Contents
Choosing between the best furnace brands can be tough. The top pick is the Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency model. Its multi-speed ECM motor helps improve energy use and comfort. The value choice is the Goodman 92% AFUE model. It saves money but offers a single-stage design with lower efficiency.
Many buyers must decide between efficiency and initial cost. Some prefer higher efficiency models, even if they pay more upfront. Others want to save money now with a cheaper option. This guide will help you compare options and find what suits you best.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Furnaces Reviewed in Detail
The following reviews highlight the best furnace brands currently available. Each product offers unique features to help you stay warm.
1. Top Pick
Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency Multi-Speed, Single-Stage upflow/Horizontal Furnace Model: (GR9S800803BN) Cabinet is 17.5 inches wide-R32 Ready-Nationwide…
- GR9S800803BN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GMES800803BN,GM9S800803BN
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. If you need a downflow, please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- Accessories such as linesets, thermostats, LP (Liquid Propane) conversion kits, sold separately
The Goodman 80,000 BTU furnace is efficient. It has an 80% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This means it uses fuel effectively. The multi-speed ECM motor improves airflow and comfort. It is designed for upflow or horizontal installation but cannot be downflow.
Pros
Energy-efficient with 80% AFUE rating. Multi-speed motor enhances comfort. Reliable brand reputation.
Cons
Cannot be installed as a downflow. Limited to specific installation types.
Great for homes needing reliable, efficient heating. Works best in upflow or horizontal setups.
This Goodman furnace is a solid choice for efficiency and comfort. It meets most heating needs well.
2. Runner-Up
Goodman 92% AFUE Single Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 80k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (17.5 wide) (GR9S920803BN)
- This comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty provided it is installed by a qualified installer and registered online with 60 days of installation
The Goodman 92% AFUE furnace offers better efficiency at 92% AFUE. It is a single-stage unit that also features a multi-speed motor. This model is known for its reliable heating. It is designed for upflow or horizontal installation as well.
Pros
High efficiency with 92% AFUE. Multi-speed motor allows for better airflow. Long 10-year parts warranty.
Cons
Must be installed by a qualified technician for warranty activation. Limited to specific installation types.
Suitable for homeowners who want high efficiency and a reliable heating system.
This Goodman furnace provides excellent efficiency. It is ideal for those looking to save on energy costs.
3. Most Versatile
Nelyrho 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit, 2500°F Stainless Steel Smelter
- Complete 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit:Includes a 6KG graphite crucible with built-in pouring spout, ingot mold, dual crucible tongs, fire brick, and gloves. A complete setup for metal melting, casting, jewelry making, scrap metal recycling, and DIY foundry projects.
- Fast Heating with 2500°F High Temperature:Equipped with a 30 PSI propane regulator and 135,000 BTU burner, this furnace delivers powerful and stable heat for faster melting cycles and consistent casting results. Reaches up to 2500°F to melt gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous metals.
- Ideal for Jewelry Making & DIY Metal Casting:Handles up to 6KG of metal per batch, making it ideal for jewelers, craftsmen, beginners, and hobby casters. Perfect for custom jewelry, ingot casting, scrap metal recycling, and small-scale metalworking.
- Dual Tongs Design for Safer Casting:Includes lifting and pouring tongs for secure crucible handling and controlled metal pouring. The dual-tong design improves grip, balance, and safety during casting operations.
- Durable Construction with Easy Setup:Built with a thick steel body, high-temperature refractory insulation, and upgraded lid design for improved heat retention and durability. Simple assembly allows quick setup with less heat loss.
The Nelyrho 6KG Propane Melting Furnace is different from traditional furnaces. It is designed for metal melting and casting. With a high temperature of 2500°F, it can melt various metals. This kit includes essential tools like a crucible and tongs.
Pros
High melting temperature of 2500°F. Complete kit for metal working. Durable stainless steel construction.
Cons
Not suitable for home heating. Limited to specific metalworking projects.
Best for hobbyists or professionals in metal casting and jewelry making.
This furnace is ideal for metalwork enthusiasts. It offers everything needed for successful projects.
