Heating a large room is a task that can be solved with increased power heating equipment. Its most popular varieties include boilers that use electrical induction, natural gas or solid fuel to generate heat. Which of them best cope with their direct responsibilities and at the same time allow you to save money?
Which solid fuel boiler to buy
The first thing the future owner of a solid fuel boiler system must decide is the type of fuel used. This is what determines the type of unit: whether it will be coal-fired, wood-fired or run on pellets. Also widely available on the market are universal solid fuel heat generators that can use all of the above types of fuel.
The second most important selection criterion is power. To correctly select equipment for this parameter, you should contact professionals. When preliminary independently calculating the required power, you can be guided by the following formula:
P = S x H x ∆K,
where: P is the power of the boiler unit;
S is the area of the heated room;
H - ceiling height;
∆K is the thermal insulation coefficient of the building.
Solid fuel boiler systems can be used only for heating (single-circuit) or for heating and hot water supply to the house (double-circuit).
In addition, when choosing a solid fuel boiler, you should pay attention to the design and useful volume of the combustion chamber and the method of loading it (top or front), and the material of the heat exchanger.
There are non-volatile boiler units on sale, and installations that require a connection to the power supply line to operate. The former are less reliable, but can be used for heating and creating hot water supply during power outages. Energy-dependent models are equipped with more complex automation, which ensures maximum safety and efficiency of the boiler.
Special mention should be made of long-burning solid fuel boilers, which are equipped with the function of afterburning exhaust gases (pyrolysis). Pyrolysis models have higher efficiency with lower fuel consumption, which has made them so popular among consumers.
Recommendations: 10 best pellet boilers
13 best gas boilers
14 best electric boilers
How to keep warm in the northern country
The time when it is cold outside in Finland lasts longer than the period of sunny and warm weather.
For this reason, the Finns are very well versed in the issue of heating: climatic conditions force it. Understanding this fact, Russians are often interested in how exactly houses in Finland are heated.
And one of the most popular options is a large Finnish stove, which is usually located in the center of the house. It is ideal for summer cottages. By installing such a stove, you can relax comfortably in a house outside the city, even in the most severe frosts.
There is no need to try to build such a structure yourself, since they are produced in several factories in Finland. But if you wish, you can make it out of bricks by paying installation specialists.
The best solid fuel direct combustion boilers
The classic design of a solid fuel boiler system does not provide for afterburning of pyrolysis gases. The efficiency of such installations varies from 70 to 80%, which, of course, is not a standard of efficiency, although it is quite acceptable. Such models can use firewood, coal, coke, and wood waste products as fuel.
Zota "Topol 32 VK"
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
New for 2021 is a single-circuit heating boiler with a thermally insulated body and a power of 32 kW, designed to operate in systems with pressure up to 3 kg/cm2. The main features of the model are an improved heat exchanger configuration with an increased exchange area and water-filled grates.
The possibility of vertical and frontal loading of fuel makes the operation of the installation as convenient as possible. Burning time 10-16 hours. Efficiency 75%. Such a unit costs about 42 thousand.
Advantages:
- Omnivorous - can work on wood, briquettes, coal.
- Significant reduction in heat loss due to proper insulation of the water jacket.
- Adjustable position of the blower damper with mechanical draft regulator.
- Availability of cleaning hatches for servicing the heat exchanger and chimney.
- Deep firebox.
- Possibility of installing additional devices (heating element, automation, pellet or gas burner).
Flaws:
- Energy dependence.
Zota “Topol 32 VK” is a very compact and yet universal model that is ideal for heating a private home.
Lemax Forward 16
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
A single-circuit non-volatile boiler with a power of 16 kW is designed to operate on coal and wood. The model is equipped with a fairly compact heat-insulated steel exchanger with a heat-resistant coating, which significantly increases its corrosion resistance.
The main feature of the installation is ease of use. The vertical loading method makes it possible to fill the combustion chamber as simply and evenly as possible. Optionally, the boiler unit can be equipped with a non-volatile regulator for the air supply to the combustion chamber and a gas burner device. Cost - 18,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- High efficiency (75-80% depending on the type of fuel).
- Energy independence.
- Mechanical control.
- Good level of security.
