2016-17 Blaze King Performance Thread (Everything BK) Part 2

tpenny67 · Feb 24, 2017

I was pleasantly surprised that my Quadra can do a nifty impression of a cat stove. It won't burn as low as a cat stove, but it will burn slow enough that there's no flames on the wood, which just chars and turns to ash. Instead of a glowing cat, there's a steady secondary burn and no smoke out the chimney.

That's not to say tube stoves can burn as slow as BK, but they can be made to burn both relatively slow and clean. The Quadra already meets the 2020 EPA limits if I'm not mistaken.

kf6hap · Feb 24, 2017

I did consider the Quadra and was very impressed. They seem to have pushed secondary combustion to the limits with all 4 secondary burn regions.

I bet you are quite happy with it.

tarzan · Feb 24, 2017

tpenny67 said:
I was pleasantly surprised that my Quadra can do a nifty impression of a cat stove. It won't burn as low as a cat stove, but it will burn slow enough that there's no flames on the wood, which just chars and turns to ash. Instead of a glowing cat, there's a steady secondary burn and no smoke out the chimney.

That's not to say tube stoves can burn as slow as BK, but they can be made to burn both relatively slow and clean. The Quadra already meets the 2020 EPA limits if I'm not mistaken.

How did you like the Jotul 118? I've always liked the looks of them.

webby3650 · Feb 24, 2017

tpenny67 said:
I was pleasantly surprised that my Quadra can do a nifty impression of a cat stove. It won't burn as low as a cat stove, but it will burn slow enough that there's no flames on the wood, which just chars and turns to ash. Instead of a glowing cat, there's a steady secondary burn and no smoke out the chimney.

That's not to say tube stoves can burn as slow as BK, but they can be made to burn both relatively slow and clean. The Quadra already meets the 2020 EPA limits if I'm not mistaken.

Yes they will turn down. They don't run on the lowest setting for long before they start smoking though. Unless you've ran the stovetop up to 5-600 before you reduce the air to low anyway.. A BK can be shut down the moment the stove reaches 300 and it will stay that way for a day and a half. I like my quad, but it pales in comparison to my BK!

rdust · Feb 24, 2017

I've said it before, show me a stove that is a better "heater" than a BK and it will be on my hearth. I honestly don't think there is another stove that is as easy and as repeatable to run as a BK load after load with a great turn down to boot.

webby3650 · Feb 24, 2017

rdust said:
I've said it before, show me a stove that is a better "heater" than a BK and it will be on my hearth. I honestly don't think there is another stove that is as easy and as repeatable to run as a BK load after load with a great turn down to boot.

I agree! I've tried countless stoves, none can compare. The only ones here that are contesting that have never had or seen one in action.

tpenny67 · Feb 24, 2017

tarzan said:
How did you like the Jotul 118? I've always liked the looks of them.

The Jotul came with the house. I wanted to like it, but it was cracked and the enamel was falling off and the clearances weren't enough. Really radiated heat though and burned clean for an old stove. Would be great if it was in good shape and properly installed.

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

webby3650 · Feb 24, 2017

tpenny67 said:
The Jotul came with the house. I wanted to like it, but it was cracked and the enamel was falling off and the clearances weren't enough. Really radiated heat though and burned clean for an old stove. Would be great if it was in good shape and properly installed.

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

The old Jotuls burned surprisingly clean and threw tons of heat! I kinda miss my 118 at times. Kinda...

kf6hap · Feb 24, 2017

I don't think a stove can burn any slower than a BK as the stack gas constituents will start to condense out. The BK will operate below condensing right now, as built. Some of us have experienced this with a gooky stove pipe. Not a design flaw, just operate it slightly hotter. This is where a proper chimney becomes very important. This will stand until a slick trick comes along like multiple cats using different compounds. No blowers, sensors and microprocessors please.

Poindexter · Feb 24, 2017

So I tried last week's thing of the week this week. I started with a cold stove, decent ash bed, a full load of 16% MC spruce and softball sized glob of kindling. I think I could have cut up a 2x2x2" piece of wood into the kindling glob I had.

I stuck the kindling bottom right front corner, one match.

At something like T +15 minutes my flue gas probe was showing 1000dF with the cat probe at the T in 'inacTive". I went ahead and engaged the cat, took right off and ran just fine.

Interesting. Might take a Scotch Brite pad to the cat probe next time the stove is cold.

Woody Stover · Feb 25, 2017

rdust said:
I've said it before, show me a stove that is a better "heater" than a BK and it will be on my hearth. I honestly don't think there is another stove that is as easy and as repeatable to run as a BK load after load with a great turn down to boot.

webby3650 said:
I agree! I've tried countless stoves, none can compare. The only ones here that are contesting that have never had or seen one in action.

