SL300 vs. DuraPLus chimney

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

artfink

Member
Feb 12, 2008
31
Pacific Northwest
I've considered all my options and it appears I will be going with the Qudrafire 7100FP. So, now the chimney.

Advantages and disavantages of the SL300 and DuraPlus triple walled? My understanding is with the SL300 I WOULD need the outside air cooling kit, and with the DuraPlus I would NOT need the cooling kit? Is one safer? Does one work better? Cost? I will have about 21-23ft.


Thanks
 
We always install the SL300 unless the customer specifically asks for the DuraPlus. You are correct, the duraplus does not need the chimney air kit. The duraplus is going to be a LOT more expensive. The SL300 is just a basic air cooled chimney system whereas the DuraPlus is a high performance insulation wrapped and air insulated chimney. The Duraplus is supposed to give you higher stack temps and thus a better draft. We never use it on 7100 units so I don't know if its any better or not.
 
Appreciate the feedback. I'm a little worried about an air cooled chimney only because most of the models require a cooling duct run that is less than a certain length. My run for the cooling duct will be about 23-25ft which makes me worry if it will do what it is supposed to do. So I may spend the extra money and get the DuraPlus.
 
You not only need the Chimney air which is 4" but you also need a 6" combustion air intake. With the Duraplus you only have to run the 6".

I don't think the Quad manuals state any max lengths for either run. We run them over 25ft occasionally and have not had any problems I am aware of.
 
I've already stated the facts, what more do you want?
 
Just seeing if there are other opinions. And I also want to make sure i'm having a safe unit installed. I'm not completely comfortable with the SL300 and thought I and my three kids might sleep better at night with a better chimney set-up
 
We have installed 100's of fireplaces with SL300 pipe. It is a perfectly safe UL tested chimney system.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.