Freestanding stoves provide the most versatility in placement within a home. Generally freestanding stoves are vented straight up using manufactured steel chimney pipe, but they can also have an elbow to direct the chimney horizontally through a wall or into a masonry chimney. A freestanding stove can also sit on the hearth of a masonry fireplace and be vented up the chimney. Freestanding wood stoves require a hearth pad for floor protection. Freestanding stoves have the benefit of radiating heat from all sides, as well as having natural and fan assisted convection. Some of our freestanding stoves also offer a convenient cooking surface, another source of comfort when the power goes out!

Wood is the traditional fuel for supplementary heating. Avalon woodstoves and inserts produce lots of warm, soothing heat and the large viewing glass allows an ever-changing display of glowing coals and dancing flames. Several of our Avalon woodstoves have a convenient cooking surface, a benefit that should not be overlooked when severe weather knocks out the power.

The advantages of wood are: Independence from utilities if the power goes out; an efficient, low cost fuel; extremely low particulate emissions that help protect winter air quality; and burning wood actually reduces the impact on global warming because firewood is carbon neutral.