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There’s nothing like the arrival of brisk fall days to make you reconsider splurging on that wood stove you’ve always wanted to warm your hands over. Or the one you dreamed of curling up next to with a book. Or, let’s face it-the stove you’d love to be napping in front of. 

And while plenty of wood-burning stoves are worth the hype, some older models? Not so much. 

Wood stove technology has seriously leveled up since the days of “Little House on the Prairie.” Many older styles-notably combustion Franklin models and radiant potbelly stoves-are all but disappearing from the market. More efficient (and way more stylish) stoves are taking their place. 

We tracked down wood stove experts to bring you this coy fall guide of the five wood stoves that perfectly marry warmth and design. 

Why Would Stoves?

Before we rattle off the list of our favorite selections, you might be wondering what’s so great about these wood-burning appliances. 

In addition to casting a magic spell over your entire house and making it deliciously snug, wood stoves can also save you quite a bit of money on gas and electricity bills. 

Propane costs have increased by over 60% in the past year, and hearing your home has become more expensive. According to a study conducted by Penn State University, cordwood (aka chopped logs) is by far the cheapest heating option. It’s also the least likely to be prone to drastic price changes.

As a bonus, newer wood stoves offer a roaring fire without the inefficiency and pollution of older models. Now that you know a bit more about what to expect, here is a list of our top picks. 

Best Small-Space Stove: Cubic Grizzly Mini Stove

Best Stove Insert: Osburn 2000

Maybe you want to upgrade an existing fireplace. or perhaps you’re putting the finishing touches on a brand-new build. Whatever the case, sometimes a stove insert like the Osburn 2000 Wood Stove Insert ($2,500) is all you need. 

Small but mighty, this one throws off a whopping 75,000 BTUs per hour. It’s also one of the most efficient burners on the market, with eight hours in burn time. (Burn time is the time it takes for one load of wood to burn completely.)

Best Radiant Heater: Heritage Hearthstone Stove

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Blondie Layer: In a medium bowl, melt the butter for one minute in the microwave; stir in the brown sugar. Scrape the butter and sugar into a large bowl and let cool to room temperature. use an electric mixer to beat in the eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the cranberries and chopped chocolate (the batter will be thick).
3. Spread the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not over bake). Cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until well-blended. Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate; beat until blended. Frost the blondies. Sprinkle with cranberries. Drizzle with remaining melted white chocolate. Cut into 30 bars-square or triangle shaped. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

ENJOY!!!