Wood boilers for heating a private home: rating of the TOP 10 models and tips for selecting a unit

When the cold weather sets in, it is extremely important to keep your home cozy, comfortable and warm.This needs to be taken care of in advance by organizing a high-quality heating system. The key issue in such a matter is always the choice of boiler.

The assortment of online and offline stores offers a huge number of options for the buyer to choose from: units operating on solid and liquid fuels, connected to the electrical network or gas mains, combined devices. From the point of view of experts, one of the most rational solutions would be a wood-burning boiler for heating a private home.

An indisputable advantage of solid fuel models is efficiency. This equipment is more difficult to maintain and is inferior in some respects to other types of heating devices. But if chosen correctly, it will be no less effective. What should you consider when purchasing and what models should you pay attention to? Next we will tell you about everything in detail.

TOP 10 best solid fuel boilers

There are many models of heating solid fuel units. Depending on the manufacturer and price, the equipment has different technical parameters, design specifics, and operating features.

After analyzing reviews from owners of private houses, we identified the ten best models and collected them into a separate rating.Places in it are distributed based on user ratings and performance demonstrated in practice. We invite you to get to know each of the participants in more detail.

Place #1 – Protherm Beaver 20 DLO

The easy-to-maintain and efficient boiler from the Slovak manufacturer Protherm can be combined with electric and gas appliances. High efficiency and low heat loss allow the use of this model in buildings up to 500 m². The average price of a boiler is about 55 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 18-19 kW;
• efficiency rate – 90.2%;
• combustion chamber design is open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – cast iron;
• maximum temperature – 85 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 4 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15 cm;
• device weight – 230 kg.

Wood with a moisture content of no more than 20% and fine-grained coal are used as fuel for the device.

The enlarged chamber allows you to make large gaps between adding firewood and not having to thoroughly chop it before loading. Thanks to the large ash compartment, the equipment does not need to be cleaned too often.

The combustion intensity is controlled using a control valve. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a thermomechanical power regulator and a built-in thermomanometer.

A special feature of the model is a two-pass cast iron heat exchanger in 4 sections. The device is made using a special casting technology, which promotes uniform heating of the coolant.

After complete combustion of the fuel, the cast iron slowly cools, maintaining heat in the room.However, this material also has a disadvantage - it will take a lot of time to heat up a cast iron boiler. In addition, the device is very heavy: it is impossible to install it yourself.

Place #2 - Teplodar Cupper PRO 22

The boiler of the Russian brand Teplodar is universal equipment for arranging open and closed heating systems in private homes, at technical and industrial facilities. The model serves up to 220 m² of area.

It is a combined option and can operate on different types of coal, wood/charcoal briquettes, firewood, and gas fuel. At the same time, the price of the model is quite acceptable - about 25 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 22 kW;
• efficiency rate – 90%;
• combustion chamber design is open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 2 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15 cm;
• device weight – 115 kg.

The excellent efficiency of the unit is due to a high-quality heat exchanger, as well as a number of successful design solutions. In the center of the firebox there is a special structure - a water jacket, consisting of 27 tubes placed in a chaotic checkerboard pattern.

The equipment has several compartments. Sealed doors do not allow smoke to escape and prolong the fuel combustion process. When fully loaded, the device can operate autonomously for up to 8 hours.

The model is supplemented with a small thermometer. One of the main advantages of the boiler is the built-in heating element, which maintains the optimal temperature during the combustion of the main fuel material.

The device does not cause problems in maintenance: the retractable ash pan and removable heat exchanger are easily removed and cleaned of accumulated soot.

Among the disadvantages of the boiler is the small firebox and, accordingly, the need to frequently add firewood. And also a minus is the high cost of components. To heat a small area, it is better to choose devices with lower power.

Place #3 – Lemax Forward-20

The unit from the Russian company Lemax costs about 19 thousand rubles, therefore it belongs to the budget category of heating equipment. It has an extremely simple design, so owners do not have any difficulties in operation.

This is a good option for installing autonomous heating in a house or country house with an area of ​​up to 200 m².

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 20 kW;
• efficiency rate – 75%;
• combustion chamber design is open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 2 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15 cm;
• device weight – 78 kg.

The non-volatile boiler operates on wood, coal fuel, and wood waste. It provides sufficient heat transfer, rapid ignition of fuel materials, and cools slowly, maintaining heat.

The likelihood of harmful particles generated during the combustion process entering the room is almost completely eliminated.

Thanks to the well-thought-out vertical loading type, loading and distributing firewood in the chamber is easy and simple. The loading door is equipped with a convenient handle.

The reinforced heat exchanger with a heat-resistant coating and the boiler body itself are made of high-quality thick special steel, guaranteeing long service life of the equipment.

The floor-mounted installation model is relatively compact and has an aesthetic design. Since it does not require additional space for maintenance, it can be installed in small boiler rooms without problems.

