Wood-fired boilers for heating a private house: rating of TOP-10 models and tips for selecting a unit

When colds come, it is extremely important that your home is cozy, comfortable and warm. You need to take care of this in advance by organizing a high-quality heating system. The key issue in this matter is always the choice of the boiler.

The assortment of online and offline stores presents a huge number of options for the buyer to choose: units operating on solid and liquid fuel materials, connected to the mains or gas pipelines, combined devices. From the point of view of specialists, one of the most rational solutions will be a wood boiler for heating a private house.

An indisputable plus of solid fuel models is efficiency. This equipment is more difficult to maintain and loses in some respects to other types of heating appliances. But in the case of the right choice, it will be no less effective. What to consider when buying and which models to look for? Next, we will talk about everything in detail.

TOP 10 best solid fuel boilers

There are many models of heating solid fuel aggregates. Depending on the manufacturer and price, the equipment has various technical parameters, design specifics, and features of work.

After analyzing the reviews of owners of private houses, we identified the top ten models and put them together in a separate rating. Places in it are allocated based on user ratings and operational excellence. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with each of the participants in more detail.

Place # 1 - Protherm Beaver 20 DLO

The easy-to-maintain and productive boiler of 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 boiler price is about 55 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

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

As fuel for the device, wood with moisture characteristics of not more than 20%, fine coal is used.

The enlarged camera allows you to make large gaps between the lining of firewood and not engage in thorough chopping before loading. Thanks to the volumetric ash compartment, the equipment does not need to be cleaned too often.

The combustion rate is controlled by the control damper. In addition, the unit is equipped with a thermomechanical power regulator and an integrated thermomanometer.

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

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

Place # 2 - Teplodar Kupper PRO 22

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

It is a combined option and can operate on different types of coal, wood / coal briquettes, firewood, 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;
• performance indicator - 90%;
• combustion chamber design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 95 ° C;
• fluid pressure limit - 2 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 15 cm;
• the mass of the device is 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 furnace there is a special design - a water shirt, consisting of 27 tubes placed in a random checkerboard pattern.

The equipment has several compartments. Sealed doors do not let smoke out and prolong the process of burning fuel. With a full load, the device can work autonomously up to 8 hours.

The model is complemented by a small thermometer. One of the main advantages of the boiler is the built-in heater, which maintains the optimum temperature during the combustion of the main fuel material.

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

Among the shortcomings of the boiler, a small firebox is distinguished and, accordingly, the need to often throw firewood. And also minus - the high cost of components. For heating a small area, it is better to choose appliances with less power.

Place # 3 - Lemax Forward-20

The unit of 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 the owners do not have any difficulties in operation.

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

Main operating parameters:

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

Non-volatile boiler operates on wood, coal fuel, wood waste. It provides sufficient heat dissipation, quick ignition of fuel materials, slowly cools, maintaining heat.

The likelihood of harmful particles from the combustion process getting into the room is almost completely eliminated.

Thanks to the well-thought-out vertical type of loading, it is easy and simple to fill and distribute firewood in the chamber. 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 a long service life of the equipment.

The model of the floor type installation is relatively compact, has an aesthetic design. Since it does not require additional space for maintenance, it is easily installed in small boiler rooms.

Among the shortcomings, poor efficiency and rather fast fuel burnout are noted, which significantly reduces the load intervals.

Rank # 4 - Bosch Solid 2000 B SFU 12

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

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type - single-circuit;
• unit power - 13.5 kW;
• performance indicator - 84%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 95 ° C;
• fluid pressure limit - 2 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 14.5 cm;
• the mass of the device is 155 kg.

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

Cast iron grate mounted on the bottom of the chamber is easily shaken using the side lever. In order to more efficiently burn fuel materials, the main part of the furnace is lined with high-quality refractory bricks.

The boiler has the ability to adjust power. To do this, use a mechanical traction control. Thermometers and manometers built into the front panel help control pressure and temperature.

The Bosch boiler is completely non-volatile, but it does not have the highest power and efficiency. It should also be borne in mind that he does not accept excessively wet fuel. The wood in it burns out quite quickly, so to maintain constant heat you need to be prepared for frequent bookmarks.

Place # 5 - Stropuva S40

The Stropuva S40 model is one of the most “long-playing” wood-burning boilers. On a full bookmark, he can work up to 70 hours, without requiring special participation from the outside. 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;
• performance indicator - 85%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 95 ° C;
• ultimate fluid pressure - 1.5 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 20 cm;
• the mass of the device is 291 kg.

The boiler is installed in a water heating system and can work together with a boiler, floor heatingradiators.

A cylindrical firebox holds up to 50 kg of wood. Long burning in it is provided by special surface technology: thanks to the special distribution of air flows, the fuel layers 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 that operates according to the 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 the high cost, impressive power and rather complicated installation due to the high weight, this boiler is often used in industrial buildings. However, sometimes it is purchased for large private houses.

