Do you want to use your patio during the winter? Or perhaps, you’re looking for a portable heater to use while camping outdoors. Whichever the case, consider investing in an outdoor pellet stove for eco-friendly and efficient heating.
The best pellet heater for outdoor use is the Solo Stove Mesa Fire Pit. This tabletop stove is compact and portable, perfect for backyards, gardens, and camping trips. It also burns pellets and wood logs continuously for up to an hour. It provides you with the necessary warmth in the cold seasons.
If you want a larger and more powerful patio heater, the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit might be a better fit. Below, we’ll list the other pellet stoves to consider for outdoor use. We’ll also include a handy buying guide and an FAQ section for first-time users.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
| Editor’s Pick |  | Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit | Material: Steel, CeramicWeight: 2.3 lbDimensions: 7 x 7 x 8.6 inches | Check price |
| Runner-Up |  | INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit | Material: SteelWeight: 16 lbDimensions: 7 x 15 x 12.5 inches | Check price |
 | Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Burning Stove | Material: Galvanized Steel, Cast IronWeight: 42.4 lbDimensions: 20 x 13 x 11 inches | Check price |
3 Best Outdoor Pellet Stoves
Here are my top recommendations for the best pellet stoves for outdoor use. Each one can feed on wood pellets and logs to create fire and warmth.
1. Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit – Editor’s Pick
The Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit is our favorite product for several reasons.
First, it is specifically designed for outdoor use, perfect for your backyard or small garden. This pellet heater uses stainless steel and ceramic coating to withstand harsh winter conditions. It also doesn’t melt under the pressure of hot flames.
Another thing that we like about the Mesa XL is its compact size. Despite being called “extra large,” it is portable and meant to be put on the table. It comes with a stand to ensure the safe burning of pellets. Plus, the fire pit comes with a nylon carry bag for convenient travel.
The patio heater also features an innovative Dual Fuel Grate. It can accept either wood logs (up to seven inches long) or pellets (up to 1,000 grams) as fuel. And with the help of the Signature 360° Airflow, the pellet stove burns hot and bright. It can produce heat for 45 to 60 minutes, perfect for winter.
Finally, this outdoor wood pellet heater is available in nine different colors. Feel free to choose the shade that best complements your home decor.
But before buying this product, consider its downsides as well. The outdoor heater might be too small for other users. Some customers also complained that the fuel burns up very fast, requiring them to refill the unit constantly.
After considering everything, though, we still highly recommend the Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit. It is one of the best patio heater devices.
Pros:
- Compact tabletop design
- Ample fuel capacity for wood pellets and logs
- The Signature 360° Airflow technology produces ultra-hot flames with a one-hour burn time
- This wood pellet patio heater comes with a stand and a nylon carry bag
- Available in nine eye-catching colors
Cons:
- The size of the wood pellet heater may be too small for others
- The fuel tends to burn up quickly, which means you need to refill fuel constantly
2. INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit – Runner-Up
Do you want a larger and more powerful patio heater for outdoor use? Then, the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit might be a better fit.
It has an 11.4-inch inner diameter that allows bigger flames. Together with the double-wall design, it can maximize airflow for longer burn time and more heat with less smoke.
This wood pellet patio heater is made of durable metal. It can withstand heat from the flames and various weather elements during cold weather. It also offers four different paint colors to fit your existing home decor.
Plus, the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit features a practical two-tier structure. It is easy to set up, ideal for beginners. And it keeps the fire from becoming too big, ultimately ensuring your safety.
There are even portable handles for convenient stove cleaning. They also make it easier to lift the patio heater during travel.
And speaking of travel, the firepit comes with a free carry bag. It is great for camping, RV use, and hiking, among other outdoor winter activities.
However, there are several downsides to consider before purchasing this wood pellet patio heater. First, several users mentioned the paint peeled off easily and formed rust afterward. A few reviews also said that it wasn’t smokeless, despite its name.
But for its price and powerful heat output, the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit is pretty difficult to beat. It still deserves a place on this list of the best outdoor pellet stoves.
Pros:
- A double-wall metal design ensures efficient burning of pellets and wood logs
- Powerful heat output is ideal for the cold climate
- The practical two-tier structure ensures easy installation process
- Free carrying bag for convenient travel
- Cheap retail price
Cons:
- The paint tends to peel off quickly
- A few users said the wood pellet patio stove produces a lot of smoke
3. Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Burning Stove
The last product on this list is the Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Burning Stove.
It features a galvanized steel firebox to withstand high temperatures. Meanwhile, the front door uses strong cast iron material for durability. It comes with easy-control vent holes to increase and decrease the intensity of fire.
Despite its heavy construction, this outdoor stove is still portable, thanks to its detachable legs. There are also five interlocking pipes that fit inside the stove for easy transport.
Plus, the Guide Gear Outdoor Pellet Stove is ideal for both heating and cooking. It can burn kindling wood and pellets to provide the necessary warmth in outdoor gatherings. At the same time, the top platform can hold saucepans and pots, so you can boil water or cook food.
However, this pellet stove requires proper ventilation to ensure efficient use. Another downside is the quality of the door insulation. Some users said it fell off after the first use.
But if you’re looking for a stove with a tough steel exterior, the Guide Gear Outdoor Wood Burning Stove might be the right fit. It is among the best wood pellet patio heaters you can buy today.
