Updated at: 31-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Do you know how stove fans function, or even whether they do? To increase the quantity of heat your stove emits, ingenious devices such as stove fans have been developed. There has been a rise in demand for this item because wood burners have become increasingly popular as a necessity in the home.

How A Stove Fan Work

Is it clear to you how exhaust fans for stoves function? Adding fans to your stove top might potentially double or triple the amount of heat it produces. The demand for wood burners has risen in recent years as they have become increasingly popular and practical for use in the home.

Woolly Mammoth Swift Plus Stove Fan - Black - £54.36 :

However, large rooms can be heated quickly with the help of burner fans. Most people think that stove fans run on batteries or electricity, but that’s not the case. Most ranges would function better with a stove fan installed. If the burner isn’t hot enough yet, the fan won’t kick in. A stove fan’s motor is powered by the stove’s own heat. While spinning, the fan creates a temperature difference between its front surface and its top, which powers the engine.

To create voltage between two semiconductors with differing temperatures, a common fan motor employs a method called the thermopile concept.

Uses Of A Stove Fan

According to the principle of energy conservation, almost all of the heat produced by your stove will be lost to the atmosphere. As can be seen here, you make poor use of available resources.

One way to more efficiently distribute heat across a room is to mount a fan above the stove. When you use convection in addition to radiated heat, you reduce the likelihood of hotspots and, perhaps, your monthly energy costs.

A stove fan helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while increasing airflow. Fans powered by heat generate a gentle breeze, but are not as effective as cooling as conventional fans. If you don’t use the fan, the temperature within your house will be more uniform.

Does the stove fan have batteries?

No. Stove fans can be thought of as a sort of internal combustion engine due to the fact that they are powered by thermal energy. The blades are turned by a motor, which is powered by the temperature differential between the fan’s base and its top; meanwhile, cooling fans in the back keep the fan’s top at a constant, low temperature.

The little motor powering the fan is a thermoelectric motor, an amazingly straightforward device that generates a voltage between two semiconductors by subjecting them to thermal gradients. Not a lot, but enough to spin the fan’s blades.

What is the best position for the fan?

To maximize the effectiveness of your fan, you should provide adequate clearance behind it. This is why there is a fan to your back, bringing in cooler air. It is not ideal to position the fan such that the back is up against a wall or a chimney. It’s best if you can position the fan such that it blows warm air out of the room and not into the room itself.

Can the stove fan get too hot?

Yes. Overheating the fan might cause harm to the motor. Take a look at the temperature using a stove thermometer to check if it’s getting too hot for your fan to handle. If it starts to get too hot, move it to a cooler part of the stove or take it off totally. Before turning on your fan, make sure you know its temperature limits.

How Does a Wood Stove Fan Work?

If you want to get the maximum heat out of your wood burning stove, you need a stove fan. Perhaps you’ve always been curious as to how exactly a wood stove fan operates.

Like a ceiling fan in the summer, a wood stove fan circulates the warm air created by the stove so that it can heat more of the space.

This is accomplished by the use of a fan attached to the range hood, which disperses the hot air from the stovetop so that it does not accumulate in a single point, typically the ceiling. If you do this, you can reduce the amount of wood you burn while still enjoying the benefits of a cozy home.

If you don’t have a stove fan, you’ll have to spend a lot of time perched in front of the heat source. The majority of the heat generated by your home is lost up the chimney or through the pipes.

Using a stove top fan with a pellet stove is a useful option to keep in mind.

Wood Stove Fans and Blowers

To supplement the wood stove fans, a blower might be used. While both stove fans and blowers aim to do the same thing—move the warm air from the stove into the rest of the house—the terms are often used interchangeably.

When using a wood stove, you may direct the airflow in any desired direction by positioning the fan. Although there are primarily two kinds of stove fans, we’ll go over the differences between them in further depth below.

Tubes that can withstand high temperatures mean you can put them directly into the oven. The tubing draws air from the room, where it is warmed by the burner and recirculated.

