Rating of the best solid fuel boilers for home and garden for 2022

It is better to heat a country house or a summer house with units that do not depend on expensive sources of heat energy. The development of technologies for the production of solid fuel boilers, capable of producing heat for a long time, has made them more economical and efficient equipment compared to other methods of heating residential premises.

Which of these units are the most economical and efficient to use, we will understand below.

Purpose and scope

A solid fuel boiler is a device that generates thermal energy by burning solid fuels - firewood, coal, briquettes, etc.

It is applied to supply of hot water and heating of buildings, country houses, apartments, and also dachas. It is popular in regions with a low level of gasification or unstable electricity supply.

Components of the structure

The traditional scheme for constructing a boiler has become the design of several functional modules in a single housing.

1. Heat exchanger - a device for transferring heat energy generated during combustion to the coolant. May be cast iron or steel. Service life up to 20 years.

2. Firebox with a door - a chamber where the load is placed and combustion takes place.

3. Grate - a device for supplying air, uniform distribution of materials, screening waste into an ash pan. Made from gray cast iron.

4. Hatch - cleaning of the upper channels.

5. Temperature controller - maintaining the set temperature level:

• • mechanical - traction control;
  • automatic (microprocessor controller).

6. Additional devices - for safety and comfort:

• • ignition burner;
  • draft regulator;
  • thermostatic valve.

Operating principle

Main steps

1. The boiler starts to work from the moment of ignition, when the temperature rises sharply to 600 ° in five to ten minutes. At the same time, according to the settings, the heat exchanger is heated up to 40°-70°.

2. As combustion progresses, the temperature in the furnace increases to 1000°-1300°, and the heating of the coolant - water, reaches a working value of no more than 95°, which is maintained by regulating the air supply valve to the combustion chamber.

Heating the coolant above 95° is dangerous for the system and can damage it!

3. After complete burnout with the formation of embers, the temperature slowly decreases.

Advantages

• Long-term autonomy with the possibility of using as a backup heat source in case of power outage or gas supply.
• High value of the coefficient of performance (COP), reaching 85%.
• Long burning mode when using the resulting flue gas to support the process.
• Cheap fuel, but with the cost of transportation, loading and unloading, storage.
• Reliability and long service life.
• Versatility.
• Simplicity of design.
• Lower price compared to other types of boilers (electric or gas) with the same power ratings.

Flaws

• The need for a dedicated room for the unit, as well as storage of supplies.
• Mandatory installation of a chimney.
• The complexity of operation for loading and cleaning from ash and soot.

Classification

Conventionally, boilers are divided according to their characteristic features.

According to the material of the heat exchanger

1. Cast iron - the structure is assembled from separate sections with threaded connections.

Power depends on the number of sections. Smoke usually exits directly without additional ducts with heat exchangers.

• durability and anti-corrosion properties;
• high thermal stability;
• increase in power by increasing the number of sections;
• maintainability.

• increased fragility;
• instability to sudden changes in temperature;
• the need for a foundation or a solid floor due to the weight of the boiler;
• reduced efficiency.

2. Steel - the structure is welded from sheet elements.

The heat exchanger is a "water jacket" that heats the coolant. Installing additional dampers on the gas outlet paths increases heat transfer and efficiency.

• a large assortment;
• serviceability;
• quick exit to work mode
• shock resistance;
• maintainability.

• susceptibility to corrosion;
• the formation of weakly acidic condensate, which limits the service life;
• the possibility of burnout due to low-quality thin steel;
• power is not adjustable.

By type of fuel

1. On firewood.

The main indicators are the density of wood, the amount of smoke emitted, as well as ash. Suitable Breeds:

• oak - the largest heat release during prolonged burning;
• alder - does not require drying, suitable for cleaning the chimney;
• birch - good heat dissipation with long burning, but short storage;
• aspen - suitable for pipe cleaning;
• ash - maximum calorific value:
• poplar or willow - when there is no longer any firewood;
• pine - gives heat, but quickly burns out, leaving a lot of soot.