Pros:
- The galvanized steel firebox offers extreme durability against wood burning and winter conditions
- A cast iron door with vent holes lets you adjust the flame intensity
- Detachable legs and stove pipes make it easy to move the pellet stove
- It is suitable for heating and cooking
Cons:
- It requires the installation of pipes for proper ventilation
- Some reviews said the door insulation fell off after first use
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Wood Pellet Patio Heater
With so many outdoor pellet stoves to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the best product. To help you out, we’ll teach you the factors to consider when shopping for a wood pellet patio heater.
Size and Weight
You shouldn’t overlook these two factors when shopping for an outdoor pellet stove.
If you have a small backyard or garden, you must carefully review the dimensions of the stove. Make sure it fits your available space.
Meanwhile, if you often travel, you might want to buy a lightweight and compact pellet stove. Having a carry bag is a plus because you simply put the stove inside it. Avoid large units because they may be tricky to bring to campsites and other outdoor spaces.
Durability
The material is one of the best ways to tell how durable the pellet stove is. Since you’re buying one for outdoor use, look for weatherproof construction. You must ensure the stove won’t rust or break when exposed to the harsh winter elements. At the same time, you want a good conductor of heat to produce the necessary warmth for chilly days.
Consider stainless steel or any rustproof metal if you want a tough outdoor pellet stove.
Heat Output
The heat output is another essential feature of an outdoor pellet stove. Look for the British Thermal Unit (BTU), which is the measure of heat content.
The higher the BTU, the hotter the stove is. So, if you often experience sub-zero temperatures, look for units with high BTUs. You can expect them to keep you warm during harsh winters.
Hopper Capacity
You must also consider the fuel or hopper capacity of the outdoor pellet stove.
A large hopper capacity is common in high-end units for indoor use. It can handle multiple bags of wood pellets, which lets the stove burn continuously for hours.
Meanwhile, a small hopper capacity is typical for compact stoves, whether for outdoor or indoor use. It can only accept a limited amount of pellets. As such, it requires constant fuel refill if you want to run the stove for longer periods.
Ease of Maintenance
An outdoor pellet stove may require more frequent cleaning than an indoor model. That is because it is constantly exposed to outdoor elements, like rain and snow. The last thing you want is an outdoor pellet stove that is difficult to clean.
Look for an appliance with easy-to-reach parts, such as a removable ash pan and firebox. Avoid complicated designs with hidden chambers and inner tubes because they can be a hassle to clean.
After all, regular maintenance is key to maintaining heat efficiency and increasing the lifespan of your stove.
Cost
Last but not least, consider the cost when shopping for an outdoor pellet stove. It’s easy to be tempted by high-end models with their advanced features and fancy control panels. But if you have a limited budget and won’t use the stove everyday, it’s perfectly fine to go with cheaper models. This doesn’t mean you should skimp on your budget, though. You usually get what you pay for when it comes to pellet heaters.
Besides the retail price, you must also consider the operating cost. Ask yourself how much heating costs compared to electric fireplaces and propane patio heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons to buy a pellet stove for outdoor use?
With so many heat sources for outdoor use, you’re probably wondering why choose pellet stoves. Well, you may be surprised to learn the benefits of pellet stoves.
One of the biggest advantages of this type of heater is it produces little air pollution. It uses wooden pellets, which are made of renewable materials. As such, it doesn’t release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This appliance is a great choice for those looking for a green heating solution.
A pellet stove is also more efficient than other outdoor heaters. Any unit that meets EPA certification has an average combustion efficiency of 70% to 83%. Some units can even reach up to the 90% mark. In contrast, a traditional wood stove only has around 60% efficiency.
Another benefit of the pellet stove is its cheap retail and installation price. It doesn’t require the installation of a chimney, which lets you save hundreds of dollars. It is also cost-efficient in the future because it burns pellets longer.
Plus, most outdoor pellet stoves are easy to clean. They usually come with removable or easy-to-access parts to ensure hassle-free maintenance.
Finally, pellet stoves can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. They can provide you with the necessary warmth for many winters to come.
How do you maintain a pellet stove?
To maintain an outdoor pellet stove, you must empty its ash pan after every use. You should also clean the burn pot and check for ash build-up. Doing these things ensures efficient combustion.
The front glass door is another part that requires regular cleaning. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean cloth to maintain clarity and aesthetic appeal.
Meanwhile, you can check the hopper and seals around the door every week. Ensure the hopper is free from obstructions. Replace the seals if you see signs of damage or wear and tear. You must always ensure they are airtight.
Every month or so, you must inspect the vents, heat exchanger, combustion fan, and other parts. You can also hire a professional to examine and service your stove. They can quickly identify potential issues and fix them when necessary.
How long does a pellet stove take to heat up?
Once you press the power button, the pellet stove immediately burns the pellets. It will begin to heat your home right away. However, it can take several minutes up to a few hours to reach the set temperature. The colder the weather, the longer it takes for the stove to produce the desired heat.
Conclusion
That sums up our top recommendations for pellet stoves! All of the products listed above have great product reviews and quality features. You can find the perfect model for your needs.
But if we can only suggest one, we’d choose the Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit. This compact pellet heater can produce continuous heat for up to an hour by burning either logs or pellets. It is also lightweight and comes with a carry bag for convenient travel. Plus, it comes in different colors to complement your home decor.