- Convenient vertical loading.
Flaws:
- Small combustion chamber volume.
Lemax, as always, offered an affordable and well-thought-out model of very high quality assembly and with wide options for retrofitting.
Teplodar Cooper Carbo 26
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Cooper Carbo is a new product in the line of solid fuel boiler units designed to operate on coal and coal briquettes. The power of the model is sufficient to heat rooms with a total area of up to 200 m2.
On one charge, the boiler can operate for up to 16 hours. Its main advantage is versatility. The unit “consumes” coal, firewood, pellets, gas - subject to the purchase and installation of the appropriate burner. Cost - 54,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Removal of pyrolysis gases from the loading hatch.
- Shaft design with maximum energy transfer to the walls of the heat exchanger and jacket.
- System of movable grate bars.
- Secondary and tertiary air supply for afterburning pyrolysis gases.
- 9 kW heating element unit to maintain temperature after fuel burns out.
Flaws:
- The kit does not include elements of the smoke exhaust system.
Teplodar is an excellent boiler unit for heating a small cottage, technical and industrial premises.
Siberia Hephaestus 30 kW
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A simple and convenient energy-independent heating boiler with a power of 30 kW - the maximum in its range. The main feature of the model is stable operation in networks with low pressure (up to 2 bar). This is what allows the boiler to be installed in closed systems with natural or forced coolant circulation.
The combustion intensity is controlled by a non-volatile regulator of air supply to the combustion chamber. To facilitate loading fuel into the combustion chamber, there is a hatch installed in the upper part of the unit. The price of the device is 34,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Compactness.
- Energy efficiency.
- High efficiency 80%.
- Possibility of connecting a block of heating elements.
- Water-filled grates to accelerate heating of the coolant.
- Work on coal, wood, pressed briquettes.
Flaws:
- It is not possible to install a gas burner device.
A very good boiler unit for heating a private house and outbuildings. However, it should be understood that it uses an open-type combustion chamber, which requires proper organization of supply ventilation in the boiler room.
Sime Solida EV5
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
Sime Solida is a powerful and fairly simple single-circuit heat generator that does not require an electrical connection to operate. Its design feature is water-filled grate bars. They prevent premature burning of the metal and significantly reduce the heating time of the coolant.
Another undeniable advantage of the EV5 model is its readiness to work out of the box. For commissioning, you do not need to additionally purchase automation, burner and other accessories, as is practiced by other manufacturers. However, the cost of the complete set is quite high (97 thousand rubles).
Advantages:
- High power (40-45 kW).
- Easy to use.
- Convenient fuel loading.
- High reliability and durability.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight (350 kg).
A powerful and reliable heating boiler that is ideal for heating a country house. One difficulty: the unit will have to be installed on a separate foundation. But there is another option - to carry out a series of serious measures to strengthen the floor.
READ ALSO
14 best indirect heating boilers
Conclusion
It is possible to say unequivocally what is better - a stove or a boiler (solid fuel, gas or electric) only in relation to specific operating conditions. Here we can only summarize general points. It is preferable to install stoves in small buildings with irregular occupancy. They quickly warm up the room and do not require supervision after stopping. They can also be used as an additional or backup heating source.
Boilers are more often used in large houses with permanent residence. The water heating system effectively heats two-story buildings and provides good heat distribution over height. And with correctly configured circulation, the temperature in the room does not depend on its distance from the boiler room.
We recorded a video in which we clearly examined a number of important points, in our opinion, in choosing between a stove and a heating boiler. And if you still have questions, you can ask us on the official website or by phone.
The best long-burning solid fuel boilers
At their core, long-burning solid fuel heat generators are classic boiler systems that use the top combustion principle. That is, only the top layer of fuel is burned, and the air distributor, which lowers as the fuel burns, controls the flow of oxygen.
Stropuva S40U
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A classic single-circuit industrial long-burning installation with an open chamber can use wood, briquettes or coal as fuel. Up to 50 kg of briquettes can easily be placed in the combustion chamber of the device, which is enough for 72 hours of continuous operation.
The efficiency of the model is at the level of classic gas installations - 85%, which is quite good. A power of 40 kW is enough to heat a room up to 400 m2.