Disadvantages include weak efficiency and fairly rapid fuel burnout, which significantly reduces loading intervals.

Place #4 - Bosch Solid 2000 B SFU 12

The classic solid fuel boiler of the German brand Bosch stands out for its stylish design and good technical characteristics. The device, which costs about 50 thousand rubles, is designed for heating various types of premises with an area of ​​about 130 m².

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 13.5 kW;
• efficiency rate – 84%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 2 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 14.5 cm;
• device weight – 155 kg.

The model runs on wood, fine-grained brown coal, and coke. It is equipped with a vertical loading chamber, which is much more convenient to fill through the lid located in the upper part of the structure.

The cast iron grate, installed at the bottom of the chamber, is easily shaken using a side lever. For the purpose of more productive combustion of fuel materials, the main part of the firebox is lined with high-quality refractory bricks.

The boiler has the ability to adjust power. To do this, you need to use a mechanical draft regulator.The thermometer and pressure gauge built into the front panel help control pressure and temperature.

The Bosch boiler is completely energy independent, but does not have the highest power and efficiency. You also need to take into account that it does not accept excessively wet fuel. The firewood in it burns out quite quickly, so to maintain constant heat you need to be prepared for frequent refills.

Place #5 – Stropuva S40

The Stropuva S40 model is one of the most “long-lasting” wood-burning boilers. When fully loaded, it can work up to 70 hours without requiring much outside participation. The power of the device allows you to heat 400-500 m² of area. Of course, the cost of this product is appropriate - up to 100 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 40 kW;
• efficiency rate – 85%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 1.5 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 20 cm;
• device weight – 291 kg.

The boiler is installed in a water heating system and can work in conjunction with a boiler, heated floor, radiators.

The cylindrical firebox can hold up to 50 kg of wood. Long-term combustion in it is ensured by a special surface technology: thanks to the special distribution of air flows, layers of fuel are burned in stages.

Due to uneven heating, condensation does not form on the walls of the device.

The combustion process is controlled by an automated control system operating on a thermomechanical principle: when the desired temperature is reached, the position of the damper changes. The model has an additional protective mechanism - safety valve.

Due to its high cost, impressive power and rather complicated installation due to its heavy weight, this boiler is more often used in industrial buildings. However, sometimes it is also purchased for large private houses.

Place #6 – Kiturami KRM 30R

The Korean biofuel boiler is an excellent solution for arranging a heating system for large industrial, commercial and industrial buildings, warehouses, and private homes. It can efficiently serve up to 700 m² of area. The average price of a device on the market is 108 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – double-circuit;
• unit power – 35 kW;
• efficiency rate – 92.7%;
• chamber design is closed;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 85 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 1.96 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 19.5 cm;
• device weight – 170 kg.

The main advantage of the model is that it operates on solid and diesel fuels with automatic switching from one to the other. For this purpose, the design provides two separate combustion chambers.

In addition to heating, the unit can provide hot water supply without additional equipment.

The boiler is equipped with an electronic control unit, sensors that monitor pressure indicators, temperature marks, and coolant level. The model has special overheating protection.

The kit includes a thermostat regulator, thanks to which you can set the optimal temperature conditions. Among the additional functions, it is worth noting automatic ignition.

The main disadvantage of this boiler is, of course, its high cost.

Place #7 - Burzhuy-K STANDARD-20

The pyrolysis boiler of the Bourgeois brand is capable of efficiently heating residential premises, utility and administrative buildings. The maximum service area is 200 m². You can purchase the unit at a price of 55 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 20 kW;
• efficiency rate – 85%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 90 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 4.5 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15 cm;
• device weight – 270 kg.

The equipment operates on wood waste, coal, and wood materials. The duration of combustion depends on the specific type of fuel, its moisture content, the weather in the region, and the quality of the room insulation.

A deep firebox, draft regulator and pyrolysis combustion method extend this period to an average of 8-10 hours.

The body and heat exchanger of the unit are made of thickened durable steel. The design has a place for heating elements. If you connect it, the device will be able to maintain heat after the base material burns out.

As negative nuances of this model, they mention the lack of ability to adjust the temperature, as well as restrictions on the humidity of fuel materials - the pyrolysis mode only works when using firewood with a moisture content of less than 12%.

Place #8 – Viadrus Hercules U22 D-4

The universal combi boiler of Czech production is distinguished by decent power, robust and durable design, and relaxed requirements regarding smoke draft.

Its performance is sufficient for high-quality heating of objects with a total area of ​​up to 240 m². The approximate cost is 69 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 23.3 kW;
• efficiency rate – 80%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – cast iron;
• maximum temperature – 90 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 4 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15.6 cm;
• device weight – 247 kg.

The unit accepts different types of fuel - coal, wood, gas and even waste oil. Wood shavings, pellets, chips and sawdust can be used as additional fuel materials.

