Enerzone anyone?

[awitek]

After a year long search, it's between two fireplaces:
Enerzone 2.5zc
double wall insulated ss
$4,500 installed
pros: great price, non cat, no problem with mantle clearance
cons: smaller firebox, unknown reputation

Xtrordinair 36 elite
double wall air insulated ss/galv
$6,100 installed
pros: big firebox, arched single door, attractive, great reputation
cons: very high combustible mantle clearance makes it almost impossible to have a wood mantle above this stove with an 8 foot ceiling.

I'm looking to supplement my all electric heating. 1600 sq ft ranch on a slab.
Which stove would you choose?

 

[begreen]

Have you looked into the Kozy for it's mantel friendly requirements?

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/21272/P0/

 

[awitek]

I tried looking at Kozy...closest dealer is 60 miles away.
Enerzone's mantel clearance is 50 inches from the base.
The FPX' mantel clearance is 63 inches from the base.
The Quad is 60 inches from the base.
After spending a year looking at fireplaces, I thought it would never come down to something as simple as mantel clearance that would be the deciding factor.
Just shy about pulling the trigger on a name no one has heard of with little to no reputation.

 

[begreen]

Seems like the most important things would be safety, reliability, size and the ability to heat well. A mantel often can be shielded, moved or replaced.

Have you also looked at the RSF Topaz?

 

[awitek]

That's why I'm asking if anyone has firsthand experience with an Enerzone fireplace and if it's reliable.
I know the song and dance from the salesman. Just looking for some real life experience.

 

[begreen]

They are made by the same company that makes Osburns and Drolet (SBI). They are an established manufacturer. Have you looked up previous posts? Here are a couple on the company:

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/20507/
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/19371/


If you disregard the mantel, is this your first choice for stove and dealer?

 

[eightpilot]

Get the better fireplace and throw a copper mantle shield on...especially if that's the only con. Copper will look good next to the wood. 8

 

[awitek]

Thanks for the links. One post I was familiar with. One was new to me.
My experiences with fireplace/stove stores has been miserable.
One store only carries VC, Enerzone, Constitution, NorthStar. It took two weeks before they would get back to me regarding a quote. Their customer service stinks.
The other store is more mom and pop and carries Napoleon and Quads. They have no inventory left and are only getting in one more quad before December.
The store I would like to give my business to carries the XTP, Enerzone, Hearthstone and VC. This place was cheaper than the first store I visited. But the sales guy was really pushing the XTP. He did't have anything negative to say about the Enerzone, but couldn't convince me that the 2.5 cu foot firebox would heat my home.