The 20 best solid fuel boilers

Some homeowners have prematurely written off solid fuel boilers. In stiff competition with gas and electric models, manufacturers have managed to achieve high efficiency from the process of burning wood, peatbriquette, coal, pellets, etc. d. Thanks to an ingenious design, boilers burn fuel slowly, automatically regulate the air supply, independently load combustion products into the furnace. Many modern models can operate without human intervention for one or more weeks. Therefore, the popularity of solid fuel boilers among homeowners, cottage and commercial property owners remains at a high level. Our experts advise to pay attention to several points when choosing a heater.

How to choose a solid fuel boiler

1. Thermal capacity– This is a parameter that will help you choose the best model depending on the size of the house or room. Approximately for our conditions 1 kW of thermal energy of the device effectively heats 10 square meters. m. However, low power indicator is not the main criterion for evaluating solid fuel boilers.
2. The most important thing is to pick up the device with the mosthigh efficiency. Some modern models achieve a combustion efficiency of 90% or more. To achieve such a mark help the new construction of heat exchangers, automatic operation control, high level of insulation.
3. The task of the modern boiler is not only to heat the room through pipes and radiators, but also byto connect the floor heating loop. Also a useful option would be to attach a boiler for water heating to the device.
4. Many of the features the customers don’t need at all, t. k. For them, the main criteria are affordability and ease of maintenance. Then it is most advantageous to choose energy-independent models that will work properly even if there is a failure in the power grid.

Our review includes the best solid fuel boilers. The rating is based on criteria such as technical features, innovation, price, expert opinion and user feedback.

Rating of the best solid fuel boilers

The best solid fuel boilers for continuous combustion

The main advantage of the solid fuel boilers of long combustion is uninterrupted operation for 5-12 days without human involvement. It is very relevant for dacha owners, who rarely come to the countryside in the cold season. Models of this type are economical and powerful, but have low efficiency and complicated maintenance.

ZOTA Stakhanov 63 (left) 63 kW

Rating: 4.9

One of the most powerful solid fuel models in the range of the manufacturer Zota – “Stakhanov 63. The boiler is located on the left side, and on the right side there is a charging bunker, where the unit itself takes the coal. As an alternative, you can use other types of fuel, such as pellets. Coal box is securely closed by two clamps and dust does not spill out. Boiler output 63 kW allows you to heat a building up to 630 m². You can enter data and control the readings with a display with touch buttons. But the heater does not have its own pump, so you have to buy it separately.

Solid fuel boiler with long combustion with electronic control provides precise temperature control and maintains a stable microclimate in the room. You can connect the model to the external control system and adjust the parameters from another building. It comes in handy for maintaining a plus temperature in huge hangars (elevator, warehouses of logistics services) to keep them +10 … +16 degrees, and the heater to live in an attached room in warmer conditions.

Advantages

• high-quality powder coating;
• convenient loading chamber;
• Display parameter control;
• External control can be connected.
• for an area of 630 sq. m.

Disadvantages

• takes up a lot of space;
• Weighs 710 kg
• Without built-in circulation pump.

Teplodar Kupper Expert-45

Rating: 4.8

Boiler for the floor accommodation has two chambers (the first for filling with wood or coal and the second for the primary air), as well as a roomy ash-pan to collect ash as rarely as possible. It provides long-term burning without human intervention and is convenient to use in production, so you don’t need to hire a separate heater. The solid fuel unit has a manometer and thermometer to monitor key indicators. Pressurizes up to 3 bar, so the fluid circulates quickly through the system. It can be heated up to 95 degrees, or kept at a minimum of 50 degrees to save fuel. Customers like the fact that the firebox and ash-pan handles are located on extended brackets and are equipped with heat insulating caps. This allows you to add wood or adjust the draft, without resorting to additional protective devices.

Among the boilers for long combustion, this solid fuel model stands out with the power of 45 kW. We recommend using this device for heating an area of up to 450 m², so the boiler is suitable even for heating a production hall on several floors.

