Empire Gateway 1700 Wood Stove vs Ashley Hearth AW2520E-P Wood Stove

The Ashley Hearth AW2520E-P is the bigger heater: a 2.73 cu ft firebox, 21-inch logs and up to 112,800 BTU for large or open spaces, and it is mobile home approved. The Empire Gateway 1700 is the better fit for small to medium rooms, with a 1.9 cu ft firebox, 18-inch logs, 65,000 BTU and a one-lever air control that owners find simple to run. Both are non-catalytic steel stoves with air wash and firebrick lining; the Empire's 5/16-inch steel and no-mess ash pan draw praise for build and easy cleanup, while the Ashley wins on capacity and burn length. Neither includes a blower.

• Choose the Empire Gateway 1700 if you are heating a small to medium room or home and want simple one-lever control, a clean ash pan and a compact 24-inch footprint.
• Choose the Ashley Hearth AW2520E-P if you need to heat a large or open area, burn longer logs, or install in a mobile home.