I've never owned a wood stove and am trying to decide which to purchase for a cabin we're building in NW Pennsylvania. We're on a strict budget and don't plan ourselves to use the stove for continuous heat; however, we may rent it to others who might use it that way. The cabin is 1000 sq ft -- an open main floor and a loft with three small bedrooms. The criteria I have are in this approximate order: low initial cost; durability; low operating cost; ease of use and maintenance; energy conservation; attractiveness (the appliance itself and window to see the fire).
From my research, I've zeroed in on Englanders since they seem to have pretty good reviews and good pricing. I've searched Craigslist and have come up with three options:
17-VL $400 (never used)
12-FP $500 (never used)
13-NC $600 (one year old)
I can get the 17-VL new from Northern Tool for $499 plus $100 delivery. For the resale stoves above, I'm figuring on about $100 to pay my contractor to haul it back, except that the owner of the 13-NC will deliver his for $50.
The 17-VL is small (perhaps not as durable?) but it's EPA approved and so might heat my 1000 sf, well-insulated cabin. The 12-FB is not EPA-approved but perhaps is easier to use -- particularly if continuous heating isn't needed? The 13-NC might be more stove than we need, but if the stove ends up being used extensively for winter heating, maybe the best bet?
For those who know Englander models, do you have any tips, insights or advice?
Thanks in advance!
Chris
From my research, I've zeroed in on Englanders since they seem to have pretty good reviews and good pricing. I've searched Craigslist and have come up with three options:
17-VL $400 (never used)
12-FP $500 (never used)
13-NC $600 (one year old)
I can get the 17-VL new from Northern Tool for $499 plus $100 delivery. For the resale stoves above, I'm figuring on about $100 to pay my contractor to haul it back, except that the owner of the 13-NC will deliver his for $50.
The 17-VL is small (perhaps not as durable?) but it's EPA approved and so might heat my 1000 sf, well-insulated cabin. The 12-FB is not EPA-approved but perhaps is easier to use -- particularly if continuous heating isn't needed? The 13-NC might be more stove than we need, but if the stove ends up being used extensively for winter heating, maybe the best bet?
For those who know Englander models, do you have any tips, insights or advice?
Thanks in advance!
Chris