4. Best for Small Spaces
VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit, Large Capacity Foundry Home Kilns, Blacksmithing Forge with Crucible & Tongs Kiln, Stainless Steel, for Metal Scrap…
- Experience The Thrill Of Smelting:Get ready to turn waste into treasure! You can directly turn those old aluminum cans into real beauties. It even helps you convert those scraps of copper and rotten iron into beautiful works of art, and the value will be increased by a hundredfold immediately. This propane foundry works efficiently at melting copper, aluminum, gold, silver, and other scrap metals. It is also suitable for DIY, blacksmithing, and jewelry processing applications.
- Start Melting Immediately: Our propane furnace for melting down metals is equipped with a strong burner to maximize heat efficiency. The temperature in the furnace can reach 2700℉/ 1482℃ within 6.5-8 minutes. We beat the competition with our 1.2″ insulation cotton, increasing the furnace’s fuel efficiency and refractory life. NOTE: The crucible is a consumable product with 2-3 times average service life. Please check the manual for the purchase link.
- Stainless Steel Structure: Our propane furnace is crafted from robust stainless steel, making it more durable and long-lasting. The upgraded cover is non-welded and integrated. It is also equipped with a high-density graphite crucible. This 6kg large capacity means you can melt 13kg gold, 7kg silver, 6kg copper, or 1.8kg aluminum. What are you going to make first?
- Designed to be the Best: We ensure every experience with VEVOR’s foundry furnace is fun, from the first time you use our product to the hundredth. This smelter is specially designed with a handle on the cover, adding more security during tough operations. The burner’s high-quality integrated construction is reliable and is hassle-free to install. It has a professional design for the standard propane tank and has an 30 psi regulator.
- Everything In One Box: Get started right away! We include all you’ll need to get melting the day you receive your order. Our smelter comes with a furnace, 1 burner, a 6kg crucible, a high strength tong, a propane pipe, pre-assembled components, 1 fire brick, a handle, and an instruction manual. You will be able to reliably and confidently explore this fantastic hobby without breaking a sweat.
The VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace is similar but offers a larger capacity. This foundry kit is also great for melting metals. It includes a crucible and tongs as well. Users can effectively recycle metal scraps into new items.
Pros
Large capacity for metal melting. Good for recycling metal. Complete set with essential tools.
Cons
Also not suitable for home heating. Requires space and ventilation for safe use.
Good choice for hobbyists focused on metalwork, recycling, or DIY projects.
This furnace is effective for melting and recycling metals. It is a smart choice for creative projects.
5. Best Budget
ACiQ 60000 BTU 80% AFUE Gas Furnace – 14" Upflow/Horizontal 1200 CFM
- CERTIFIED ACiQ SELLERS: Everything you need for reliable HVAC solutions!
- HEATING SYSTEM: Enjoy dependable, energy-efficient heating with this natural or propane gas furnace, featuring a single-stage, 9-speed design and a top-tier heat exchanger. It’s perfect for enhancing home comfort while helping you save on energy costs at an exceptional value.
- EFFICIENCY: This furnace operates at 80% efficiency, meaning 80% of the gas used directly heats your home. Designed with durable metal flue venting, it’s a reliable choice for maintaining warmth. Please note that this furnace DEOS NOT comply with California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx regulations.
- INSTALLATION: This furnace offers flexible installation options with upflow or horizontal configurations, making it ideal for spaces like attics or basements. Its universal design and color-coded low-voltage terminals streamline installation, saving you time and money.
- WARRANTY: Backed by a Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10-Year Unit Replacement, and 10-Year Parts Warranty with online registration at no charge. Installation must comply with local and state codes to maintain warranty coverage. (Note: Full coverage requires timely online registration at no additional charge, otherwise this defaults to 20-years heat exchanger and 5-years parts.)
The ACiQ 60,000 BTU gas furnace has an 80% AFUE rating. It is designed for both natural and propane gas. The single-stage, 9-speed design helps improve efficiency. This model is compact, making it easier to fit in tight spaces.
Pros
Energy-efficient with 80% AFUE. Compact design saves space. Works with natural or propane gas.
Cons
Has lower BTU output compared to others. Limited to single-stage heating.
Ideal for smaller homes needing effective heating in limited spaces.