Advantages

• built-in thermometer and manometer;
• Creates up to 3 bar pressure;
• Can heat the coolant from 50 to 95 º;
• comfortable handles on long brackets.

Disadvantages

• no control panel;
• complicated transportation and installation because of 269 kg weight.

Stropuva S15

Rating: 4.8

Small solid fuel boiler Stropuva S15 causes increased interest from dacha residents and owners of commercial buildings. It is capable of heating a 150 sq. ft. m. One load of firewood can keep the house warm for 30 h, and when using coal, this time increases to 5 days. The economical use of fuel is complemented by a high level of efficiency of 85%. The device is able to heat the coolant to a temperature of 95 ° C, which is more than competitors.

Inferior to the leaders of the boiler on several points. First of all, it is a small power (15 kW). In the heating circuit, the maximum pressure is limited to 1.5 bar, which may not be enough for effective heat exchange in the system without a circulation pump.

Advantages

• high efficiency;
• high temperature of the heat-carrier;
• prolonged burning of fuel;

Disadvantages

• small pressure;
• mechanical control.

Teplodar Kupper Expert-15

Rating: 4.7

In the line of manufacturer “Teplodar” this is one of the “younger” models, designed to heat an area of up to 150 m². Solid fuel unit works on charcoal and wood, but can be adapted for pellets or gas, if you install the appropriate burner. Depending on your needs, the boiler can be operated in one of four modes. “Fast heating” – provides heating of the coolant for 30 minutes. “Classic”. – Gives good heat and autonomy up to 4 hours. “Medium” is also good for heating your home and allows you not to look into the furnace for 6 hours. “Maximum” requires a full load of the tilt hopper, after which the lid of the chamber can not be opened for a day.

The boiler is noted by experts for the extra heat removal technology through the organization of the water-filled bottom. This not only speeds up the transfer of temperature from the heat exchanger, but also allows you to install the boiler on a thinner non-combustible substrate, because the base is heated much less here.

Advantages

• Stably sits on 4 legs with square plates;
• thermal insulation on the handles;
• convenient loading chamber;
• Increased safety due to the water-filled bottom;
• built-in thermometer and pressure gauge.

Disadvantages

• Some goes to “acceleration” of the temperature by itself, because the covers of air supply are not tightly attached.

The best inexpensive classic solid fuel boilers

In our country classic solid fuel boilers are traditionally in demand. They are easy to use, they have a nice price, not bad looking and some technical features. However, they need to be constantly monitored by the homeowners.

ZOTA Master 18 18 kW

Rating: 4.8

Boiler with a capacity of 18 kW is able to heat a large house of 180 sq.m. m. The unit itself is quite small – its dimensions are 44x72x82 cm. In one hour a solid fuel heater burns 1.3 kg of anthracite or 2.4 kg of the usual brown coal. If you heat with wood, the consumption is 3.2 kg/h. The heat exchanger is welded from pipes with thick walls and does not burn, even if you regularly maintain a temperature of 95 degrees. A thermometer and gauge are provided to monitor the readings. Optionally, the boiler can be inserted a heating element to maintain a constant temperature of the coolant to switch to electricity after warming up the system. There is a small window in the ash-pan, the slit in which is regulated by means of the chain tension. This allows for more precise control of the draught. The wide door can be opened for cleaning so that you can easily insert a spatula.

The boiler is notable for the presence of a cooking surface at the near edge. It consists of several cast-iron rings, which can be removed to increase the strength of the heat coming to the dishes. This element allows you to heat up a cup of tea, but also to cook a full meal. We recommend this model for country houses, which are not electrified, in order to live comfortably in them during the colder periods.

Advantages

• Thick insulation on the handles;
• Energy-independent;
• there is a surface for cooking;
• compact dimensions.

Disadvantages

• Some of them have condensate in the chimney sump;
• A small amount of smoke may come out when putting firewood in the room.

