Wood Heaters Tractor Supply: Best Stove Picks for Firewood Pros (Expert Review)

Wood Heaters at Tractor Supply: Best Stove Picks for Firewood Pros (Expert Review)

As someone who’s spent countless hours felling trees, splitting wood, and relying on a good wood stove to keep the chill at bay, I know a thing or two about what makes a wood heater a worthwhile investment, especially for those of us who consider firewood a way of life. Tractor Supply Co. offers a decent selection, but navigating it can be tricky. This review dives deep into the best stove picks for firewood pros, focusing on cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and longevity – all critical factors when you’re burning wood regularly. Let’s explore the options and break down the costs associated with heating your home or workshop with wood, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.

Understanding Your Needs: The Foundation for a Smart Purchase

Before we delve into specific models, it’s crucial to understand your individual heating needs. A stove that’s perfect for a small cabin might be woefully inadequate for a larger home, and vice versa. We’ll consider the following:

• Heating Area: How many square feet do you need to heat? This is the most fundamental question.
• Climate: How cold does it get in your area? The colder the climate, the more BTU output you’ll need.
• Home Insulation: A well-insulated home will retain heat more efficiently, requiring a smaller stove.
• Firewood Availability: What type of wood do you have readily available? Different wood species burn at different rates and produce different amounts of heat.
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on the stove itself, as well as installation and ongoing maintenance?

Knowing the answers to these questions will drastically narrow down your choices and prevent you from overspending on a stove that’s too powerful or underspending on one that can’t handle the winter chill.

Top Wood Heater Picks at Tractor Supply for Firewood Professionals

Based on my experience and research, here are a few of the best wood heater options available at Tractor Supply, keeping in mind the needs of those who are serious about firewood:

1. US Stove Company 2000 EPA Certified Wood Stove

• Overview: This stove is a workhorse, ideal for heating medium-sized homes or workshops. It boasts EPA certification, meaning it burns cleaner and more efficiently than older, non-certified models.
• Heating Capacity: Up to 2,000 square feet.
• BTU Output: Around 89,000 BTU.
• Key Features: Cast iron door, large firebox, air wash system for a cleaner glass door.
• Why it’s good for firewood pros: The large firebox allows for longer burn times, reducing the frequency of reloading. The EPA certification translates to using less wood overall and reducing creosote buildup in your chimney.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $800 to $1,200.

Cost Breakdown:

• Stove Purchase: $800 – $1,200
• Installation (Professional): $500 – $1,500 (depending on existing chimney and local rates)
• Chimney Liner (if needed): $300 – $800
• Hearth Pad: $100 – $300
• Permits (if required): $50 – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $1,750 – $4,000

Personal Anecdote: I once helped a friend install a similar US Stove Company model in his workshop. The difference it made in his ability to work comfortably through the winter was remarkable. He used to rely on propane heaters, which were expensive and created a damp environment. The wood stove not only provided consistent heat but also helped dry out the space, making it much more pleasant to work in.

2. Vogelzang TR001 Defender EPA Wood Stove

• Overview: A more budget-friendly option, the Vogelzang Defender is suitable for smaller spaces or as a supplemental heating source. It’s EPA certified and offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
• Heating Capacity: Up to 1,200 square feet.
• BTU Output: Around 69,000 BTU.
• Key Features: Step Top design for cooking, firebrick lined firebox, and blower option.
• Why it’s good for firewood pros: Its smaller size makes it ideal for heating a garage or small cabin. The Step Top design also lets you cook on it in a pinch.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $600 to $900.

Cost Breakdown:

• Stove Purchase: $600 – $900
• Installation (Professional): $500 – $1,500 (depending on existing chimney and local rates)
• Chimney Liner (if needed): $300 – $800
• Hearth Pad: $100 – $300
• Permits (if required): $50 – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $1,550 – $3,700

Statistical Data Point: According to the EPA, certified wood stoves use about one-third less wood than non-certified stoves, saving you money and reducing emissions.

3. Ashley Hearth Products AW2520E EPA Certified Wood Stove

• Overview: A larger stove designed for heating larger homes or open-concept spaces. It offers a longer burn time and higher BTU output than the previous models.
• Heating Capacity: Up to 2,500 square feet.
• BTU Output: Around 89,000 BTU.
• Key Features: Large firebox, cast iron door, air wash system, and blower included.
• Why it’s good for firewood pros: The large firebox and high BTU output make it suitable for heating larger spaces, even in colder climates. The included blower helps distribute heat more evenly.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500.