This is not a passive process like a wood stove’s fan. The blower’s air intake needs to be connected to an electrical outlet for operation. Most wood stoves come with a blower, however many owners find that the stove fan is more effective and quieter than the blower.

Reduce the amount of wood you burn and the cost of your heating bills with the help of a stove top fan. However, why is a fan so efficient? Curious as to how a wood stove fan operates?

How a Wood stove Fan Works: The Science

Wood stove fans that do not require an external power source or a battery but function utilizing alternative fundamental principles to create the energy they need to spin the blades are available. TEG (thermoelectric generator) and SE (Stirling engine) stove fans are available, with the former being the more popular.

TEG Fans and the Seebeck effect

The stove’s output is used to power the fan, making it a safe and reliable option. The Voda 4 blade stove fan, among the most popular on the market, may be purchased at the provided Amazon link.

Stirling Engine Fans: Cyclic Compression and Expansion

Using the heat from the stove, the Stirling engine drives two pistons, which in turn turn the fan blades.

One side of the engine is subjected to cooler air, while the other is heated by the stove’s exhaust. One piston is squeezed by the expanding hot air, while the other is retracted by the cool air.

Because the stove produces so much hot air, it must vent some of it directly into the engine. When the hot air expands, one piston pushes out, while the cold air causes the other piston to pull in.

However, stove fans powered by Stirling engines are not only more effective, but also quieter and more aesthetically pleasing. The best Stirling engine wood stove fans are made by Warpfive Stove Fans, and they sell a maintenance kit on Amazon.

Secrets Of The Stove Fan - Valiant Stoves

Temperature Requirement

Both types of stove top fans use the heat generated by your stove to power their operations, so they need to reach a particular temperature before they kick on. Manufacturers may set different minimum temperatures, depending on factors like the quality of the semiconductors and the materials used for the blades.

  • The optimal range for TEG fans is between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5- 3C)
  • The bare minimum for operation of TEG fans is between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5- 3C)

As the fan’s base temperature rises, the fan’s blades will spin faster and faster until they reach a maximum rotary speed, but not before the minimum temperature is attained.

The maximum speed at which the fan blades may spin is reached when the fan base achieves a certain minimum temperature.

Stove Fan Placement and Safety

The following safety considerations should be kept in mind when using or installing a stove fan.

The direction in which you point the fan is up to you. Depending on how you’d like the hot air to circulate and mingle with the cool air in the room, a wall or open hallway might be better.

For reasons of both security and efficiency, positioning your stove’s fan correctly is a must. To begin, check that the base of the fan on your stove is flat. Make sure the chimney pipe is not blocking anything.

It should be placed in the middle of the stove’s back edge so that cool air from the rear can be drawn in and mixed with the heated air before it is distributed throughout the house.

After the fan has started, do not touch it in any way. The underside of the fan can get burned. You shouldn’t touch it until it’s completely cooled off, or you risk breaking it. It is best to keep it out of the reach of children at all times, but especially when it is in use.

Reviews of the Best Wood Stove Fans

Weigh the pros and cons of each of these wood stove fans to get a better sense of whether one meets your needs. Before buying a stove, it’s important to consider your unique needs, the available space, and your cooking habits.

Best Overall: ECOFAN 812AMXBX AirMax Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan

PROS

  • It can function in both vast and constrained quarters with ease.
  • The time needed to heat the room can be cut in half.
  • This fan doesn’t need any extra juice to spin.
  • It has been tried and tested in the harsh Canadian winters.
  • When this fan is used, energy consumption drops by 14%.
  • Incorporating this fan into your driving routine will save your gas use by 18 percent.
  • When used in conjunction with the stove fan, the room can reach a comfortable temperature in 38% less time.
  • This type was developed after extensive testing in Canada’s bitter winters.

This battery-operated fan has a 2-year guarantee and never needs energy. This durable and versatile piece works equally well in large or small rooms. It’s a stylish fan that distributes heat efficiently and helps the gas bill. It’s not permanent, but it gives you a good boost without using any extra power.

