Measurements of WETT wall clearance? Measured from stove backwall or from stove accessories/panels mounted on its back?

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.

Gmarcil

New Member
Feb 4, 2026
9
Ottawa, Canada
I will be installing a Pionner Princess cookstove which has a hot water reservoir mounted on the back.

I would like to know if WETT specifications provide guidelines as to what constitue a valid end point to measure the back wall heat clearance?
Is it from :
- the combustible wall to the stove back wall (where firebox is located)?
or
- the combustible wall to the stove back hardware and accessories?

The UL certification plate on this stove (shown in the picture below) stipulates the following:
- A Unit to backwall = 25 inches
- Backwall to chimney connector = 20 inches

As noted, there are no specifications about the case of an optional mounted water reservoir. This unfortunately leaves room to interpretations!

Therefore should the clearance measurements be from:

- the combustible wall to the back stove cooktop plate extension? (see attached pictures)
or
- the combustible wall to the hot water reservoir outer wall?


This cookstove has a reservoir mounted on the back which is heated by a cooktop plate extension of about 3 inches as shown in the attached pictures.
You can also see a detailed video here: Hot water back reservoir

Two different WETT installers/inspectors came by for a consultation. Their recommendations about the installation was different due to their interpretation of wall - to - stove distance !?

So my question is: What is measurement end point at the stove?
 

Attachments

  • [Hearth.com] Measurements of WETT wall clearance?  Measured from stove backwall or from stove accessories/panels  mounted on its back?
    WETT plate.webp
    350.6 KB · Views: 7
  • Rear view of cookstop extension.pdf
    Rear view of cookstop extension.pdf
    376.8 KB · Views: 8
Last edited: