BUCK Model 18 Insert and "Efficiency"

Thanks for the great Forum! I wish I had know about this site before I purchased a stove 2 yrs ago. I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about the hurdles the EPA makes wood stove manufacturers jump over. Ratings and efficiency completely confuses the consumer on how these new stoves perform, especially the smaller wood box size stoves, less than 1.5 cubic feet.

This is my first Thread after posting a review of my 2 yr old Buck 18 in the review section. I bought a BUCK 18 insert and have several questions about the design, use and "real world" efficiency. I previously owned an older pre-EPA BUCK in another home.

http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/resources/publications/monitoring/caa/woodstoves/certifiedwood.pdf

some models most certainly are tested for efficiency by the epa. few achieve 80% however

did you look at the link? there are some models tested for efficiency by the epa.

I would go with the largest insert (cubic ft) you can stuff into the fireplace. Buck makes good stoves but 1.3 cubic ft is pretty small! Not sure of the area you are heating but I heat 1600sqft with the model 74 as an insert from my basement. I like Buck because that is what I bought are there better sure are there worse definitely!

But most importantly there is no substitute for cut, split and stacked for 1+ year(s) wood!

If you want a bigger stove you are going to need to rip out that prefab fireplace and install a free standing stove.

What is the size of your majestic's opening. I am in a similar predicament. My majestic has only a 19.5 inch height with a 30 inch width. The fire box is considerably bigger though (26 inch height, 34 inch wide). I have found several different inserts that will fit and posted a list on another thread.

You will have to look at the specs but here are some that might work. lopi might have one that works too. You mention that you have a 19.5 inch height. is that before or after you remove your door frame? mine is only 18 with the door frame on but removing it gets me to 19.5.
Country Flame 02
Regency h2100
Regency i1200
Quadra-Fire 2700i
Buck Stove 18
Jotul c350 Winterport
Appalachain 30cd
Lennox c160
Lennox c210

I do believe the stoves I mentioned are all rated for a prefab installation.and I do believe that 1 of them is a cat stove also.