Rating of the best solid fuel boilers for home and summer cottages for 2024

Heating a country house or summer cottage is best done 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 figure it out below.

Purpose and scope

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

It is used for hot water supply and heating of buildings, country houses, apartments and summer cottages. It is popular in regions with low gasification or unstable power supply.

Component structural elements

The traditional boiler design is the construction of several functional modules in a single body.

1. A heat exchanger is a device for transmitting heat generated during combustion to a heat carrier. Can be made of cast iron or steel. Service life up to 20 years.

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

3. Grizzly grate - a device for air supply, uniform distribution of materials, screening of waste in the ash pan. Manufactured from gray cast iron.

4. Manhole - cleaning of the upper channels.

5. Thermostat - 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 stages

1. The boiler starts working 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 the combustion progresses, the temperature in the furnace increases to 1000 ° -1300 °, and the heating of the coolant - water, reaches an operating 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 decreases slowly.

Benefits

• Long-term autonomy with the possibility of using it as a backup heat source in the event of a power outage or gas supply.
• High value of the coefficient of performance (COP), reaching 85%.
• Continuous burning mode when using the formed flue gas, supporting the process.
• Cheap fuel, but with costs for transportation, loading and unloading, storage.
• Reliability and long service life.
• Versatility.
• Simplicity of design.
• Lower price in comparison with other types of boilers (electric or gas) with the same power indicators.

disadvantages

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

Classification

Conventionally, boilers are divided according to their characteristic features.

By heat exchanger material

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

The power depends on the number of sections. The smoke usually comes out 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. Installation of additional dampers on the gas exit paths increases heat transfer and efficiency.

• a large assortment;
• ease of service;
• quick exit to operating 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 regulated.

By type of fuel

1. On the wood.

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 transfer with long burning, but short storage;
• aspen - suitable for cleaning pipes;
• ash - maximum heating value:
• poplar or willow - when there is no longer any firewood;
• pine - gives heat, but burns quickly, leaving a lot of soot.

2. On coal.

The boilers use:

• coal;
• low-caking coke;
• brown coal;
• anthracite.

3. On pellets.

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

• wood;
• straw;
• sunflower husk;
• reed;
• 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 wood processing residues.

5. On mixed materials.

Possibility of burning different types in one boiler.

By filing method

1. Boilers with manual loading.

Products in which fuel is added as needed or combustion. Not a bad option for installation in a private house for maximum heat recovery.

2. Semi-automatic units.

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

3. Automatic products.

Modern equipment with automatic feeding of granular fuel in the form of pellets. It is characterized by compactness, high efficiency up to 86%, and low ash content.

In addition, they are equipped with automated systems for ignition, maintaining the set temperature, and 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 put firewood logs.
2. Top-loading - for models with steel heat exchangers and characteristic combustion at the lower level, while drying at the top. Effective work requires careful handling of the logs.

By the way of burning

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

2. Pyrolysis - are distinguished by the use of the principle of separate combustion of materials and gases generated during combustion. Heat is generated in large quantities when mixed with the supplied 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 ability to service once or twice a day. There are:

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

By way of air draft regulation

1. Non-volatile - mechanical air flow control.
2. Volatile - using a blower fan controlled by an electronic unit.

By the number of contours

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

Criterias of choice

Before considering buying options, you need to determine:

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

• dry wood or briquettes - an option that is not suitable due to the high price and the requirement for moisture content 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 significant understatements in power characteristics and the need for frequent cleaning of the product;
• coal is not a very suitable choice due to the high price, unpleasant odor, dirt, ash, etc.;
• pellets are a good option if you use only wooden ones, which you need to find and figure out where to store the seasonal stock, because buying in small lots is not a very pleasant experience.

After answering the questions, you can start exploring the options. What you need to 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, when using which the best result is achieved;
• the larger the volume of the furnace, the longer the boiler operates on one load;
• power depends on the fuel used due to the difference 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 ​​the heat exchanger;
• the possibility of easy cleaning without unnecessary efforts and the use of special tools that are not available on the free market;
• the frequency of replacement of consumables - grates, seals, their cost and availability for sale.

