Update and observations.
I went with the Hampton GCI60 insert (same as the M55) mainly because my dealer/installer said that the Harman didn't have enough BTU to heat my home.
My install was to replace a zero clearance fireplace, and both of these can be installed in this manner, but for those that don't want a building project go with the Harman because you can buy a prefabricated firebox for the install. I grew up doing all of the building trades, and didn't have any problems building the firebox enclosure, but the materials alone will cost close to if not as much as the prefab unit for the Harman, so the Harman install is more practical even if you count your own labor as free.
The Harman does have a quick disconnect for both the vent and the OAK, but the M55 doesn't have it for the OAK (even though the dealer claimed it did), so I have to disconnect the OAK for pull out cleaning, not a big deal, but I'm trying to give answers to the points and issues that were raised on this thread.
The answer to the noise question is simply that the Harman Accentra on high speed/heat produces quite a bit more noise than the M55, for I was able to find a dealer with a Harman running to heat the store, and I was shocked at the noise level difference.
Regarding the simplicity of operation that was brought up my observations are as follows: #1 I am new to pellet burning, so what I know I learned mostly from this forum (thanks to all, for you have been very generous with your time, and knowledge), yet I have been able to use the adjustments to burn different quality pellets. #2 different pellets need different adjustments with the M55, but I don't know if the Harman is self adjusting, or is able to be adjusted to compensate for fuel quality. #3 I have run the GCI60 on all three modes, with a T-stat and manual and all work fine.
As far as the glass wash, and cleaning I have found that the glass getting dirty seems to have more to do with the quality or content in the fuel than an inability for the stove to keep its glass clean through wash effect. The ash pan on the GCI60 is shallow, and doesn't hold too much ash so this needs to be attended to with some frequency. I have found 5 bags of shoulder pellets is about right for ash pan needing to be emptied, and the squealing noise from the agitator reported on these forums can be used as a warning to empty the ash pan, for once it is emptied the noise goes away. I haven't done a major break down cleaning but the normal one week cleanings are very simple, and there are videos on youtube that show this.
As far as the BTU difference between these two stoves?
As it turns out my home (8 years old, very good insulation and windows, 2100sq/ft 2 story with paddle fans in most rooms) has zero problems being heated by this unit so far. I know it is very early and the season has been mild, but at 20*F outside I can overheat the house on the #2 setting on manual with shoulder pellets.
In the end I believe that the Harman would have easily been able to heat my home also, but I am very happy with my purchase.
I would be happy to help answer any questions regarding the GCI60 or the install if needed, for those needing assistance.
Here is a link to my install information with pictures:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/84537/
Here is the unit after the install, and I still have to finish the mantel and odds and ends, but she is heating like a charm!
I went with the Hampton GCI60 insert (same as the M55) mainly because my dealer/installer said that the Harman didn't have enough BTU to heat my home.
My install was to replace a zero clearance fireplace, and both of these can be installed in this manner, but for those that don't want a building project go with the Harman because you can buy a prefabricated firebox for the install. I grew up doing all of the building trades, and didn't have any problems building the firebox enclosure, but the materials alone will cost close to if not as much as the prefab unit for the Harman, so the Harman install is more practical even if you count your own labor as free.
The Harman does have a quick disconnect for both the vent and the OAK, but the M55 doesn't have it for the OAK (even though the dealer claimed it did), so I have to disconnect the OAK for pull out cleaning, not a big deal, but I'm trying to give answers to the points and issues that were raised on this thread.
The answer to the noise question is simply that the Harman Accentra on high speed/heat produces quite a bit more noise than the M55, for I was able to find a dealer with a Harman running to heat the store, and I was shocked at the noise level difference.
Regarding the simplicity of operation that was brought up my observations are as follows: #1 I am new to pellet burning, so what I know I learned mostly from this forum (thanks to all, for you have been very generous with your time, and knowledge), yet I have been able to use the adjustments to burn different quality pellets. #2 different pellets need different adjustments with the M55, but I don't know if the Harman is self adjusting, or is able to be adjusted to compensate for fuel quality. #3 I have run the GCI60 on all three modes, with a T-stat and manual and all work fine.
As far as the glass wash, and cleaning I have found that the glass getting dirty seems to have more to do with the quality or content in the fuel than an inability for the stove to keep its glass clean through wash effect. The ash pan on the GCI60 is shallow, and doesn't hold too much ash so this needs to be attended to with some frequency. I have found 5 bags of shoulder pellets is about right for ash pan needing to be emptied, and the squealing noise from the agitator reported on these forums can be used as a warning to empty the ash pan, for once it is emptied the noise goes away. I haven't done a major break down cleaning but the normal one week cleanings are very simple, and there are videos on youtube that show this.
As far as the BTU difference between these two stoves?
As it turns out my home (8 years old, very good insulation and windows, 2100sq/ft 2 story with paddle fans in most rooms) has zero problems being heated by this unit so far. I know it is very early and the season has been mild, but at 20*F outside I can overheat the house on the #2 setting on manual with shoulder pellets.
In the end I believe that the Harman would have easily been able to heat my home also, but I am very happy with my purchase.
I would be happy to help answer any questions regarding the GCI60 or the install if needed, for those needing assistance.
Here is a link to my install information with pictures:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/84537/
Here is the unit after the install, and I still have to finish the mantel and odds and ends, but she is heating like a charm!