Protherm Beaver 20 DLO

Rating: 4.6

Slovak solid fuel boiler Protherm Bober 20 DLO is perfect for harsh Russian winters.Cast-iron heat device looks impressive, its power is enough to heat a house with an area of 200 sq.m. m. But the main advantage of the boiler is its high efficiency of 90.2%. This is achieved by using a two-pass heat exchanger and 4 sections. There is inorganic wool insulation all over the body, which has a positive effect on fuel economy.

The boiler is easy enough to operate, especially for those who are familiar with solid fuel boilers. Wood or coal can be used as fuel.

Advantages

• Cast-iron two-way heat exchanger;
• high efficiency;
• easy operation and installation;
• Energy-independent;

Disadvantages

• the bottom part gets very hot.

Vesuvius Elbrus-14 14 kW

Rating: 4.4

The classic boiler that runs on coal or wood is able to generate power of 14 kW and is suitable for heating a house area of 140 square meters. It has a side connection of supply and return, and is equipped with a thermometer for temperature control. The firebox and ash door are made of cast-iron and do not burn out. Both chambers are closed with a hook, which eliminates the fall out of the heat. Control is fully mechanical, so the boiler is not afraid of power outage. With the help of coal and wood heat transfer fluid can be heated to 95 degrees and the pressure of 3 bar, but there is no manometer. The chimney connection is reversed and it is not difficult to perform due to the standard diameter of 120 mm.

The boiler is characterized by a well-thought-out safety system. To red-hot coals do not fall out of the firebox while adding wood, the manufacturer has provided an additional grate with cutouts. It blocks half of the entrance to the chamber and does not interfere with the tossing of fuel. Ash drawer has a second door with slots to provide traction and prevent falling out of the sparks. With such a unit you will save expensive flooring from damage.

Advantages

• complete energy independence;
• built-in thermometer;
• Connects through a standard 120 mm chimney;
• Suitable for water pressure up to 3 bar.

Disadvantages

• EFFICIENCY OF 72%;
• No pressure gauge.

NMC Sibir-Gefest KBO 20 TE

Rating: 4.3

HMK Sibir-Gefest KBO 20 TE attracts an affordable price and a high thermal capacity (20 kW). In addition, the device has a built-in electric heating element (4 kW). This scheme allows you to combine different heating options. Ideal for private homes and retail outlets up to 200 sqm. m. Fuel (wood, coal) is loaded from above, through the top of the boiler.

Of disadvantages – the steel construction, which is poorly insulated. And the efficiency of the boiler is inferior to the leader (80%). To monitor the condition of the heating system is only possible with the help of a thermometer, but the pressure can not be controlled because of the lack of manometer.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• reliability;
• The presence of a heating element;
• High heating power;

disadvantages

• Poor insulation;
• steel structure.

Teplodar Kupper Pro-22 2.0 22 kW

Rating: 4.3

Boiler output 22 kW is excellent for heating the area of 150-220 square meters and is recommended by the manufacturer for private houses, cottages or large garages. The solid fuel heater is omnivorous and consumes coal and wood briquettes, firewood, peat briquettes and coal itself. As an addition to it sells a gas burner and turbocharger. In reviews, customers share that the chamber can easily fit firewood with a length of 495 mm. All handles here are made of heat-resistant silicone, so you can grab them with your bare hands.

Among the classic solid fuel versions, this one is notable for its improved heat extraction system. It has a water “jacket” present on the back wall and in the grate, which allows heat exchange even with glowing embers. Another manufacturer has placed a double channel of hot air, along the path of which the heat exchanger pipes continue. As a result, the heat from the combustion of fuel is taken to the heating system instead of escaping into the sky. On one full charge of the classic solid fuel boilers can run for up to 12 hours.

Advantages

• Convenient inclined chamber;
• Works on a single charge up to 12 hours;
• The kit includes a thermometer;
• The firebox can hold 495 mm of wood.

Disadvantages

• outlet pipe close to the front panel – have to make a turn and bring the pipe closer to the wall.

