Tiny wood stoves?

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emt1581

Minister of Fire
Jul 6, 2010
523
PA
I have a fireplace down my basement that is pretty shallow.

It's also got 10"-12" hearth right out in front of it. I'd really like to be able to put a tiny wood stove there as opposed to a smaller insert.

Any ideas on really small wood stoves?

Thanks

-Emt1581
 
Need more info about the fireplace. What is the opening size, depth, etc.? Is there a mantel?
 
Need more info about the fireplace. What is the opening size, depth, etc.? Is there a mantel?

These are really rough numbers from me taking a yard stick down there after reading your post.

Depth is about 21"
Rear width is about 20" which graduates out at a 45 degree angle on both sides to around 30"
Height is about 27"

-Emt1581
 
The 27" height is the gating factor. Have you looked into a Woodstock Keystone?
 
Even that would be too tall.

I'm thinking maybe something with more of a lateral design.

I know I'll probably get....flamed....but sort of like the little vogelzangs. $150-ish to boot!

But something with that type of design.

Thanks!

-Emt1581
 
Even that would be too tall.

I'm thinking maybe something with more of a lateral design.

I know I'll probably get....flamed....but sort of like the little vogelzangs. $150-ish to boot!

But something with that type of design.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

If you want a box stove, look at the Jotul. They make a smaller one that is well made unlike Vogelzang. You will get what you pay for.

I have a medium / small stove and I would caution against anything smaller than 2.0 cubic feet. Not only will burn times suffer, but it's nice to have a larger firebox when putting in irregular pieces. Not all wood is neatly shaped splits. Also, I believe there are catalytic models that would allow you to control burn times and may slow the burn some. I know Blaze Kings offer that, but I have no experience with that.
 
Something else I wanted to throw in. This would ONLY be for if we have a party and need to heat the (finished) basement for the night or if we have a guest and they are sleeping down there. Other than that, this will NOT be a regular use stove.

This is why I'd like something slightly cheaper.

I'll check out the Jotuls. I just know it needs to be super small or of a different design than a standard stove.

Thanks

-Emt1581
 
Something else I wanted to throw in. This would ONLY be for if we have a party and need to heat the (finished) basement for the night or if we have a guest and they are sleeping down there. Other than that, this will NOT be a regular use stove.

This is why I'd like something slightly cheaper.

I'll check out the Jotuls. I just know it needs to be super small or of a different design than a standard stove.

Thanks

-Emt1581

This is not probably your first choice, but you could create a hearth in front of the fireplace and vent a rear vent stove into the fireplace and up the chimney. This would not be the cheapest install necessarily but it would give you more options in finding a stove perhaps 2nd hand which is nice. A Vogelzang will work, but others will caution against them. The quality may not be the greatest and any appliance burning wood is not something without risk. I would be a little leery of a stove that has questionable build quality.

You don't have to spend big money in the 2nd hand market to find something in good condition. I think there's alot of good options in the $800+ used market. Some of these stoves will sell for more than double new.
 
This is not probably your first choice, but you could create a hearth in front of the fireplace and vent a rear vent stove into the fireplace and up the chimney. This would not be the cheapest install necessarily but it would give you more options in finding a stove perhaps 2nd hand which is nice. A Vogelzang will work, but others will caution against them. The quality may not be the greatest and any appliance burning wood is not something without risk. I would be a little leery of a stove that has questionable build quality.

You don't have to spend big money in the 2nd hand market to find something in good condition. I think there's alot of good options in the $800+ used market. Some of these stoves will sell for more than double new.

At $150-ish and for the frequency of use we have for it....I'd experiment with the vogelzang. However, it doesn't have a window on the front. Sort of a deal breaker for me.

Instead, I am looking 2nd hand. $800 is high end. Plenty are lower than that. I think the dimensions are still going to be the issue though. And again I'm trying to avoid the inserts in case we lose power.

Thanks

-Emt1581
 
+1 on the 602. its a small great stove that has a rear or top outlet. I've got an old model without the glass opening. I've had it for over 20 years and even though i'm not using it right now, just can't bring myself to get rid of it. thought about putting it in the garage for when I'm out there puttering around this winter.

cass
 
Even that would be too tall.

I'm thinking maybe something with more of a lateral design.

I know I'll probably get....flamed....but sort of like the little vogelzangs. $150-ish to boot!

But something with that type of design.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

I'm thinking that the stove would sit just outside of the fireplace opening, not in it. The most important thing is the flue exit height.

If you want a box style stove, skip the Vogelzang and go directly to a Jotul 602. There is no comparison between the two.
 
The Jotul is too tall.
If you found something used, you could cut the legs off it if the bottom doesn't get hot...
 
I thought he had 27" height. The 602CB is 25.25" with the regular legs.

In used, for your budget there is also the Vermont Castings Aspen which is a bit lower at around 24".
 
I'm thinking that the stove would sit just outside of the fireplace opening, not in it. The most important thing is the flue exit height.

If you want a box style stove, skip the Vogelzang and go directly to a Jotul 602. There is no comparison between the two.
Flue center line on the F118 CB is 27". Are the older 602s shorter? Plus he needs a little lower than the lintel to get an upward slant on the exit pipe...
 
Yes, the 602 is shorter. With 1.5" clear he should be fine. He can go top exit or it can be connected rear exit if preferred.
 
Flue center line on the F118 CB is 27". Are the older 602s shorter? Plus he needs a little lower than the lintel to get an upward slant on the exit pipe...
Oops, I had the 118. ;em
 
Ya, the 118 is a much bigger stove. Here are the dimensions for the Jotul 602 and the VC Aspen.

Jotul 602CB Jotul 602CB.PNG VC Aspen VC Aspen.PNG
 
I checked out the 602.

There are two used on ebay....VERY nice!! And not expensive at all. $550 WITH a glass door!! That is perfect!! Only problem is it's 4-6hrs away from me.

But ok, at least I know there is an option with a glass front. How would this be installed? Would I need to insert a thimble/block/etc up into the chimney? It is a clay lined chimney. I'm just curious if I'd need to be able to get in there and move around or just put the collar on the stove and slide it into the pipe or something?

I really appreciate the info!

Are there any other stoves out there I might want to look at?

Thanks!

-Emt1581
 
Well, it should have a full liner, especially if this is an exterior chimney. How tall is the clay tile liner, what are it's inner dimensions and what condition is it in?
 
Here's one in action. This guy apparently never heard of SuperCedars.

With dry kindling the 602 is a very easy starting stove. The air is delivered right at the base of the fire. I've never used a super cedar in ours. They're saved for the big boy.
 
With dry kindling the 602 is a very easy starting stove. The air is delivered right at the base of the fire. I've never used a super cedar in ours. They're saved for the big boy.

That is a good looking little stove. I think it would be great for a basement or an outbuilding.
 
Well, it should have a full liner, especially if this is an exterior chimney. How tall is the clay tile liner, what are it's inner dimensions and what condition is it in?

Wait...am I thinking of gas...in regard to not needing a liner??

I know I heard it somewhere. LP would just be my last resort as it is not nearly as off the grid as wood is.

I've never heard of SuperCedars either...guess I'll have to look that one up.

Thanks

-Emt1581
 
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