2. On the corner.

Boilers use:

• coal;
• weakly caking coke;
• brown coal;
• anthracite.

3. On pellets.

Compressed granules up to 10 mm in diameter and up to 50 mm long. Manufacturers usually indicate suitable dimensions, as exceeding the values ​​increases the load on the components of the boiler, reducing the service life. As raw materials for the manufacture are used:

• wood;
• straw;
• sunflower husk;
• reeds;
• peat;
• corn cobs and buckwheat husks;
• municipal solid waste;
• waste paper;
• coal.

4. On wood chips and sawdust.

An effective way to get rid of woodworking residues.

5. On mixed materials.

Possibility of burning different types in one boiler.

By way of submission

1. Boilers with manual loading.

Products in which fuel is added as needed or as it burns. A good option for installation in a private house for maximum heat extraction.

2. Semi-automatic units.

Bookmarking is carried out manually, and the combustion process is controlled by automation.

3. Automatic products.

Modern equipment with automatic supply of granulated fuel in the form of pellets. It is characterized by compactness, high efficiency up to 86%, as well as low ash content.

In addition, they are equipped with automated ignition systems, maintaining the set temperature, as well as emergency protection.

By loading direction

1. With horizontal (front) loading - for products with cast iron heat exchangers. In the process of work, it is convenient to lay logs of firewood.
2. With vertical (top) loading - for models with steel heat exchangers and characteristic combustion at the lower level with simultaneous drying in the upper part. Efficient work requires careful stacking of logs.

According to the method of combustion

1. Traditional - differ in the absence of any electronics or elements that depend on the power supply. The entire fuel line is used. The dimensions of the furnace and the principle of combustion determine the frequency of loading the boiler and the regularity of cleaning. The product is a good option for equipping a wooden house or cottage.

2. Pyrolysis - differ in the use of the principle of separate combustion of materials and gases generated during combustion.Heat is released in large quantities when mixed with incoming oxygen. Waste in the form of ash and soot is practically not formed, and the efficiency of the device is very high. It is imperative to comply with increased requirements for the moisture content of firewood, which should not exceed 15 percent.

3. Long burning - simple devices with loyal requirements for humidity and the possibility of maintenance once or twice a day. There are:

• single-circuit;
• double-circuit;
• combined.

According to the method of regulation of air draft

1. Non-volatile - mechanical adjustment of the air flow.
2. Volatile - the use of a blower controlled by an electronic unit.

By the number of circuits

1. Single-circuit - only for the heating system.
2. Double-circuit - provide space heating and hot water supply.

Criterias of choice

Before considering purchase options, you need to determine:

1. Who will be the stoker and how often to manually load the fuel:

• three to five times a day;
• one to three times a day;
• once every three to six days;
• no more than once a week.

2. How to drown:

• dry firewood or briquettes - an option that is not suitable due to the high price and the requirement for a humidity of 20-25%;
• ordinary logs with a moisture content of up to 40%, lying under a canopy until mid-autumn - a really applicable situation;
• wood trash - an undesirable option due to a significant underestimation of the power characteristics and the need for frequent cleaning of the product;
• coal - not a very suitable choice due to the high price, unpleasant smell, dirt, ash, etc .;
• pellets - a good option if you use only wooden ones, which you need to find and figure out where to store the seasonal supply, because buying in small batches is not a very pleasant experience.

After answering the questions, you can explore the options to choose from. What you should know:

1. When choosing a product with manual loading:

• there are no universal boilers, the design of the furnace and heat exchanger is developed for a specific material, using which the best result is achieved;
• the larger the volume of the furnace, the longer the boiler works on one load;
• power depends on the fuel used due to differences in combustion temperature;
• the larger and heavier the unit, the longer it will have a service life and higher efficiency due to the large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heat exchanger;
• the possibility of easy cleaning without extra effort and the use of special tools that are not available on the market;
• the frequency of replacement of consumables - grate, seals, their cost and availability on sale.

