Greetings fellow pellet aficionados! I've been reading your great website for about 6 months, but since I don't have a pellet stove, I really haven't had much to say.
Well, all that will be changing shortly...
I've done my homework, and I fell in love with the Avalon Astoria. At first I searched craigslist, but no one was selling them (I'm taking that as a good sign!). Then I called some dealers to see what the price was for a new one, and found a shop selling one for $2790. When I got to his shop and saw the unit, I noticed that the control panel looked a little different from what I expected. I asked him to run the serial number and it came back as an 2005 model. I inspected the stove, and it clearly has never been used, but apparently has been sitting in warehouses & a display room for 6 years.
I do not see any signs of rust or abuse on the unit, but should I be concerned about the history of this stove?
As a possible 2nd choice, I looked at the St. Croix Hastings. Aside from it's meager 45 lb hopper, can anyone vouch for this stove? This stove as a very interesting "versa grate" system that moves the firepot around a little bit to sift the ashes out. I was told this reduces the daily maintenance to a much longer period.
I look forward to your feedback!
Well, all that will be changing shortly...
I've done my homework, and I fell in love with the Avalon Astoria. At first I searched craigslist, but no one was selling them (I'm taking that as a good sign!). Then I called some dealers to see what the price was for a new one, and found a shop selling one for $2790. When I got to his shop and saw the unit, I noticed that the control panel looked a little different from what I expected. I asked him to run the serial number and it came back as an 2005 model. I inspected the stove, and it clearly has never been used, but apparently has been sitting in warehouses & a display room for 6 years.
I do not see any signs of rust or abuse on the unit, but should I be concerned about the history of this stove?
As a possible 2nd choice, I looked at the St. Croix Hastings. Aside from it's meager 45 lb hopper, can anyone vouch for this stove? This stove as a very interesting "versa grate" system that moves the firepot around a little bit to sift the ashes out. I was told this reduces the daily maintenance to a much longer period.
I look forward to your feedback!