Materials and construction can affect how clean and efficiently your new stove will operate over the years ahead. Look for a stove whose body is made from cast iron or plate steel. Because cast iron stoves have corners sealed with gaskets and cement, they may require a bit more maintenance. If the stove is catalytic, locate the bypass plate. Test it by closing the plate on a dollar bill, which should grip it tightly.
Some stoves have a flame shield in front of the catalytic combustor.
Others use a series of chambers, or place the combustor to the rear of the stove. What to look for in a noncatalytic stove. Inside, the most critical area is the baffle, in the roof of the main fire chamber. This means they hold shorter logs, and may require more frequent loading. Shop around for the best stove.