Our Record# 2387
Review of HearthStone --- Homestead -- Freestanding Stove burning Wood only
Installation Type: Wood/Coal - into existing Fireplace
Date Reviewed: May 9th, 2008

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

Satisfaction with unit=1-very satisfied
Satisfaction with dealer=1-very satisfied
Satisfaction with manufacturer=1-very satisfied

Other Information about the Home and Stove

Room Size (Square feet): 576 | House Size: 2400
Bought in 2007 , Price Paid: $$2249.00
Location : Bridport , VT , Addison - Email of Reviewer: tgmaxwell@madriver.com
Purchased from: Fireplace Retail Store - Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop


Likes: Attractive appearance, excellent view of fire, fuel efficiency, quality of soapstone heat


Dislikes: Occasional puffing when opening door. Ash pan not really practical.


Comments: After paying a lot for oil in the winter of 2006-07, we decided to get a wood stove. We knew we wanted soapstone and decided on the Homestead since it's designed to fit well with an existing fireplace. For us, it's been a good decision. Thanks to the glass door, we get the same effect as we did with our fireplace, plus cheaper, better quality heat. In fact, my wife, who was skeptical about giving up the fireplace, says it's the best money we've ever spent. The stove is located in the center of our well-insulated house. It does a great job of heating the core of our home and takes the chill off the air in the rooms at either end of the house. We load it up right before going to bed and it's still giving off heat in the morning. Usually, I can restart the fire by raking the coals and tossing in a few small pieces of kindling.
The only real downside is the puffing that sometimes occurs when opening the door to add wood to an existing fire. I've found the best way to eliminate--or, at least, minimize-- this is to open the air intake all the way to get the fire burning as hot as possible before opening the door. Hot fires also help to keep the glass clean, along with a little vinegar on a paper towel about once a week.
We had a good experience with the Chimney Sweep Shop. Initially, I was interested in a more expensive model and they convinced me the Homestead was the right one for our situation. Also, when we did our first test fire, I noticed some creosote build up between two of the stones. I called the shop and they said that sometimes a hairline crack can occur when the stove is being moved. They sent someone out the next day to reline the whole stove at no charge.

* Dates that reviews were submitted were not recorded prior to Nov. 2004