Our Record# 2348
Review of HearthStone --- Homestead -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only
Installation Type: Wood/Coal - into existing Fireplace
Date Reviewed: March 1st, 2008

Satisfaction Ratings from 1 (best) to 5 (worst)

Satisfaction with unit=2-generally happy
Satisfaction with dealer=4-not really pleased
Satisfaction with manufacturer=0-no rating/experience

Other Information about the Home and Stove

Room Size (Square feet): 225 | House Size: 1650
Bought in 2007 , Price Paid: $2300
Location : Lowell , MA , USA - Email of Reviewer: clownfish99@excite.com
Purchased from: Fireplace Retail Store - Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop


Likes: Great Stove overall! When stove is full of dry wood, I get 6-7 hour burn times, not the max. 8 hours as advertised. Soapstone retains heat well after, however. Operates best if stovetop temperatures are 400-600 degrees.

Good looking stove. Optional surround cuts my clearance from combustible surfaces in half. Works well for my middle of the house, pre-existing brick chimney.


Dislikes: Ashpan design looks cool with a spining grate, but is functionally terrible. I keep the ashpan full and closed and use a small shovel to remove ash. This is acceptable.


Comments: Very happy with the even heat of soapstone. Perfect for 24/7 burning. I wake up with a stovetop temperature of 100-200 degrees. Usually good bed of coals. Would not recommend for the once and a while burn since it takes an hour to get to 300 degrees from a cold start.

Dealer in Littleton, MA was so-so. The company they hire to do the install was terrible. Installer says he was in business for 15 years, but then acts like a jerk and complains because of paperwork needed for a permit . . . like they've never worked from a permit before. A real hassle and a painful process. Would strongly discourage the use of that dealer.

Wish burn time was a bit longer, but still happy. Stove is great in my average insulated home when outside temp is 20 F +. Stove room is in mid 70s and rest of house is 64-70. When colder than 20 F, I supplement heat with natural gas.

If you are new to wood burning or new to soapstone, expect a month before you are doing well. Invest in insulation if house is not up to snuff. I did and it makes a signicant difference. Use wood that is split AND stacked (for absolute minimum 6 months )AND not wet from rain/snow. These 2 things make the biggest difference.

Would rate stove 8.5-9.0 out of 10.
* Dates that reviews were submitted were not recorded prior to Nov. 2004