Staying warm on the road or at your favorite campground can be tough—especially in chilly autumn and winter months. Traditional RV furnaces can drain batteries or propane quickly, while portable electric heaters aren’t always practical. That’s why many travelers are now turning to the best pellet stove for RV: a compact, efficient solution that runs on renewable fuel and can operate off-grid with minimal fuss. This guide covers the safest, most reliable RV pellet stoves, how to install them, and tips for making the most of your mobile heat source.
Quick Picks: Top RV Pellet Stoves
- Best Overall: Cubi Mini Pellet Stove — Ultra-compact, gravity-fed, requires no electricity, and specifically designed for tiny homes, RVs, and boats.
- Best Off-Grid Electric: Castle Serenity Pellet Stove — Compact, programmable, runs on 110V (compatible with RV power systems), and ideal for bigger rigs or stationary RV setups.
- Best Portable: US Stove 8660 Pellet Heater — Lightweight, easy to move, and can be set up temporarily at camp or tailgate sites.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Pellet Stove for Your RV
- Size & Weight: RVs have limited floor space and weight capacity. Opt for stoves under 60 pounds and less than 20 inches wide for most rigs. Wall-mount or corner models save even more space.
- Fuel System: Gravity-fed pellet stoves (like the Cubi Mini) require no power, making them perfect for boondocking or power outages. Electric stoves offer more automation but need shore power or a generator.
- Ventilation & Safety: All pellet stoves need a direct vent to the outside. Look for models with sealed combustion and double-walled venting for safe indoor air. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your RV.
- Heat Output: A stove rated 4,000–10,000 BTUs is usually enough for RVs up to 300 sq. ft. More powerful models can overheat small spaces and burn fuel too quickly.
- Power Usage: If you want a programmable or automatic model, check the power draw. Most compact pellet stoves use 50–150W when running (more on startup), so size your battery or generator accordingly.
- Ease of Installation: Choose stoves with simple vent kits and clear installation instructions. Some brands sell RV-specific mounting and venting kits for quick setup.
- Maintenance & Cleaning: Pellet stoves are low-maintenance compared to wood burners, but you’ll need to empty ash and clean the burn pot every few days for best efficiency.
Detailed Reviews: Best Pellet Stoves for RVs
Cubi Mini Pellet Stove
Who it’s for: RVers, vanlifers, and boaters seeking a compact, non-electric pellet stove for complete off-grid comfort.
- Key Benefits: Just 12″ wide and 12″ high; heats up to 400 sq. ft.; gravity-fed hopper holds up to 6 lbs of pellets (about 6 hours burn); stainless steel and glass construction; requires no electricity; safe for RVs, vans, boats, and tiny homes.
- Pros: Ultra-compact, easy wall/corner installation, no battery/generator needed, highly efficient, clean-burning, safe for off-grid.
- Cons: Requires manual pellet feeding for all-night burns; ash pan is small; not ideal for heating very large rigs or 4-season full-timing in big RVs.
- Final Verdict: The simplest and safest pellet heat for RVs—perfect for true boondocking and minimal fuss. See Cubi Mini.
Castle Serenity Pellet Stove
Who it’s for: Owners with larger RVs, toy haulers, or those who regularly have access to shore power and want programmable heat.
- Key Benefits: Heats up to 1,500 sq. ft. (can run on low for RVs); compact 18″ wide by 35″ high; programmable thermostat and schedule; 40-lb hopper for 12–24 hour burns; easy-clean design; EPA certified.
- Pros: Set-and-forget convenience, efficient, quiet operation, digital controls, ideal for larger rigs or stationary setups.
- Cons: Needs 110V power (inverter or generator for boondocking); heavier and larger than gravity-fed models; permanent install recommended for full-timers.
- Final Verdict: The “smart” pellet stove for RVers who stay at campgrounds or want the convenience of automation. Check Amazon.
US Stove 8660 Pellet Heater
Who it’s for: Campers and tailgaters looking for a portable pellet heater that can supplement RV heat at the campsite or for outside living areas.
