Best Stove Fans – Top 6 Models and Reviews
Wood burning and coal stoves and fireplaces play an essential role in keeping our houses warm and cosy. They have become extremely popular over the years as they look amazing and can be a real feature in the room and if you have access to cheap or free wood, you can heat your home for very little little. However, there is a small problem when you are trying to get the whole room warm when using these types of stoves with wood or coal. The hot air produced tends to rise to the roof and dissipates without reaching all the corners of the room, therefore, the front of the fire can be very warm while the back end of the room can be cold, if you have an rectangular or irregular shaped room the problem can be even worst. This is where a stove fan is worth every penny and well worth investing in. To properly dissipate heat evenly throughout the room, you need the best stove fan but not all stove fans are the same which we quickly discovered. Stove fans allow you to spread the heat by moving the air and best if all, they create there own electricity from the heat from the stove top which powers the stove fan.
They are easy to install, come prebuilt and they do not require any maintenance making them durable products. Below you will find six amazing stove fan reviews that offer insight on what to expect. But first, take a look at our best stove fan which we think is probably he best choice for most people taking into consideration the average room size and shapes. We also highlight out runner up as well as explaining why they were selected. The mini buying guide is just a teaser of what to look for when looking for the best model. The buying guide after the reviews is where you will get all the information you need to know on stove fans before deciding on which model is right for you.
Experience the unparalleled quality of the Valiant Premium IV 4-Blade Stove Fan, it's simply unmatched by most other models but it is a little pricey, that being said, the price seems to have dropped over the last couple of years. Designed with an ultra-low starting temperature of 50°C, most other models start circulating the air at 60°C, this model distributes heated air at 420ft/min, in stove fan terms this is excellent.
BEST PICK
Able to activate at a low temperature of only 50°C, this stove fan is perfect for flat-topped stoves but there is also a flue attached model available too. This model has received over 1300 reviews on Amazon alone which is way more compared to the others which further confirms our own conclusion. It features overheating protection and you can be sure it meets European standards thanks to its CE certification which is something to look out for. Accompanied by a 24 month warranty this gives you peace of mind and some reassurance. Where this model really stands out from most other models comes down to the overall build quality, it's far superior to most other models models and produces more airflow than most other models.
Stove Fan Mini Buyers Guide
When looking for a reliable stove fan, consider the kind of stove that you have. Is the top surface slopped or flat? There are models that can only work on flat tops and others designed to fit on slopped tops, some newer models can now even attach to the flue pipe itself as pictured below.
Size of room
Another thing to consider is the area that is to be warmed up which comes down to the size of the room. If the space is small, there is no need to get a large stove fan or a dual fan design.
Available height between stove and chimney
The other main consideration is how much space you have between the stove top and the top of the chimney, some stove fans are simply too large to fit into the space so its always a good idea to check the height of the stove fan. The picture below should help explain what we mean. The JKsmart Mini Stove Fan for example is small, compact and is designed for smaller spaces.
Build quality
The other big consideration is the overall build quality of the stove fan itself and it's motor, this is where some of the more expensive models excel, they are simply higher quality which means they are more reliable and will last for many years where as some models are fitted with cheap Chinese motors which can seriously effect how reliable they are. However, it is difficult to compare the quality and reliability online but this is where reviews like this one come in as we have done the hours of intensive research for you.
The manufacturer always provides the product’s specifications so be sure to read through to get more insight on the product. We will discuss more of these factors in the detailed buying guide just after the product reviews below.
RUNNER-UP
This one is made of steel and operates at optimal temperatures between 50 - 350°C. This affordable model has one of the best rating online compared to most and is a good stove fan at a budget friendly price. A lot of people underestimate this model due to its price but the truth is that it is just as good in real life as it is on paper. It runs quietly and comes with its own temperature gauge. There are many imitation Chinese products modelled after this stove fan but it is only safe to go with a trusted brand. Finally it even come with 2 years warranty just in case something goes wrong with the product and you need a replacement. This is easiest one of the best budget model available.
Top 6 Stove Fan Reviews
BEST PICK
Valiant Premium IV 4-Blade Stove Fan
Pros
The Valiant Premium IV 4-Blade Stove Fan features a compact design that allows it to fit in the narrowest of places which means it suitable for move stoves. With a height measurement of 20cm from base to the top, this is easy to install model has a low activation temperature of only 50°C. This means you don’t have to wait for the stove to hit high temperatures for it to work so its starts to circulate the air much sooner than some models which start at around 60°C.
