clydesdqle or Jotul 550

Most likely you will get an answer that both Clydesdale and Jotul 550 are great inserts.
I am attaching a comparison between these two inserts that I created during my search for a wood insert.
The Clydesdale has won over Jotul 550 because of installation flexibility (depth adjusting surround) and a better fit into our fireplace opening.
Two additional hours of heat life is a big plus too.

Cant speak for that specific Jotul insert, but Jotul as a company makes a great product. I sold them for 13 years or so on Long Island. The Clydesdale, with its HUGE glass and soft even heat, I sell a lot of. Always a happy customer when I sell a Clydesdale.

In my completly un-biased opinion you should go with the Clydesdale, but I have a feeling you are going to like whichever of those two you choose.

I was in the same situation deciding between these very two inserts 6 months ago...do yourself a favor and flip a coin.

I was in the same boat about a year ago and went with Rockland. Here are the reasons why

1) Jotul is a great brand - you don't go wrong with Jotul stoves. It's like buying a Toyota.
2) Cast Iron is more forgiving than Soapstone - If I overfire or do something wrong, Iron will hold better than stone. Soap stone might have natural variations (more prone to cracks)
3) Cast Iron stove gives instant heat Vs longer retention time of Soapstone

They both are great stoves and you won't regret your decision

They are both great inserts.

Do you want one that is nearly flush with the front of the fireplace or one that sticks out further? I wanted a nearly flush one so I went Jotul.

For that price on a floor model I hope that is an enamel finish on the Jotul. I like wood stoves flat black as its less expensive and easier to refinish.

From what I can tell, both are good inserts. I know the Jotul 550 and am happy with it, but I expect you would get a similar response from a Clydesdale owner.

In my opinion the two aren't that much different. The Clydesdale is cast iron and does have soapstones in it as a refractory but it's not a soapstone stove. The cast will be slower to heat but should retain a little longer. The Jotul is a little more ornate with the details and is flush with the fireplace. The clydesdale is a little more simple looking with a solid glass door, but it is a huge window. I was sold on the jotul 450 and 550 but found a Clydesdale used and saved a ton. For looks I think the Jotul has the clydesdale beat but for heat I like mild even heat. I have a steel stove as well in the garage and it will cook me if I'm close. Not sure if steel inserts are this way since they have blowers but the Clydesdale is very even and comfortable for me. Local Craigslist ad here has a Clydesdale for $1,200 that is in perfect shape. It's already on a pallet and I bet the guy would ship it. Search Dayton, the insert is in Springfield directly of 70, about 3 hours from PA border, maybe less.

pharmsaler, check your PMs if you havent already

KarlP said:

They are both great inserts.

Do you want one that is nearly flush with the front of the fireplace or one that sticks out further? I wanted a nearly flush one so I went Jotul.

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Clydesdale can be installed flush or sticking out.

I purchased the 550; my brother purchased the Clydesdale.
They are both great heaters and neither of us has had a single issues.

When I'm home to run it 24/7, the 550 is adequately heating an entire 2600 ft colonial to an average of 67-70F.
If it's 20F or warmer outside, I can easily exceed 70F.
My burn times run 3-4 hrs, but Im still new at this and I know the 550 can be better once I have proper burning mastered.

My brother easily heats~ 2100 sft with the Clydesdale.

2 happy customers.
Good Luck in your purchase.

pharmsaler said:

Franks said:

pharmsaler, check your PMs if you havent already

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I'm Sorry....What are my PM's..can anyone help...sore not use to the acronyms

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Franks sent you a private message (PM).

I wish you happy burning with your new Jotul insert. Why Jotul? Did you flip a coin as 'spacecowboyIV' suggested?

Your decision was the same as mine. The wife liked the Jotul better, decision made!

mcollect said:

Your decision was the same as mine. The wife liked the Jotul better, decision made!

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++ to that. Same here.

pharmsaler said:

No...I Didn't flip a coin....I asked the wife which one looks prettier...She ultimately liked the flush mount rather than the protrusion the clydesdale had. Also, when the clydesdale was pushed back as far as possible; there was a gap of about 1/2" between the unit and the surround. I didn't like that. We have 20 month old twin girls and I can imagine what would be shoved back there.

Before I install the Jotul I am going to get it painted a brown with metallic finish (hi temp paint) to match the brick a little better ( again to make the wife happier) She really liked the porcelain finish but the dealer kept telling us how much it would chip with a bang of a log? The paint was the next best solution

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I wanted a fireplace that extended into the room , but my wife wanted a flush mount. In a spirit of compromise, we chose the Jotul 550. You will enjoy it. Tonight it's 15 degrees outside and with the insert 73 inside.