Advantages:
- High power.
- Long period of work on one load.
- Energy independence.
- Operational safety.
Flaws:
- Steel heat exchanger.
- High cost - 116 thousand.
A very good, and most importantly, energy-efficient model for heating industrial premises.
Heiztechnik Q Plus Comfort 45
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
A reliable two-section boiler is designed for burning wood, coal and their production waste. The main difference from analogues is the presence of energy-dependent and highly technological automation that fully controls the combustion process. The model also independently selects the combustion intensity corresponding to the load, type of fuel and operating conditions.
Another feature of Heiztechnik Komfort is the use of horizontal water columns and a partition separating the sections from each other. This solution significantly increases the efficiency of equipment and reduces the risk of corrosion. The power of the unit is 45 kW, which is enough to heat residential and industrial premises with an area of 150 to 450 m2.
Advantages:
- Possibility of working in semi-automatic mode.
- Automatic control of combustion intensity.
- Versatility.
- Quite high efficiency (83%).
Flaws:
- Price over 137 thousand.
An excellent solution for efficient heating of residential and industrial premises with an area of up to 450 m2.
Candle S-18
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Candle S-18 is the brightest representative of long-burning solid fuel boilers with front loading and top combustion of fuel, which can be used as wood, briquettes and woodworking waste (chips, sawdust). Depending on the type of fuel and operating conditions, the continuous burning time on one tab varies from 7 to 36 hours.
The power of this model is 18 kW - this is enough to heat a room up to 180 m2.
Advantages:
- Unusually high efficiency - 93%.
- Not bad power.
- Complete energy independence.
- Compact body with a diameter of 57 cm.
Flaws:
- High cost - about 96 thousand.
Candle S-18 is an almost “omnivorous” model that is perfect for heating a private home and makes the most of every kilogram of fuel.
Suvorov K36
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
A classic wood-burning boiler designed to heat rooms up to 360 m2. In this installation, the long-term combustion process is realized through precise control of the air supply into the combustion chamber. Smoldering provided a significant increase in the duration of work on one tab - from 6 to 20 hours. In addition, the boiler implements afterburning of pyrolysis gases, which made it possible to achieve fuel savings of 50% and increase efficiency to 90%.
Advantages:
- Energy independence.
- High efficiency.
- Possibility of using wood and peat briquettes.
- Stable maintenance of the specified power for a long time.
- Possibility of connecting a heating element to maintain temperature.
Flaws:
- Steel heat exchanger.
- The price is no less than 111 thousand.
A trouble-free and energy-efficient boiler unit that can be used to heat residential buildings and industrial premises.
READ ALSO
12 Best Pumps for Home Heating Systems
Placement principle
A Finnish stove is installed in the very center of the house, thereby eliminating the need for additional heating of the room.
Toilets and bathrooms are built next to the heat source. This allows the water pipes to be heated using the heat of the furnace. Also, such a device at home protects it from freezing at extremely low temperatures.
For a two-story house or a taller building, you can order a Finnish stove consisting of the required number of arrays. This will allow heating of all floors.
The only disadvantage of such a stove is that you cannot turn it on for a long time and leave the house. But such a drawback almost does not spoil the situation, since even without adding firewood, the structure will retain heat for two days.
The best pyrolysis solid fuel boilers
The operating principle of such installations is based on the afterburning of pyrolysis gases formed as a result of fuel combustion in an oxygen-depleted environment. This solution ensures greater energy efficiency and a long period of equipment operation on one load.
Attack DP 25 Profi
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The 2021 new product from a well-known manufacturer of heating equipment from Slovenia has incorporated all the advanced ideas and technological solutions of the world leaders in this industry. The Attack DP 25 Profi pyrolysis boiler is a highly efficient and economical 25 kW boiler system designed for working with wood and its derivatives. Allows the use of firewood up to 1 m long.
The main feature of the device is the electronic control of combustion and coolant circulation processes with all indicators displayed on the display. Automation independently adjusts the power of the unit to the real heat demand of the house. The duration of work on one tab reaches 12 hours. Cost - 95,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Highly efficient heat exchanger.
- Impressive efficiency.
- Power modulation.
- Automatic shutdown after fuel burnout.