Perfect for flat-top stoves, and topped stoves among others, this is a good choice for most stoves with the exception of stoves that have very limited space between the stove top and fireplace above, if this if your situation you could try the Ksmart Mini Stove Fan which is only around 12cm tall. One feature we really like which is usually only fitted to premium more expensive models is the overheating protection mechanisms for safety when the temperatures get too high. Some of the cheaper models have to be removed if the maximum working temperature is reached, this is ok if you notice but if you don't it can damage the stove fan. This model features an overheating safety system where the stove lift its self up slightly to prevent damage to the stove fan, once the temperature drops slightly to a safe working temperature it then lowers itself down again. This means you don't need to manually remove the stove fan.
The 4-blade model works optimally with temperatures between 80 and around 250°C without any damage but it can still work at a maximum temperature of 340°C. The blade is able to provide a high air-movement rate of 420ft/min ensuring that your space takes less time to heat up. This is a UK designed model and also includes 24 month warranty which covers the parts and workmanship.
Overall this is a premium product so if more expensive then most other models, however its also one of the highest quality models when it comes with build quality and performance. If we have to recommend just one model this would have to be it, when you consider the quality, the cheaper models don't even come close. If you have the budget and are looking for a reliable model then this model is well worth considering.
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BEST FLUE PIPE ATTACHED MODEL
Valiant Remora Magnetic Flue Pipe Heat Powered Stove Fan
Pros
Another model from the Valiant brand that is created to worth with stoves that are not suitable for using on standard stoves, such as a cool top or an irregular surface models is the Valiant Remora Magnetic Flue Pipe Stove Fan. This small fan is based off our Best Pick and uses same good quality materials and motor and provides an airflow rate of 132CFM. All teh features and specifications are pretty much the same as our 'Best Pick' but we will go over them again incase we missed anything. The lowest temperature needed to activate the fan is 50°C so it starts rating the warm air sooner. Optimal working stove temperatures lie between 80 and 250°C which is the same as our best pick. The maximum heat the fan can handle is this is also the same.
Where this model is different is that the fan comes with magnetic clamps that can be attached to any flue Pipe between 4 and 7 inches, it is also able to withstand stove temperatures up to 400°c.
The only other consideration to take into account is to check if the metal used to make your flue pipe is magnetic, most are but if the metal is not magnetic then this model may not be appropriate.
The total height of this fan including the blades is 20cm, again this is a good size for most sized rooms including larger rooms too. It can warm up large areas but it may take a while for the warm air to begin to circulate around the whole room. Finally it also comes with a 2 year warranty for full peace of mind.
Overall we recommend our 'Best Pick' other this model if you have a choice as its just a little easier to setup. However if you stove that only has room for a flue attached model this this is the next best model to consider.
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RUNNER-UP - BUDGET MODEL
VonHaus 4 Blade Stove Fan
Pros
The VonHaus 4 Blade Stove Fan is an affordable model designed to eco-friendly and efficient, its looks nearly identical to our best pick by Valiant and its good, its just not quite as good in terms of features, no overheating feature for example, the build quality is also probably not on par either. However, for the price and the fact that it comes with a heat thermometer to monitor the temperature, it's well well considering if you're after a cheaper alternative. Being that it is a heat powered like all models, it features a thermoplastic module that then activates the motor to move the blades.
This model is Ideal for freestanding stoves and has an optimal working temperature of between 50 - 350°C which is a good range. Depending on the room temperature, this model will regulate how much heat from the stove is required to activate the blades. To make temperature regulation simpler for the user, a temperature gauge is also provided with this money.
Created from steel, this compact size fan operates quietly, to give you an idea you probably cannot hear the fan over the volume of a tv or radio. It has an operating airflow rate range of between 150 - 190 CFM which stands for cubic feet air/minute depending on the operating temperature.
Just like our best pick this model is also also covered by a 2 year warranty which is a positive point. Overall, if you have a smaller budget and want to see how a stove fan will effect your heat output into a room this is a good model to consider and is amazingly priced.
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JKsmart Mini Stove Fan
Pros
Designed for small spaces, the JKsmart Mini Stove Fan measures on 11cm tall so is nearly half the size of most other models which means it will fit on top of stoves where standard sized stove fans are too large. It is perfect for fireplaces, pellet stove and wood burners among others as long as they have flat tops. This tiny model features four blades and it is created from anodised aluminium which means it shouldn't rust and is light weight. It operates optimally between 50℃ and 340℃ offering an airflow range of 300CFM which is actually very good. As you can see it is a small but rather powerful stove fan.
