Reviewing this thread because my draw collar malfunctioned and just want to write an update on my stove. The draft problem was fixed with a cap that prevents down drafts. I have the draw collar just for startups. The smoke in the home was due to less than ideal draft and a less than ideal door seal. (Really a combination in that my location isn't the best for a cat stove.) That none of this was spotted by the company that installed the stove was too bad. They really didn't have much experience with wood stoves. Were more of an HVAC outfit that did stoves on the side and, though they are good people, it was my bad for not choosing a dealer with experience. They gave me a good deal but it wound up being a bad deal for all of us. With all the extra work they had to do, they probably lost money and it was hell for all of us. I'm still kicking myself about exposing my newborn son to wood smoke. When I brought someone in who had experience, he immediately figured out what was wrong (like in ten minutes) and he fixed it for a few hundred dollars.
With regard to the failed draw collar, I've been trying to get hold of the manufacturer but so far no luck. They never answer the phone and have not returned my calls. The collar began tripping the breaker. It had worked just fine until a couple of days ago. Hopefully they'll replace it, as it should still be under warranty. If not, I'd be out $300 for something that didn't even last a year. Will update when I know more, one way or the other. If they replace it under warranty, I'd still recommend it. When it worked, it worked well. But if it doesn't hold up and they don't stand behind it, that's another matter entirely.
One thing I'll say for Blaze King, they really stand behind their product. They went above and beyond to work with me. BKVP did everything possible to address the problems I was having, even taking back the stove to test it thoroughly. They would have replaced it if I had wanted them to, but my preference was to keep it as long as it was alright. Other than having to clean out a bunch of crap that had accumulated because I had burned pressed logs that were not compatible with my stove and install, the stove itself was fine. It needed a heavier door gasket because my draw isn't great, but that's not really the fault of the stove.