Ventis ECO-55 ST Pellet Stove (VB00022)

The Ventis ECO-55 ST pellet stove (model VB00022) is the step-top version of SBI's ECO-55: the same burner and up to 39,260 BTU/h heat input as the Drolet ECO-55, with a two-level step top that makes room for an 80 lb top-feed hopper instead of 60 lb. That stretches the burn to up to 70 hours per fill. It heats 500 to 2,000 sq ft, is EPA 2020 certified at 0.96 g/h with a 78.4% optimum efficiency, and comes with a 176 CFM blower, a 3" pellet vent outlet and an air-wash system for the ceramic glass. Approved for alcove and mobile home installation. Built in Quebec by SBI, the maker of Drolet, with a limited lifetime warranty.

Who the ECO-55 ST is for

Choose the ECO-55 ST when you want ECO-55 performance but fewer trips to the pellet bags. It fits:

• Living areas and open main floors of about 500 to 2,000 sq ft.
• Owners who are out all day or away for a weekend and want one fill to last.
• Alcoves and tight corners, with 3" rear and corner clearances, and mobile homes with outside air.

The heating area depends on climate, insulation and layout. For a larger or colder house, the Drolet ECO-65R covers 800 to 2,600 sq ft.

Hopper size and burn time per hopper

The 80 lb hopper takes two 40 lb bags. SBI rates it at up to 70 hours per fill on the lowest setting, versus 51 hours for the 60 lb ECO-55. At full output the same burner uses up to 4.7 lb/h (the published ECO-55 figure), so a full hopper still lasts about 17 hours on high. An optional hopper extension, sold separately, adds more capacity. Use premium-grade pellets; high-ash fuel shortens the time between cleanings.

Heat range and efficiency

Overall heat output runs from 6,648 BTU/h on low to 28,540 BTU/h on high, so it can idle through a mild evening and still carry a cold night. Optimum efficiency is 78.4% and particulate emissions are 0.96 g/h, under half the EPA 2020 limit. These performance figures are the published ECO-55 platform figures; the ECO-55 ST manual (46352IA) does not repeat them.

Controls, ignition and power

Electronic controls set the heat level and the blower, with electric ignition. For automatic temperature control, connect any low-voltage (24 V) wired thermostat or wireless receiver; the manual says to mount it 4 to 5 ft above the floor and 15 to 20 ft from the stove if it is in the same room. The thermostat is sold separately. The stove needs a standard 120 V, 60 Hz grounded outlet and does not run during a power outage.

Venting

The flue outlet is 3" and the stove uses listed Type L pellet vent (UL 641). Use 3" pipe up to 15 ft of equivalent vent length (EVL) and 4" beyond that, with no more than 30 ft of EVL and 9 ft of horizontal run. The manual requires at least 3 ft of vertical rise and 1 ft of rise for every foot of horizontal run. For a through-the-wall install, the Vortex 3" Pellet Vent Ground Floor Kit (VOPKGF03) covers the run; for a basement or a longer run, the Vortex 4" basement kit includes the 3"-to-4" increaser. See our pellet stove venting guide for layouts.

Outside air and mobile homes

In a mobile home, the ECO-55 ST must draw combustion air from outside through a fresh air kit (sold separately), with no more than 10 ft of insulated pipe, and be screwed to the floor through the two anchoring holes in its pedestal. In a standard house, outside air is optional. Call us for the matching fresh air kit.

Clearances and floor protection

In the USA, minimum clearances to combustibles are 3" from the rear panel, 6" to a side wall, 3" in a corner and 48" from the base to the ceiling, and they also apply in an alcove. The stove needs continuous non-combustible floor protection extending 6" in front of and 6" to each side of the door opening; no R-value is required. Our 46 3/4" x 54" black steel hearth pad fits its footprint; see all hearth pads.

ECO-55 ST vs. the nearest alternatives

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The Drolet ECO-55 is the same stove with a lower, flat top and a smaller hopper. The ComfortBilt HP50S covers more floor for less money but needs refilling far more often. For the longest burn, the Drolet ECO-65R holds 125 lb for up to 105 hours. Compare the ship dates shown on each product page.

Why buy the Ventis ECO-55 ST from StoveSource

• No Sales Tax in any state.
• Free shipping on orders over $250 to the lower 48.
• Authorized dealer, with SBI's limited lifetime warranty.
• Price match guarantee.
• Real help with sizing, venting and fresh air: call 1-888-914-0022.