2. When choosing a product that works in automatic mode:

• can work for a long time without supervision, and one download is enough for five or more days;
• equipped with a "scoop" type burner, where the flame torch burns in a horizontal plane;
• equipped with auto ignition;
• only pellets are suitable;
• the need to break the load flow to prevent possible ignition of the bunker during reverse draft;
• the ability to use in manual mode;
• higher price than models with automated loading.

3. When choosing a product with automated loading:

• mandatory presence of the operator up to two times a day;
• equipped with a retort type burner;
• a continuous flow of loading for a period of more than five days with automated feeding of pellets from a large bunker;
• lack of auto-ignition, which requires supervision for manual ignition when extinguished;
• the ability to use in manual mode with loading coal or firewood;
• obligatory availability of a bunker or constant purchase of pellets during the heating season;
• the need for regular cleaning of the heat exchanger (once every two weeks) to maintain efficiency at up to 85%;
• the requirement to take special measures to ensure fire safety.

It should be remembered that models from branded manufacturers will be higher in price than products from unknown companies. However, if you are determined to buy a high-quality durable product, you need to choose a trusted brand, and not just look at the price.

The unit of a reliable brand will create a cozy atmosphere in a country house or cottage during the unfavorable period of autumn-winter cold weather.

Top Producers

Solid fuel boilers are widely represented on the market. Among the recognized brands are both foreign and Russian companies.

Teplodar

The Russian company has been designing and manufacturing heating equipment since 1997, having patented 50 unique developments. Production is carried out at three production sites with a total area of ​​over 20 thousand square meters. meters.

The annual renewal of the technological park with modern machines of the world brands Safan and Trupf ensures high quality. Automated assembly is actively used under the constant control of the quality control department.

Zota

Despite the fact that the trademark was registered in 2007, the company's products have been known since the 90s. the last century. The manufactured equipment is developed taking into account the climatic conditions of countries where it is not always possible to carry out regular maintenance.

Along with heating equipment, the company also produces appliances and devices, incl. automation systems, heating elements.

Kiturami

The history of the South Korean company as a manufacturer of heating equipment begins in 1962.Currently, it is the largest manufacturer with its own research center. In total, more than 650 patents have been registered.

Branded products not only heat the premises, but also provide hot water. The most high-tech equipment and materials are used in production, which increase the service life and increase the reliability of goods.

Stropuva

The Lithuanian company began operations in 2000 by registering a patent for the top-down combustion method, which ensures a long combustion time for one load, high efficiency and ease of operation. Since 2012, the production has also been carried out in Russia at the Stropuva Baikal Service joint venture.

Along with the sale of products, a set of measures is also provided from service maintenance to installation and commissioning.

Bourgeois-K

A registered brand of the TeploGarant plant, one of the leading manufacturers of heating equipment since 2006. Over 50 specialists work in two production halls equipped with the necessary machines and lifting devices. The monthly output of goods includes at least 200 items.

Where could I buy

It is advisable to purchase boilers in specialized departments of heating equipment stores, as well as in representative offices of manufacturers of heating equipment.

Now you can place an online order for a suitable unit in an online store specializing in the sale of such products. In addition, on the pages of the popular Yandex.Market aggregators or the E-catalog, you can always get acquainted with the required information - how much the desired boiler costs, study the description, compare parameters, find a store and place an order.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the characteristics, especially the efficiency, which should not be hidden.

Manufacturers often try to overestimate the efficiency of the boiler!

Rating of the best boilers

The best products were selected based on a study of popularity among customers, demonstrated by the Yandex.Market Internet service in accordance with reviews posted on the pages of Russian marketplaces selling heating equipment.

TOP-3 classic direct combustion boilers

ZOTA Box 8

Compact and neat product, designed for heating small spaces. Installing a hob allows you to heat food or heat water.