Lemax Forward-16 17 kW single-circuit

Rating: 4.3

Solid fuel equipment from “Lemax” will be suitable for heating a country house with an area of up to 170 sq.m. m. The boiler works on wood, coke and coal. The manufacturer allows it to heat up to 95 degrees and create pressure with a circulation pump up to 2 bar. The heat exchanger is made of thick steel and will last about 10 years, and the warranty on the product is 3 years. In reviews, buyers note the energy independence of the boiler and security, but complain about the difficulty of finding a chimney pipe with a diameter of 140 mm.

Solid fuel appliance is included in the list of the best for its narrow form factor with dimensions of 37x58x90 cm. This makes it easy to find space for the boiler in a small kitchen or boiler room. Another advantage of the product is a vertical load, which means that it does not need to sit on the chair and the unit can be placed literally in the hallway. On the chimney connector, a damper is already built in, allowing partial blocking of the duct and even better retention of warm air for maximum heat transfer.

Advantages

• reliable and simple mechanical control;
• built-in thermometer;
• vertical loading;
• Additional draught regulator in the chimney;
• compact dimensions.

Disadvantages

• The chimney diameter is 140 mm – not everywhere you can find a quality pipe with this parameter.

ZOTA Yenisei 12 12 kW

Rating: 4.3

Boiler from brand Zota is made in a rectangular box with dimensions of 45x72x69 cm and weighs 79 kg. It is a model with a capacity of 12 kW for heating a standard house or cottage with an area of 120 square meters. In one hour the solid fuel unit burns coal 3.1 kg and up to 5 kg of wood. If you use coal briquettes, you can save money, because they burn at a rate of 2.4 kg/hour. The classic model is controlled mechanically by means of a narrow cover in the ash door. It sets the size of the gap for draught. Cleaning is done through the large hook-and-loop door. On the side there is a thermometer for monitoring the temperature. The outside of the model is covered with high-quality powder paint, which enhances the attractiveness of the product and protects it from corrosion. From the reviews, you can see that to heat the house with the boiler is obtained in 2 hours, if you use dry birch.

The boiler is notable for the built-in inspection window on the door. It is of the swivel type and fixed with a “wingnut”. To find out if the wood or charcoal is burned out, you do not need to open the door completely (some smoke may come out, the heat may come out), but just look through the window.

Advantages

• The thermometer is led out on the side;
• At the door there is a viewing window to control the furnace;
• Convenient regulator of the slot in the ash drawer;
• does not depend on electricity.

Disadvantages

• handles are not insulated.

Teplodar Kupper Praktik 14 14 kW

Rating: 4.2

A solid fuel heater is suitable for houses of 80-140 m². It has a small size 42h65h63 cm and it is easy to install, even on your own. In the furnace fits firewood length 40 cm, which is important to consider when ordering solid fuel. The thermometer is already built into the body and helps control the temperature of the coolant, allowed from 50 to 95 degrees. Reviews show that to maintain heating, you have to add wood every two hours – not a bad indicator for the budget classic model. But the adjustments of the suction and the damper here has little effect on efficiency, so the flaps should be open as much as possible, otherwise the wood will just start to smolder and stop giving off heat.

The classic model is interesting pre-installed heating element with a capacity of 6 kW to maintain the temperature of the coolant. This allows you to heat the heating system with wood and switch to electricity, which eliminates the need to add fuel.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions 42h65h63 cm;
• The small weight of 68 kg simplifies installation;
• There is a built-in electric heating element;
• rapid heating.

Disadvantages

• You can not exceed the water pressure in the circuit of more than 1 bar;
• Low-sensitivity adjustment of the chimney and suction;
• some people complain about the thin metal of the heat exchanger.

Lemax Forward 12,5

Rating: 4.2

13 kW thermal capacity was not enough Lemax Forward-12,5 solid fuel boiler to get into the top three leaders. This model can be used for heating summer houses, residential or office premises up to 130 sq.m. m. Lag behind the competition and the boiler efficiency, which is only 75%. One of the reasons is the steel construction with insufficient insulation. The heat exchanger is made of the same material. The use of steel had a positive impact only on the weight of the heater (70 kg).

