Andersen 3000 Series 32 in White Selfstoring Easy Install Storm Door

The 7 Best Storm Doors of 2022 to Defend Your Home

The Andersen 3000 Series Full Storm Door is our top pick

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Updated on 05/05/22

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A storm door adds a layer of protection from the elements during inclement weather and helps keep heat inside during the winter months and cooled air inside in the summer.

We researched dozens of storm doors, evaluating ease of installation, quality of materials, and versatility. Our best overall pick is the Andersen 3000 Series Full Storm Door, which comes preassembled and is incredibly sturdy thanks to a thick aluminum frame and thermally tempered safety glass.

Here are the best storm doors.

Size: Multiple sizes available | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass and interchangeable insect screen

What We Like

• Four size options

• Available in six colors

• Extremely durable

• Thermally tempered glass

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

• Handle not included

Who else recommends it? Family Handyman and Bob Vila also picked the Andersen 3000 Series Full Storm Door.

What do buyers say? 3,000+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

A solid storm door can protect your home during the most tumultuous weather. Our favorite and best overall is the Andersen 3000 series Full Aluminum Storm Door because it's easy to customize, highly durable, and has a lifetime warranty.

The window features thermally-tempered glass, which means this door will stand up to strong winds and damage more than standard glass. Aluminum reinforcements strengthen the joints in each corner of the 1.5-inch-thick door frame. It comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is install it (which shouldn't take more than an hour or two).

As far as customization, the door comes in six colors and four sizes, and the glass can be swapped out with insect screening when you want more ventilation in the summer. Though this model lacks a handle and is a right-handed design, a left-handed variety is available.

Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Half glass and half fixed insect screen

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Left or right orientation

• Built-in screen

• 10-year structural warranty

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

For households on a budget, we recommend the Emco 100 Series. This storm door has an aluminum frame, a heavy-duty steel closure, a partial-view window, an adjustable bottom glass panel, and a fixed screen. It can also be installed with either left or right orientation depending on your preferences. While this particular model only comes in one size, Emco offers other affordable storm doors with different dimensions.

 Courtesy of Home Depot

Size: 34 x 81 inches | Material: Solid wood core | Door Type: Half glass, half fixed screen

What We Like

• Built-in screen

• Easy to install

• Left or right orientation

• Durable handle

• Night lock

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

For those interested in a mid-view model, consider the Larson Bismarck. This storm door has a partial window on the top with a half screen for adjustable ventilation. Though it only comes in one size, this storm door features an adjustable expander to conform to uneven sills and tight fits. Plus, it can be installed with a left or right orientation.

We also appreciate that it has a durable push-button handle with a night lock feature."This will not only extend the lifespan of the door but also provide the ultimate safety and security for your family," Blashaw said.

Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass and retractable screen

What We Like

• Available in seven sizes

• Built-in deadbolt

• Left or right orientation

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

• Standard glass isn't very durable

Andersen's 2500 Series is a great full-view option. This storm door has a 1.25-inch-thick aluminum weather-stripped frame and a sizable window that comes in your choice of standard or high-performance Low-E glass. What's more, it has a retractable insect screen that rolls back up into the frame when you want a full view.

We also like that this door has a built-in deadbolt lock for added security. It's easy to install as well, and can be configured to a right or left-handed orientation. Like its other storm doors, Andersen backs this model with a limited lifetime warranty.

 Courtesy of Lowe's

Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass

What We Like

• Full-view window

• Cordless, adjustable blinds

• Energy-efficient

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Handle not included

When buying a full-view storm door, you might consider getting one with built-in blinds, like the Pella Venetian. You'll get a large insulated window, plus shades strategically placed between the glass for light filtration and privacy when you need it. The cordless design makes it easy to raise, lower, and tilt the blinds.

As for the actual door, it's got a durable aluminum frame with weather-stripped seals and overlapping edges for optimal energy efficiency. This model doesn't come with a handle, but if you buy one from Pella you can choose from five different finishes.

