How to Find the Brand, Model, and Serial Number on a Wood or Pellet Stove

If you need replacement glass, a gasket, door parts, or other components for a wood stove or pellet stove, identifying the exact appliance is an important first step. Two stoves can look nearly identical from the front while having different model numbers, production versions, door configurations, or replacement-part requirements.

The most useful information to find is the manufacturer or brand, model number, and serial number. In most cases, the best place to begin is the stove's rating plate, identification label, or manufacturer's label.

Once you find it, take a clear photograph of the entire label instead of writing down only one number. That gives you a permanent record and preserves other information that may prove useful when researching the stove or ordering replacement parts.

Start With the Stove's Rating Plate or Identification Label

A stove's rating plate can contain several pieces of identifying information. Depending on the appliance, you may find the manufacturer's name, model designation, serial number, certification information, production information, electrical information on applicable appliances, and other technical data.

Do not assume that the largest or longest number on the plate is automatically the model number. Look carefully for descriptions such as:

• Manufacturer
• Brand
• Model or Model No.
• Serial No. or Serial Number
• Date of Manufacture or another production/date code when provided

If several numbers are visible, photograph the entire plate. A stove manufacturer, dealer, service company, or replacement-parts supplier may need more than one piece of information to correctly identify the appliance.

Where to Find the Model Number on a Wood Stove

There is no single identification-label location used by every wood stove manufacturer. The exact position depends on the brand, stove design, and model.

Good places to inspect include:

• The back of the stove
• A rear or side panel
• The pedestal or base area on applicable models
• An accessible lower area of the stove
• The location identified in the owner's or installation manual

For an EPA-certified wood stove, the permanent EPA certification label is commonly an especially useful place to check. EPA guidance identifies the back of the stove as the location of the permanent certification label on EPA-certified wood stoves.

The existing image below is a helpful example of the type of label you may be looking for:

Check the Owner's or Installation Manual

If you still have the manual that came with the stove, check it as well. Manufacturer documentation may explain where the appliance's rating plate is located and which model numbers are covered by that particular manual.

Be careful when relying only on the name printed on the manual cover. Some manuals cover several related models, so whenever possible, compare the manual information with the identification plate on the actual stove.

Do Not Identify the Stove by Appearance Alone

Door shape, handles, castings, legs, air controls, and other visual details can provide useful clues, especially when identifying an older stove. However, appearance alone is not a reliable way to confirm exact replacement-part compatibility.

This becomes particularly important when buying replacement stove glass. Similar-looking doors can potentially require different glass sizes or shapes, so a visual match should be treated as a clue rather than proof of fitment.

Where to Find the Model Number on a Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves also have appliance identification information, but rating-plate locations vary considerably between manufacturers and models.

Depending on the appliance, useful areas to inspect may include:

• The rear of the stove
• A side or rear access area
• The pedestal or lower portion of the appliance
• An accessible control or service area
• The hopper area on models designed with identification information there
• The specific location identified in the manufacturer's manual

Because pellet stoves contain electrical and mechanical components, avoid unnecessarily removing panels simply to search for a model number. Check the manual first when it is available and inspect areas that are intended to be accessible to the owner.

Do Not Depend on the Digital Control Panel

Some pellet stoves use electronic control systems or digital displays, but that does not mean the appliance model number will necessarily appear on the screen.

If your stove's controls provide identifying information, it may be a useful additional clue. The physical rating or identification plate is still a better starting point for establishing the exact appliance model.

Model Number vs. Serial Number: What's the Difference?

Customers sometimes find a serial number and assume they have found the model number. They are different pieces of information and can serve different purposes.

When requesting help identifying a stove, provide the brand, complete model number, and complete serial number whenever all three are available.

What if the Stove Label Is Dirty or Hard to Read?

Older stove identification plates may be covered with dust, ash, grime, surface discoloration, or years of accumulated dirt. A label positioned behind the stove can also be difficult to read because of limited space and lighting.

When inspecting a difficult label:

1. Make sure the stove is completely cool.
2. Use a flashlight or other strong light source.
3. Take several photographs from different angles.
4. Use your phone's camera zoom to enlarge the label.
5. Photograph the entire plate as well as close-ups of difficult areas.
6. Record characters exactly as they appear instead of guessing.

Do not aggressively scrape, sand, or chemically clean an identification plate. Accidentally removing the remaining printing can make an already difficult identification problem worse.

What if the Rating Plate Is Missing or Unreadable?

A missing or badly damaged identification plate makes the process more difficult, but it does not necessarily mean the stove cannot be identified.

Gather as many clues as you can, including:

• The original owner's manual
• Installation paperwork
• Purchase receipts or invoices
• Warranty documents
• Previous service records
• Manufacturer names or logos on the appliance
• Cast-in names, numbers, or markings
• Clear photographs of the stove from multiple angles
• Photographs of the door and handle
• Any remaining portion of the original identification plate

If you believe you know the manufacturer, the manufacturer's manuals and product documentation can sometimes help narrow down the possibilities.

How to Identify an Older or Discontinued Wood Stove

Older stoves can require more detective work. Product lines are discontinued, companies change ownership, model names are reused, and original paperwork may have disappeared decades ago.

If the label cannot be read, photograph the stove carefully before beginning your search.

