Anyone have a recommendation on a heat powered stove fan?

I agree with the sentiment about the thermoelectric ones being kind of a waste. I had one of the nice Canadian made ones and it didn’t last very long. Nor was it very effective. I do believe that there are stirling engine fan kits as well. Might be a fun project for you and your kids.

 

Thank you Backwoods Savage.

 

If you have AC power they are a novelty. If you do not have AC power, they are better than nothing.

 

Given the feedback received here I'm going to pass on this idea. Thank you all for your input.

 

Never thought of this—we have a windowless Fisher stove and the common travel path doesn’t take you right past the stove. This would be really helpful.

Also, I don’t love leaving the fans on all night but would like a little air distribution…this might be a happy compromise.

Plus after getting a new (to me) copper tub for wood storage and new (to me) fireplace tools, I’ve run out of decorative doodads to buy.

 

Only benefit I think I have found is that when it is running the heat shield for the wall behind the stove seems to be a bit cooler to the touch.
I don't have any numbers or figures to support that claim.

Had it so long I don't know who gave it to us or if I bought it myself. If anything that could be an endorsement for its longevity.

 

I'll have to get the name of the one gifted to me.

More of something to look at. You know the blades are pitched and they're spinning. So, they must be moving some air.

I took a length of toilet paper and held it in front of the fan. The paper moved more due to the thermals coming of the stove than the fan.

*EDIT - It's called "The Equalizer"

 

I agree they are more of a novelty item.
We had one for years until if froze up one Summer while it wasn't being used.
It did move a little bit of air but not really enough to consider it cost effective.
Is nice on a stove with no window to let you know: Hey Bucko, it's time to feed the stove, as the blades slow down or stops spinning.

Never felt it was worthwhile to replace, but they are kinda cool.

 

I'm thinking I'll just stick with a thermometer to tell the temp of the stove.

 

I have one (thermoelectric). Not much air.
I use it also to see the temp of the stove top from afar.

IF you buy one (and don't have a convection deck), get one with a bimetal strip at the bottom that lifts the fan off of the stove top when it gets too hot to protect the thermoelectric element.

 

I have 2 on my Ideal Steel. Got them both from my dad after he removed his old Fisher insert. Had them for the past 7 years and they both are still going but I don't think they do anything really.

 

I have one of Amazon's finest, cost me a whopping 39 bucks or so. It was starting to develop a slight noise (after a year), until my wife knocked it of the woodstove whilst vacuuming. Now it's really noisy.