How to Choose the Right Wood Stove for Your Small Space
Choosing the right wood stove for your setup is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A stove that’s too small won’t keep you warm. A stove that’s too big will make your space uncomfortably hot. And the features that matter most aren’t included on all stoves.
The good news? It’s not as complicated as it seems. If you focus on three core questions, you’ll end up with a stove that fits your space, performs the way you need, and comes with support you can rely on.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to:
- Size your stove correctly
- Pick the right performance and design features
- Vet the company you’re buying from
Size Your Stove Correctly
Most people start by looking at the square footage ratings listed in product descriptions. I have a problem with those charts because these numbers can be misleading. When listing square footage only, they don’t take into account insulation levels and, more importantly, outdoor temperatures.
A well-insulated 200-square-foot cabin in southern California has very different needs than a similarly sized canvas-walled yurt in Maine.
A Better Way to Size Your Stove
We put together this chart to help you find the right stove. It keeps the selection process easy but allows you to account for space, temperature, and it shows you when to size up or down based on your circumstances. Try our Kit Builder Tool to pick your stove and see what parts you'll need to safely install it in your space.
Why Smaller is Often Better
An oversized stove means you’ll have to burn small, low fires to avoid overheating, which leads to smoldering and creosote buildup. Undersized stoves can’t keep up in deep winter and may need supplemental heat sources.
If you’re using the stove for primary or emergency heat, look for one with a heat output that falls squarely in the range suggested by the calculator. Choose the smallest stove that can still keep you warm on the coldest night of the year. If you’re using the stove for supplemental heat or ambiance, you can get away with something a little smaller. This will let you enjoy longer burn times and more comfortable warmth during shoulder seasons.
Tips on How to Use the Chart
- The chart is based on good insulation and a 10' ceiling; consider a larger stove for drafty or poorly insulated spaces.
- Users who sleep cool may let the fire burn down overnight; for consistent warmth, opt for a larger stove or reload it early.
- Stove size varies based on insulation, supplemental heat, and personal comfort; use the chart as a guide but choose based on your needs.
Pick the Right Features
Once you know your size range, you can narrow down the stoves that fit and focus on the features that matter most to how you plan to use the stove.
Cooking Functionality
Want to cook on your stove? Look for one with a large enough cooktop to fit a pan or kettle. Stoves with a rear exit flue often have more usable cooktop space. Some stoves offer ovens or are compatible with cookware like Dutch ovens and stovetop pizza ovens.
See our compact wood stove cooking tools that work on a variety of wood stoves.
Fire Viewing Window
If ambiance is a priority, a large fire-viewing window is a popular feature. Look for models with an air wash feature, which helps keep the glass clean and the flames visible. Without it, soot buildup can quickly turn your beautiful window into a black mirror.
Mounting Options
Tall legs, storage stands, or custom platforms can raise the stove to a more comfortable height. This makes stoking easier and gives you better visibility of the fire. It also helps smaller stoves look more balanced in a room.
Direct Air Intake
If your space is airtight or you want to avoid pulling cold air in through cracks and gaps, a Direct Air Intake is worth installing. It feeds the stove with outside air, improving burn efficiency and reducing drafts.
Usability
Some features just make your life easier when using and maintaining the stove. Look for a separate ashpan so you can clean the ashes without disturbing the fire.
Multiple means of directing the air into the firebox is also helpful in giving you more control over your fire for a more efficient burn.
Vet the Company
You’re not just buying a stove. You’re starting a long-term relationship with the company that makes and supports it.
Ask questions. See how they respond.
- Are they knowledgeable and willing to help you design your system?
- Do they carry the parts and accessories you’ll need for a safe, install?
- Will they help if something arrives damaged or you have a warranty issue?
The best companies will treat your questions like a priority, not a hassle.
Question? Ask Us!
We’ve helped thousands of folks heat cabins, trailers, tents, buses, and backyard studios. We can help you too.
Start your project with our Kit Builder
Download our Wood Stove Project Checklist
Reach out with questions - support@tinywoodstove.com
From our tiny team to your tiny space, we’re here to help you build the setup that keeps you warm and fits your life. Send us a message, give us a call, or come by our warehouse in Hayden, ID.
We have a 600 sqft cottage so what size of stove would you recommend?
Alison-
It’s going to depend on your climate, how well your space is insulated, and how you intend to use the stove. If you want to discuss the specifics of your project, drop us a line at support@tinywoodstove.com and we can figure out what stove will work best for your needs.
Hello, I just wanted to say that I think you have a great stove design, I am a wood burner for the past 40 yrs and your mini stoves have all the features I have been looking for in a wood stove. Hope you are still in business and am looking forward to buying one of your 5 kw stoves for my 31′ RV that I have just rebuilt from top to bottom and I think it will make a nice addition. till next time, Enjoy!
Hi David-
Glad to hear we’ll be able to help you get the right stove for your RV renovation! The wood stoves for tiny spaces business is booming, so we’ll definitely be around to help you when you’re ready. Drop me a line at support@tinywoodstove.com, and we can make sure the 5kW is the best choice for your space and lifestyle, and figure out your venting.
Hello,
I live in a 21′ van in Indiana and froze my butt off last winter (it gets to -10 sometimes). I have a kitchen, so I don’t need to cook on it. And I’d love a window stove for the fire lighting, but it’s not a top priority I suppose. Finally, are there tiny stoves that allow wood burning? I have access to lots of wood! Any advice? Thanks! -Keekee
Keekee-
Indiana Winters can definitely be rough on vanlifers. We can help! Lots of folks have put our smallest stove in vans successfully. If you don’t need a large cooking surface, you can use the top flue exit for a more compact installation. It’s incredibly convenient to get your space nice and toasty off-grid using fuel you got for cheap or free. I’ll send you a private message, and we can figure out what will work for your space.
Great insights! I’m really considering a tiny wood stove for my small cabin, and your tips on size and placement were super helpful. It’s good to know that even a compact design can provide enough warmth without taking up too much space. Thanks for the recommendations!