This Ecofan model is a medium-sized contributor to a 31% rise in indoor temperature. This is a fantastic alternative if you’re working with a space that’s less than 240 square feet in size. Even though it only has a two-year warranty, it has been tried and tested in Canada’s freezing temperatures.

This variety is great for cold winters once it gets going. Though it makes a little noise, it ends up saving you money.

Runner-up: VODA 4-Blade Heat Powered Stove Fan

PROS

  • PROS
  • The lengthy lifespan is a result of the material’s high durability.
  • This material’s longevity means it can serve a purpose for a very long time.

CONS

  • When the blades are dropped, they can be bent back into shape.
  • Accurate positioning is crucial for maximum effect.

Because it operates without the use of batteries or energy, this type may operate in near quiet. A durable material will perform more quickly when the environment is warmer and more slowly when the temperature drops. It can function up to a temperature of 660F.

It requires careful handling, but once installed, it performs flawlessly. It may be stored for a long time and used as firewood.

Best for the Money: VODA VDSF654B

PROS

  • This stove has a very quiet fan.
  • Despite its modest size, it is extremely effective.

CONS

  • It may be small, but don’t let that fool you: it packs a powerful punch.
  • The blades seem to be slightly out of alignment, making the machine topple easily.

This model can withstand heat up to 660 degrees Fahrenheit, making it durable and whisper-quiet. It has four blades made of aluminum and operates without any auxiliary power.

This model’s low weight is a plus when it’s put to good use. However compact it may be, its motor is mighty, and its operation is whisper-quiet.

Best Wood Stove Fan No Electricity: Ecofan 810CAKBX

PROS

  • This fan doesn’t need any extra juice to spin.
  • The time needed to heat the room can be cut in half.
  • When this fan is used, energy consumption drops by 14%.
  • This model was perfected by withstanding countless Canadian winters.

CONS

  • When it comes to speed, it falls short of expectations.
  • The loud and whirring fan is working overtime.

This Ecofan model is a medium-sized contributor to a 31% rise in indoor temperature. This is a fantastic alternative if you’re working with a space that’s less than 240 square feet in size. Even though it only has a two-year warranty, it has been tried and tested in Canada’s freezing temperatures.

This variety is great for cold winters once it gets going. Though it makes a little noise, it ends up saving you money.

Best Thermoelectric Fan Wood Stove: TOMERSUN 3 Blades Wood Stove Fan

PROS

  • When in operation, this model makes no noise at all.
  • Longevity and durability can be enhanced by utilizing the bimetallic safety device.
  • It’s convenient because the stove heats it up on its own.

CONS

  • It lacks the strength of a regular fan in the ceiling.
  • It can be killed by excessive heat. Even at room temperature, it still has problems despite the 660-degree rating.

This compact and lightweight design operates independently of any external energy supply. TEG provides the electricity, and it operates silently. The bimetallic safety device shields the inner workings from damage at high temperatures.

Having safeguards in place to protect it and silent operation, this type is a fantastic supplementary appliance to maximize your stove’s potential. Due to its lackluster strength, it’s best suited for more constrained settings.

Types of Wood Stove Fans

Multiple variations of stove fans are available for use with wood-burning appliances. Here are only a few instances:

Built-in Wood Stove Fans

Wood stove fans come in a wide variety of styles. Below are only a few illustrations:

EcoFan Wood Stove Fan

EcoFans are convenient because of their tiny size and the fact that they can be placed on top of a stove. They function on the basis of energy conversion and do not require electricity. They create power from the stove’s heat.

The stove’s heat warms the aluminum base of the fan, causing it to spin. Because of this disparity, low-voltage electricity is produced, which powers the fan. These gadgets do their intended purpose while also conserving power.

AC Infinity Muffin Fan

The AC Infinity Muffin Fan is powered by electricity. It can be used as a substitute for a wide variety of other projects. The kit include a heavy-duty cable and an aluminum vane.

