New wood stove purchase imminent

  • 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.
RWA6541

RWA6541

Member
Jan 13, 2010
57
BRONX, NY
Happy New Year folks, my Whitfield pellet stove failed an auger motor and I have had it with this thing the maintenance has been ridiculous my Harman is great but this thing sux and its going to the scrap yard on a junk run tommorow. Anyhow 3 woodstoves are on my radar looking for feed back here they are:

1) Pacific Energy Alderlea t-6
2) Pacific Energy Summit Classic
3) Vermont Castings Defiant (2 in 1Catalytic/Non-Catalytic I am told is all that they offer now?)

This will be my primary heat (house is fitted with electric) for a 2500 sq/ft house, it will be in the cellar and adapted to a fireplace hearth, I had the Whitfield upstairs and the Harman downstairs, the Acenture is going upstairs and the new wood burner down stairs, Last year I fitted the house with cold air returns to basement and vents to allow heat to move to all areas so the adaptation should be minimal.

Looking to hear from guys with experience with the 3 models listed any help thanx
 
The first two are identical stoves on the inside. Both low maintenance, proven performers. The Alderlea has more mass and a classier jacket, but it's a Summit at heart. Love the stove. It's performed well for us. We'll need a few years to know whether the new Defiant is a winner. Hope it is, stay tuned. You also might want to look at the Quadrafire Isle Royale and the Jotul F600 in this class stove if cast iron is desired.
 
I have the Defiant. I got it Jan 2010. Our house is 2300 sf 2 story. The stove is in the basement. There is no insulation in the floor between the first floor and basement. I can easily keep the first floor at between 72-74. The second floor hallway 68-70 colder in the bedroom if you close the doors. I do not have my duct work opened up to circulate air from the basement. I would expect higher temps if I did. We just keep our basement door open. We have a geothermal system that I will use if it gets to chilly for the wife in the bed room or if I'm not feeling well or we go out of town.

Our Defiant is non cat. I really do like it. It is simple to use and I can get 8-10 hour burn times with the good oak I have. I like the top load feature and the 25" length it can take. I usaually cut my wood 20" or less but every now and the I cut some longer.

My wife who never burned wood before last year picked it up quick. She is an expert operator. The only thing she doesn't like to do and won't is open the ash pan. It is a little hard to close and latch the door for her. You just have to lift up a little and turn the handle to close it.
 
Sett;ed on the PE Summit
 
Smoked out the house burning in this Summitt, I guess some guys do this outside before they bring'em in hah? Another lesson learned, between the new pipe and the stove it got a little hazy. Stove is now burning mellow making lots of warmth I've seen these in operation before but man I cannot belive the control and how clean the glass stays. I'm Happy with the purchase! Of course real happieness would be living in my banana hammock on an island drinkin booze all day from a coconut and not worrying about freezing to death.
 
Good to hear it's working well for you. The break in smell is obnoxious, but fortunately, short lived. Enjoy the new heat.
 
Yeah man, watching the orange glow feeling the heat stink is fading I like it when a plan comes together
 
the new defiant is probably going to work better with an 8" chimney.
the jotul firelite 600 is 6"
jotul is non cat ....defiant is 2 and 1 . cat.
i would pick the jotul 600 firelite.
ease of operation.... great track record.....high quality
 
Jesum, you're in the Bronx!? - where and for how much are you getting wood - I mean, if you don't mind me asking...-just a wee bit suprised.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

K
New wood stove recommendations
Replies
24
Views
3K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
KG19
K
J
Wood stove size
Replies
21
Views
2K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
raiderfan
raiderfan
N
Wood Stove Insert decision- Englander or Drolet?
Replies
51
Views
4K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
turbo-power
T
B
Wood stove in new construction home
Replies
10
Views
1K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
bfic78
B
U
New Wood stove...Far end of house is cold.
Replies
22
Views
1K
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
brenndatomu
brenndatomu
Top Bottom
Back