4 + cu ft fb insert... Cat or non?

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tjcole50

Minister of Fire
Oct 5, 2013
509
Ohio
Simple on a stove with 4+ cu ft firebox would you go cat or no? Stove will be primary heat source and will run hard all winter. Keep it simple and feed the non cat or take extra care and go cat for longer burns? The woman of the house wants simple less parts operation which does sound nice but so do burn times. Models interested in are buck 91 and 94nc
 
While you are looking might as well compare the Kuma Sequoia and the Regency 5100. Or get a Blaze King King and she will not have to touch the stove as long as you are around to load it once a day.
 
Gotta be an insert sorry I would love the king... Firebox on buck is larger than sequoia which is why I am focused on bucks . One thing I can say is I did not like the size of the buck 91 opening. Vertically it is not to tall and there is plenty of vertical room in the firebox to stack higher than the door opening . Also that was the first time I got to see an as pan. Was just a wide open door seemed like it wouldn't work that great. Seemed like a screen is needed to just catch fine ash and not ur large coals?
 
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Added insert to the title. That does change the equation a bit.
 
Measure the usable firebox yourself. It has been awhile since I was around a Buck but I never got the same cu. footage the had listed. They are not the only one.
 
Well, I would go cat and the only insert I know of that size is the Country Flame BBF and I don't think they make it anymore.
 
Think it would be safe to cut an opening to be larger vertically ? I like the others mentioned and the osburn 2400 for price reasons but the box on bucks are pulling me in
 
Are you saying the opening of your fireplace isn't big enough? Does the Kuma fit?
 
Are you saying the opening of your fireplace isn't big enough? Does the Kuma fit?
No the stoves door opening. The buck 91 I didn't like the height of its opening . Think my fireplace is large enough for any insert. Is there any way to have an insert stick out any further? Would like any insert I get to protrude as far as possible out
 
Lets see a pic of the fireplace....
 
Will your chimney fit an 8" liner?

I think I would take a measuring tape when shopping. If I remember correctly, the shape of the Buck fire box doesn't make it easy to utilize all the space in it.

I also wouldn't be that hung up on the cat thing. It doesn't necessarily equal long burns. I don't think other cat stove manufacturers have their stuff together like Blaze King and Woodstock do. There are plenty of non-cat inserts that will get you thru 10 hours, plus some.
 
Yea I should probably slow down and relax haha .... But I'm one if those one track mind 1 million mph types. All people asking about measurements the I can't get sizes and great pics for u due to my current stove running 24/7 but I assure the large inserts do fit with room to spare and 13x13 clay flue is what I have. I would hope 8" liner would fit down her. I know I will have to cut a section of previous damper but I'm fine with that. Biggest concern is btu and burn times but like I said the woman wants less complication. More stoke feed n go process and if I can get that with a non cat atleast 8 hr burns I'm happy! I was just under the impression that cats had longer burns. I know blaze king has their stuff together a lot of praise on the forums. I just wish they had a larger box. Trying to push heat in my open floor cathedral ceilings I think requires some serious output and if I am going to spend the cheddar I want it done once and for life! I imagine many can sympathize when u went through your new purchases and appreciate everyone's input keep it coming! A lot better to hear from all of u as opposed to sales reps
 
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Also do manuf sway their firebox numbers for marketing? I loved being able to see the buck 91/94 in person and dealer support around here seems great. But if a 3.x cu ft box is damn near the same as 91 I would gladly save $ and lean towards the osburn 2400 for example. Main goal is to eliminate all propane useage and figure having a stove in the middle of my house to be a perfect setup to do so
 
No the stoves door opening. The buck 91 I didn't like the height of its opening . Think my fireplace is large enough for any insert. Is there any way to have an insert stick out any further? Would like any insert I get to protrude as far as possible out

I wouldn't do that. You stand a good chance of screwing up the air wash for the glass.
 
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