In the furnace manufacturer recommends throwing fuel such as wood, coke and coal. The heat transfer fluid can be heated to a temperature of 95 ° C, which is easy to control with a thermometer. But to determine the exact pressure is problematic because of the lack of manometer.

Advantages

• low cost;
• high maximum temperature of the coolant;
• small weight

Disadvantages

• steel construction;
• Lack of a pressure gauge;
• low efficiency

The best solid fuel pyrolysis boilers

Innovative approach is used by manufacturers to create pyrolysis boilers. When burning solid fuel emits wood gas, which becomes an additional source of thermal energy. The combustion of this gas leads to a reduction in soot and ash production, and increases efficiency. The disadvantages of pyrolysis boilers, according to the specialists, are the high price and insistence on the fuel quality.

Burzhui-K T-50A 50 kW

Rating: 4.9

One of the largest solid fuel models in the Burzhui-K catalog, the T-50A. It is suitable for heating an area of 550 square meters. m. This is a huge boiler with dimensions of 690x1580x1210 mm and weighing 780 kg, but its efficiency is 85%, which is very good for this kind of equipment. The unit with a single circuit has a separate combustion system of solid fuel and emitted gases, which speeds up heat transfer and increases the amount of heat transferred to the water. For adjustment of speed of burning of firewood there is an air inlet from below. The door for tossing the fuel closes with a reliable latch. Thermometer and manometer are already available.

Against the background of competitors, the boiler is distinguished by the ability to work at a pressure of 4.5 bar. This allows you to install it in a heating system more powerful circulating pumps and pump the heated coolant at high speed. The product is worth paying attention to the directors of schools and kindergartens, so that the building had time to warm up in the morning before the arrival of visitors.

Advantages

• thermometer and manometer are included;
• 85% EFFICIENCY;
• Suitable for an area of 550 m²;
• maintains pressure up to 4.5 bar.

Disadvantages

• The coolant can be heated only up to 90 degrees;
• no built-in circulation pump;
• weighs 780 kg;
• high cost.

Burzhuy-K MODERN-12

Rating: 4.7

Modest in terms of price and heat output pyrolysis boiler Burzhuy-K MODERN-12 managed to gain a foothold in our review. It is created for heating small areas (up to 120 sq. m) and compares favorably with competitors with the highest efficiency of 92%. The device can boast and “omnivorous”, in the furnace can throw wood, wood briquettes and pellets, peat and coal. Heat the coolant boiler can heat up to 95 ° C, which is also the best indicator among similar products. The thermometer and manometer allow to control the state of the hydraulic system.

The domestic boiler is easy to operate, it is able to work effectively in stand-alone mode with minimal human involvement. Automatic draught regulator makes the use of the device convenient and safe.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• automatic draught regulator;
• Long burning of the charge;
• high efficiency factor;

Disadvantages

• low heat output.

TRAYAN T20

Rating: 4.6

The solid fuel pyrolytic boiler TRAYAN T20 is widely used. Because of its lowest price and optimal performance, experts included it in their review of the best. Thermal capacity of 20 kW is enough to heat a country house, cottage or industrial premises up to 220 square meters in area. m. The model is equipped with such a useful option, as an automatic draught regulator. Not only water but also antifreeze can be used as a coolant. Users often additionally install a circulation pump to increase the pressure in the system.

The heat source can be traditional wood, fuel or peat briquettes. The manufacturer has provided the ability to install the electric heating element with a capacity of 6 kW. Inferior to the leaders in the efficiency of 82%. Burning time of one pellet is 8-10 hours.

Advantages

• low price;
• The possibility of installing a heating element;
• automatic draught regulator;

Disadvantages

• low efficiency.

