Propane and Natural Gas Heating Stoves Buyer's Guide

You may have heard of traditional gas fireplaces, but have you heard of a free standing gas fireplace or gas stove? Well, there are tons of gas stoves for sale. They look like wood-burning stoves minus all the wood cutting and ash cleaning. They are more versatile than wood burning stoves and can be installed closer to walls or other combustibles.

Here's an overview of what to expect with gas burning wood stoves. We'll cover how they work, venting and installation options, brand recommendations, and maintenance tips.

What is a Gas Burning Wood Stove?

Empire Vent Free 30 Inch Cast Iron Gas Stove

A freestanding gas fireplace offers the aesthetic and warmth of a wood burning stove without the extra hassle of tending to a wood fire. They are similar to gas fireplaces in the sense that they burn gas and use a decorative gas log set. Several venting options are available including vent-free, direct vent, and b-vent.

Since the stoves are free-standing, they offer better heating because none of the radiant heat is lost to a walled enclosure. Gas heating stoves are also beautiful. While they do take up floor space, they more than compensate with beautiful styling and outstanding quality. It's hard to beat the charm and convenience of a gas stove fireplace.

Types of Gas Burning Wood Stoves

Direct vent, B-vent, and vent free gas burning wood stoves function like their fireplace counterparts. Each of the venting options has its pros and cons, but with all the available options, you'll be able to find a model that fits your priorities.

Direct Vent Gas Stoves

Direct vent gas stoves are essentially a direct vent fireplace inside a stove body. This is because the firebox must be sealed in order to function properly. Many direct vent stoves feature a sealed firebox within a cast-iron stove. The stove is then assembled in sections around the firebox.

The stoves typically offer either standing pilot systems that allow control from a wall switch or remote or may use a spark ignition pilot to save on gas consumption. Spark ignition systems will sometimes offer an upgraded remote to control accessories. These stoves also have accessory options like blowers and liners.

Inside view of double-wall chimney pipe

The venting is a co-axial system that features a small vent pipe nestled within a larger vent pipe. The small pipe vents exhaust gases to the outdoors, while the larger pipe brings in air from outside for combustion. Unlike b-vent venting systems, direct vent pipe can be routed horizontally or vertically.

The optional blowers help distribute the heat throughout the room and the liners and log sets add decorative touches. Basic models have manual on/off controls on the unit itself. However, many models offer handheld remotes or even smartphone compatible controls.

Check out our article on direct vent gas fireplaces for more details on how direct vent models operate and the options available.

B-Vent Gas Stoves

Majestic Oxford Gas Stove

As with b-vent gas fireplaces, b-vent gas stoves tend to offer the best comparison to an authentic wood fireplace. They have a taller flame than vent-free appliances and lack the sealed glass front of direct-vent models. They are less common due to their decreased heating efficiency and are used mostly for aesthetic.

The open front and venting system pulls air from the room and vents exhaust through a vertical pipe. Although this results in better flame quality, a lot of heat is lost to the venting system. If you want your stove to be a supplemental heat source, direct-vent or vent-free models are a better option.

Some manufacturers, such as Napoleon, offer direct vent stoves that can be vented like a B-vent model. The purpose of this is to allow the use of their direct vent stoves in an application where supplemental heat is not needed, but flame effect is still desired.

Keep in mind that the vent pipe must be installed vertically through the roof. The pipe must also maintain the minimum clearance away from combustibles. You can read more about b-vent gas appliances in this article.

Vent Free Gas Stoves

Buck Vent Free Gas Stove

As with vent free fireplaces, these units are self-contained and do not need a venting system. The models are inexpensive, low maintenance, and easy to install. They need less clearance from combustible material so there is more flexibility in installation. However, there are a few instances where they are not recommended.

Vent-free stoves are built to burn so efficiently that the byproduct can vent back into the room. This is quite convenient since no venting is required and you only need a gas line to install the stove. A power supply is not necessary for vent-free models unless you have an optional blower.

The small amount of smoke might be a concern for those who are particularly sensitive to air quality. These models are not recommended for people with asthma, smoke allergies, or bronchitis.

