Help me choose a Stove!

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PE stoves are non-cat. They don't make a cat model.

I see that now... back on list. CAT is ok if Hybrid, just as long as it's not a slow burn type CAT like the BK. I want fire most of the time!

Updated list:
- Woodstock Progress Hybrid (great specs, too heavy 700#, ONLY side load)
- Vermont Castings Defiant (great specs, front & top loading, a bit pricey)
- Lopi Cape Cod (good specs, front loading, a bit heavy 600#)
- Enerzone Solution 3.4 (more simple modern looking, steel, blowers, 100k btu, short burn times)
- Qaudrafiew 5700 (similar to above, some neg feedback on cust service)
- PE Alderlea T6 (need to check out)
 
My first thread has gond 6 pages deep, 2k hits and going strong! Not a bad start! ;)
 
LOL!! Right from Vermont Castings manual: "Wood burning is an Art, not a science....." I LOVE it!!!!
Yes, we are all frustrated artists. :p


Yep, they are ALL the same!! Woman that is, not stoves! ::-)

So here is my updated list, with some pros/cons pointed out:

- Woodstock Progress Hybrid (great specs, too heavy 700#, ONLY side load)
- Vermont Castings Defiant (great specs, front & top loading, a bit pricey)
- Lopi Cape Cod (good specs, front loading, a bit heavy 600#)
- Enerzone Solution 3.4 (more simple modern looking, steel, blowers, 100k btu, short burn times)
- Qaudrafiew 5700 (similar to above, some neg feedback on cust service)


Come on guys, which one???? I need a stove!

Side loading is where it's at. . .or front loading if the stove is deep enough to load by sticking the wood in end-wise. See north-south vs. east-west loading. Woodstocks are not deep enough to load north-south, so they don't have front doors. Smart design choice. . .reduces front hearth requirement and gasket maintenance.
 
Here's a random comment on one of the stoves on your list:

That's good to hear that the smell will leave soon. This stove(Fireview) is a riot to run after having the Quad 5700. Tonight I reload the stove, it's at 250 degrees, let the flue gas get up to 350 degrees, close the bypass and set the draft to .75. I check back a half hour later and she's taking off,,,,,amazing! I'm learning already that the trick is to not burn the new charge of wood too much, just a little and then close her down. This stove is soooo easy to run, kind of set it and forget it. I can see this stove is going to be a lot nicer to run then my Quad 5700 was. No doubt!
 
Yeah, if money is no problem, then neither is a wood-fired oven.
If you throw down a big wad in front of us, you are going to get suggestions straight out of Willie Wonka's Stove Factory.
http://www.tulikivi.com

At one point, Woodstock was talking about an oven option for the top of the Progress. . .dunno the status of that.
That's interesting. They didn't tell me that. Spoke with Lorin about getting an oven to sit on top of my cooktop. They were (understandably) too busy last December when I got my stove, but Lorin said they could think about it during the off season....Did not hear from them, and, to be fair, didn't remind them...and now I am sure they are busy again. I'm wondering if their new stove is going to have an oven?
 
Yes, but staying warm with 3 chicks is harder to manage than 1 stove. ==c

Maybe... but certainly more fun.

I'm curious about the choice to eliminate all cat stoves. The OP seems to be under the impression that a cat stove must be burned low, and nothing can be further from the truth. The cat stove can burn at the same 650F stovetop temp as a non-cat, but can also be efficiently burned at 250F stovetop, something few non-cat's will ever do.

Simply put, for the detail-minded, a cat stove is better in almost every possible way. In the hands of a casual or careless user, a cat stove can be a constant source of frustration, but does anyone have any doubt that the OP is detail-minded? ;hm
 
Sounds like the Woodstock, Lopi, Defiant and Alderea don't fit with the decor of the room so you may want to focus on the ones that meet that criteria. You have a 1400 sf room with lots of windows, cathedral ceiling and subject to high winds; need to have modern looks exposed flame and function as a backup cooktop in emergencies. Due to the amount of glass and ceiling height you need to size the stove up, when your using the room you want a viewable flame.
I gotta say that if you lost the cooking requirement, the Blaze King would be the best option. On the coldest days you can run it hotter, on milder days dial it down, turn it up for an hour or 2 to get the flame effect then back it down; the best thing is you can load it up for a long burn and not have to run it so hot that it overpowers the sitting area.
I would consider this route and get maybe 3 tanks for your outside gas grill to fill during winter or hurricane season; the Ultra option is more modern looking so the other half will be happier and it is around 400lbs lighter than the Woodstock.
 
Yes, I'm not sure how the Alderlea even got in this discussion. I was thinking a PE Spectrum or Fusion.
 
Maybe... but certainly more fun.

I'm curious about the choice to eliminate all cat stoves. The OP seems to be under the impression that a cat stove must be burned low, and nothing can be further from the truth. The cat stove can burn at the same 650F stovetop temp as a non-cat, but can also be efficiently burned at 250F stovetop, something few non-cat's will ever do.