 Courtesy of Home Depot

Size: 32 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum, composite wood core | Door Type: Glass, retractable screen

What We Like

• Pet door

• Easy to install

• Left or right orientation

• 10-year structural warranty

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

• Doesn't accommodate larger dogs

Got a pooch at home? Your best bet is the Emco K900 Series. It features a partial-view window at the top and a 10.5 x 15-inch pet door on the bottom and can be installed with a right or left orientation. Needless to say, all household members were taken into consideration when this storm door was designed.

The door has a composite core and a weather-stripped aluminum outer shell, making it lightweight yet durable and insulating. It's also easy to install and comes with all the hardware you need.

Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass, retractable screen

What We Like

• Retractable screen

• High-performance glass

• Easy to install

What We Don't Like

• Handle not included

As its name suggests, the Pella Rolscreen features a retractable screen that you can pull down when you want to let in a breeze. For a full view through the window, give the screen a gentle tug, and watch it glide back up.

As for the window, it's made of high-performance glass that offers superior year-round insulation while preventing sunlight from fading your entryway furnishings. Not only that, but it's super easy to install, taking less than half the time as most other storm doors.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Andersen 3000 Series Aluminum Storm Door (view at ome Depot) because the door is offered in multiple sizes and colors, is made with thermally tempered glass, and has a lifetime warranty. For a budget-friendly option, consider the EMCO 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door (view at Home Depot). The door has a built-in screen, left or right orientation, and a 10-year warranty.

Hardware

Though it may seem like just a small part of the door, the hardware is a key consideration when it comes to choosing a storm door. After all, you'll want handles and hinges that can withstand everyday use. Be sure to confirm if the door includes the necessary hardware before purchasing—some units don't include handles, so you'll need to purchase it separately. Regardless, you'll want to be sure it's either Grade A or Commercial Grade as those will be the most durable.

Frame and Glass Strength

Since the purpose of a storm door is to offer protection from inclement weather, you'll certainly want one that's made with a durable frame and glass. Most doors are made of either solid wood and/or aluminum, two strong options that'll be able to withstand the elements. In terms of glass, consider thermally tempered options. They're stronger than traditional glass and should be able to resist any inclement weather.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, it all comes down to your preferences and lifestyle. If you have pets, there are options with dog doors built in. Additionally, some doors will have built-in blinds, retractable screens, and additional locks.

FAQ

• What is a storm door?

  A storm door is a door that is installed in front of a main exterior access door to help protect it from rain (but not floodwater) and snow, and to reduce drafts from blowing into the house. Some storm doors are equipped with a sliding glass panel to keep out the elements in cold weather, and a warm weather screen that can be slid into place to ventilate the house while keeping bugs out. While storm doors are meant to help increase the energy efficiency of your home, the U.S. Department of Energy points out that buying a newer, insulated front door might be more cost effective than adding a storm door, which may not pay for itself in terms of energy expenditures over time.
  

• How do you measure for a storm door?

  To measure the door frame, use a tape measure to calculate the height and width of the finished door opening. Be sure to follow the old adage to measure twice and cut once for best results.

• How do you install a storm door?

  For DIYers, installing a storm door is a fairly simple project that is nonetheless easier to accomplish with two people. First, remove and set aside screen or glass panels. Measure the door frame using a tape measure to calculate the height and width of the finished door opening. Using a hacksaw, cut the hinge plate (the long metal section from which the door will hang) so that it is as long as the vertical inside measurement of the door opening. Attach the hinge plate to the storm door with fasteners. Place the storm door in the door opening. Attach the hinge plate side of the storm door to the front of the door casing. Use a level to ensure that the door is vertical. Install the drip cap that goes above the storm door to prevent rain from leaking behind the storm door frame. Run a bead of caulk on the drip cap. Then, using a cordless drill, screw the drip cap into the front of the door casing. Screw the jamb on the other side into place, verify that the door opens and closes correctly, and adjust as necessary. Attach the door closers, handle, and strike plate, and re-install any screen or glass that you removed prior to installation.

Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home improvement, outdoor living, cleaning products, and commerce deals. You can check out more of her stories on Verywell Family, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. To make this list, she considered each pick's hardware, frame and glass strength, and any additional features.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. 7 Best Storm Doors. Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/best-storm-doors/

2. The Best Storm Doors of 2022. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-storm-doors/

3. Doors. U.S. Department of Energy

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Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-storm-doors-4800099

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