Non-electric fan

[Hunter8282]

Are any of the non-electric fans you set on the stove top, and they are powered by the heat worth a darn?

Do they help?

Is there a particular one to get if they do or are they all about the same?

 

[stoveliker]

discussed many a time

B

Thread 'Stove Top Fan and other accessory recommendations?'

Nov 12, 2024

Hey fellow wood stove enthusiasts!

We finally have our BK Ashford installed and are loving it. There are a few accessories that I've seen recommended and I wanted to get everyone's take on these.
1. Is it useful or decorative
2. Is there one you recommend
3. Are there other accessories you love using with your stove

First: The Stove Top Fan
Second: The water kettle
Third: The chimney thermometer

Thanks everyone!

• bobanne
• fan steamer thermometer
• Replies: 19
• Forum: The Gear

Post in thread 'Stove Fan Recommendation'

Nov 22, 2024

I'm surprised that in this thread, no mention of using a small fan on the floor of the cold area, blowing in the direction of the stove room to assist in movement of heat

That's because this is about "stove fans" meaning the ones that sit on top of the stove and use the stoves heat to power these fans. No electricity is used.

• bigealta

• 

 

[Sloppy]

Are any of the non-electric fans you set on the stove top, and they are powered by the heat worth a darn?

Do they help?

Is there a particular one to get if they do or are they all about the same?

I've had a couple. They don't spin vey fast but they do move the air a bit. Made a noticeable difference in the adjacent room where I had it aimed. But both of the ones I had ("Ecofans") stopped working after a few months, or at least they slowed down to the point of being ineffective. Some research told me that too much heat damages them. Funny that there'd be a lot of heat on the top of a wood stove... I gave up on them.

 

[indymoose]

I recently had a stove installed inside my masonry fireplace. I purchased two Voda mini-stove fans and they have made a huge difference moving heat out of and away from the fireplace. Before I received the fans, the wooden mantle would become fairly hot to the touch. It now is only slightly warm at most. So the fans do work, especially if your stove is installed in a masonry fireplace.

 

[GG Woody]

I bought a second Voda fan off amazon this year, seems as though it matches one I bought off there a few years back, the new one out performs the old one a bit but I still think they both look cool!
It's a bit of snake oil but they do work a bit, and in my opinion they look cool!

 

[beefhoof]

Been using ecofans for about 5yrs.2 / stove never use electricity any more.Even in -46.

 

[stovelark]

-46? My Lord, I was finding it hard to breathe out this morning at -3! Ha. Have used Eco-fans in the past, they're nice. Was good for me though, did not have to purchase them. Would probably not spend the money for them, my stove is convective steel stove. Stay warm if possible.

 

[CatfishHunter]

I've had the original Ecofan for about 10 years. Guests are always amazed at how it works. It still works even though it's taken a few accidental beatings. However, it is only 100cfm so it's about as meek as they come.

If buying a new fan, look for one with a higher CFM rate of at least 200cfm to ensure that it's going to really move some air.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I guess these stoves are of an older design with no internal air flow? I guess if you are placing on top it would also be better to have no cord.
I had one once. They use a thermocouple block to produce a little bit of power. Probably just the natural air convection is just as good? If you can get some cold air from a cold area, and blow it into the back of the stove or into the bottom of the masonry for an insert you could circulate the heat. They are neat though.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

My insert comes with fans. Those are supereffective. I tried ecofans, those were not as effective.

 

[Whitenuckler]

My insert comes with fans. Those are supereffective. I tried ecofans, those were not as effective.

Ya I think I'd invest in a UPS/Inverter/battery to keep the fans going if they were 120VAC and built in. If you have an insert really makes sense.