Simply put, for the detail-minded, a cat stove is better in almost every possible way. In the hands of a casual or careless user, a cat stove can be a constant source of frustration, but does anyone have any doubt that the OP is detail-minded? ;hm

I have not eliminated Cat stoves. I eliminated the long burn only units.
 
Even the long burn cat stoves can be turned up some to watch a nice fire.
I get great light shows at times.
Burning some 2 year black locust tonight.
Had the air set so I had really cool blue flames dancing off the wood and cat!
Maybe about a third load right now and since I'm going to bed soon the air is all the way down now.
Just some glow in the bottom and the cat is bright red...560 stove top near the cat...ir.
There will still be some wood left in the morning.
 
Here's a vid I did awhile back..kinda crappy but hey..lol.

 
Here's a vid I did awhile back..kinda crappy but hey..

I saw that video, YouTube... So how much heat is coming out of the unit when it is burning like that? I'm guessing that is not the lowest setting, but somewhere in the bottom 1/4?

But the real question is, if you run the bk hot, aka with a good strong fire for "display", is it ridiculously hot? Too hot where I would be opening windows....? And can you let it run like that all night?
 
I saw that video, YouTube... So how much heat is coming out of the unit when it is burning like that? I'm guessing that is not the lowest setting, but somewhere in the bottom 1/4?

But the real question is, if you run the bk hot, aka with a good strong fire for "display", is it ridiculously hot? Too hot where I would be opening windows....? And can you let it run like that all night?
Depends upon the weather, your home, and what you consider too hot. Home insulation plays a big part as to how a stove performs. Also, someone like me likes warmer temps than most. 80 inside during January is perfect for me. Others like 70, or cooler.

You can run it like that all night. I would gather the BK Princess would still provide you with a 12 hour burn based on the reports here.
 
Not how much heat is in the room, I understand different homes, different space, different outside temps... But the question was/is, what kind of heat is the bk stove throwing out at that burn rate? If your standing 5 or 10 feet in front of it, do you feel the blast of radiant heat from it....? Or would you just feel a bit of warmth....., or nothing at all....?
 
. . .if you run the bk hot, aka with a good strong fire for "display", is it ridiculously hot? Too hot where I would be opening windows....?
Any large stove with a full load of wood burning like that is going to give off a lot of heat. The beauty of a BK is at the other end of the spectum, burning low-med; if you have no intetest in that, there's no reason to pay the premium for a BK.

The need to open windows would depend on the size of the space, insulation, draftiness, wind, outdoor temp, etc. It's always possible to burn a smaller load of wood for less heat, and that's what many do during "shoulder season"(fall/spring).

A smaller stove would be ideal for burning smaller loads, but you would probably need to run your furnace some during the colder part of winter. If you are okay with this, and are more interested in burning "for display," then get a 2-cu-ft stove, such as the Enerzone Destination(aka Osburn Matrix) you like, or the PE Fusion BG mentioned, which is "modern" looking, as are the Scan and Morso Euro designs mentioned. I haven't seen any 3-cu-ft stoves with this kind of design.(Edit: I forgot the BK Chinook 30.)

http://enerzone-intl.com/product.aspx?CategoId=1&Id=580

http://www.dynamitebuys.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=13896

http://www.chimneysweeponline.com/pacfusion.htm

http://www.scanstoves.us/page/76

http://www.morsona.com/Classic-stoves-527.aspx



Since you mentioned top loading(VC) and seem to be keen on cooking, I'm going to add the ~2.5-cu-ft Jotul Rangeley with grill for cooking, despite the traditional styling. . .come to think of it, the ~3-cu-ft Quad Isle Royale also has these features. . .warning: the Isle Royale is known to really throw da radiant heat, and we have a member in Maine who could not turn the Rangeley down enough for his liking.

http://www.jotul.com/en-US/wwwjotulus/Main-menu/Products/Wood/Wood-stoves/Jotul-F-50-TL/
 
. . .But the real question is, if you run the bk hot, aka with a good strong fire for "display", is it ridiculously hot? Too hot where I would be opening windows....?

Not how much heat is in the room, I understand different homes, different space, different outside temps... But the question was/is, what kind of heat is the bk stove throwing out at that burn rate? If your standing 5 or 10 feet in front of it, do you feel the blast of radiant heat from it....? Or would you just feel a bit of warmth....., or nothing at all....?

Well, you did ask about opening windows, which implies room temp as the issue. . .

As far as throwing radiant heat 5 ft in front of the stove when burning at a high rate, I'm going to say that pretty much any stove will do this. Even a stove with a convective jacket around the sides will throw a lot of radiant heat through the front glass.
 
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I have not eliminated Cat stoves. I eliminated the long burn only units.

