Helping a buddy select a stove...

[Stax]

So my parent's neighbor who grew up with wood heat wants a stove again. Being a proponent of wood heat and having a little more knowledge regarding the current stove market, requirements and heating practices, I told him that I'd help him along. This is where I turn to you guys. He wants a free-standing, cast stove (open to both cats & non-cats) with legs that will heat his 1,200 sq. ft. well insulated cabin style home. He would also like a blower on the unit.

The majority of my research was limited to inserts as that is what I have. I'm pretty wet behind the ears when it comes to stoves. Please offer your opinions and insights as to what stove you think would make him happy.

 

[Wood Duck]

Why does he want cast iron? Looks?

 

[Stax]

I guess because it radiates heat better.

 

[begreen]

Check to see. If they want a long-burning, with soft heat, then the Alderlea T5 is a good choice. But if they want stronger radiant heat then there are a lot of choices including the Jotul Castine, Hampton H300, Hearthstone Shelburne, and Morso 2110 for starters.

 

[Stax]

BG, I just looked at the stoves you mentioned. Of those, I think the T5, Castine and the Shelburne make the best stoves. Am I correct that the Castine doesn't offer a blower? I think he would really like the T5's cooking shelves. Of these 3 stoves, what are the fundamental differences between them?

 

[DAKSY]

Check to see. If they want a long-burning, with soft heat, then the Alderlea T5 is a good choice. But if they want stronger radiant heat then there are a lot of choices including the Jotul Castine, Hampton H300, Hearthstone Shelburne, and Morso 2110 for starters.

I would throw the Harman Oakwood in the Cast Iron mix.
It's got a LONG burn time & there are warming shelves available...
It does require more CTC than most & that could be a show stopper...