if I was to install a stove I would go with a Vermont castings because of the top loading
encore or defiant depending on size needed
encore or defiant depending on size needed
So many choices, I'm torn between these models. Thoughts appreciated.
- Thread starter kevk
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As for the back side of the Hearthstone I can't speak to the Heritage but my Mansfield is panels of soapstone on the back. Much like the sides. In a center room install you wouldn't need the heat shield.
I initially considered VC stoves. I do love the top loading feature, but they are cast iron and I fear the heat would be too intense for the small living area; I want gentle steady heat. After doing research and collecting advice I've whittled my list down to the Hearthstone Heritage or a BK Ashford.
Thank you, this very is helpful. I've not yet been able to find an image of the back of the Hearthstone.
I sell them , and I'm WETT certified an installer with 25 years experience ,
And what you keep saying simply is not true.
ok I'm not going to argue/ but it is from the owners mouth, also in most installs you can not use any 90 degree elbows, i suppose you will say that's not true as well hehe
Definitely check that with a dealer but I would imagine it is the same.
There are many factors that determine a good fit for a stove. The sizing and suitability to the space (heating requirements) are primary. Then for some, aesthetics play an important role. Then other factors like durability, ease of maintenance, burn time, long-term costs, draft requirements, and clearances come to play. Some installations require rear vent, others do not. Down toward the bottom of the list come top loading and ash collection.
VC stoves are beauties, but they don't have the greatest track record for maintenance costs and the downdraft design can be touchy, especially for an inexperienced burner. They are highly radiant which in some cases is not preferable, especially is clearnaces are a concern.
Take time to weigh options and prioritize what is most important.
VC stoves are beauties, but they don't have the greatest track record for maintenance costs and the downdraft design can be touchy, especially for an inexperienced burner. They are highly radiant which in some cases is not preferable, especially is clearnaces are a concern.
Take time to weigh options and prioritize what is most important.
After 25 years of installing i would think you could come up with your own opinion, not rely on one customers opinion. Lots of people on here run BKs in warmer climates. And while 45's are definitely better on your stovepipe, 90s are more common and work fine in most situations so no, that is not true.
stoveliker
Minister of Fire
It's listed as a True Hybrid as is my Mansfield and yes you can burn minus the cats on the secondarys. The pic on the website shows a handle, like mine too engage the cats.
That's pure BS. BK stoves are made in the Pac NW's milder climate. They are better for mild weather burning than several stoves.
@BKVP
So he says that the owner of BK told him the stoves only work well in extreme cold. Were you aware of this?
BKVP
Minister of Fire
We are publicly held. Which of the 10,000+ owners told him? 🤔
I'm just laughing...
BKVP
When was Blaze King founded?
Blaze King was founded in 1977.Where is Blaze King headquartered?
Blaze King is headquartered in Penticton, Canada.What industry is Blaze King in?
Blaze King’s primary industry is Distributors/Wholesale.Is Blaze King a private or public company?
Blaze King is a Private company.What is the current valuation of Blaze King?
The current valuation of Blaze King is 00.000.What is Blaze King’s current revenue?
The current revenue for Blaze King is 000000.When was Blaze King acquired?
Blaze King was acquired on 27-Feb-2015.Who acquired Blaze King?
Blaze King was acquired by Decisive Dividend.
stoveliker
Minister of Fire
Headquarters is in Walla Walla, WA, USA.
So even simple checkable facts are wrong with this one.
Trust at your own risk.
So even simple checkable facts are wrong with this one.
Trust at your own risk.
Blaze kings biggest strength is their ability to run low and slow better than any other stove on the market while still burning clean. That and the even heat due to the thermostat but others have that. But you are absolutely not correct that they are only good for cold climates. In fact I would say the opposite they are better suited to milder climates. Not that they can't be used in cold areas but that isn't where they really shine
stoveliker
Minister of Fire
I think it's as with any stove and home: they (stoves) are suitable for the homes if they can provide the heat that your home and comfort need. For some that is a low heat output (milder climate and/or well-insulated and sealed home), for some that is a high output (the opposite).
What BK has done is expand the range of heat outputs to the low end, as compared to what is average in the industry (for similar sized stoves).
The thermostat is great too. It provides even output and adds a degree of protection against overfire. But in providing that safety it does limit the upper output a little bit, it appears, as compared to the average of similar sized other stoves.
As with any insurance, there's cost involved...
What BK has done is expand the range of heat outputs to the low end, as compared to what is average in the industry (for similar sized stoves).
The thermostat is great too. It provides even output and adds a degree of protection against overfire. But in providing that safety it does limit the upper output a little bit, it appears, as compared to the average of similar sized other stoves.
As with any insurance, there's cost involved...
Wisco Shepherd
Member
Although I am not likely to ever own a BK stove, I am not hesitant to recommend them to someone living in a mild climate or with low heating needs. Mild, shoulder season burning is their forte. Woodstock also has some models that are good at low and slow burning. I can not say that about several other stoves include Vermont Castings which are quite radiant and like to burn on the hot side. The downside of low and slow burning over an extended time may be a blackened stove glass but many are willing to deal with it. Another alternative for the shoulder season is a heat pump, especially if electric rates are reasonable.
stoveliker
Minister of Fire
I think that *as long as the BTU output of the stove meets the needs of the home*, having a BK and running it high is nice too - because the thermostat allows for that to be very even. My experience with my previous stove (an old cat stove) is that running a non-thermostat stove high results in larger temperature fluctuations (due to larger heat output changes over the burncycle of a non-thermostat stove).
jjam is not wrong in saying that there are a lot of BKs in the far cold north. Evidently they meet a need there too.
Of course, one has to take into account their somewhat lower max output as other stoves of the same firebox volume when one chooses a stove for ones home.
jjam is not wrong in saying that there are a lot of BKs in the far cold north. Evidently they meet a need there too.
Of course, one has to take into account their somewhat lower max output as other stoves of the same firebox volume when one chooses a stove for ones home.
BKVP
Minister of Fire
Are they "somewhat lower" on the high end? Are they based upon the same method? If not, then the values are not comparable. We certainly do not make the highest BTU producing stoves, but if comparable test method data is used, the difference is negligible.
BKVP
stoveliker
Minister of Fire
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