Are there any cat stoves that cannot be cranked up like a non-cat? I only know my model, and (when i have good wood... another story) I can run it at will at any temp from 250 - 900(?). I've personally never let it run beyond 650, but the point is a cat stove can run hot just like a non-cat... But it can also burn low on a full load. No playing games with load size to keep temps down, the way you would do with a non-cat.

I have no experience with VC, Woodstock, or BK, but I hear BK can do the same.
 
It sure sounds like the OP is not particularly interested in burning a long, slow, black-glass inducing, smoldering fire for days on end. This takes the main advantage of the BK away. Yes, you can turn up the BK for a fire show. But, that is not what they excel at. Also, since this is a supplemental/emergency heat situation and cooking is a priority, I really don't think a BK is the best solution. There is a pretty hefty cost premium for the ability to burn super low, especially on the east coast. If you're not interested in using that ability, I'm not sure that cost premium is warranted. Great stoves, but not always the best option.

The side loading door on the Progress is great. I much prefer the setup as it seems to keep mess to a minimum. It can be a little tough to squeeze that last split in there, but that's not a huge deal. Yes, you can get in there to clean the glass. I did it a couple times last year. It is a bit of a trick to clean behind the andirons, but again not a huge deal. This year, with better (read dryer) wood I have not had to touch the glass and it is still crystal clear. It got a little brown during fall burning, which was probably due to the moisture the stone had accumulated over the summer. The brown burned away on it's on.

Speaking of wood, I don't remember if that has been discussed in this thread. If you are installing a stove this year, you should already have a couple cords of wood that has been split and stack for a year or so. Especially if you're getting a cat stove.

Another thought is that you seem anxious to get a stove installed. You may want to call Woodstock and ask about the availability of the Progress even if you haven't made your decision yet. Last I heard they were pretty backed-up with orders. This could potentially eliminate the Progress from your list if you're set on burning soon.
 
Speaking of wood, I don't remember if that has been discussed in this thread. If you are installing a stove this year, you should already have a couple cords of wood that has been split and stack for a year or so. Especially if you're getting a cat stove.

Another thought is that you seem anxious to get a stove installed. You may want to call Woodstock and ask about the availability of the Progress even if you haven't made your decision yet. Last I heard they were pretty backed-up with orders. This could potentially eliminate the Progress from your list if you're set on burning soon.

Got a couple cords of 5 year seasoned wood, 4 or 5 cords of 1 year old wood thanks to "Irene", and about 3 or 4 cords and growing of new wood from our "friend" Sandy! Think I'm good for a while. ;)

Thanks for the tip on Woodstock, I sent them an email 2 days ago asking for a quote and recommended installer in my area, I have not herd back from them. Maybe that's why.....?
 
It sure sounds like the OP is not particularly interested in burning a long, slow, black-glass inducing, smoldering fire for days on end. This takes the main advantage of the BK away. Yes, you can turn up the BK for a fire show. But, that is not what they excel at. Also, since this is a supplemental/emergency heat situation and cooking is a priority, I really don't think a BK is the best solution. There is a pretty hefty cost premium for the ability to burn super low, especially on the east coast. If you're not interested in using that ability, I'm not sure that cost premium is warranted. Great stoves, but not always the best option.
.

Exactly. That's what I've been trying to say without having the right words to say it. ;). If I had more of a heating agenda in mind, I would strongly consider the BK, I love those long burn times I've read about. But that is not what I'm looking to do.

It's surprising to me nobody makes a 3+ firebox on a contemporary stove like the Destination. If somebody made a Enrerzone Destination type stove with a 3.0 firebox in a Hybrid, they would sell lots of them. I'd order one right now!
 
It's surprising to me nobody makes a 3+ firebox on a contemporary stove like the Destination. If somebody made a Enrerzone Destination type stove with a 3.0 firebox in a Hybrid, they would sell lots of them. I'd order one right now!
Not according to many dealers. It seems like the people on this forum represent a very small aspect of the market. The majority of the stoves sold, apparently, are in the 2 cu ft range. The market for stove at or above 3 cu ft seems to shrink quite a bit.

I've spoken to a lot of dealers and they have all mentioned the same two things to me; the vast majority of stove buyers are awful when it comes to running and maintaining cat stoves and that 3 cu ft and larger stoves are not big sellers.
 
Not according to many dealers. It seems like the people on this forum represent a very small aspect of the market. The majority of the stoves sold, apparently, are in the 2 cu ft range. The market for stove at or above 3 cu ft seems to shrink quite a bit.

I've spoken to a lot of dealers and they have all mentioned the same two things to me; the vast majority of stove buyers are awful when it comes to running and maintaining cat stoves and that 3 cu ft and larger stoves are not big sellers.

And that's probably why there aren't more cat makers. As I understand it, some companies used to make cat stoves but have discontinued those lines because too many people didn't use them properly which led to problems. Now, companies seem to be either all cat or all non-cat.
 
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