Useful photographs include:

• A straight-on photograph of the complete front
• Both sides of the stove
• The rear when safely accessible
• The complete stove door
• The door handle and latch arrangement
• The stove legs or pedestal
• Air-control locations
• Any manufacturer's logo or casting mark
• Any numbers or letters stamped or cast into accessible components

These details can help narrow an identification search considerably. However, a photograph that resembles another stove found online should still not be considered proof that both appliances use the same replacement glass or parts.

Can an EPA Label Help Identify a Wood Stove?

If you have an EPA-certified wood stove, its permanent certification label can be useful during identification. Look at the complete label for manufacturer and model information rather than focusing on only one certification or testing number.

The EPA also provides information for researching certified wood heaters. This can be useful when you already have a manufacturer or model designation and want another source to help investigate the appliance.

Older appliances may require a different identification approach, so the absence of an easily recognizable EPA label should not be used by itself to determine the identity of the stove.

Why Stove Identification Matters Before Ordering Replacement Glass

Many customers begin searching for their stove's model number because the door glass has cracked or broken. Knowing the stove model can be extremely helpful, but it is only part of the replacement-glass process.

Depending on how replacement glass is being selected or ordered, you may also need to verify:

• The glass width and height
• The shape of the glass
• The glass thickness
• Whether corners, arches, notches, or other shapes are present
• The correct glass material for the appliance

Do not assume ordinary household window glass is suitable simply because it can be cut to the correct dimensions. Stove and fireplace applications can require different glass materials depending on the appliance and operating conditions.

If you are replacing an existing stove-door panel, use our guide to measuring replacement wood stove glass before placing an order.

You can also read our ceramic glass vs. tempered glass guide to better understand why identifying the application matters when selecting replacement glass.

Once the required glass specifications have been confirmed, view our replacement wood stove glass options.

Common Stove Identification Mistakes

Confusing the Serial Number With the Model Number

Stove labels can contain many different numbers. Look for the actual model designation rather than assuming the longest number on the plate is the model.

Searching With Only a Color and Description

Searches such as "black wood stove with glass door" are usually much too broad. Manufacturer markings, door details, control arrangements, and rating-plate information are much more useful.

Assuming a Matching Picture Confirms the Model

A photograph can help narrow your search, but similar-looking stove models may have important differences that are not obvious from an exterior picture.

Guessing at Unreadable Numbers

Characters such as 0 and O or 1, I, and L can easily be confused on an old label. Take a high-resolution photograph and enlarge it before deciding what the character says.

Recording Only the Model Number

If a serial number and manufacturing information are available, record those too. That additional information may become important if the manufacturer made production changes during the life of the model.

Information Worth Saving Once You Identify the Stove

Once you have successfully identified your stove, save the information somewhere you can find it again.

A simple appliance record can include:

• Manufacturer or brand
• Complete model designation
• Complete serial number
• Manufacturing information, if listed
• A clear photograph of the entire rating plate
• A photograph of the complete stove
• A digital copy of the owner's or installation manual

This can save considerable time the next time you need glass, a gasket, a replacement component, technical information, or service assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the model number on a wood stove?

The exact location varies by manufacturer and model. Begin by inspecting the stove's identification or rating plate. The rear of the appliance is an important place to check, particularly for EPA-certified wood stoves. Also check the owner's manual for the location specified by the manufacturer.

Where is the model number on a pellet stove?

Pellet-stove rating plates may be located on the rear, in a side or control area, around the base or pedestal, or in another manufacturer-designated location. Because designs differ, the owner's manual is the best source for the exact location on a particular model.

Are the model number and serial number the same?

No. The model number identifies the appliance model or family, while the serial number usually identifies an individual appliance or production sequence. Both can be valuable when researching parts.

Can I identify my stove if the label is missing?

Possibly. Gather the manufacturer's name, photographs, manuals, purchase records, casting marks, door design, controls, and any remaining identification numbers. Those details can help narrow the possibilities, although visual identification alone should not be considered proof of part compatibility.

Can I identify my wood stove from a picture?

A picture can help narrow the search, especially when combined with manufacturer markings and distinctive design details. However, several models can look similar, so a visual match alone should not be used to guarantee replacement-part fitment.

Can the serial number help identify an older stove?

It may. Depending on the manufacturer and available records, the serial number can provide additional information about the appliance or production period. Whenever possible, provide both the model and serial number when requesting identification help.

What should I do if the identification plate is unreadable?

Photograph it under strong lighting from several angles and enlarge the photographs. Check manuals, receipts, warranty records, service paperwork, casting marks, and other markings on the stove. Avoid damaging the plate while trying to clean it.

Do I need the stove model number to order replacement glass?

The model number is extremely useful, but it may not be the only information required. The existing glass dimensions, shape, thickness, and correct glass material may also need to be confirmed before a replacement is ordered.

Identify the Stove Before You Order Parts

Finding the correct brand, model, and serial number can prevent a surprising amount of guesswork. Start with the rating plate, photograph all of the information you find, and keep those photographs with your appliance records.

If a broken stove window is what started your search, resist the temptation to order a replacement based only on a photograph or model that looks similar. Identify the appliance as accurately as possible, verify the glass requirements, and measure carefully before ordering. A little detective work at the beginning can save you from ordering the wrong piece of glass later.