Von Haus vs. Ecofan Wood Stove Fan – Comparison Overview

The following chart compares the Ecofan to the Von Haus Wood burner fan. If you use this, you’ll be able to make a more educated choice.

Similarities

The two fans here do not need to be plugged into anything; they run entirely on their own. The blade is turned by a motor powered by electricity generated from the fireplace’s heat.

They have nearly identical operating temperatures.

Due to its excellent efficiency, their fan speeds are increased.

These fans are more economical than electric fans because they don’t require electricity to run.

Differences

One of the most noticeable distinctions between the two fans is the number of blades present. The Ecofan AirMax only has two blades, while the Von Haus can have up to six if you want them to.

The CFMs are not the same. The Ecofan is less effective than the Von Haus, which has a higher CFM, due to its lower efficiency.

While the Ecofan stove fan is covered by a lifetime warranty, the Von Haus stove fan is not.

A further distinction can be seen between the intensity and warmth that is transmitted. When compared to an Ecofan Stove fan, the Von Haus is more effective at dispersing heat over a wide area.

FAQs

Variation in heat’s intensity and distribution is yet another kind of novelty. Heat is dispersed more extensively with the Von Haus fan than with the Ecofan Stove fan.

Do stove fans make a difference?

While the stove fan can help you save money by reducing the amount of heat the stove needs to operate, its primary function is to make cooking more pleasant. Reduced fuel consumption means lower heating expenditures for me.

Do wood stove fans really work?

Quickly and conveniently heat your home without using any electricity or liquid fuel with the help of a wood stove fan. It’s quite safe to keep them around, as they produce zero audible noise. Further, it heats the room 20–25 percent quicker than a standard fan without a stove.

What temperature do stove fans work?

Most stove fans can handle temperatures between 65 and 345 degrees Fahrenheit. When the outside air temperature drops below that mark, your fan may not function at all.

How do wood stove fans work?

The Peltier element powers the motor that spins the fan blades in a wood stove. A wood stove fan’s bottom half transfers heat from the stove, creating a temperature differential that in turn drives an electric current through the fan’s motor.

Where do you position a stove fan?

Stove fans are great, but to get the most out of it, you need to install it in the right spot. The stove fan can get too hot, contrary to popular belief. The general rule of thumb is to place the stove top fan as far away from the flue pipe as is practical.

Secrets Of The Stove Fan - Valiant Stoves

Where should I place my stove fan?

What is the best placement for my Ecofan? Put the Ecofan on the stove where it can draw cool air from behind and over the cooling fins. The Ecofan should be positioned behind the stove, away from the chimney.

Do you need a wood stove fan?

There is a vent on the back of the stove that expels the heated air from your room. There are a number of heat-powered wood stove fans on the market, and before purchasing one, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how they work. The top five wood stove fans of 2022 are below.

What is a Wood Stove Fan?

A wood stove fan can be used to efficiently disperse the warm air produced by a wood stove. Warm air is distributed around the room by the fan’s blades, which are in constant motion. Because it will help with temperature distribution. The purpose of the fan in a wood stove is to disperse the heat it produces evenly across the room.

Most of these ranges get their turning power directly from the heat they generate, eliminating the need for an external power source. Furthermore, this gadget eliminates the need for the user to move from an electrical outlet to the stovetop.

How Does a Wood Stove Fan Work?

Most modern wood stove fans are powered by either electricity or a battery. Typically, people will use either a Sterling Engine or a Thermoelectric Power Generator (TEG). In terms of technological deployment, the TEG is almost certainly the most common choice due to its high degree of dependability.

The Sterling Engine mechanism is powered by the stove’s heat. Heat is squeezed and expanded as the force goes through its cycles.

One piston is retracted as hot air expands and the other is retracted when cold air enters in a heat exchanger. The heat is converted into mechanical energy, which turns the fan’s blades. The heat generated by Sterling Engine Technology comes directly from the stove. In this system, there is no transfer of electricity.

What is the Ideal Location for a Wood Stove Fan?