Additionally, this stove fan comes with an interesting safety feature that is a bi-metallic strip which is the same system our best pick uses to protect itself from over heating. When the temperature of the stove/ fireplace rises, the strip which is located at the base of the model elevates the fan. This is to keep the motor from heat damage therefore, increasing the service life of the fan.
Operating at a noise level of 25db, you will find that this model operates rather silently, certainly in line with most other fans in terms of noise levels. Finally this stove fan comes accompanied by a 12-month warranty, would have been nice to see a 2 year warranty but unfortunately you only get one year with this model but it does come with a free thermometer that you can utilise to keep track of stove temperatures.
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Caframo Ecofan 812 Airmax Stove Fan
Pros
The Caframo Ecofan 812 Airmax Stove Fan is created to suit all small, medium and large rooms. It promises to heat up your space 38% faster compared with other models in the market but we couldn't verify this but what we could confirm is that its an excellent model and is very well made. Measuring 27 x 14 x 31cm and weighing around 1.5kg, this model is larger than most other models so this is the first thing to consider when choosing a model. At 27cm tall you need to check you have enough clearance above your stove, if you do then this could be a good choice for larger rooms even though it only has two blades.
The fan operates optimally between 85°C – 345°C with a maximum airflow rate of 175 CFM. It can heat up a small room rather quickly compared to most other models.
This model also come with a 2 year warranty which offers a little peace of mind. Made in Canada, this model has gained the reputation of being the largest and best-performing Ecofan models.
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Galleon 8 Blade Stove Fan
Pros
The Galleon 8 Blade Stove Fan is different from the others due to its design. It features two stove fans secured to one base.
This model will start operating at a low temperature of 50°C just like our other top recommended models and it will keep going until the maximum temperature of 350°C is reached. With an operating blade speed of 1970rpm, this model is able to deliver an airflow rate of between 45.2 - 59 CFM depending on the stove’s temperature.
Considering that it is a twin-powered, this 10.8 x 20.5 x 13.8cm model is effective at heating up small-medium sized areas. This model is accompanied by a 1 year warranty which ok but most other models worth considering usually have 2 years. Something to point out with this model is that it only 13.8cm tall which makes it a good choice if you have limited space above your stove which means it a good alternative to the JKsmart Mini Stove Fan we looked at earlier.
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Stove Fan Buyers Guide
There are quite a number of stove fan reviews out there but the best ones always tell you what to consider before purchasing the product in question. Today we are looking at all the information pertaining to stove fans. We will inform you of why you need these fans, how they work and some of the features to look out for. First things first, let us look at how they work.
How do they work?
Most of the stove fans in the market do not require batteries or need to be plugged into a plug socket to work. The models that we have now rely on thermoelectricity. The base of the fan in most cases is metallic and it is the contact point for the heat to be transferred and converted to electricity which powered the motor.
Once the base heats up to the required temperature, the semiconductors in the motor produce the electricity required to turn the blades. Basically, the motor is able to transform heat into kinetic energy. The higher the temperatures rise, the faster the blades will move therefore dispersing heat even faster.
Pros of stove fans
- Runs off the stove’s heat and therefore, does not require any batteries or external power source.
- Stove fans run quietly making it convenient if you live in noise-sensitive environments, ie they are ideal for your living room.
- They are effective at circulating heat around the whole room.
- Because they effectively disperse the heat around the room, the stove does not need to use as much fuel to heat up the space.
- They are easy to install and require little to no maintenance.
- Made of strong materials like aluminium and steel guaranteeing years of service which is often backed by a warranty of 1-2 years.
- Stove fans come in different sizes and designs to suit your wood stove/burner type.
- They only disperse heat not smoke so you be certain that stove fans are eco-friendly.
Cons of stove fans
- Stove fan surfaces are not cool to touch and therefore, people can end up accidentally burning their fingers so care should be taken.
- These fans have optimal working temperatures. Going beyond these recommended temperatures might do irreparable damage to the stove fan if not fitted with a safety feature.
- They are not compatible with all heating systems. There are some that will work on fireplaces and others that work only on wood burners. It is good to conform without purchase.
