In reading another thread here I was 99% convinced I would buy a new Englander stove from Homedepot, looks like I could get the size I need for about $700 and free shipping. I called a local chimney place to ask for estimates to clean the chimney and install the new stove and the owner was telling me how those Englander stoves might give a decent 4 or 5 years worth of life but would then need to be replaced. For about $1100 he said he could get a Napoleon that would last much longer and be overall better. These are my needs and I'd appreciate any suggestions you have:
1) We only need to heat about 800-900 sq ft
2) I'm not opposed to getting a used stove and have been regulary checking craigslist and ebay
3) Our budget is tight so that rules out anything over $1000
4) I posted a picture in another thread, but our current setup is a brick inner wall with a low (about 23 inch high) thimble leading to an outer brick chimney. If I find a used stove with a rear exit at the same height I am confident I can install it myself, but if I need to make a new, higher thimble I know that is out of my league and ability.
How good, or not good, are the Englander's? I'm skeptical of this guy's 5 year estimate and don't see any point in buying something I'll have to replace.
1) We only need to heat about 800-900 sq ft
2) I'm not opposed to getting a used stove and have been regulary checking craigslist and ebay
3) Our budget is tight so that rules out anything over $1000
4) I posted a picture in another thread, but our current setup is a brick inner wall with a low (about 23 inch high) thimble leading to an outer brick chimney. If I find a used stove with a rear exit at the same height I am confident I can install it myself, but if I need to make a new, higher thimble I know that is out of my league and ability.
How good, or not good, are the Englander's? I'm skeptical of this guy's 5 year estimate and don't see any point in buying something I'll have to replace.