safety regulations (EPA and ETL standards). So, don’t be put off by the reviews saying it can be a bit dangerous.
- Compact model ideal for smaller spaces.
- Up to 75% fuel efficiency.
- You must buy installation equipment separately.
- Not available for sale in Washington due to certification issue
What Features to Look for
When picking out a quiet pellet stove, you’ll want to select a model that meets your heating needs. There are various factors to consider, so here are what I believe are the most important.
Material
Generally, you’ll find pellet stoves made of 2 materials: cast iron and steel. Iron is a more traditional material, but modern steel pellet stoves can be much more efficient.
The main difference comes down to heat retention. Cast iron is very dense, so takes longer to warm up. But, this also means it radiates heat for much longer after the fire goes out.
Steel stoves heat up quicker but also cool down quicker. Deciding on the right stove for your needs therefore comes down to how quickly you want the room to be hot, and whether you’ll be running it constantly or turning it off and on.
Fuel
Pellet stove fuel is either wood or biomass. Wood pellets are compressed sawdust, whereas biomass can be anything from coconut shells to fruit husks.
Some stoves state they’re wood pellets only. Ones that don’t say this should take both fuel types, but make sure you check first.
The biggest difference comes down to availability. Wood pellets are far more common fuel type, making this the sensible choice for your pellet stove. For our purposes, it’s also worth mentioning that fuel type has no impact on noise levels.
Fuel Efficiency
A more efficient stove means it converts a greater proportion of the fuel into heat with less waste. That said, pellet stoves are the cleanest solid fuel heating appliance you can install in a home, so you’re already in a good place.
You’ll want to look for one with greater than 65% fuel efficiency. However, for it to be certified by the EPA, it needs to have an efficiency rating greater than 70%. All pellet stoves should state clearly their fuel efficiency.
Room Size
When looking for the correct pellet stoves, make sure you check the size of your space. Stoves will be suited for different square feet, so make sure this aligns with your room.
As I discuss in various posts about fans for bedroom and AC units, it can help to choose a model suited for more square feet than you have. Doing so allows you to run it at lower speeds, which generally means quieter operation.
Safety Features
Pellet stoves should come with various safety features as standard. These include:
- A sealed combustion chamber
- A chimney or flue
- Ash pan
- Door seals
You shouldn’t need to look specifically for these, as they’re required by law. However, just keep an eye out when making your selection.
Warranty
Considering you could be paying $3,000 or more for a pellet stove, you’ll want some guarantee in case it breaks down. Most will come with a lifetime warranty on the stove itself, and then at least a year on moving parts.
Ideally, look for a 5-year warranty or more on parts such as the hopper, auger, and fans. Anything less and you run the risk of paying lots to get it repaired.
How to Make a Pellet Stove Quieter
The first step for how to make a pellet stove quieter is, of course, cleaning. You should sweep the chimney annually and clean the inner parts at least twice a year.
Other than that, here are some tips on how to fix specific noise issues with your pellet stove.
Blower Noise
If your stove is making any unusual sounds while the fans are working (such as screeching), they’re probably faulty. Start by giving the fan housing a good clean, as it could be as simple as trapped debris.
Failing that, you’ll need to replace the fan. It’s usually the bearings that break first, and this can create a lot of noise. Luckily, fans are readily available, either directly from the manufacturer or on sites like Amazon.
It’s a pretty easy job to do yourself. You can check out this video for a rough guide of the steps.
Loud Hum
A stove that hums could be due to several problems. However, they’re all pretty minor and easy to fix.
The first thing to check is the exchanger rod. The heat exchanger is, unsurprisingly, what transfers heat from dirty air to clean air. The exchanger rod is the cleaning tool that sits inside it. All you need to do is remove it and clean off debris.
It’s worth vacuuming the heat exchange while you’re in there, too.
The second thing to check is the stove’s nuts and bolts. They can come loose over time, allowing the stove to make more noise as it operates. Simply tighten them up at every time you clean.
Rattling Noise
Again, a rattling noise isn’t usually a sign of anything bad. If you’ve tightened everything and your stove is still rattling, it usually means there’s a poor seal between 2 components.
The fix for this is gasket tape. Use it to seal small gaps between parts and to stop things rattling.
Aside from that, you might want to try putting your pellet stove on a heat-resistant base to dampen noises. Some kind of hearth pad will do the job fine.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has given you some useful information about choosing the quietest pellet stoves.
My top pick is the Pelpro PP130-B Pellet Stove. It’s the most efficient of all the pellet stoves I’ve reviewed and also has the largest hopper.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below if you know of any other great pellet stove models or have any tips for picking out the quietest pellet stove.
2 thoughts on “Top 5: What is the Quietest Pellet Stove: Comparison & Review”
Hello I’m just wondering why the Harman pellet stove was not reviewed in this article?
Hi Ernest,
Thanks a lot for your input. I’ll have an update of the article this year and make sure to include it in our list of candidates for the quietest models.