Doesn't take up much space and is easy to maintain. The volume of the firebox of 26 liters allows you to load enough fuel for a long burning for seven hours. It is possible to install heating elements for connecting to the mains and maintaining the temperature of the coolant without loading new portions.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	8
Efficiency, %	70
Heated area, sq.m	up to 55
Dimensions (WxHxD)	380x460x630
Weight, kg	71
Chimney diameter	120
Guarantee period	1 year
Brand	Zota (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 15750 - 20250 rubles.

• long work from one load;
• thermal insulation using basalt cardboard;
• use of different types of fuel;
• the possibility of placing heating elements.

• quick filling of the ash drawer;
• auto ignition is absent;
• overheating protection is not installed;
• without safety valve.

Video review of ZOTA Box 8:

Kentatsu ELEGANT-03

The model with an elegant design is used in non-volatile heating systems with forced or natural circulation. The cast iron heat exchanger is cast using AminGas technology. The grates are water cooled. Equipped with automatic combustion control.

Universal heating device that uses any type of fuel. Power increased by increasing the number of sections. Reliable and easy-to-manage unit for heating a dwelling or a summer residence.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	14 (firewood); 17 (coal)
Efficiency, %	89
Heated area, sq.m	up to 420
Firebox depth, mm	245
Dimensions (WxHxD)	450x947x609
Weight, kg	166
Chimney diameter	180
Guarantee period	2 years
Brand	Kentatsu (Japan)
Producing country	Turkey

Average price: 29,000 rubles.

• ease of operation;
• high efficiency;
• temperature control using a mechanical thermostat;
• long service life of water-cooled grate.

• the bunker is not included;
• without built-in blower;
• not equipped with auto ignition;
• not equipped with overheating protection.

Teplodar Kupper Practice 14

A compact product for heating up to 140 m2 of premises, as well as summer cottages or garages. After burning coal or firewood, the boiler maintains the desired temperature. Uniform distribution of air flow in the furnace is ensured by the use of a cast-iron grate.

It is convenient to load firewood up to 40 cm long into an inclined firebox, and evenly distribute coal throughout the combustion chamber.

The top arrangement of the giving branch pipe excludes airing.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	14
Heated area, sq.m	140
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	420x655x630
Weight, kg	68
Chimney diameter, mm	115
Guarantee period	3 years
Brand	Teplodar (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 14450 - 19940 rubles.

• compactness;
• additional heating due to a protective casing-convector with holes;
• built-in block of heating elements;
• manual or automatic control of the intensity of combustion;
• acceptable price.

• not equipped with auto ignition;
• there is no indication of inclusion;
• not equipped with overheating protection;
• no air vent.

Video review of the boiler:

TOP-3 pyrolysis boilers

TRAJAN T 15

Product made of heat-resistant steel of domestic production for efficient heating of country houses up to 160 m2. The operating time from one load of firewood is on average up to eight hours. The boiler contains 32 liters of coolant.

The unit is easy to install and maintain. It does not require any installation permissions.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	15
Efficiency, %	85
Heated area, sq.m	up to 160
Dimensions (WxHxD)	460x910x760
Weight, kg	230
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	2.5 years
Brand	Trayan (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 50400 rubles.

• economical;
• long burning;
• built-in emergency circuit (optional);
• optionally equipped with a hot water circuit.

• too heavy;
• no auto ignition.

Video review of the boiler:

Vesuvius "Elbrus-10"

Domestic product with a stylish design for heating country houses and cottages. Dry firewood, coal are used, and it can also work on electricity (when installing a heating element).

The heat carrier temperature is controlled by a built-in thermometer.

The primary air supply controls the combustion force through the cast-iron grate field. On the left or right side of the case, it is possible to connect an electric heater for 6 kW. The water circuit is equipped with basalt thermal insulation.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	10
Efficiency, %	72
Heated area, sq.m	up to 120
Dimensions (WxHxD)	450x670x660
Weight, kg	107
Chimney diameter	120
Guarantee period	1 year
Brand	Vesuvius (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 22530 rubles.