2. When choosing a product operating in automatic mode:

• can work for a long time without supervision, and one load is enough for five or more days;
• equipped with a "shovel" type burner, where the flame torch burns in a horizontal plane;
• equipped with an auto-ignition;
• only pellets are suitable;
• the need to break the feed flow to prevent a possible fire in the hopper during reverse thrust;
• the ability to use in manual mode;
• higher price than automatic loading model.

3. When choosing a product with automated loading:

• mandatory presence of the operator up to two times a day;
• equipped with a retort burner;
• continuous loading flow for a period of more than five days with automated feeding of pellets from a large hopper;
• no auto ignition, which requires supervision for manual ignition when extinguishing;
• the ability to use it in manual mode with loading coal or firewood;
• the obligatory presence of a bunker or the 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 a level of up to 85%;
• the requirement to take special measures to ensure fire safety.

It should be remembered that models from branded manufacturers will be priced higher than products from unknown firms. However, if you are determined to buy a high quality durable product, you should 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 summer cottage during the unfavorable period of the autumn-winter cold.

Top manufacturers

Solid fuel boilers are widely available 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 supervision of the Quality Control Department.

Zota

Despite the fact that the trade mark was registered in 2007, the company's products have been known since the 90s. 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 manufactures devices and appliances, incl. automation systems, heating elements.

Kiturami

The history of the South Korean company as a manufacturer of heating equipment dates back to 1962. It is currently the largest manufacturer with its own research center. In total, over 650 patents have been registered.

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

Stropuva

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

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

Bourgeois-K

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

Where can I buy

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

Now you can order online a suitable unit in an online store specializing in the sale of similar products. In addition, on the pages of popular aggregators "Yandex.Market" or the E-catalog, you can always get acquainted with the required information - how much the required 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 boiler efficiency!

Rating of the best boilers

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

TOP-3 classic boilers for direct combustion

ZOTA Box 8

A compact and neat product designed for heating small spaces. Installing a hob allows you to reheat food or water.

It does not 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 power grid and maintaining the temperature of the coolant without loading new portions.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Zota (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 15,750 - 20,250 rubles.

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

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

ZOTA Box 8 video review:

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 the AminGas technology. The grates are cooled with water. Equipped with automatic combustion control.

A universal heating device that uses any type of fuel. The power has been increased by increasing the number of sections. A reliable and easy-to-use unit for heating a dwelling or a summer house.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, kW	14 (firewood); 17 (coal)
Efficiency,%	89
Heated area, sq.m	up to 420
Furnace depth, mm	245
Dimensions (WxHxD)	450x947x609
Weight, kg	166
Chimney diameter	180
Guarantee period	2 years
Brand name	Kentatsu (Japan)
Manufacturer country	Turkey

Average price: 29,000 rubles.

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

• no bunker included;
• without built-in blower;
• not equipped with auto-ignition;
• not equipped with overheating protection.

Teplodar Kupper Practitioner 14

Compact product for heating up to 140 m2 of floor space, as well as summer cottages or garage. After burning coal or wood, the boiler maintains the required temperature. Uniform distribution of air flow in the furnace is ensured by using a cast iron grate.

It is convenient to load wood up to 40 cm in length into an inclined firebox, and evenly distribute coal throughout the entire combustion chamber.

The upper location of the supply pipe excludes air-breathing.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, kW	14
Heated area, sq.m	140
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	420x655x630
Weight, kg	68
Chimney diameter, mm	115
Guarantee period	3 years
Brand name	Teplodar (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 14,450 - 19,940 rubles.

• compactness;
• additional heating due to the protective convector casing with holes;
• built-in heating element block;
• 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.

Boiler video review:

TOP-3 pyrolysis boilers

TRAYAN T 15

Domestic heat-resistant steel product for efficient heating of country houses up to 160 m2. The operating time is from one load of firewood to an average of eight hours. The boiler contains 32 liters of heating agent.

The unit is easy to install and maintain. However, no installation permissions are required.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, kW	15
Efficiency,%	85
Heated area, sq.m	up to 160
Dimensions (WxHxD)	460х910х760
Weight, kg	230
Chimney diameter	150
Guarantee period	2.5 years
Brand name	Trayan (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 50,400 rubles.

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

• too heavy;
• no auto-ignition.

Boiler video review:

Vesuvius "Elbrus-10"

A domestic product with a stylish design for heating country houses and summer cottages. Dry firewood, coal are used, and can also operate on electricity (when installing heating elements).

