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How to Light a Pellet Stove the Right Way

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Published October 3, 2025

Lighting a pellet stove with an automatic ignition feature is simple, letting you heat a room with the push of a button. We give you high-level steps for how to start a pellet stove, including preparation, ignition and shutdown. We also have quick maintenance tips to keep your stove starting easily.

Before You Light a Pellet Stove

Once your pellet stove is installed and vented according to the manufacturer’s instructions:

  • Read the manual to learn setup and operation.
  • Familiarize yourself with safety precautions and features.
  • Make sure you’ve got a supply of wood pellets.
  • Make sure the stove is plugged in and the main power switch on the back is on.
  • Have a pair of heat-resistant gloves nearby.
  • Ensure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed properly in your home.

Good to Know

The first time you light a new stove it’s normal to notice smoke and an odor for a couple of days as adhesives and finishes heat up. Your manual might recommend methods for dissipating the smoke and odor. If the smoke or odor seems excessive, turn the stove off and consult the troubleshooting steps in your manual.

How to Start a Pellet Stove

Instructions for how to light a pellet stove vary by model. We have general, high-level steps for starting one type of auto-ignition pellet stove below. Steps might differ for your model, and these steps don’t cover stoves that require manual lighting. Whatever type of stove you have, follow the manufacturer’s safety, lighting and operation steps.

Step 1: Prepare to Light a Pellet Stove

  • Make sure the burn pot is empty, the stove door is closed and all parts are in place.
  • Move any flammable materials away.
  • Fill the hopper with wood pellets.
  • Run tests or preignition steps specified by the manufacturer.
  • Adjust the damper if necessary, according to your manual.

Step 2: Set the Operating Mode

Select the operating mode for the stove. Pellet stoves typically offer different modes:

  • Manual mode lets you adjust the stove between low and high heat.
  • Automatic modes heat to a pre-set room temperature.
  • Schedule mode designates days and time for operation.

Depending on the mode, set the heat level or temperature.

Caution

Don’t schedule the stove to operate at time when you aren't be home.

Step 3: Light the Pellet Stove

Start the pellet stove by pushing the ON or POWER button on the controls:

  • The combustion/exhaust blower turns on.
  • The ignitor begins to heat.
  • The auger moves pellets to the burn pot.
  • The ignitor lights the pellets.
  • The room blower starts, sending heated air into the room.

Startup takes several minutes. The display panel might show progress. You might notice a small amount of smoke during ignition.

Caution

Don’t leave the stove unattended. If it creates no flames after a few minutes, or if you see lots of smoke, turn the stove off completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it cool down. Check your manual for troubleshooting.

Step 4: Operate the Pellet Stove

Adjust the heat level or temperature setting if necessary. If the flame isn’t bright and active, the fire might not be getting good airflow. Check your manual for troubleshooting.

Step 5: Turn the Pellet Stove Off

To turn the stove off, press the OFF or POWER button on the controls. The auger stops feeding pellets into the burn pot and the flames die out. The room blower continues to run for a few minutes and the combustion/exhaust blower runs until it moves all the combustion gas and smoke through the vent system.

Ensure Your Stove Is Easy to Start and Operate

Proper maintenance and cleaning keep your stove starting easily and heating efficiently. As with lighting a pellet stove, maintenance and cleaning vary by model, so follow the steps in your manual. Here are the key points:

  • Ensure the stove is completely cool and all blowers are stopped.
  • Protect your hands from ash and soot with work gloves.
  • If you notice interior components are still warm, wear heat resistant gloves.

Each Day or When Necessary

  • Clean the heat exchange element to remove ash and soot.
  • Empty the contents of the burn pot into the ash pan.
  • Ensure the air holes around the burn pot are clear.

Every Week or When Necessary

  • Use an ash vacuum to clean the interior chamber of the stove.
  • Properly dispose of the ashes in the ash pan.
  • Wipe down the door glass with a damp cleaning cloth.
  • Check the door gaskets and replace if necessary.

Periodically or According to the Manual

This maintenance is best left to a professional:

  • Clean the exhaust chamber with an ash vacuum.
  • Clean the exhaust vent system.
  • Clean the combustion/exhaust fan housing.
  • Perform an annual inspection of the stove.

Caution

A pellet stove ash vacuum is designed to handle ash from wood pellets. Don’t use a household or shop vacuum to clean your stove.

How to Start a Pellet Stove: Key Takeaways

Automatic ignition makes it easy to start a pellet stove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but in general:

  1. Familiarize yourself with setup, operation and safety steps.
  2. Load the pellets and press the ON/OFF button.
  3. Once the flame is burning fully, adjust the temperature as necessary.
  4. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the stove off.

Follow the maintenance routine in your manual to keep your pellet stove starting and operating smoothly.

Shop Lowes.com for pellet stoves by heating capability, hopper capacity and more. Stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate to learn about your options for pellet stoves and find the perfect model for your home.

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