• precise power control;
• easy access for cleaning;
• versatility of connection to the heating system;
• the possibility of installing a heating element;
• contour thermal insulation.

• there is no automatic feed;
• no auto ignition.

Video review of boilers of the Elbrus series:

Bourgeois-K STANDARD-20

An effective product for heating residential buildings or outbuildings up to 200 sq.m. The use of the pyrolysis method provides for the generation of heat both by burning the load and by means of the produced gas.

The use of a draft regulator, along with an increased depth of the firebox, increases the duration of combustion of one wood load up to 12 hours. Easy installation and the absence of additional settings allow you to start operating the unit immediately after installation or inclusion in an existing heating system.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	20
Efficiency, %	85
Heated area, sq.m	up to 200
Dimensions (WxHxD)	480x880x950
Weight, kg	270
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	2 years
Brand	Bourgeois-K (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

The average price is 59800 rubles.

• good power;
• fast heating;
• economy and versatility;
• ease of operation;
• complete combustion of the load;
• design reliability;
• autonomy.

• there is no blower fan;
• not equipped with a built-in circulation pump;
• auto ignition not installed.

Video review of the boiler:

TOP-3 long-burning boilers

NMK Magnum KDG 20 TE

An innovative model for guaranteed uninterrupted heating of country houses and cottages up to 120 m2 in the heating season. The design provides for the installation of a block of heating elements to maintain a positive temperature of the coolant in the off-season. Existence of a temperature regulator of draft provides automatic adjustment of air supply.

The design of the product was originally adapted for the use of coal in order to achieve the peak performance specified by the manufacturer. For other species, the efficiency will differ significantly for the worse.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	20
Efficiency, %	80
Heated area, sq.m	up to 120
Dimensions (WxHxD)	500x1060x640
Weight, kg	180
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	3 years
Brand	"NMK" (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 42500 - 43520 rubles.

• a grate with water filling increases the heating rate of the coolant;
• economical work on one load for 24 hours;
• the possibility of equipping with a block of heating elements;
• convenient cleaning;
• good value for money.

• without auto ignition;
• best performance only when using coal;
• not equipped with overheating protection.

Video review of the boiler:

Teplodar Kupper Expert-30

Universal heating device for space heating up to 300 m2. Works on coal, wood or briquettes.

The unit is loaded from above using a convenient inclined door, which is protected from overheating by a removable stainless steel tray. There are four operating modes: "Quick warm-up", "Classic", "Medium", "Maximum" (burning on one load for 24 hours).Such a long time is achieved by using an advanced heat exchanger, a three-season air supply and the top combustion method.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	30
Efficiency, %	75
Heated area, sq.m	up to 300
Dimensions (WxHxD)	653x1030x813
Weight, kg	207
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	3 years
Brand	Teplodar (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 47800 - 57480 rubles.

• fast heating;
• long burning time on one load;
• the ability to connect to the heating from any side;
• a place to install a draft regulator;
• the presence of two hatches for cleaning.

• there is no automatic download;
• no auto ignition.

Video review of the boiler:

Stropuva Mini S8

A modern compact product with a stylish design is perfect for heating a country house up to 100 m2. It is loaded with firewood or briquettes, which are laid and kindled on top of the boiler. When the unit is running, the firewood burns out and the fire slowly descends. When the combustion cycle is completed, it is necessary to remove the ashes and load the next portion of firewood.

It takes up to 32 hours of autonomous operation to burn firewood without the presence of an operator.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	8
Efficiency, %	85
Heated area, sq.m	up to 80
Dimensions (WxHxD)	555x1365x555
Weight, kg	145
Chimney diameter	160
Guarantee period	3 years
Brand	Stropuva (Lithuania)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 50,000 - 55,000 rubles.

• compact;
• economical;
• long working time;
• high strength;
• reliable and safe.

• there is no auto ignition;
• high demand for fuel;
• high price;
• not equipped with overheating protection.