Always install vent-free models in a room that is big enough and has enough ventilation. Manufacturers will state the smallest square footage the models are designed for. It is important to follow these restrictions since you need to make sure the stove has enough oxygen and ventilation for safe operation. Vent-free appliances are also limited to 40,000 BTUs in order to protect the oxygen supply in the room.

Read more about vent-free appliances here.

If you're looking for leading brands with some of the best gas stoves for sale, take a look at the ones listed in the section below.

Leading Brands

• Vermont Castings - A long time producer of high-quality wood stoves, this manufacturer offers heirloom grade stoves that feature timeless design and superior craftsmanship. Their models are slow to evolve in style, but continually offer the latest in burner and control technology.
• Napoleon - It's difficult to find a more all-inclusive product line up than Napoleon products. Realizing early on that the best way to build a strong company was to build something for everyone, Napoleon offers stoves in wood-burning, gas, and pellet fueled models. All of their models are built to high standards and are constantly evolving and improving based on real-world needs.
• Quadra-Fire - A long-time manufacturer of high-quality hearth products, Quadra-Fire offers consumers a handsome looking assortment of gas-fueled wood-style stoves. Their products are timeless and built to a level of quality that makes them stand out.
• Jotul - Long admired for their long-running lineup of wood-burning models, Jotul also offers a significant lineup of gas-fueled models that do a fantastic job imitating the look of their wood-burning models. Quality and style go hand in hand with this brand of products.

Convert a Wood Burning Stove to Gas?

It is technically possible to convert a wood-burning stove to burn gas fuel, but it is not recommended. It is far safer to start over with a model designed for gas instead of trying to convert an old stove. Here are several reasons converting to either propane or natural gas could negatively affect the operation and safety of the stove.

• Altering a wood-burning stove in any way automatically voids the warranty.
• If someone did decide to follow through with the conversion, they would be limited to vented natural gas log sets with a match-lit ignition system. This requires drilling a hole in the unit and having a professional install a gas line.
• The limited space offered by a wood stove doesn't leave much room for the conversion pieces. As a result, the burner, grate, and gas log set are overcrowded.
• Using propane gas is a safety hazard and has the propensity to explode if improperly ventilated. The typical dimensions of a propane stove heater or wood stove do not offer enough space for the propane to disperse safely. In this case, it's best to get a free standing propane fireplace instead.
• During operation, the door(s) must remain open or be removed on a converted gas-burning stove to prevent overheating the components.

Just because you can buy and install the conversion pieces doesn't make it safe. It's not worth the risk!

Get the Most Heat from a Wood Stove 

There are a number of strategies and accessories you can use to get the most heat from a wood stove. Fans, blowers, and occasionally a hot air distribution system are common ways to extend heat from the unit. Another option is to use the fan setting on your existing HVAC system to help distribute the warm air from the stove.

HVAC System

If you have an HVAC system, it's best to install the gas-burning wood stove near a return air vent. The return vent will suction warm air from the stove into the venting system and redistribute it to far-reaching rooms. This is an inexpensive option since the fan setting on the HVAC system costs the same as running two box fans for small and mid-sized homes.

Hot Air Distribution System

Only a handful of wood-burning and gas-burning wood stove manufacturers permit the use of a hot air distribution system. The distribution systems function similarly to HVAC systems. In some cases, they are a hassle to install.

In new construction, routing the ducting is usually straightforward. Existing construction often poses a challenge since you may need to cut through drywall and flooring. We recommend getting a quote for the labor involved to route the ducting in order to make a decision about whether it is worth it for your home.

Blowers

Tired of trying to find a comfort zone between stifling hot air and cold drafts? Blowers help distribute heat more evenly so you can enjoy a nice warmth throughout the room. The blowers available for gas burning wood stoves are usually rotary blowers.

The blowers mount toward the back and bottom of the stove. They draw air from near the floor and direct it along the back of the stove and then through a vent on the top. This circulates the heat and helps create a more even temperature. Some blowers operate with a basic on/off switch, but others offer thermostatic control and different fan speeds.