The location of your fan has an effect on your performance. Put the base of the fan on a level surface. Find a material that can withstand the abuse of a rough exterior without being damaged. The best location for a stove fan is in the center or back of the range. The distance between the fan and the chimney pipe should be maximized.

The sweet spot lies right in the center of the range, close to one of the edges. Bringing in cooler air from behind the stove and directing it over the fan’s blades will help get things moving.

Features to Consider Before Getting a Wood Stove Fan

Before making your final choice, think about the additional benefits that a wood stove fan might provide.

The buzzing of a fan can be disconcerting in comparison to the lulling sound of a wood stove. Find fans that include noise reduction features if you value peace and quiet.

Second, think about how you’ll really install the system. A few of the fans need to be installed properly for optimal performance. Before you go out and buy a fan, think about where you plan on putting it in the room.

Your fan can be programmed to move at a certain speed. You’ll find that many of the models that come up in your search are perfectly adequate for your needs.

There are now stylish wood-burning fans on the market. Even if they are hard to come by, you should look for one of them if you have young children or pets.

Is there a battery in the stove fan?

No. The stove fan can serve as the engine by converting heat into motion. The cooling fans at the back maintain a temperature differential between the fan’s base and its top, allowing the fan to spin at a constant speed.

The fan’s thermoelectric motor is a straightforward but highly efficient component of a system that harvests energy from the temperature difference between two semiconductors. Despite their low energy use, ceiling fans are an inefficient way to heat a room. As for the inner workings of a stove fan, such information might be forthcoming in a subsequent piece.

Can you use stove fans for whatever type of stove?

Stove fan activation requires a certain setpoint temperature. For the device to work correctly, there must be a temperature difference of at least 10 degrees Celsius between the upper and lower halves.

When using burners, it is always necessary to employ low-temperature fans. Some stove models are more suited for use with stove fans than others. Also, have you ever given thought to what the word “stove” actually means? This page explains what a stove is and why it’s important.

When it comes to fan placement, where should you put it?

It’s important to account for the space required for the stove fan so that it can effectively suck cooler air from behind the stove. For example, if the fan is installed so that its back is against a wall or a chimney, the system will be ineffective. Put the stove in a position where the fan will blow warm air into the room from behind it.

To get the best results from your ceiling fan, keep it at least 15 centimeters away from any nearby walls.

Do you think the stove fan could overheat?

Yes. A heated fan could potentially harm the engine. Get a stove thermometer so you can see when the heat is getting too much for your fan and turn it off before it breaks. If it gets too hot, relocate it to a less direct heat source, such as another burner, or remove it from the stove entirely.

Different types of fans can tolerate heat at differing degrees, so it’s a good idea to check the manual for your model to see what the recommended temperature range is. However, due of its intended use, a wood stove might potentially become dangerously hot. If you’re as curious as I am, you can check it out.

How to Choose a Wood Stove Fan

Keeping these criteria in mind will help you get the best wood stove fan for your needs. These additions will not only make it simpler to find a decent price, but will also be useful over time. And their names are as follows:

Silent

An important factor to consider while shopping for a wood stove is the fan’s decibel rating. Obviously, you don’t want to end up with something that produces a lot of noise that you don’t have any need for. It would be quite stressful for others if something bad happened to you and your family. Therefore, you should look into purchasing a quiet stove fan.

Efficiency

Energy efficiency should be a top priority when selecting any new appliance or gadget. Saving money on your electric bill and helping the environment by using less fossil fuels are just two of the many benefits of installing an energy-efficient stove fan. It’s a win-win scenario because it helps both you and the planet.

Price Point

Spending a lot of money on a flimsy equipment is a waste of money. Get behind a product that doesn’t just gets the job done but does so at a price that’s easy on the wallet, too.

It’s A Wrap!

Having read this, you should have a better understanding of how stove fans work. Not only do stove fans prevent heat from escaping unnecessarily, but they also cut down on your energy bill. It’s still worth giving a try, even if you’re not a major fan. Check out this page for more information on how efficient your wood stove is. For your patience in reading this, I am quite appreciative.