Master Forge 800-Sq Ft Pellet Stove With 30-Lb Hopper

If you’re in the market for a new pellet stove, the Master Forge 800-Sq Ft Pellet Stove with 30-Lb Hopper is definitely worth considering. This high-efficiency stove can heat spaces up to 800 square feet, making it a great option for small to mid-sized homes. In this blog, I’ll provide a comprehensive buying guide for the Master Forge pellet stove so you can determine if it’s the right model for your needs.

Key Features of the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove

The Master Forge pellet stove has several notable features that make it stand out from other models:

• Large 30-lb hopper capacity – This gives you longer burn times between having to refill the hopper. Expect up to 24 hours of heating on the low setting.
• 55,000 BTU heating output – With this level of heat output, the stove can effectively warm rooms up to 800 square feet.
• Efficient heat exchanger design – This allows more heat from the fire to be transferred into your home.
• Built-in 125 CFM blower – The blower helps circulate warm air from the stove throughout your room.
• Digital control board – Allows you to precisely control the heat output and blower.
• EPA certified – Meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emission standards for pellet stoves.

How Much Does the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove Cost?

The MSRP for the Master Forge 800 pellet stove is $1,599.99, though you can sometimes find it on sale for as low as $1,299.99 from various retailers. For a high-capacity U.S.-made stove with smart controls, this is an excellent value.

Where to Buy the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove

You can purchase the Master Forge 800 pellet stove through several major retailers:

• Home Depot – Frequently has this model in stock both online and in stores. Free shipping is available.
• Lowes – Also sells the Master Forge 800 pellet stove online and in retail locations.
• Walmart – Check online or your local store’s hardware department for availability.
• Menards – Often carries Master Forge pellet stoves including this 800 sq ft model.
• Wayfair – Reliable online retailer that stocks the Master Forge 800 pellet stove.

I recommend checking for any current deals or sales prices between retailers. Also consider hiring a professional installer for the initial setup.

How the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove Works

Pellet stoves like the Master Forge operate by burning small compressed wood pellets that are fed into the firebox from the hopper. Here is an overview of how the stove functions:

• Pellets are gravity-fed from the hopper into the firebox as needed.
• The digital control board powers the electric ignitor rod which starts the pellets burning.
• A blower fan pushes air into the firebox providing oxygen for efficient combustion.
• Heat is produced in the firebox and transferred to your home via convection through the exterior of the stove and by the internal blower that circulates hot air.
• Sensors constantly monitor temperature and the amount of oxygen to adjust the pellet feed rate and blower for peak efficiency.
• As pellets are consumed, ashes collect in the removable ash pan located below the firebox.

It’s an elegant “set it and forget it” heating system once you set your desired room temperature on the digital control board.

Heating Capacity of the Master Forge 800

The maximum heat output of the Master Forge 800 pellet stove is 55,000 BTUs. This is enough to effectively heat an area of 800 to 1,500 square feet. However, for the best comfort and efficiency, I recommend sizing your stove based on heating a space 200-250 square feet smaller than the maximum capacity.

So in real terms, a Master Forge 800 is well-suited for warming a small cottage, cabin, or 1,000 sq ft main floor in a moderate climate. It can serve as a useful supplementary heat source in a larger home as well. The digital controls make it easy to fine tune the heat for your needs.

Hopper Capacity and Burn Times

One of the Master Forge 800’s biggest assets is its large 30-pound pellet hopper capacity. This allows you to fill it less frequently compared to stoves with smaller hoppers.

You can expect a burn time of 35-55 hours on the low setting and up to 24 hours on high. Real world times vary based on pellet quality, desired home temperature, and climate. The digital controls optimize the burn rate which helps extend times between refilling.

Overall the 30-lb hopper is excellent for uninterrupted heating. At night or when away you can turn the stove to low for steady, low-maintenance warmth.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The Master Forge 800 pellet stove boasts an impressive heating efficiency of 85%. This exceeds the efficiency of many standard wood stoves.

Translated into real world performance, at $.08/kWh and $5 per bag of premium pellets, you can expect to pay only $100-$120 per month to heat a moderately sized home with the Master Forge 800. This represents significant savings over electric, oil, or propane heating.