The coolant temperature is monitored using a built-in thermometer.

The primary air supply controls the combustion force through the cast iron grate. On the left or right on the body there is the possibility of connecting an electric heating element for 6 kW. The water circuit is equipped with basalt thermal insulation.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Vesuvius (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 22,530 rubles.

• precise power control;
• easy access for cleaning;
• universality of connection to the heating system;
• the ability to install heating elements;
• thermal insulation of the circuit.

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

Video review of Elbrus series boilers:

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 using the produced gas.

The use of the draft regulator along with the increased depth of the firebox increases the duration of the combustion of one firewood bookmark 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 the existing heating system.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Bourgeois-K (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

The average price is 59,800 rubles.

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

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

Boiler video review:

TOP-3 long burning boilers

NMK Magnum KDG 20 TE

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

The product design was initially 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.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	"NMK" (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 42,500 - 43,520 rubles.

• a grate with water filling increases the heating agent heating rate;
• economical work on one load within 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.

Boiler video review:

Teplodar Kupper Expert-30

Universal heating device for heating rooms 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: "Fast warm-up", "Classic", "Medium", "Maximum" (burning on one load for 24 hours). Such a long time is achieved using an advanced heat exchanger, a three-season air supply and a top combustion method.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Teplodar (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 47,800 - 57,480 rubles.

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

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

Boiler video review:

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 wood or briquettes, which are laid and ignited on top of the boiler. When the unit is running, the wood burns out and the fire slowly goes down. When the combustion cycle is completed, you need to remove the ash and load the next batch of firewood.

Burning firewood requires up to 32 hours of autonomous mode without the presence of an operator.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Stropuva (Lithuania)
Manufacturer country	Russia

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

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

• there is no auto-ignition;
• high demands on fuel;
• high price;
• not equipped with overheating protection.

Boiler video review:

TOP-3 pellet boilers

SAKOVICH DUO PELLET 20

Universal model with automatic burner for all materials. One module of the structure includes a large sealed hopper for operation of one load for a week. You can install a level sensor, which will signal online about the need for refueling. The hopper is located to the right or left of the boiler at the user's request.

The high quality burner ensures trouble-free operation and minimizes maintenance. Ignition is carried out automatically using a spark plug. When the set temperature is reached, the burner goes out to save money. Then, as the temperature of the automatics decreases, the device independently ignites the unit.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, kW	20
Efficiency,%	85
Blower fan	Yes
Auto ignition	Yes
Heated area, sq.m	up to 200
Dimensions (WxHxD)	1000х1110х940
Weight, kg	310
Chimney diameter	180
Guarantee period	5 years
Brand name	SAKOVICH (Poland)
Manufacturer country	Poland

Price: 210300 rubles.

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

• high price.

Kiturami KRP 20A

A 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 an auto-ignition in 30 seconds.

The liquid crystal display of the CTR-5700 electronic room thermostat reflects all the operating parameters of the device for remote control in various programming modes.An additional GSM module (separate option) can be used to remotely control the unit.

Differs in simplicity of management and maintenance. 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.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, kW	30
Efficiency,%	92.6
Heated area, sq.m	up to 280
Dimensions (WxHxD)	1420х1280х1350
Weight, kg	317
Chimney diameter	120
Guarantee period	2 years
Brand name	Kiturami (Republic of Korea)
Manufacturer country	The Republic of Korea

Average price: 275,400 - 313,000 rubles.

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

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

Boiler video review:

Zota Optima 15 with pellet burner

A powerful unit, unpretentious in operation with high values ​​of the efficiency of Russian production. It is characterized by high practicality in work. Up to ten fuels can be used. Three modes are provided: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

When foreign pieces enter the loading, the augers reverse motion device to prevent jamming. In three attempts, they break or feed is stopped and an alarm is triggered to clean the loading mechanism.

A rotating retort burner is installed, the fuel does not sinter 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 firebox.

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

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max power, 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 name	Zota (Russia)
Manufacturer country	Russia

Average price: 136,560 - 165,300 rubles.

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

• the obligatory presence of a large warehouse for storing pellets;
• the requirement of careful care.

Video review of the ZOTA boiler:

Conclusion

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

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

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

Enjoy the shopping!