Cost Breakdown:

• Stove Purchase: $1,000 – $1,500
• Installation (Professional): $500 – $1,500 (depending on existing chimney and local rates)
• Chimney Liner (if needed): $300 – $800
• Hearth Pad: $100 – $300
• Permits (if required): $50 – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $1,950 – $4,300

4. Pleasant Hearth 1,800 Sq. Ft. EPA Certified Wood-Burning Stove

• Overview: A mid-sized stove offering a good balance of heating capacity and price. It’s EPA certified and features a modern design.
• Heating Capacity: Up to 1,800 square feet.
• BTU Output: Around 65,000 BTU.
• Key Features: Pedestal base, air wash system, and large viewing window.
• Why it’s good for firewood pros: The pedestal base elevates the stove, making it easier to load and clean. The air wash system keeps the glass clean for a better view of the fire.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $900 to $1,300.

Cost Breakdown:

• Stove Purchase: $900 – $1,300
• Installation (Professional): $500 – $1,500 (depending on existing chimney and local rates)
• Chimney Liner (if needed): $300 – $800
• Hearth Pad: $100 – $300
• Permits (if required): $50 – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $1,850 – $4,100

Key Considerations Before Purchasing

Before pulling the trigger on any of these stoves, consider the following:

• EPA Certification: Always choose an EPA-certified stove. They are more efficient, cleaner-burning, and often qualify for tax credits or rebates.
• Firebox Size: A larger firebox allows for longer burn times and less frequent reloading.
• Air Wash System: This feature helps keep the glass door clean, allowing for a better view of the fire.
• Blower: A blower helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.
• Clearances: Ensure you have adequate clearances from combustible materials. Consult the stove’s manual and local building codes.
• Chimney: Your chimney must be in good condition and properly sized for the stove. Consider having it inspected by a professional before installation.
• Installation: Proper installation is crucial for safety and efficiency. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a qualified professional.

The True Cost of Heating with Wood: Beyond the Stove

The initial cost of the stove is just the tip of the iceberg. To truly understand the cost of heating with wood, you need to factor in the following:

1. Firewood Costs

This is where being a firewood pro comes in handy! But even if you harvest your own wood, there are still costs to consider:

• Your Time: How much is your time worth? Harvesting, splitting, and stacking firewood takes time and effort.
• Equipment Costs: Chainsaws, splitters, axes, wedges, and other tools all require maintenance and eventual replacement.
• Fuel Costs: If you’re using a chainsaw or wood splitter, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gasoline.
• Transportation Costs: Hauling firewood from the woods to your home or storage area requires a truck or trailer, which incurs fuel and maintenance costs.

Data Point: The average price of a cord of firewood varies widely depending on location and wood type, but typically ranges from $200 to $400.

Example: Let’s say you harvest 5 cords of firewood per year. Even if you don’t pay for the wood itself, you still incur costs:

• Chainsaw Maintenance: $50 per year
• Splitter Maintenance: $100 per year
• Gasoline: $100 per year
• Truck Maintenance: $50 per year

Total Cost: $300 per year, or $60 per cord.

2. Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney cleaning is essential to prevent creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney fires.

• Professional Chimney Sweep: $100 – $300 per cleaning (recommended annually).
• Chimney Inspection: $100 – $500 (recommended every few years).

Personal Experience: I learned the hard way about the importance of chimney cleaning. I neglected it for a couple of years, and one winter night, I had a chimney fire. Fortunately, I caught it early and was able to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher, but it was a terrifying experience. Now, I make sure to have my chimney cleaned and inspected every year.

3. Insurance Costs

Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums for homes heated with wood stoves. Be sure to check with your insurance provider.

4. Permits and Inspections

Depending on your location, you may need to obtain permits for installing a wood stove and have it inspected by a local building inspector.

Optimizing Your Firewood Budget: Tips and Tricks

Here are some practical tips for reducing the cost of heating with wood:

• Harvest Your Own Firewood: If you have access to a woodlot, harvesting your own firewood can save you a significant amount of money. Be sure to obtain any necessary permits and follow safe logging practices.
• Buy Firewood in Bulk: Purchasing firewood in larger quantities often results in a lower price per cord.
• Season Your Firewood Properly: Properly seasoned firewood burns hotter and more efficiently, reducing the amount of wood you need to use. Aim for at least six months of drying time.
• Choose the Right Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods like pine and fir.
• Maintain Your Stove Properly: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the stove and chimney, can improve efficiency and extend the life of your stove.
• Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation will help retain heat and reduce the amount of wood you need to burn.
• Use a Firewood Moisture Meter: A moisture meter can help you determine if your firewood is properly seasoned. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.
• Consider a Wood Stove Insert: If you have an existing fireplace, a wood stove insert can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home.
• Look for Rebates and Tax Credits: Some states and municipalities offer rebates or tax credits for purchasing EPA-certified wood stoves.