Vesuvius Elbrus-10 10 kW

Rating: 4.5

The boiler is suitable for premises with an area of 100 m². It has an open combustion chamber with a door on the front for placing firewood. In the lower part of the unit there is pyrolysis and combustion of gas, which does not leave a solid residue. Solid fuel models are available for sale with both right and left hand side connection spigots. The boiler is fully energy-independent, but it is optionally equipped with a heating element. The chimney outlet with a diameter of 120 mm will make it easy to find a quality pipe to install the channel that draws the exhaust gases. But the manufacturer has spared on equipment, so it does not even have a thermometer.

Boiler is remarkable for the easy access to the exchanger for cleaning. It is located as close as possible, and it is not difficult to put the equipment between the grates with water. Choose this pyrolysis model if you plan to service the boiler yourself.

Advantages

• Does not depend on electricity;
• easy connection to the chimney through a standard 120 mm diameter pipe;
• It is possible to install the heating element;
• sealed doors.

Disadvantages

• no thermometer.

The best solid fuel boilers of pellet type

Recently, more and more wood processors are turning waste wood into pellets. They are pellets with the size of 5-70 mm and diameter of 6-10 mm. Pellet boilers can work from 2 to 12 days without human intervention, economically consuming fuel from the adjacent hopper. But this kind of fuel is not available everywhere.

Zota Pellet 25

Rating: 4.9

Boiler Zota Pellet 25 is an example of a sophisticated heating device that minimizes human involvement in the heating process. The model won the rating for several reasons. First of all it is worth noting multifunctionality and a rich complete set. Thanks to the hopper that comes with the kit, the manufacturer has managed to automate the feeding of fuel into the furnace. The user does not even have to ignite the pellets, because the boiler is equipped with an electric ignition. Thermal output of 25 kW allows you to heat large houses up to 250 square meters in area. m. The heating process can be controlled by means of a display.

The boiler allows you to connect the contour of the underfloor heating, and the efficiency reaches a high mark of 90%. The manufacturer managed to achieve high energy efficiency also due to the excellent thermal insulation.

Advantages

• Automatic fuel supply;
• excellent heat insulation;
• multifunctionality;
• electric ignition;

Disadvantages

• high price.

ZOTA Pellet 20S 20 kW

Rating: 4.8

In second place in the category “junior” model from the same manufacturer, with a capacity of 20 kW. Solid fuel floor standing boiler is suitable for heating a building with an area of up to 200 m². The unit already has a hopper for pellets, complete with automatic feeding. This and the precise maintenance of the set temperature is monitored by electronics. It is convenient to enter the settings through the display with touch buttons. The blower provides a stable draught irrespective of the weather conditions and tightness of the room. In one hour the boiler burns up to 2.08 kg of fuel, which is very economical, but the initial cost of the product is high.

Boiler is highly efficient in combustion and heat transfer to water. The efficiency of the solid fuel unit is 90%, which is one of the highest indicators.

Advantages

• Included hopper;
• touch buttons;
• informative display;
• 90% EFFICIENCY;
• There is a blower.

Disadvantages

• It requires a single-phase mains supply.

Teplodar Kupper OK 9 9 kW

Rating: 4.7

Solid fuel pellet boiler is made with two charging chambers: for the initial ignition and the subsequent tossing. The draught is regulated by a choke in the sootblower, for which a slide is provided. The boiler is mounted on supporting brackets and is very stable. Its capacity of 9 kW is enough to heat a house of up to 90 m ². The appliance is completely energy-independent and has a preset heating element for maintaining the achieved temperature. But if you use solid fuel, the efficiency reaches a maximum of 68%. But the affordable price and average lifetime of 10 years fully override these disadvantages.

Reviews show that if you heat dry birch, the water in the pipes warms up quickly and can even boil. But the firebox is short and you need 35 cm long logs. More owners share that the outer walls of the boiler remain warm, not hot. This is relevant if there is little space in the kitchen and the heater has to be installed near the refrigerator or dining table. In this case, its work does not disturb or harm anyone.

Advantages

• can be used without electricity;
• A convenient inclined chamber for loading firewood;
• stable base
• 10 water-filled grates.

Disadvantages

• Small furnace – you need short logs of 35 cm;
• Efficiency 68% – have to add fuel often.