- Key Benefits: Weighs only 40 lbs; heats up to 600 sq. ft.; hopper holds 10 lbs of pellets; works indoors or outdoors (must vent safely if used in RV); easy-carry handles; plug-and-play operation.
- Pros: Lightweight, truly portable, ideal for temporary use, easy to clean and maintain.
- Cons: Requires power; not as space-saving as wall/corner stoves; limited all-night burn unless hopper is refilled.
- Final Verdict: The best “take anywhere” pellet heat for RVers, campers, and glampers. View on Amazon.
PelPro PP60 Compact Pellet Stove
Who it’s for: Owners of large fifth wheels, park models, or cabins on wheels who want maximum output with simple controls.
- Key Benefits: Heats up to 1,500 sq. ft.; 60-lb hopper; automatic ignition and control; easy maintenance; EPA certified; can be adapted for RV install (check with manufacturer).
- Pros: Very efficient, big hopper for long burns, straightforward manual controls.
- Cons: Larger and heavier, may require custom install in some RVs, needs 110V AC power.
- Final Verdict: Best for larger, stationary, or semi-permanent RV setups where space and power aren’t a constraint. See PelPro.
Camco Olympian Wave 3 (Honourable Mention: Propane)
Who it’s for: RVers who want a zero-electricity, alternative option to pellet or wood heat. While not a pellet stove, this popular propane heater is ultra-compact and fully off-grid.
- Key Benefits: Heats up to 130 sq. ft.; completely silent; mounts to wall or floor; no electricity needed; great for small trailers and vans.
- Pros: No moving parts, super reliable, instant heat, works in any weather.
- Cons: Uses propane (not wood pellets), adds moisture to air, not suitable for large RVs.
- Final Verdict: A good backup or supplemental heat source for small rigs. See Camco Olympian.
Comparison Table: Best RV Pellet Stoves
| Name | Heats Up To | Power Source | Dimensions | Weight | Burn Time | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubi Mini Pellet Stove | 400 sq. ft. | Gravity/Manual | 12″W x 12″H x 10″D | 15 lbs | 6 hrs | View |
| Castle Serenity | 1,500 sq. ft. | 110V AC | 18″W x 35″H x 20″D | 110 lbs | 12–24 hrs | View |
| US Stove 8660 | 600 sq. ft. | 110V AC | 19″W x 26″H x 21″D | 40 lbs | 6–8 hrs | View |
| PelPro PP60 | 1,500 sq. ft. | 110V AC | 22″W x 33″H x 23″D | 160 lbs | 24–36 hrs | View |
| Camco Olympian Wave 3 | 130 sq. ft. | Propane | 12″W x 10″H x 4″D | 6 lbs | Continuous | View |
FAQs: Best Pellet Stove for RV
Q: Can I safely install a pellet stove in my RV?
A: Yes, with proper venting, heat shielding, and carbon monoxide/smoke detectors. Always follow the manufacturer’s install instructions and consult an RV technician for best results.
Q: Do pellet stoves use a lot of electricity?
A: Gravity-fed models use none, while electric stoves draw 50–150W during operation and up to 400W at startup. Always check your battery, inverter, or generator ratings.
Q: How long does a hopper of pellets last?
A: Small RV pellet stoves typically burn 5–10 lbs of pellets in 6–8 hours on low. Larger models with 40+ lb hoppers can go 12–24 hours between refills.
Q: Are pellet stoves allowed in campgrounds?
A: Most campgrounds allow pellet stoves, but always check local rules about open flames and emissions, especially in fire-prone areas.
Q: Can I use a pellet stove while driving?
A: No, pellet stoves should only be used while parked and properly vented, with someone present to monitor operation and safety.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best pellet stove for RV keeps your travels warm, safe, and energy-efficient. Choose your model based on your space, power needs, and preferred level of automation. Review the options above, install safely, and enjoy cozy nights wherever your adventures take you!