Pleasant Hearth Wood Stoves: Lineup, Specs & How They Compare to Drolet
Share
Pleasant Hearth wood stoves (made by GHP Group, sold mainly through Lowe's and other big-box channels) are one of the most-searched entry-level stove lines in America. The lineup is simple — small, medium, large — and the prices are among the lowest for a steel stove with a ceramic glass window.
Here's the full lineup, what the spec sheets actually say, and how Pleasant Hearth compares to Drolet, the specialty brand we carry in the same price neighborhood.
The Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove Lineup
| Model | Heats up to | Max BTU | Published emissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS-2417 (Small) | 1,200 sq ft | 50,000 | 3.9 g/h | Blower sold separately |
| WS-2418 (Medium) | 1,800 sq ft | 65,000 | — | Blower included |
| WS-3029 (Large) | 2,200 sq ft | 77,000 | 3.6 g/h | Pedestal, 295 lbs |
All three are non-catalytic, brick-lined, with cast iron doors, air-wash glass, a 5-year limited warranty, and US manufacture. For the price, that's a reasonable package — and for a lot of buyers it's exactly enough stove.
The Certification Detail Worth Checking
Pleasant Hearth's own product pages describe these stoves as "EPA Certified (NSPS Phase 1 Approved)" — that's the 2015-era certification step — with published emissions between 3.6 and 4.5 g/h depending on model. For comparison, the EPA's 2020 Step 2 standard that current-generation stoves certify to is 2.0–2.5 g/h.
Why this matters practically: some states and local jurisdictions require a 2020-certified stove for new installations, and some insurance carriers ask for the certification level. Before buying any stove, check the EPA's certified wood heater database and your local requirements. Every Drolet and Englander stove we carry is certified to the 2020 standard, with the full EPA test data (emissions, efficiency, output range) published on each spec sheet.
Pleasant Hearth vs. Drolet: Model-by-Model
| If you're looking at… | Cross-shop this Drolet | Why |
|---|---|---|
| WS-2417 (1,200 sq ft) | Escape 1200 or Columbia II | 2020-certified, limited lifetime warranty vs 5-year |
| WS-2418 (1,800 sq ft) | Escape 1500 | Same class, current certification |
| WS-3029 (2,200 sq ft) | Escape 1800 or Escape 2100 | Escape 1800: 75,000 BTU/h, 1.54 g/h, up to 8-hr burns, lifetime warranty |
Where Pleasant Hearth wins: sticker price, big-box availability (walk into Lowe's and take one home), and simplicity — there are only three models to choose between.
Where Drolet wins: current 2020 EPA certification with published test data, heavier construction, limited lifetime warranty versus 5-year, longer published burn times, and a much deeper range — sizes, finishes, leg/pedestal options, and matching inserts.
Bottom Line
If you're heating a shop or a milder-climate space on the tightest budget and your jurisdiction accepts the certification, a Pleasant Hearth will put out real heat. If the stove is your primary winter heat source — or your area requires 2020-certified appliances — the Drolet equivalents cost somewhat more and deliver current certification, longer warranties, and published performance data to size against.
Every stove we sell ships free on orders over $250, with no sales tax and a price match guarantee. Sizing questions? Call 1-888-914-0022.