Video review of the boiler:

TOP 3 Pellet Boilers

SAKOVICH DUO PELLET 20

Universal model with automatic torch, working on any materials. One design module includes a large sealed hopper for one week's work. You can install a level sensor that will signal online the need for refueling. The bunker is placed to the right or left of the boiler at the request of the user.

The high quality of the burner ensures trouble-free operation and reduces maintenance to a minimum. Ignition is carried out automatically using a glow plug. When the set temperature is reached, the burner goes out to save. Then, as the temperature drops, the automation of the device independently ignites the unit.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	20
Efficiency, %	85
blower fan	Yes
Auto ignition	Yes
Heated area, sq.m	up to 200
Dimensions (WxHxD)	1000x1110x940
Weight, kg	310
Chimney diameter	180
Guarantee period	5 years
Brand	SAKOVICH (Poland)
Producing country	Poland

Price: 210300 rubles.

• high efficiency due to the heat transfer of the exhaust gases;
• application of heat-resistant sheet steel 6 mm for the heat exchanger;
• profitability;
• sealed bunker;
• efficient burner with auto-ignition;
• online management;
• weekly programming.

• high price.

Kiturami KRP 20A

Compact product with maximum automation of the heating process. Works on any pellets, regardless of the manufacturer.

The design includes a double-circuit heat exchanger for heating and hot water supply. The Japanese ceramic heating element of the FKK brand performs auto-ignition in 30 seconds.

The liquid crystal display of the CTR-5700 electronic room temperature controller shows all operating parameters of the device for remote control in various programming modes. With the optional GSM module (separate option) the unit can be controlled remotely.

Differs in simplicity of management and service. In the event of a long absence of a person with the “Departure” mode turned on, the temperature of the coolant is maintained up to 8 ° so that the system does not freeze.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	30
Efficiency, %	92.6
Heated area, sq.m	up to 280
Dimensions (WxHxD)	1420x1280x1350
Weight, kg	317
Chimney diameter	120
Guarantee period	2 years
Brand	Kiturami (Republic of Korea)
Producing country	The Republic of Korea

Average price: 275400 - 313000 rubles.

• automation of the temperature maintenance process;
• high performance and efficiency;
• bulk coolant;
• low noise;
• automatic cleaning of the grate from sintering products;
• long service life.

• dependence on electricity;
• Mandatory presence of a large warehouse for storing pellets;
• high price.

Video review of the boiler:

Zota Optima 15 with pellet burner

The powerful unit is unpretentious in operation with high efficiency values ​​of Russian production. It is characterized by high practicality in work. Up to ten types of fuel can be used. There are three modes: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

When foreign pieces get into the load, the device for the reverse movement of the augers is launched to protect against jamming. In three attempts they break or the feed stops and an alarm is activated to clean the loading mechanism.

A rotating retort burner is installed, the fuel is not sintered due to mixing. The reverse smoke draft into the bunker is excluded by the anti-smoke system by creating a vacuum in the tube between the bunker and the furnace.

The model is equipped with a weather control function, there is a built-in thermostat. The product is equipped with a large ash box, synchronized with the volume of the hopper.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Power max., kW	15
Efficiency, %	82
Heated area, sq.m	up to 150
Dimensions (WxHxD)	1290x1500x890
Weight, kg	372
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	1 year
Brand	Zota (Russia)
Producing country	Russia

Average price: 136560 - 165300 rubles.

• versatility of work on various materials;
• ease of maintenance;
• three operating modes;
• remote control of many parameters;
• complete combustion;
• battery life up to eight days.

• Mandatory presence of a large warehouse for storing pellets;
• requirement for meticulous care.

Video review of the ZOTA boiler:

Conclusion

Thus, having determined a model for yourself, you need to make sure that in the event of any difficulties or problems, a competent and reliable repair of the purchased product will be provided.

Listen to qualified advice from specialists who can suggest important nuances that were missed when choosing a boiler.

Your house or cottage in the winter cold will always be provided with warmth with a good choice.

Enjoy the shopping!