- Water after-cooling circuit (additional protection against overheating).
- Easy to maintain.
Flaws:
- Impressive weight and size indicators.
An excellent boiler installation for organizing economical heating of residential buildings, workshops, and shops.
Buderus Logano S171-50 W
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
Buderus Logano is a classic wood-burning single-circuit boiler with electronic control. A power of 50 kW is enough to heat a rather large private house with 2-3 floors or an industrial premises. The efficiency of the unit reaches 90% due to the well-thought-out design of afterburning pyrolysis gases and control of combustion intensity.
The main feature of the model is the presence of electronics, which allows you to control the boiler, remotely control the operation of the boiler, integrate it into the “smart home” system, etc.
Advantages:
- Energy efficiency.
- Manufacturability.
- Convenient loading and simple maintenance.
- High security.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight (466 kg).
- The price is almost 220 thousand.
This model will be an excellent (although very expensive) solution when creating an autonomous heating system in a large cottage or enterprise.
Trayan T15 2-KT
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
A modern wood-burning pyrolysis boiler is designed for heating and hot water supply of buildings and structures with an area of up to 150 m2. The unit body is made of heat-resistant steel 5 mm thick. With a power of 15 kW, the burning duration on one tab is 8 hours.
The model is equipped with an automatic air supply regulator, which allows you to change the power in the range from 40 to 100%, where the highest efficiency of 82-85% is achieved.
Advantages:
- Two heating circuits.
- Possibility of installing heating elements.
- Long battery life.
- Reliability and safety.
- Affordable price – just over 58 thousand.
Flaws:
- Can only be installed in a system with natural coolant circulation.
- Not the highest efficiency.
Trayan is suitable for organizing heating and hot water supply in private homes, industrial and office premises, and shops.
What is the difference between the Finnish and Russian systems
The first and main thing that distinguishes the heating system used in Finland is the absence of a coolant: a liquid or gaseous substance used to transfer thermal energy. The stove itself accumulates heat and is enough to heat a spacious room.
The only type of boiler in Russia that can compete with such a stove is the solid fuel type. But you need to throw firewood into it every day, which is very inconvenient for a summer house.
For Russians who are accustomed to heating their premises using electricity or gas, the Finnish option can be a real godsend. Such a stove will allow you to efficiently heat a house on several floors, rarely add firewood and, as a result, pay less.
One or two circuits?
Quite often in the characteristics of heating boilers you can find the definitions “single-circuit” or “double-circuit”. What does it mean? Single-circuit boilers are designed exclusively to power radiator heating networks. Double-circuit models are capable of heating and supplying coolant to an additional circuit, which can be a water supply system (water in the kitchen and bathroom) or a closed floor heating system. Primitively speaking, a double-circuit boiler is a heater and a water heater in one housing. The main heat exchanger is used to heat heating radiators, and an additional one is most often used for the water that we use in the household.
The additional heat exchanger can be flow-through or storage. In flowing water, it passes through the heating circuit and receives heat at the time of use. In storage boilers everything is somewhat different. They have an additional tank where water is heated indirectly due to its close location to the main heat exchanger.
Heating boiler Bosch Solid 3000 H SFU 20 HNC [7742111100]
All double-circuit boilers are equipped with a hot water supply priority system. That is, the moment someone opens a tap in the kitchen or bathroom, hot water is sent to an additional circuit. Water is temporarily not supplied to the heating system.
If you decide to purchase a dual-circuit model and kill two birds with one stone, you must remember that such systems have obvious disadvantages compared to classic water heaters.
Firstly, the pressure in the additional boiler circuit does not always meet the standards of the central water supply. That is, there is no guarantee that you will get a strong enough pressure at the output. Secondly, the additional circuits of heating boilers are much worse protected from hard water and the formation of calcium salts compared to water heaters. Thirdly, double-circuit boilers are more expensive.
Heating boiler Ariston Cares X 15 FF NG [3300887]
It is also important to pay attention to the performance indicated in the characteristics for the hot water supply system. When taking a shower, we consume approximately 7-9 liters of water per minute. The higher the performance, the higher the likelihood that hot water can be used for a really long time.
