Can I get some help on deciding on OSBURN 2200 or VC Merrimack

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Bigniv1

New Member
Jan 2, 2012
5
NC
Hello all,

I have been reading tons of the posts and have read the good and bad about both stoves, the difference between cast iron and steel etc. Basically, Here is what I am looking at: I have a cape cod style home with high ceilings (20') in the living room and entry. The house is a pretty open floor plan. I have plenty of opening for either stove. The fireplace is on the wall in the center of the house (on 1st floor). I spend alot of time in the living room and have some concerns about the fan noise that comes up with the VC. As it never gets super cold here, it gets cold enough to kill me on power bills. I was going to pull the trigger yesterday on the Merrimack until the salesperson made some comments that made me rethink that for the moment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Since you are in North Carolina have you looked at Buck Stoves yet? They are located in Spruce Pine, NC, not sure where you are. They make quality stoves and if you have a good size fireplace the Model 91 would make a nice burner for the warm/cold weather we are having.

http://www.buckstove.com/


I know it is one more stove to look at but since they are possibly close to you I wouldn't rule them out.
 
I appreciate the input on the Buck stoves. I looked at it and it looks good, but the 91 appears to be a catalytic burner and from what I have read and local dealers have told me, it is best to stay away them. Is this not the case?
 
Wow, another dealer leading people away from cats to make a sale. Nothing wrong with catalytic stoves, a lot of people on here burn with catalytic stoves. I am sure some will step in and fill in more but I would seriously check out the 91 if you like to load the stove every 8-12 hours and get steady heat during that time.

What Square footage are you looking to heat?
 
Approximately 2500-2800- 2 story with high ceilings. Fireplace on the first floor in the center room. I have been reading forums and reviews for several weeks and have been to several dealers around here (Charlotte, NC) and I have gotten so many conflicting opinions. I have been given pros and cons across the board. I appreciate your help though. The forum seems to be where I am going to get pointed in the best direction. Any idea of the cost of the 91?
 
Do not purchase the Merrimack. I bought one last year and I have regretted it ever since. I have had a whole host of problems with it and with VC's customer service, which is probably the worst I have ever experienced. Send me a PM and I'll fill you in on all the negatives, or you can search some of the other threads I have posted in regarding the Merrimack.
 
Not sure about cost of the 91, I figure if you are close enough to the factory maybe you get buy direct and get a good deal.

Is your fireplace masonry? Make sure it is not a prefab (zero clearance) fireplace, you will have to get a special insert to go in that if it is.

Got some pictures and dimensions of your fireplace? Helps us to make sure your fireplace will have the clearance minimums met.
 
I can tell you that I own a 2300 (slightly bigger than a 2200) and it heats great. It is in my basement and heats the basement and upstairs easily. 1325 square feet per floor, bungalow that is well insulated.

What I enjoy the most about Osburn are the sizes of the doors: to my knowledge my 2300 has one of the largest windows in any EPA wood stoves.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions!

Andrew
 
Mellow,

Here are pictures of my masonry fireplace as well as the type of space (high ceilings) I am dealing with. Openings are 40"w x 31"h x 19" deep at top 22.5" deep at the bottem. I like the 2200 because of the bay window. I am considering the 2400 osburn due to a bigger box and possible longer burns, but it doesn't have the asthetic appeal as the 2200 with the bay door.. Have about ruled out the Merrimack. Suggestions?. Again, the room is 2400-2800sqft.
Thanks
 

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You need to check the clearances with that mantle being so close on the sides.

Osburn 2200 insert:

Minimum clearances to combustibles *
(Data expressed in inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm)

Combustible side wall to unit
17"
Combustible side mantle to unit
10"
Combustible top mantle to unit
14"
Combustible top shelf to unit
22"
Minimum floor protection in front of unit
16"USA / 18"CAN
Projection in the room minimum / maximum
10.5" / 10.5"
 
I am gonna remove that entire mantel and I am building one. So do you think the 2200 will do the trick?
 
I think the Buck 91 needs a 8" liner.

That could limit you in the future if you want to change out the stove as most need a 6"
 
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