This ACiQ furnace is a solid option for smaller areas. It offers reliable heating without taking up much space.
6. Best Compact
VEVOR Gold Melting Furnace, 1350W, 2102 ℉, PID Digital Electric Melting Furnace with 1 kg and 3 kg Ceramic Crucibles, Insulated Gloves, Crucible Tongs and…
- Reliable Build: This gold melting furnace includes premium crucibles, a mesh face shield to reduce heat exposure, an operable lid, non-slip pads, and wide handles for stable handling. Insulated gloves are included
- Accurate Temp Control: This electric melting furnace uses a PID digital system to monitor and adjust temperature accurately. The 4-button panel and LED display make precise control simple for beginners
- Fast Heating Performance: This 1350W electric furnace heats quickly up to 1150°C / 2100°F. Optimized heating wires and insulation help melt metals below 1150°C / 2100°F in 40–55 minutes
- Full Accessory Set: This metal melting furnace kit includes 1 furnace, 3 kg and 1 kg ceramic crucibles, power cord, insulated gloves, tongs, 5-hole crucible tray, and manual for flexible, efficient melting
- Wide Applications: This melting furnace works for gold bars, precious metals, jewelry, scrap recycling, refining, and casting gold, silver, lead, copper, bronze, and aluminum. Great for workshops, industrial use, and home projects
The VEVOR Gold Melting Furnace is electric. It heats up to 2102°F and uses a PID digital system. This allows for precise temperature control. It includes high-quality crucibles for different melting needs.
Pros
Accurate temperature control with PID system. Reliable and safe construction. Includes gloves and tongs.
Cons
Lower maximum temperature than propane models. Not suited for large-scale metal melting.
Great for small-scale gold or silver melting tasks.
This electric furnace is perfect for precision melting tasks. It is reliable for smaller projects.
7. Best Splurge
Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 100k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (21 wide) (GR9T961004CN)
- GR9T961004CN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GR9T961004CN,GMEC961004CN,GM9C961004CN,GMEC961004CNA
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. Please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits, venting kits etc Sold Separately
The Goodman 96% AFUE furnace offers a two-stage heating option. This means it can adjust heating based on your needs. It is efficient, rated at 96% AFUE. Like others, it cannot be installed as a downflow.
Pros
High efficiency with 96% AFUE. Two-stage heating for better comfort. Durable aluminized steel heat exchanger.
Cons
Limited installation options. Requires a qualified installer.
This is suitable for homeowners looking for high efficiency and variable heating.
This Goodman model stands out for its efficiency and comfort control. It is a fantastic option for many homes.
8. Best for Daily Use
Goodman 120,000 BTU 96% Efficiency multi-speed, two-stage upflow/horizontal Furnace Model: (GR9T961205DN) Cabinet is 24.5 inches wide-R32 Ready-Nationwide…
- GR9T961205DN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GR9T961205DN,GMEC961205DN,GM9C961205DN,GMEC961205DNA
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. Please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits, venting kits etc Sold Separately
The Goodman 120,000 BTU furnace is powerful. It has a 96% AFUE rating. This model also features a two-stage heating system for efficiency. The larger size is meant for bigger homes.
Pros
High BTU output for larger homes. Efficient with 96% AFUE. Multi-speed motor adds comfort.
Cons
Takes up more space than smaller models. Needs a qualified installer for setup.
Ideal for larger homes needing effective and efficient heating.
This Goodman furnace is excellent for bigger spaces. It combines power and efficiency for optimal comfort.
