Imagine stepping outside on a crisp winter morning and breathing in the fresh, clean air, knowing your home is warm and cozy. What if I told you that the secret to that warmth could be found in your backyard, powered by nature’s own fuel? Outdoor wood furnaces offer a unique way to heat your home, and they’re becoming more popular every year. But with so many different models and features, figuring out which one is right for you can feel like a puzzle.
Many homeowners are looking for ways to save money on heating bills and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Outdoor wood furnaces can be a great solution! However, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. You might be wondering about things like how much wood you’ll need, how to install one, or which brand is the best. It’s easy to feel a little lost when you’re trying to make such a big decision for your home.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about outdoor wood furnaces. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how they work, what to look for when buying one, and how to make sure you choose the perfect furnace for your needs. Get ready to discover a simpler, more sustainable way to keep your home toasty warm all winter long!
Our Top 5 Outdoor Wood Furnace Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Comfort Glow Wood Furnace | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
ChemWorld Boiler Rust Inhibitor – Wood Boiler Chemical – 1 Gallon – Treats 250 to 500 gallons of Fresh Water | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
FalconSupply Genuine Dormeyer 2005-M-1 Solenoid Kit for WoodMaster | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Goodman 60 | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Goodman 80 | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Outdoor Wood Furnace Detailed Reviews
1. Comfort Glow Wood Furnace
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of chilly rooms? The Comfort Glow Wood Furnace is here to save the day! This powerful heater is designed to keep your large spaces toasty warm. It can heat up to a massive 3,500 square feet, making it perfect for even the biggest homes or workshops. Plus, it can handle big logs, so you won’t be constantly feeding the fire.
What We Like:
- HIGH HEAT OUTPUT: This stove heats up to 3,500 sq. ft., so it can warm up large rooms easily.
- LARGE FIREBOX CAPACITY: It fits logs up to 23 inches long. This means fewer trips to reload the wood, and it burns longer.
- DUAL 500 CFM BLOWERS: Two blowers push warm air all around your space. You’ll feel comfortable everywhere.
- DURABLE CAST-IRON DOOR: The heavy-duty cast-iron door is built to last. It has a big window so you can watch the fire and a nice handle for opening.
- FIREBRICK-LINED FIREBOX: The inside walls are lined with special bricks. These bricks hold heat and send it back into the room, making the stove work better and burn longer.
- INDOOR WOODSTOVE DESIGN: This stove is made specifically to be used safely inside your home.
- EASY AIR CONTROL: You can easily adjust the air flow to get the perfect temperature. This gives you custom comfort.
- COMPLIES WITH 2020 EMISSIONS: It burns cleanly and meets the latest rules for emissions. This is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it heats a large area, the initial setup might require some effort.
- The efficiency is great, but it still relies on a consistent supply of wood.
For reliable and powerful heating, the Comfort Glow Wood Furnace is an excellent choice. It offers efficient warmth and is built to last.
2. ChemWorld Boiler Rust Inhibitor – Wood Boiler Chemical – 1 Gallon – Treats 250 to 500 gallons of Fresh Water
Rating: 8.6/10
Keep your outdoor wood boiler running smoothly and prevent rust with ChemWorld Boiler Rust Inhibitor. This 1-gallon jug treats a large amount of fresh water, making it a cost-effective solution for many homeowners. It’s designed to work in most outdoor wood boiler systems, offering peace of mind and protection.
What We Like:
- Protects your boiler from rust and corrosion.
- Works with various types of boiler water, including those with propylene and ethylene glycol.
- Safe for common boiler materials like iron, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and PEX.
- The pink color helps you see if there are any leaks and shows the product is present.
- Treats a large volume of fresh water, from 500 to 720 gallons, meaning one jug lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions treating 250 to 500 gallons of fresh water, but the features list says 500 to 720 gallons. It would be helpful to have a clearer range.
This ChemWorld Boiler Rust Inhibitor is a solid choice for protecting your investment. It offers good protection and helpful visual cues.
3. FalconSupply Genuine Dormeyer 2005-M-1 Solenoid Kit for WoodMaster
Rating: 9.2/10
Is your outdoor wood furnace or boiler acting up? The FalconSupply Genuine Dormeyer 2005-M-1 Solenoid Kit is here to get it running smoothly again. This kit is designed to replace old or broken solenoids that control important parts like the draft damper or air intake. It’s built tough for demanding jobs and made to last.
What We Like:
- It’s a genuine Dormeyer part, not a cheap copy. This means it’s made with strong materials for reliability.
- It’s built for continuous use, meaning it can stay on 24/7 without overheating. This is great for outdoor furnaces that need to run all the time.
- The kit includes special dielectric grease. This helps protect the electrical connections from moisture and rust, which is a common reason solenoids fail.
- It’s designed to be a direct replacement for common parts like Dayton 4X240.
- It has a strong pulling force to easily open and close vents and dampers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction sheet is for electrical terminals only, so users need to be careful not to get grease on the moving plunger.
- While compatible with many models, it’s always best to double-check your specific furnace or boiler model to ensure it’s the right fit.
This kit offers a complete and reliable solution for your furnace repair needs. Get your outdoor wood furnace back to full working order with this high-quality solenoid replacement.
4. Goodman 60
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your home’s heating system with the Goodman 60,000 BTU 80% Efficiency Multi-Speed, Single-Stage downflow furnace (Model: GD9S800603AN). This furnace is designed to fit into tight spaces with its 14-inch wide cabinet. It’s ready for R32 refrigerant and offers nationwide installation, excluding California. This model replaces several older Goodman furnace numbers, so check if it’s the right fit for your existing setup. Remember, this furnace is strictly for downflow or horizontal installation; it cannot be installed as an upflow unit. If you need an upflow furnace, look for models starting with GR9.
