This is a variation on a theme started by Corie in another thread, which got me to thinking. Now that most manufacturers have the EPA compliance act down, I'd like to see them focus more on user-friendliness and varied designs for different purposes. So, what would you like to see? I'll start.
As I've seen how most folks use their stoves over the years, I could categorize it into two types: the 24/7 burners, and the mornings/evenings/weekends (MEW) burners. Generally speaking, most stoves work best when burned contunuously, and I see the current crop of offerings as optimized for the 24/7 crowd. I'd like to see a stove designed for the MEW users, of which I am one.
For us, often times the name of the game is "How many BTUs can I get how quickly into the room." So the most important difference from a 24/7 stove would be how quickly the stove comes up to operating temperature. I imagine something similar to the more efficient cars of the future: lighter, with mass only where it is really needed; easy replacement of the lighter parts which will burn out in time; the ability to completely shut off the air supply, to maintain coals for the next startup; other easy-startup features, such as a separate front-of-fire air supply.
I think this is why I have always liked a smaller stove. With my old Jotul 602 (reluctantly sold a couple weeks ago... sob sob), I had significant heat coming out in a matter of minutes - the thing only weighed 120 lbs or so - and it was cranking at 800F within an hour. I could get more heat more quickly into the house with it than any other stove I've used (no, I never had one of those oildrum things!)
Your turn.
As I've seen how most folks use their stoves over the years, I could categorize it into two types: the 24/7 burners, and the mornings/evenings/weekends (MEW) burners. Generally speaking, most stoves work best when burned contunuously, and I see the current crop of offerings as optimized for the 24/7 crowd. I'd like to see a stove designed for the MEW users, of which I am one.
For us, often times the name of the game is "How many BTUs can I get how quickly into the room." So the most important difference from a 24/7 stove would be how quickly the stove comes up to operating temperature. I imagine something similar to the more efficient cars of the future: lighter, with mass only where it is really needed; easy replacement of the lighter parts which will burn out in time; the ability to completely shut off the air supply, to maintain coals for the next startup; other easy-startup features, such as a separate front-of-fire air supply.
I think this is why I have always liked a smaller stove. With my old Jotul 602 (reluctantly sold a couple weeks ago... sob sob), I had significant heat coming out in a matter of minutes - the thing only weighed 120 lbs or so - and it was cranking at 800F within an hour. I could get more heat more quickly into the house with it than any other stove I've used (no, I never had one of those oildrum things!)
Your turn.
I second what Michael Thomas said
