Help Choosing Insert: Clydesdale or HI300

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Feb 22, 2012
17
SE PA
Hello - I'm new to the forum and to stoves in general. Just moved into a new house and looking for ways to offset the massive oil bill. We have two fireplaces in the house, so it seems like a good opportunity to add an insert. The house is about 2000 sqft and was built in the late 70s. Two stories with unfinished basement. Fireplaces are located in the living room and dining room, with chimneys running right up the middle of the house. I'm leaning toward a wood insert over pellet. As nice as the Harman Accentra is, I feel like I'm watching a blowtorch.

So I think we've narrowed the choices to two inserts: the Clydesdale and the Hampton HI300. Having a hard time choosing between the two. I like the appearance of both, and both seem to have good reviews here. The HI300 is coming in about $450 cheaper than the Clydesdale ($4250 vs $4700 installed).

I guess my questions are:
1. Am I getting decent prices
2. How do you think the units compare?
3. Will these units cut my oil bill enough to show some return on my investment?

Thanks for your input.
Mike
 
I like the looks of BOTH, especially in the Brown Enamel finish.
All things considered tho, I'd go with the Hampton as it'll give
you more bang for your buck (Read: More Heat/Less $$$)...
The one thing I like on the Clydesdale is the reversible door,
but if your wood storage is to the left of the fireplace, either one
is gonna work for you...
 
18PiecesofFlair said:
3. Will these units cut my oil bill enough to show some return on my investment?
Mike

Couple things to think about, do you have the equipment to process wood on your own or are you going to buy wood split and delivered to your house? Do you have access to free wood? If buying processed wood your ROI is going to take longer. Do you have room to store at least 4 cords of wood in your yard?

The stove is just part of the equation.
 
Clydesdale is the best looking insert made IMO. E/W loading only which sucks. I not sure about the blower.

I300 is N/S or E/W loading. Blower is 2 speed which sucks and costs extra.

Both are good looking. Tough choice. Do you have an Enviro dealer in your area? Call and price out the Boston 1700 insert. It usually comes in a good bit cheaper in my area. Looks very similar to the Hampton. Variable speed blower that is included in the price. The burn tubes are also a bit beefier in the Enviro.

These are all top of the line products and you will be thrilled with any of them. Buy the one your wife likes the best. And yes, if you have plenty of dry fuel, they should make a pretty good dent in your energy costs.
 
Thanks for the replies. I do have room to store the wood, but I don't anticipate having consistent access to free wood. I expect to scrounge a little here and there (I do woodworking as well, so I'm on the lookout for pieces I can turn). For the most part, I'll by split wood and store it in the yard.

I really like the brown finish on both units, but when I saw the cost I thought I could live with the black!

I looked at the Boston but the price came in around $4900. Another local dealer had a floor model Enviro Empress pellet stove at around $3900 installed. Maybe I should go that way? I'm just not sure I like the look of the pellet fire.
 
Man, that's pretty high for the Boston. I personally don't care for pellet stoves, but that's just me.

If your buying wood, then buy 2 years worth now. Plan on burning more your first year.
 
I can speak to the HI300. The installed price seems about right--not as attractive without the 30% tax credit, though. How much oil you can save will depend on how well insulated your house is and your burning style, as well as the temperature range you prefer. I work from home so can feed the stove throughout the day. I wish our house were better insulated, but I've managed to go from a 900 gallon winter fuel usage to 3-400. With this year's mild winter, I'm at less than 200 gallons so far and may not have to fill up until next fall.

I also buy my wood for the most part but with rising fuel costs, I still figure I can save ~1000 bucks a year. My stove paid for itself after 3 seasons.

Edit: Make that 1000 bucks a year!
 
As someone who sells both, I would choose the Hearthstone Clydesdale. Reasons:

1. Larger viewing area
2. Easier installation with the flue positioning
3. I have burned them both and the Clydesdale "feels" like it makes more heat.
4. Customer report longer burn time with the Clydesdale
5. Less chance of dinging up the brown enamel when assembling the Clydesdale

My only knock on the Hearthstone is the EW loading. But seeing how they were trying to shape the back side of the insert, I understand why. That stove will fit just about anywhere.

My 2 cents.
 
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