scwoodman said:
I am starting to research some non catalytic free-standing wood stoves. Looking to heat about 2,000 sq.ft, single story.
I want something that I can quickly learn how to burn most efficiently. Many stoves out there look very nice, but are not very user friendly.
The Avalon Rainier 90 looks good so far, but I have much more research to do!!
I would appreciate any comments on what your opinions are on a stove that is durable and yet has a fast (short) learning curve. I don't want to fiddle with it for months until i find the sweet spot!!
Thanks y'all,
Pete
Welcome to the forum Pete.
The very best thing you can do to shorten the learning curve is to get your fuel on hand NOW! While most folks put their focus on only the stove, more should put their focus on the fuel they intend to burn. It is a huge percentage of first time wood burners that have some big time problems in their first year and they try to find all sorts of answers as to why the stove just does not operate to their expectations when it is not the stove at all; it is the fuel.
If you intend to purchase your wood, do it NOW! The wood sellers will tell you the wood has been seasoned and ready to burn. 99% or more of the time that wood is not ready to burn. Wood needs time....and that time does not start until the wood has been cut to firewood lengths and then split and stacked out where Mother Nature can do her thing and get your wood dry. Also, do not try to burn oak in your first year. The reason is that oak, although one of the very best firewoods, gives up its moisture very reluctantly. We always give oak 3 years to dry before trying to burn it.
If you intend on cutting your own wood, do it NOW!
Just remember that all wood needs time to dry. We do all of our cutting in the winter months and then come spring do the splitting and stacking. We usually give the wood a minimum of 2 years drying time but most times we give it even longer. And burning wood before its time is just like putting very poor fuel in your car. Your car would not run right, you'd have a lack of power and you would become frustrated.
So what are the big benefits of burning good dry wood?
1. You will not have problems getting the fire started and keeping it burning nicely.
2. You won't have your glass turning black.
3. You won't have to be cleaning your chimney so often.
4. You will get more heat from each log you burn and therefore you will not need as much wood as you would if you were to burn not so dry wood.
5. Every time you look at your wonderfully stacked wood you will know that is better than money in the bank.
Good luck to you.