Since blowers for gas burning stoves are similar to ones for wood stoves, you can read our article on wood stove fans for more details on blowers.

Accessories and Components

Freestanding gas stoves may operate like their fireplace counterparts, but they have a unique appearance. Choose from a whole selection of accessories to enhance the decorative aesthetic of your gas burning stove. After all, these stoves aren't just for heating - they also add charming character to your home!

Liners

Kingsman Herringbone Refractory Liner

Interior brick or reflective liners are available for many stoves, depending on the model and design. The liners often have additional sections since the stove interiors tend to be more complex than fireplaces.

Trivets

Minuteman wrought iron trivet scroll

Designed to mimic the functional heat sinks of a wood stove, gas stoves sometimes offer different styles or colors of integral trivets.

Side Shelves

Side shelf on wood stove

Some stove models offer accessory side shelves that bolt to the side of the stove body. The shelves add a unique look and make the stove more of a focal point.

Hearth Pads

Empire Vent Free Cast Iron Stove on a hearth pad

While not usually required for gas stoves, hearth pads make the stove look more authentic.

How to Vent a Gas Stove

Because stoves are free-standing, direct vent and b-vent models have their venting systems exposed in the room. (Obviously venting is not a consideration for vent-free stoves.) This is the main difference between gas fireplaces and gas stoves, since fireplaces conceal the venting.

We'll start with direct vent stoves. As with direct vent fireplaces, they use a co-axial (pipe within a pipe) design. In almost all cases, direct vent stoves are rated for a variety of vent pipes. It's important to use the correct adapter for the venting system you select.

Many direct vent stoves have the venting collar positioned at a 45-degree angle on the back of the stove. This allows an elbow to attach vertically or horizontally depending on the venting configuration.

Some manufacturers offer a purpose-built venting kit for certain models. The kit is placed against an outside wall and vented horizontally. One example is the Napoleon Direct Vent Cast Iron Stove that can vent directly through the wall with this venting system.

Majestic natural gas stove

If the stove is to be vented vertically, manufacturers of stove pipe offer black painted pipe sections and support to give it a finished look. The components are modeled after wood stove venting for a more authentic style. Because their flue gas temperatures are lower than wood burning stoves, gas stoves can be tucked closer to a combustible wall. Some models only require an inch of clearance.

Venting pipes

A B-vent pipe is less expensive than direct vent pipe. You can use approved high-temperature paint to paint the b-vent pipe to match the stove. You can also enclose the b-vent pipe in a generic 6-inch stovepipe for aesthetic purposes. Unlike direct vent systems, b-vent pipe must be installed vertically. Some direct vent stoves can be vented with low-cost b-vent piping using a specialized adapter on the flue collar. This modifies the stove to pull combustion air from the room like a b-vent stove.

Care and Maintenance 

Because gas burning stoves are freestanding, they are more susceptible to collecting dust and fur in the control valve area of the unit. We recommend gently vacuuming the control and valve area any time you dust and vacuum the room. Dust or fingerprints on the stove body can be wiped away with a cotton cloth and a non-abrasive water-based cleaner.

As always, read the manufacturer's instructions for your particular stove. Gas appliances are famously low-maintenance, but you still need to follow the guidelines for cleaning and regular inspections.

Shipping

Shipping facility

Manufacturers usually ship freestanding stoves in a crate to prevent accidental damage. Stoves are seen from all sides when installed, so suppliers go the extra mile to crate, wrap, and insulate the stoves during shipment. The stoves ship via LTL carrier.

Don't forget to inspect your stove for any dents or missing parts before signing off on the delivery. Contact the manufacturer right away if you notice any damage or defects.

Summary

Gas burning stoves are all about having the warmth and charm of a stove with the easy maintenance of a gas appliance. With a number of venting options and stove styles, you can find one to suit almost any situation.

We don't recommend converting an existing wood burning stove to gas. However, if you like the aesthetic of wood stoves, there are plenty of gas models that offer an authentic look.

If you have any questions about gas burning wood stoves, please contact our NFI Certified Specialists. We'll be glad to help answer any questions you might have about the models, installation, or venting.