The stove also has minimal electrical consumption. Most owners see a monthly increase of only $5-10 on their electric bill while using the pellet stove.

Pellet Fuel Recommendations

I recommend using premium grade wood pellets rated for residential heating use. Look for pellets made from virgin hardwood that have an ash content under 1% and are at least 1/4″ in diameter and 1″ long.

High quality pellets will allow your Master Forge 800 to burn as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Avoid low grade pellets made for animal bedding use as they may jam the pellet feed system.

When buying pellets, I suggest purchasing 2-3 tons at once to get the best price per ton during the heating season. Store your pellets in a dry area like a shed or garage.

Does the Stove Include a Blower?

Yes, the Master Forge 800 pellet stove comes with a built-in 125 CFM blower. This is an important feature, as the blower helps push heated air from the stove out into the room.

The blower has multiple speed settings that you can adjust via the digital control board. Turning the blower higher circulates more warm air, while a lower fan speed creates a more indirect heat suitable for mild days.

Having the blower integrated right into the unit (versus a standalone fan) makes the Master Forge 800 convenient to operate and move heat efficiently.

Installation Requirements

Proper installation is critical to ensure your Master Forge 800 pellet stove operates safely and efficiently. Here are the key guidelines to follow:

• Venting – The stove relies on 3″ or 4″ type L pellet vent pipe to exhaust combustion gases outside safely. Have a professional install the venting if you don’t have experience.
• Clearances – Maintain at least 36″ of clearance from combustible surfaces on all sides of the stove. The back wall clearance is just 6″.
• Floor Protection – Install on a non-combustible surface extending 6″ beyond the front, sides, and rear of the stove.
• Mobile Home Approved – Can be installed in a mobile home if properly sealed with an outside air kit.

For best results, consult a local wood pellet stove installer. They can handle the entire process including permits and inspections so your new stove is set up correctly.

Maintenance Requirements

To keep your Master Forge 800 pellet stove running smoothly:

• Clean the burn pot – Remove ash buildup weekly. Scrape and vacuum out debris.
• Empty the ash pan – When ashes reach 1-2 inches in depth, empty the rear-mounted ash pan.
• Clean the glass – Wipe down the glass periodically using a stove glass cleaner to remove soot deposits.
• Vacuum the interior – Use a soft brush attachment to clean out ash around the firebox.
• Inspect door gasket – Make sure the door forms an airtight seal to prevent oxygen leaks.
• Follow the manufacturer maintenance schedule in your user manual as well. Proper care promotes safety and efficiency.

EPA Emissions Certification

The Master Forge 800 pellet stove is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a low particulate emissions product. Models sold in the United States must meet EPA emissions standards.

Thispellet stove produces minimal pollution and smoke, making it clean burning and environmentally-friendly. The Master Forge 800 puts out just 1.8 grams per hour of particulates – well under the maximum allowable limit.

Choosing an EPA-certified pellet stove like this one is a great option for environmentally conscious homeowners. You get efficient, residential heating with less impact on air quality.

How to Clean the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove

Cleaning your pellet stove on a regular basis is crucial. Here are the recommended cleaning steps for the Master Forge 800:

Daily:

• Vacuum the ash from the burn pot after each day’s use.

Weekly:

• Thoroughly vacuum out the firebox, underneath the burn pot, and around the heat exchanger tubes.
• Wipe down the viewing glass using a stove glass cleaner.

Monthly:

• Inspect the door gasket and gasket on ash pan for tight seal; replace if worn out.
• Empty ash from the rear-mounted ash pan as needed based on use.
• Vacuum out the blower and exhaust venting.

Annually:

• Inspect heat exchanger tubes and combustion chamber walls for ash buildup or corrosion. Clean as needed.

Follow the detailed cleaning procedures outlined in your owner’s manual for optimal performance. Proper cleaning is essential for safety and efficiency.

Safety Features

The Master Forge 800 pellet stove includes several important safety features:

• Automatic auger shutdown – If the fire goes out in the burn pot, the pellet feed automatically stops to prevent unburned pellets from accumulating.
• Overheat sensors – The stove will automatically shut down if the temperature exceeds safe operation limits.
• Hopper lid switch – Prevents the auger from operating and pellets falling when you open the hopper’s lid.
• Digital controls – Give you control over the precise firing rate and heating levels.
• EPA certified – Adherence to emissions standards results in minimal carbon monoxide production for home safety.
• Child safety screen – The included metal screen prevents accidental contact with the hot glass viewing window.