Factors to consider before you buy a stove fan
Optimal performance
Stove fans need to reach a certain temperature for the motor to spark into life. These temperatures usually range between 50-400 degrees Celsius. Stove fans that are exposed to higher temperatures than advised get heat damage. This causes the motor will malfunction and the stove fan rendered useless. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to go look at the product specification to understand the stove fan’s optimal working conditions and regulate your fire within these tempatures.
Compatibility
Your stove burner may have a flat top or a slopped top. Regardless, the stove fan that you buy has to be in constant contact with the stove’s surface. That is why you can access the best stove fans like the Valiant Remora Magnetic Flue Pipe Stove Fan that can be attached to flue pipe. These magnetic stove fans are perfect for slopped wood stove surfaces and others that don’t have a stable top surface.
The freestanding stove fans are compatible with flat top surfaces as they offer more stability and this is the type most people need. Look at your stove design before purchasing a stove fan and take note of the space above the stove top so that you don't choose a stove fan that is to big for the space.
Durability
The common materials used to construct stove fans is steel and aluminium. Steel is preferred for its strength while aluminium is valued for its heat conductivity. Depending on your budget you can access models created by either material. The aluminium stove fans will cost you more though compared to its steel counterparts. Either way, they are both reliable materials that will offer good service.
Sensitivity to heat
The longer your stove fan takes to pick up heat waves from the stove, the longer your room will take to heat up. You want a fan whose material is sensitive to heat to facilitate faster motor activation. The lower the stove fan’s activation temperature, the sooner the fan will start.
Quiet operation
Fans, in general, can be noisy that is why you need to check for the noise level before purchase. If the manufacturer has not provided a decibel level (dB), check customer reviews for insight. You will not lack one or two people mentioning how loud or low the model operates. In most cases, you will discover that many of these stove fans nowadays operate quietly. All the models we included in this review all have low dB reading so are as quiet as they come.
Safety
Stove fans come with overheating safety features. For example, the JKsmart Mini Stove Fan comes with a bimetallic strip and so does our Best Pick by Valiant. The strip lifts the motor further from the base to keep it from experiencing heat damage when the temperatures rise in the wood stove. These safety features elongate the service life of the stove fan giving you value for your money.
Guarantee
A guarantee will definitely make it easier to sleep at night. Reputable brands offer guarantees to make sure that the customer is satisfied with the quality of the product. Guarantees will be able to cover any mishaps that develop with the product. On average, stove fans offer warranties of 1-2+ years. They are not the longest but at least they serve the purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to install a stove fan?
Yes, there is no complex workmanship needed. All you have to do is place them in the right position and you are set. Remember that you have to consider whether your stovetop design is compatible with freestanding or magnetic models. This makes it easier to place them in the right location. The only models that require a little setup is flue type models which include a clamp and a couple of bolts to fasten.
Where is the right location to place freestanding stove fans?
We would probably suggest that you put it towards the middle of the space away from the chimney. If you place the stove fan too far front then the hot air remains stuck behind the blades. If you place it too far back, there wouldn’t be enough cool air passing the blades for effective heat distribution. You have to find a balance that won’t place the fan near the chimney.
What if the fan does not start?
Maybe the stove fan has not reached the optimal temperatures to activate the motor. If your wood burner reaches above 60-70C it should be working and if it is not, the stove fan is probably broken. Check to see if the wires in the motor are still in good condition. If its still under warranty and you cannot figure out what the problem is, just talk to your manufactuer and they should replace it.
Our Final Conclusion
We hope in the number of stove fan reviews you have read, that this one has been among the helpful ones. They are simple products to select even if it is your first time ever so do not worry. Just remember the information provided above and you are good to go! Stove fans run hot, do not go around touching hot surfaces with naked hands. Keep children away from them to avoid unnecessary accidents. Wear some heat gloves if you have to handle them otherwise you are risking burns.
Leave comments below and tell us if we forgot something. That is it for today, catch you on the next review.
BEST PICK
Able to activate at a low temperature of only 50°C, this stove fan is perfect for flat-topped stoves but there is also a flue attached model available too. This model has received over 1300 reviews on Amazon alone which is way more compared to the others which further confirms our own conclusion. It features overheating protection and you can be sure it meets European standards thanks to its CE certification which is something to look out for. Accompanied by a 24 month warranty this gives you peace of mind and some reassurance. Where this model really stands out from most other models comes down to the overall build quality, it's far superior to most other models models and produces more airflow than most other models.
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