The peculiarity of this model is that it can work with wood with high humidity (up to 25%). However, you need to take into account: the higher the fuel moisture, the lower the boiler power.

Thanks to the enlarged firebox opening, the device can accommodate large pieces of wood with a diameter of up to 22 cm. Power adjustment is carried out by a thermomechanical regulator. A thermomanometer is provided to monitor pressure and temperature.

The special design of the chamber ensures high fuel combustion efficiency. A single-pass cast iron heat exchanger with 4 sections promotes long-term heat retention. The boiler body is covered with an insulating layer that reduces heat loss.

Among the disadvantages of the device is the lack of a burner included, labor-intensive cleaning of ash and soot.

Place #9 – Buderus Logano S111-2-20

A good solid fuel boiler from a brand owned by Bosch is reliable and safe. It is installed in heating systems of houses whose area is no more than 200 m².

The unit can be combined with equipment operating on liquid fuels and gas. The average price of the model is 66 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 20 kW;
• efficiency rate – 76%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 3 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 14.5 cm;
• device weight – 200 kg.

The body of the device is made of stamped stainless steel. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it can easily be placed in narrow spaces. In addition to generating heat, the boiler can heat water for domestic hot water systems.

The non-volatile model is equipped with a volumetric loading chamber that accepts wooden blocks up to half a meter long. Firewood can be placed on top. The unit also works great on coal.

The water temperature, combustion intensity and air flow are controlled using a regulator, damper and a special lever. Pressure and temperature parameters are measured with a thermomanometer.

To achieve the declared maximum power of the boiler, you need to spend quite a lot of fuel, since its efficiency is not very high. This is the main drawback of the model.

Place #10 – ZOTA Master 20

An economical boiler from ZOTA is a cost-effective solution for houses up to 200 m². It sells for about 26 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type – single-circuit;
• unit power – 20 kW;
• efficiency rate – 75%;
• chamber design – open;
• installation – floor;
• heat exchanger – steel;
• maximum temperature – 95 °C;
• maximum liquid pressure – 3 bar;
• the diameter of the hole for the chimney is 15 cm;
• device weight – 128 kg.

A special feature of the model is a removable hob that serves as a regular household stove for cooking.

This heating boiler runs on wood and coal.However, due to the insufficient depth of the firebox, only finely chopped wood will have to be used in it.

The unit is equipped with good thermal insulation and an efficient heat exchanger design. The operation of the device is automated by a mechanical draft regulator. To control the temperature, a thermometer is built into the panel, but there is no pressure gauge in the equipment.

In general, the device copes well with its tasks, but, judging by user reviews, it is not entirely easy to maintain.

Rules for choosing a heating boiler

Before you start choosing a specific heating boiler model, you need to study the criteria that you should focus on. By understanding the operating features and basic parameters of the equipment, you can choose a device that can satisfy all your needs.

First of all, consider these nuances:

• boiler type and efficiency;
• camera design;
• device power and room area;
• combustion time and supported fuel types;
• heat exchanger material;
• additional functions and protection systems.

Boilers are single-circuit and double-circuit. The first option is connected to an autonomous heating system and is intended exclusively for heating. Some models work in conjunction with a boiler.

The second option replaces the water heater and boiler, providing not only heating, but also hot water supply.

The boiler efficiency indicator, expressed in the efficiency parameter, shows how productive the device is. The higher it is, the less volume of fuel materials will be needed to heat the room

One of the main indicators of equipment is the output thermal power. This parameter must be selected based on the area that is supposed to be heated.

It is highly desirable that the model has the ability to adjust the power, allowing you to achieve the optimal comfortable temperature.

Boilers with an open chamber design take oxygen from the room and remove combustion products through the chimney. They should be installed in areas with good ventilation. Units with a closed chamber type can be placed in almost any room

The frequency of loading depends on the combustion time of the fuel in the boiler. Retains heat the longest pyrolysis boilers, long-burning devices. The best option would be units that run not only on wood, but also on alternative fuels.

Also, when choosing, it is important to pay special attention to the heat exchanger:

Operational safety and equipment efficiency are enhanced by additional built-in mechanisms and functions.It’s good if the selected model has overheating protection, devices for regulating traction, measuring current pressure and temperature.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Recommendations for choosing solid fuel boilers:

Boilers operating on wood and other types of solid fuel are an excellent alternative for non-gas private homes. They are economical, autonomous, and energy independent.

Despite the characteristic shortcomings of such boilers, among the available options on the market you can find a completely worthy model that fully compensates for them. The main thing is to choose a high-quality boiler with a reliable, practical design and power corresponding to the area of ​​​​a particular room, as well as correctly install.

Perhaps you managed to purchase a new model of solid fuel boiler? Please tell our readers which unit you chose? Are you satisfied with his work? Perhaps there are some nuances to using the equipment? Write your comments in the block below the article.