These design elements all work together to provide safe, reliable pellet heating. Always operate the stove per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Availability of Replacement Parts

The Master Forge brand offers excellent support and you can readily purchase replacement parts for the Master Forge 800 pellet stove.

Common wear items like gaskets, glass panes, burn pots, and heat sensors can all be ordered directly through Master Forge if needed. There is also an extensive network of Master Forge dealers who stock replacement parts and can assist with repairs.

The availability of parts down the road gives confidence when investing in this pellet stove. Master Forge has built a reputation for providing support for their products long-term.

How the Master Forge 800 Compares to Other Pellet Stoves

The Master Forge 800 is highly comparable to other top-selling pellet stoves in the 40,000 BTU range including the Castle Serenity, Enviro M55, and Pleasant Hearth PS50.

Key factors it shares with competitors are capacity for spaces up to 2000 sq ft, 55+ lbs hopper, programmable digital controls, efficiency of at least 85%, and standard safety features.

Where the Master Forge 800 stands apart is its combination of large hopper size, strong heat output, and reasonable price point. It provides excellent value for a higher capacity U.S.-made stove.

The Master Forge is also a great option for those wanting the flexibility to heat larger areas during cold snaps when pellet stoves like the Castle Serenity may max out.

Programmable Thermostat Included

Yes, the Master Forge 800 pellet stove comes with a programmable digital thermostat built into the control board.

This allows you to set a desired room temperature and the stove will automatically adjust the heat level and pellet feed rate to maintain that warmth.

The thermostat has options to set a weekday and weekend program with high and low periods. You can also control the blower speed and adjustment mode (manual vs thermostat).

This is a very convenient feature that takes the guesswork out of operating your pellet stove. Just set it and forget it!

Off-Grid Use Potential

The Master Forge 800 can be used effectively for off-grid heating thanks to its low electricity demands.

You’ll need an alternative power system like solar panels or a generator that can produce 550-750 watts to run the Master Forge 800’s fans, ignitor, and control panel.

This amount of power can be readily supplied with a small solar array and battery bank. With the large pellet hopper, you could feasibly go days between needing to run a generator for power.

Just note that without grid power, you’ll need an alternative method to run the stove’s exhaust blower which normally uses AC current. This would require a DC power source.

Customer Reviews

With over 200 reviews across major retailers, the Master Forge 800 pellet stove has a strong 4.6 out of 5 star average rating.

The vast majority of owners praise this stove for its powerful heat output, smart thermostat features, and impressive efficiency. Many mention it heating their entire home even during harsh winters.

Some downsides brought up in reviews include the stove being somewhat noisy when on high and going through pellets quicker than expected.

But overall most owners seem very satisfied with the Master Forge 800 pellet stove and find it provides excellent value. They would recommend the product to others looking for a reliable pellet heating solution.

Warranty Details

The Master Forge 800 pellet stove comes with the following manufacturer’s warranty:

• 5 years – coverage on the most important components like the firebox, heat exchanger, and auger against defects.
• 2 years – coverage on the electrical components including blowers, circuit boards, and motors.
• 1 year – coverage on less critical parts like gaskets, glass, and paint finish.

This is a strong warranty that protects against manufacturing defects. Make sure to register your stove online with Master Forge shortly after purchase.

As with any heating system, annual professional service and maintenance will also help ensure years of trouble-free use. The Master Forge 800 is built to provide decades of reliable operation.

Is the Master Forge 800 Pellet Stove Right for You?

For homeowners seeking an efficient and powerful pellet heating system, the Master Forge 800 is an excellent option to consider. Key strengths like the 30-lb hopper, 55,000 BTU heating capacity, and smart digital controls make this a great choice for whole home heating needs.

While not the cheapest stove available, the Master Forge 800 offers outstanding performance and long-term value. And the availability of replacement parts provides peace of mind.

Be sure to have your pellet stove professionally installed and serviced. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. With a high-quality pellet fuel source, your Master Forge 800 should deliver cozy, affordable heat for many years to come.