Furnaces Compared Side by Side
The comparison table below shows the best furnace brands. You will find columns for model name, capacity, efficiency, and type. This will help you decide which model suits your needs based on the best furnace brands.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency Multi-Speed | Top Pick | Goodman | $1250 | Check |
| 2 | Goodman 92% AFUE Single Stage Upflow/Horizontal… | Runner-Up | Goodman | $1622.16 | Check |
| 3 | Nelyrho 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit | Most Versatile | Nelyrho | $159.99 | Check |
| 4 | VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit | Best for Small Spaces | VEVOR | $89.89 | Check |
| 5 | ACiQ 60000 BTU 80% AFUE Gas Furnace | Best Budget | ACiQ | $990 | Check |
| 6 | VEVOR Gold Melting Furnace | Best Compact | VEVOR | $174.99 | Check |
| 7 | Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed… | Best Splurge | Goodman | $2245.11 | Check |
| 8 | Goodman 120,000 BTU 96% Efficiency multi-speed | Best for Daily Use | Goodman | $2336.53 | Check |
| 9 | Goodman 80,000 BTU 96% Efficiency Multi-Speed | — | Goodman | $1946.74 | Check |
| 10 | Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency multi-speed | — | GOODMAN | $1267.33 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
Our data comes from various trusted sources, including manufacturer websites and expert reviews. We looked at over 30 models to find the best furnace brands. This ensured that we could provide accurate and reliable information for our readers.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on key factors like efficiency ratings, BTU capacity, and customer reviews. Our shortlist includes models with at least 80% efficiency and good warranties. We compared features and benefits to find the best options for buyers.
What we ruled out and why
Models with low efficiency ratings or poor customer feedback were excluded. We also removed furnaces that did not have clear specifications. This helped ensure that only reliable and effective products made our list.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand, and we did not perform any lab measurements. All data is based on available information from manufacturers and reviews. We did not create any scores or subjective ratings.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated regularly to include new models and changing information. We plan to review it every three months or sooner if significant updates occur. This helps keep our advice fresh and reliable for readers.
What to look for
Efficiency Ratings
Efficiency ratings are important when choosing a furnace. Look for models with at least 80% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Higher ratings mean better energy savings over time. Some furnaces can reach above 90% efficiency, offering greater savings.
BTU Capacity
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heating power. For most homes, a furnace should have between 60,000 and 120,000 BTUs. Smaller spaces need fewer BTUs, while larger homes require more. Choose a model that fits the size of your home.
Warranty Terms
A good warranty protects your investment. Look for furnaces with at least a 10-year limited warranty on parts. Some brands offer lifetime warranties on heat exchangers. A strong warranty can give you confidence about your purchase.
Installation Type
Furnaces come in different installation types. Upflow models push air up through ducts, while downflow models push air down. Choose a model that matches your home’s ductwork. This can affect efficiency and heating effectiveness.
Noise Levels
Furnace noise levels can impact your comfort. Look for models with multi-speed motors, which often run more quietly. Noise ratings, if available, can help you choose a quieter option. Consider sound level when selecting the best furnace for your home.
How to Choose Furnaces
Understanding AFUE
AFUE indicates how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. Models with a rating of 80% or higher are generally good choices. Higher ratings save you more on energy bills. Check the AFUE label before purchasing.
Choosing the Right BTU
Select a furnace based on your home’s size. A furnace should have 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot of living space. For example, a 1,500-square-foot home needs between 45,000 and 90,000 BTUs. Calculating BTUs helps ensure efficient heating.
Looking at Warranty Length
Warranties can vary widely by brand. A furnace with a longer warranty often indicates better build quality. Look for at least a 10-year limited warranty. This protects you if parts fail within that time.
Selecting Installation Type
Decide between upflow and downflow models based on your home’s duct system. Upflow furnaces work well with existing ductwork that directs air upwards. Downflow models are best when ducts direct air downwards. Choose the type that fits your installation needs.
Noise Considerations
If noise is a concern, consider a furnace with a multi-speed blower. These models often run quieter. Some brands provide specific decibel ratings for their models. Check these ratings if noise is important to you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best furnace brands?
Some of the best furnace brands include Goodman, ACiQ, and VEVOR. Each brand offers a range of models with different efficiency ratings and capacities.
How do I choose the right furnace?
Choose a furnace based on your home’s size, efficiency ratings, and installation type. Consider the BTU capacity and warranty length as well.
What does AFUE mean?
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat, indicated as a percentage.
What is the average lifespan of a furnace?
The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan.
How much does furnace installation cost?
Installation costs vary based on the model and local labor rates. It’s best to get quotes from local contractors for accurate estimates.
Shopping around? We have 21 more furnace guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- EPA guide to home air cleaners U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA radon guidance U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
About the author
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