Calculation: Let’s say you currently spend $1,000 per year on propane to heat your home. By switching to a wood stove and harvesting your own firewood, you could potentially save $700 per year, even after factoring in the costs of equipment maintenance and chimney cleaning.

The Importance of Wood Species: BTU Content and Burn Times

Not all firewood is created equal. Different wood species have different BTU (British Thermal Unit) content, which is a measure of the amount of heat they produce. They also have different burn times. Here’s a comparison of some common firewood species:

Insight: Knowing the BTU content of different wood species can help you make informed decisions about which wood to burn. For example, if you’re looking for a long-lasting fire, oak is a good choice. If you need to quickly start a fire, pine is a good option.

Understanding Wood Moisture Content: The Key to Efficient Burning

The moisture content of firewood is a critical factor in its burning efficiency. Green wood (freshly cut) can have a moisture content of 50% or more. This means that a significant amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before the wood can even begin to burn. This results in less heat output, more smoke, and increased creosote buildup.

Properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less. This allows it to burn hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.

How to Season Firewood:

1. Split the Wood: Splitting the wood increases its surface area, allowing it to dry faster.
2. Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a single row, with gaps between the pieces to allow for air circulation.
3. Elevate the Wood: Elevate the wood off the ground using pallets or other supports to prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground.
4. Cover the Wood: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.
5. Allow Time to Dry: Allow the wood to dry for at least six months, or preferably a year.

Formula: You can estimate the drying time of firewood using the following formula:

• Drying Time (Months) = (Initial Moisture Content – Target Moisture Content) / Drying Rate

The drying rate varies depending on climate and wood species, but a general rule of thumb is 1% per week.

Example: If you start with green wood with a moisture content of 50% and want to dry it to 20%, the drying time would be:

• (50% – 20%) / 4% = 7.5 Months (assuming a drying rate of 4% per month)

Case Study: Comparing Heating Costs – Wood vs. Propane

Let’s compare the cost of heating a 1,500 square foot home with wood versus propane:

Wood:

• Stove Cost: $1,000
• Installation: $1,000
• Firewood (5 cords per year): $0 (harvested for free, but includes equipment costs of $300/year)
• Chimney Cleaning: $150 per year

Total Annual Cost: $450 per year (excluding initial stove and installation costs)

Propane:

• Annual Propane Consumption: 1,000 gallons
• Propane Price: $3.00 per gallon

Total Annual Cost: $3,000 per year

Savings: By switching to wood, you could potentially save $2,550 per year. Even after factoring in the initial cost of the stove and installation, you would recoup your investment in less than a year.

Disclaimer: These are just estimates, and your actual costs may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

The Environmental Impact of Heating with Wood

While wood is a renewable resource, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of heating with wood:

• Air Pollution: Wood stoves can emit particulate matter and other pollutants into the air. EPA-certified stoves burn cleaner and produce fewer emissions.
• Deforestation: Sustainable forestry practices are essential to ensure that wood harvesting doesn’t lead to deforestation.
• Carbon Emissions: Burning wood releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but this carbon was originally absorbed by the tree during its growth. As long as forests are managed sustainably, wood can be a carbon-neutral fuel source.

Actionable Takeaway: Choose an EPA-certified stove, burn properly seasoned wood, and support sustainable forestry practices to minimize the environmental impact of heating with wood.

Conclusion: Is a Wood Heater at Tractor Supply Right for You?

Choosing the right wood heater and understanding the true costs of heating with wood requires careful consideration. Tractor Supply offers a range of options, but it’s crucial to assess your individual needs, budget, and firewood availability. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this review, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning stove without breaking the bank. Remember to factor in all the costs – from the stove itself to firewood, chimney maintenance, and insurance – to get a complete picture of the financial commitment.

Next Steps:

1. Assess your heating needs: Determine the square footage you need to heat and the climate in your area.
2. Research EPA-certified stoves: Compare the features and specifications of different models.
3. Get a chimney inspection: Ensure your chimney is in good condition and properly sized for the stove.
4. Develop a firewood budget: Estimate your firewood consumption and costs.
5. Consider professional installation: If you’re not comfortable installing the stove yourself, hire a qualified professional.

With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy the benefits of heating with wood while saving money and minimizing your environmental impact. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find a little extra satisfaction in knowing you’re keeping warm with wood you’ve harvested and prepared yourself – a true mark of a firewood professional!

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