What We Like:
- The multi-speed ECM motor provides excellent airflow control, making your home warmer and quieter.
- It boasts an aluminized steel primary heat exchanger for durability.
- The 80% efficiency means it saves energy and can lower your heating bills.
- Nationwide installation is available, making it convenient for many homeowners.
- Its compact 14-inch cabinet is great for homes with limited space.
What Could Be Improved:
- Accessories like line sets and LP kits are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Installation is not available in California, which limits its reach.
- This unit can only be installed as a downflow or horizontal furnace, not an upflow.
This Goodman furnace offers a solid heating solution with its energy efficiency and quiet operation. It’s a good choice for many homes needing a reliable and space-saving heating system.
5. Goodman 80
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your home’s heating with the Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency Furnace (Model: GR9S800804BN). This furnace offers reliable warmth and efficiency for your home. Its compact 17.5-inch cabinet fits easily in many spaces. It’s also R32 ready, meaning it’s prepared for newer refrigerants. Goodman offers nationwide installation, excluding California, so you can get it set up by professionals.
What We Like:
- The multi-speed ECM motor provides excellent airflow control, making your home feel more comfortable and saving energy.
- It runs quieter thanks to the advanced motor.
- The aluminized steel primary heat exchanger is built for durability.
- You get a 10-year parts limited warranty and a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty when installed by a qualified professional and registered.
- It’s designed for upflow or horizontal installation, giving you flexibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- This furnace cannot be installed as a downflow unit. If you need a downflow model, you’ll need to look for a different Goodman series.
- Accessories like thermostats and LP conversion kits are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
This Goodman furnace is a solid choice for efficient and dependable home heating. It offers good features and strong warranty protection for peace of mind.
Your Guide to Outdoor Wood Furnaces
Thinking about heating your home with wood? An outdoor wood furnace is a powerful way to do it. These units sit outside your house. They burn wood to create heat. This heat then travels to your home through insulated pipes. It’s a clean and efficient way to stay warm, especially if you have access to firewood.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an outdoor wood furnace, keep these important features in mind:
- Heating Capacity: This tells you how much space the furnace can heat. Look for a size that fits your home. A unit that’s too small won’t keep you warm. A unit that’s too big wastes energy.
- Efficiency Rating: A higher efficiency rating means the furnace uses less wood to produce more heat. This saves you money and time.
- Water Jacket Thickness: The water jacket surrounds the firebox. A thicker jacket lasts longer. It also helps keep heat inside.
- Insulation: Good insulation keeps heat from escaping. Look for thick, high-quality insulation.
- Firebox Size: A larger firebox means you can load more wood. This means longer burn times. You won’t have to refuel as often.
- Smoke Stack Height: A taller smoke stack helps move smoke away from your home. This keeps your air cleaner.
- Built-in Heat Exchanger: This part moves heat from the furnace water to your home’s heating system.
2. Important Materials
The materials used to build an outdoor wood furnace matter a lot. They affect how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Steel: Most outdoor wood furnaces use heavy-gauge steel. This steel needs to be strong. It resists rust and heat. Look for furnaces made with high-quality, thick steel.
- Stainless Steel: Some parts might use stainless steel. This is even better at resisting rust. It can make the furnace last longer.
- Ceramic or Refractory Material: The inside of the firebox often has this. It helps the fire burn hotter and cleaner. It also protects the steel.
- Insulation Material: Foam or fiberglass insulation keeps heat in. Good insulation is key to efficiency.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an outdoor wood furnace better or worse.
- Thicker Steel Gauge: A higher gauge number means thinner steel. Look for a lower gauge number. This means thicker, stronger steel.
- Welding Quality: Good welds are strong and leak-proof. Poor welds can lead to problems later.
- Paint and Coatings: High-quality paint protects the steel from rust. It makes the furnace look good for longer.
- Design of the Firebox: A well-designed firebox helps wood burn completely. This means less smoke and more heat.
- Ease of Loading and Cleaning: A furnace that’s easy to load with wood and clean makes your life simpler.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Brands with a good track record usually make better products.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Using an outdoor wood furnace is a rewarding experience for many. People who own woodlots or can get cheap firewood find them very useful. They are great for heating large homes, workshops, or even multiple buildings. Homeowners with limited space inside for a furnace also benefit.
It takes some effort to use one. You need to load wood regularly. You also need to clean out the ashes. But for many, the savings and the cozy heat are worth it. It’s a way to be more self-sufficient and use a renewable resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an outdoor wood furnace?
A: An outdoor wood furnace is a heating system that burns wood outside your house. It sends heat to your home through pipes.
Q: How much space can one furnace heat?
A: The amount of space depends on the furnace’s heating capacity. It can range from a small cabin to a large house.
Q: Do I need to cut my own wood?
A: You don’t have to, but it can save you money. You can also buy firewood.
Q: Are outdoor wood furnaces efficient?
A: Modern outdoor wood furnaces are very efficient. They can burn wood cleanly and produce a lot of heat.
Q: How often do I need to load wood?
A: This depends on the furnace size and how much wood you load. Some can burn for many hours on one load.
Q: Is it safe to have a furnace outside?
A: Yes, when installed and used correctly, they are safe. Follow all manufacturer instructions.
Q: What kind of wood should I burn?
A: Hardwoods like oak and maple burn longer and hotter. Dry, seasoned wood is best.
Q: How much maintenance do they require?
A: You need to clean out ashes and check the unit regularly. It’s not a lot of work.
Q: Can I use one to heat my hot water?
A: Many outdoor wood furnaces can also heat your domestic hot water.
Q: Are they expensive?
A: The initial cost can be high, but they save money on heating bills over time.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.