Englander & OAK, think I bought the wrong stove :(

[smoke show]

Got it in (a while ago, actually) and just wanted to send out a big THANK YOU!!

Is that flex pipe insulated?(the bigger one)

 

[momof2nutlings]

Yep, I'm a worrier, and I figure the timbers in my house have been seasoning since 1830. Anything extra between them and heat is a good thing!

 

[61snowrider]

I noticed in your signature that you have 4 stoves!! I also have a St. Croix. How does this stove compare to the other stoves you have? Also, did you run an oak with your St. Croix? I have my stove for 7 years now and have no oak. I was wondering if this would help it burn better?

 

[61snowrider]

How did you insulate the flex pipe? Just put insulation between the pipe and wall?

 

[momof2nutlings]

I like the St. Croix very much. Dependable heat, easy to use, easy to access all the spots to clean. I do like the PDVC very much too, but cleaning it is a little different - almost requires the vacuum to get all the spots.

As for the others, I do love my insert the best. It's lovely to sit in front of, which the pellet stoves just aren't. And I have never found a free bag of pellets on the side of the road - wood however is plentiful. But it requires so much more fussing, being a wood stove and all. I imagine the day will come when slicing and dicing and carrying wood just isn't so much fun...

As for insulation, we got special stove pipe insulation, similar to this: http://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/insulation_features.php

Wrapped it around before we popped the pipe in, taped it in place, and dropped it down the chimney. Easy to do, relatively cheap for the peace of mind.