Answer the question “Which boiler is better, single-circuit or double-circuit?” pretty hard. It all depends on what functionality is needed and how much you are willing to spend to get a predictably good result. In some cases, it may make sense to install a single-circuit boiler for heating and a water heater for heating water in the bathroom and kitchen. The cost-effectiveness of one or another option must be calculated.
Read “How to choose a water heater”
FAQ
Why doesn’t the boiler reach temperature? It’s hard to say without diagnostics. The problem may be a malfunction of the boiler or its automation, or, say, a clogged chimney and lack of draft. In addition, the boiler’s power may simply not be enough for the tasks facing it. Let's say, a five-kilowatt boiler is not capable of heating two tons of coolant in the pipes - it requires a device four times more powerful.
Why does coal burn poorly in a boiler? And here, too, there may be different reasons. Firstly, coal may simply not be suitable for your boiler as a fuel. Secondly, you may light it incorrectly, and charcoal requires a special approach - read the instructions for your equipment. Thirdly, are you sure that this is coal and not painted crushed stone for landscape design? Check to see if it burns outside the firebox at all.
About prices and brands
When it comes to quality assessment, models from German and Finnish brands are traditionally considered reliable. Italian and Slovak ones will cost less, but you can also vouch for their reliability and durability. Equipment from Russian and Belarusian companies is very inexpensive, but their technical equipment and build quality are often inferior to their Western counterparts. For a clearer idea, let’s roughly divide all the equipment into several price ranges.
- From 130 to 1000 rubles
. The most inexpensive are traditionally electric models with a heating power of up to 30 kW. Russian brands and some Belarusian factories can offer equipment with a price of up to 400 rubles. Such models are, for example, in the assortment of the Alvin company. The price for gas boilers and equipment operating on solid fuel (wood, peat) starts somewhere from 400 rubles, however, regardless of the type of fuel used, in the price category up to 1000 rubles you are unlikely to find models with a heating power higher than 36 kW. The most inexpensive double-circuit boilers will cost a little more than 500 rubles. In the vast majority of cases, inexpensive equipment is represented by Russian brands. The most popular ones include Signal, Conord, Lemax and Alvin. Several low-cost models can be found in the Daewoo and Ariston catalogs. - From 1000 to 1700 rubles
. This is already the price category that is targeted, including by leading brands in the production of heating equipment. There is a much larger selection of electric, gas and solid fuel boilers. All models with a power of more than 40 kW will also cost more than 1000 rubles. Very good equipment with different heating powers is offered by the German brands Bosch and Viessmann, as well as the Italian BAXI, the Slovakian Protherm and the French De Dietrich. If you need truly reliable equipment, it makes sense to start your choice in this price range. - From 1700 to 3000 rubles
. If you have chosen a gas boiler with a condensing heating method, then be prepared to spend more than 1,700 rubles. For heating underfloor heating, the best technology is considered to be one with a gas condensation type of heating. Various options are presented in the catalog of Viessmann, Protherm, BAXI and Ariston. Models from Daewoo will cost a little less, but these are literally isolated options. In the price range from 1,700 to 3,000 rubles, you can start choosing a boiler for a large house or mansion with a total area of up to 500 square meters. - From 3000 rubles
. Heating boilers with floor-mounted installation are traditionally considered the most expensive. They can have a heating power of 15 kW, but at the same time they are quite large in size. In addition, almost all combined heating boilers from leading brands will also cost more than 3,000 rubles. The only exceptions are models from Russian and domestic companies. They may also offer cheaper options. However, for heating equipment, durability is almost the most important selection criterion, since boilers cost a lot and are purchased for many years. Any models from Bosch, Viessmann, Protherm, De Dietrich and BAXI are considered reliable.
Economics of heating equipment
To understand which boiler will be more economical and by how much, you need to take into account two important points: how much money you will need to spend on fuel and how quickly the boiler itself will pay for itself. Of course, it will be difficult to give absolute values in this article, since prices for everything change quickly. Therefore, it is best to consider everything in relative terms. Of course, the benefits of a solid fuel boiler will be determined relative to gas and electric boilers. True, here it will still be necessary to take into account whether purchasing a solid fuel boiler will be too expensive? This is a one-time expense, but for many it can be a deciding factor.
