Best size stove for 2 story home with basement

[Josi]

Hello!
We have a 2400 square-foot home divided evenly between two stories and a basement. We want to put a wood stove on the main floor where the kitchen, living room and one bedroom are located. So the square footage of that floor is about 800 sqft. However, we would hope that some heat would also heat upstairs and maybe even a little bit in the basement. I’m wondering what size stove would be best for this configuration? I’m considering the Vermont castings Aspen stove that recommends 800 to 1200 ft.². I would like the maximum heat option without cooking us out on the main level. I would love all of your expert recommendations.

 

[begreen]

The stove will heat the main floor and perhaps the second floor if there is a clear path for the heat to convect up the stairs. It will not heat the basement.

How open is the floorplan on the main floor? Is the stairwell open to the wood stove room?

 

[Josi]

Thanks for that. The main floor is all open except the bedroom and the stairs are on the other end of the 800 sq feet from where the stove will be but have open railing

 

[begreen]

If the heat can get upstairs then go for a stove in the 1.5 to 2 cu ft size range. The Aspen C3 may work out. Also look at the Jotul F35 and the Pacific Energy Alderlea T5.