Seat # 6 - Kiturami KRM 30R

Korean biofuel boiler is an excellent solution for arranging a heating system for large industrial, commercial and industrial facilities, warehouses, private houses. It can serve quality 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;
• performance indicator - 92.7%;
• camera design - closed;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 85 ° C;
• ultimate fluid pressure - 1.96 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 19.5 cm;
• the mass of the device is 170 kg.

The main advantage of the model is the work on solid and diesel fuels with automatic switching from one to another. For this, two separate combustion chambers are provided in the design.

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

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

The set includes a thermostat-regulator, thanks to which it is possible to set the optimal temperature conditions. Of the additional functions, it is worth noting the automatic ignition.

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

Place # 7 - Bourgeois-K STANDARD-20

The pyrolysis boiler of the Bourgeois trademark is able to efficiently heat residential premises, household, administrative buildings. The maximum service area is 200 m². You can buy a unit at a price of 55 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type - single-circuit;
• unit power - 20 kW;
• performance indicator - 85%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 90 ° C;
• ultimate fluid pressure - 4.5 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 15 cm;
• the mass of the device is 270 kg.

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

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

The casing and the heat exchanger of the unit are made of reinforced thickened steel. The design is equipped with a place under the heater. If you connect it, the device will be able to maintain heat after burning the base material.

As the negative nuances of this model, they mention the lack of the 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 humidity of less than 12%.

Place # 8 - Viadrus Hercules U22 D-4

The universal combined boiler of Czech production is distinguished by decent power, a strong and durable design, and stringent requirements regarding smoke draft.

Its indicators are enough 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;
• performance indicator - 80%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - cast iron;
• maximum temperature - 90 ° C;
• fluid pressure limit - 4 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 15.6 cm;
• the mass of the device is 247 kg.

The unit accepts different types of fuel - coal, firewood, gas and even used oil. As additional fuel materials, you can use wood chips, pellets, chips and sawdust.

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

Thanks to the enlarged furnace opening, the device accommodates 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 for monitoring pressure and temperature.

The special design of the chamber provides high fuel combustion efficiency. A one-way cast-iron heat exchanger with 4 sections contributes to long-term heat storage. The boiler body is covered with an insulating layer that reduces heat loss.

Among the disadvantages of the device are the lack of a burner in the kit, time-consuming cleaning of ash and soot.

Place # 9 - Buderus Logano S111-2-20

A solid solid fuel boiler from a brand owned by Bosch is reliable and safe. It is installed in the heat supply systems of houses, the area of ​​which is not more than 200 m².

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

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type - single-circuit;
• unit power - 20 kW;
• performance indicator - 76%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 95 ° C;
• fluid pressure limit - 3 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 14.5 cm;
• the mass of the device is 200 kg.

The body of the device is made of stamped stainless steel. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is easily placed in narrow rooms. 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, which accepts wooden blocks up to half a meter long. Firewood can be laid on top. Also, the unit works fine on coal.

Water temperature, combustion rate and air flow are controlled by a regulator, damper and a special lever. Pressure and temperature parameters are measured by a thermomanometer.

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

Rank # 10 - ZOTA Master 20

The economical ZOTA boiler is a profitable solution for homes up to 200 m² in size. It is sold at a price of about 26 thousand rubles.

Main operating parameters:

• boiler type - single-circuit;
• unit power - 20 kW;
• performance indicator - 75%;
• camera design - open;
• installation - floor;
• heat exchanger - steel;
• maximum temperature - 95 ° C;
• fluid pressure limit - 3 bar;
• diameter of the hole for the chimney - 15 cm;
• the mass of the device is 128 kg.

A feature of the model is a removable hob, which serves as a normal household stove for cooking.

This heating boiler runs on wood and coal. However, due to insufficient depth of the furnace, 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 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 very convenient to maintain.

Rules for choosing a boiler

Before proceeding with the selection of a specific model of a heating boiler, it is necessary to study the criteria that should be guided by. Understanding the features of the work and the basic parameters of the equipment, you can choose a device that can satisfy all your needs.

First of all, consider the following nuances:

• type and efficiency of the boiler;
• camera design;
• device power and room area;
• combustion time and supported fuels;
• 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 together with a boiler.

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

The boiler efficiency indicator, expressed in the efficiency parameter, shows how productively the device works. The higher it is, the smaller the amount of fuel materials needed to warm the room

One of the main indicators of the equipment is the heat output. 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 power, allowing to achieve the optimum comfortable temperature.

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

The frequency of laying depends on the time of combustion of the fuel in the boiler. Keep heat the longest pyrolysis boilers, long burning appliances. The best option would be units that work 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 is enhanced by additional built-in mechanisms and functions. Well, if the selected model will be protected from overheating, devices for regulating traction, measuring current pressure, 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-gasified private houses. They are economical, autonomous, non-volatile.

Despite the characteristic shortcomings of such boilers, among the available options on the market you can find a very decent 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 its correct to establish.

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