Going to be heating the downstairs, which is ~1400sqft. I can get a one year used Empress for $1650 (private sale, non-transferable warranty) or new Harman P43 for $2499 + tax. I kinda had my mind made up on the Harman, as it's claimed BTU is a bit higher than the Empress, but for the price of the Empress, there is a huge cost savings. I wanted to hook up either stove with a programmable thermostat, but the Harman already has it's own, although it is not programmable in being able to turn on/off based on the time. What do you folks think I should do? Thanks.
Can't decide: Enviro Empress or Harman P43
- Thread starter jzinckgra
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My in-laws have an empress new this year. It runs real quiet and I like the slots in the bottom where the ash falls down into the ash pan; Only clean it out once a week or so. It puts out real good heat also. I'd actually trade-in my noisy Leyden for a new one!
I have the P43 and love it....but that seems like a good deal on the enviro. hard to pass it up, all depends how ya feel about the warranty part
From all the problems I've seen on this forum with Harman's, and their questionable "warranty" service, I'd take a chance on the Empress. Just make sure the original owner starts it up (even if it's in a garage or something) and show you that everything works (or not).
If it looks like a decent used unit, the $700-1000 you'll save will buy quite a few pellets.
If it looks like a decent used unit, the $700-1000 you'll save will buy quite a few pellets.
I am Happy with my P43..
Also factor in the 30% tax rebate on the new stove. You will get about $780 so end cost will be around $1,850
Also factor in the 30% tax rebate on the new stove. You will get about $780 so end cost will be around $1,850
Swaybar said:
For some reason I had 15% in my head. Yeah, that does help quite a bit. I am so on the fence. Part of it is having to drive 3hrs to get the stove. Not a big deal, but I only have my wife to help and the empress is 260lbs. If I go with the Harman, I can't claim the credit on 2009 tax return right? Has to be 2010? If 2010, then I have to wait another year to see those savings.
Dougsey
Feeling the Heat
I would suggest you download and look at each stoves owners manual to see what mantainence needs to be done daily/weekly/monthly and how easy it is to do.
How big is the ash pan? How easy is it to clean the exaust blower? Things like that.
I'm not familiar with either stove but I know that on my Harman, I only have to scrape the pot every other day and shut down once a month for a full cleaning.
Some other stoves seem to require a lot more tending to.
How big is the ash pan? How easy is it to clean the exaust blower? Things like that.
I'm not familiar with either stove but I know that on my Harman, I only have to scrape the pot every other day and shut down once a month for a full cleaning.
Some other stoves seem to require a lot more tending to.
Think I am going to go with a new Empress. Got quoted $2429 before tax credit. Also, the guy is local and I get a full warranty.
jzinckgra said:
Sounds good. Don't forget to keep the forum "up to date" on the install. We love pics, especially ones of the stove all installed and burning!
mnkywrnch
Minister of Fire
local and full warranty would have sold me from the get go, plus evviro from what I hear are putting out an excellent product.jzinckgra said:
countk
Feeling the Heat
mnkywrnch said:
I have an Empress and love it! The reason I purchased it was exactly for the reason above. A local dealer, who gave me a good deal! The first week I had a problem, because I put in the burnpot wrong. The dealer came over immediately and showed me what I was doing wrong. Of course I felt like a fool, but it was good to know that he was so prompt. Since then the Empress had a door recall and as soon as it came in my dealer was over to install it.
IMHO, I think you will be very happy, if you purchase the Empress.
JZ, you are on the right path. Both stoves are quality stoves. That brings it down to who is the better dealer? That is just as important as the product itself. Ask dealer if he stocks parts for the stoves he sells? Igniters, motors ect. If you need a part you need it now. I can guarantee if your stove goes down it is going to go down in the winter when you need it most, not in the summer when you can wait a week or two for the part to come in. I am in the inground swimming pool repair business in the summer and stove repair in the winter. I stock parts for everything we sell. In stove and pool business nobody want to wait for you to order the part and they, in most cases, should not have to.
90durham
New Member
Second season with my Empress and still love it, plenty of heat, looks good and is quiet.
Needed a distribution blower replaced earlier and retailer was on it within a couple days.
Needed a distribution blower replaced earlier and retailer was on it within a couple days.
I notice you are in Maine as I am. If you haven't already - it may be worth your time to check Rockies Stove Shop out in Augusta, he has other Brands other than Harmon, and you will find as a dealer he is one of the best. Sells Okies too! You may find his prices are a little lower as well.
(I have no financial or business interest with Rockie, just 10 years of experience dealing with him.)
(I have no financial or business interest with Rockie, just 10 years of experience dealing with him.)
saw a red empress in a shop off rt 1 on the way south towards bath this summer, think they wanted 3K... 2,500 sounds like a good deal- pretty stove it was-
Mr Fixit
New Member
I love all Enviro products... except the Empress. I doubt it will heat the area described. Depending on how old it is, it may have some issues that were worked out in later models. Normally I would vote for the Enviro, but in this case the Harman has the thumbs up from me.
countk
Feeling the Heat
Mr Fixit said:
I respectfully disagree with the fact that it will not heat the area described. I use mine in a 1,200sq ft area and it handles it well. When temps are in single digits I do need to crank it up to 4 or 5, but even then it will maintain 70 degrees. I also have a very drafty circa 1825 house.
In conclusion, I will admit it is not a high BTU stove and the Harman you are looking at I assume is higher, but I would put large consideration in the nearness and trustworthiness of your dealer.
Good luck in whatever you decide!
countk
Feeling the Heat
Mr Fixit said:
I respectfully disagree with the fact that it will not heat the area described. I use mine in a 1,200sq ft area and it handles it well. When temps are in single digits I do need to crank it up to 4 or 5, but even then it will maintain 70 degrees. I also have a very drafty circa 1825 house. It is also a quiet stove and good looking, if that matters to you.
In conclusion, I will admit it is not a high BTU stove and the Harman you are looking at I assume is higher, but I would put large consideration in the nearness and trustworthiness of your dealer.
Good luck in whatever you decide!
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