I don't deny that they are good stoves for some. It's just that from what I've read, I think that in my case the negatives would out-weigh the positives. Some of the disciples want to call me a 'hater,' but I'm just stating my opinion, that's all it is, and I only do it to give potential buyers some things to think about that they won't hear from some of the more fervent cult members (in a lot of cases newbs, or those who've never run another cat stove.) In the end, everybody's gotta make their own call. It's great that we have so many choices.

It's also useful to have differing points of view.
webby....you've tried the rest, now it's time to try the best.

ohlongarm · Feb 25, 2017

rdust said:
I've said it before, show me a stove that is a better "heater" than a BK and it will be on my hearth. I honestly don't think there is another stove that is as easy and as repeatable to run as a BK load after load with a great turn down to boot.

On this I agree 100% I've had several of the beasts prior to BK,Quadrafire two both cracked ,now Quad did replace them with no hassle. NC 30 tremendous heater for the first four hours and a wood glutton.Morso pretty but not much heat,Buck their largest total rubbish.Finally wised up.When a better stove than BK shows up on the horizon it will be on my hearth. PS my experiences with my stoves are my experiences only and shouldn't be taken as a reflection of your stoves performance if you own an aforementioned one.

tpenny67 · Feb 25, 2017

webby3650 said:
I agree! I've tried countless stoves, none can compare. The only ones here that are contesting that have never had or seen one in action.

Perhaps, but BKs tend to be on the pricey side and the cat requires periodic cleaning and is susceptible to contamination. Also, some people would rather watch actual flames than a glowing catalyst

webby3650 · Feb 25, 2017

tpenny67 said:
Perhaps, but BKs tend to be on the pricey side and the cat requires periodic cleaning and is susceptible to contamination. Also, some people would rather watch actual flames than a glowing catalyst

Yet another myth that's circulated. If I want flames I can turn it up and have a nice fire show, or I can save fuel and not overheat the place. It's my choice, I like being in control

tarzan · Feb 25, 2017

Woody Stover said:
I don't deny that they are good stoves for some. It's just that from what I've read, I think that in my case the negatives would out-weigh the positives. Some of the disciples want to call me a 'hater,' but I'm just stating my opinion, that's all it is, and I only do it to give potential buyers some things to think about that they won't hear from some of the more fervent cult members (in a lot of cases newbs, or those who've never run another cat stove.) In the end, everybody's gotta make their own call. It's great that we have so many choices. It's also useful to have differing points of view.
webby....you've tried the rest, now it's time to try the best.

What is your beef with Blaze Kings Woody? Bholler says he don't have anything against BK's he just don't like us fanboys. Then there's BuckyBeaver who's reason for not liking BK's was, as far as I could tell, they burn too long and he likes too reload more often thus spend quality time with his stove.

So what is your nitch Woody? You seem to be more bouncing all over the place like you haven't quite found anything bad that you want to hang your hat on yet ;lol

kf6hap · Feb 25, 2017

Continual flames will, usually, constitute overheating. After season and a half of burning a light vacuuming of the front surface is the only cleaning I needed. Unless burning improperly (wet wood/no load char, etc.) the cat is self cleaning. Yes many years ago the stoves (non cat) doubled as a trash burner but BKVP has wise advice:

"Get the most from your stove! Burn dry wood, keep your chimney clean and in the event it is a catalytic model, keep your door-gasket seal adjusted nice and tight. Don't burn trash in any stove, there is a proper way to deal with refuse."

Not just to protect the stove but the air we breath. I have changed my ways.

As for cost I do not feel it as the BK is a fantastically convenient wood heater and very wood stingy too. Economical, in my view. Like paying a little extra for an extremely fuel efficient car. It always pays back.

Woody Stover · Feb 25, 2017

ohlongarm said:
Buck their largest total rubbish.

The 94 non-cat?

tpenny67 said:
Perhaps, but BKs tend to be on the pricey side and the cat requires periodic cleaning and is susceptible to contamination.

Yep, a lot to be said for the KISS approach. That's probably why there are more non-cats out there...most buyers aren't stove nerds who want to take the time to learn how to run and maintain a cat. Also, some dealers don't handle cat stoves because they got a lot of complaints when they did sell cats. Buyers see catalyst replacement as a big deal, never factoring in that they will use less wood, and the many other benefits of cats. For one thing, they need to check into Ws, where the cats are $125-150. ::-)

webby3650 said:
Yet another myth that's circulated. If I want flames I can turn it up and have a nice fire show, or I can save fuel and not overheat the place. It's my choice, I like being in control

For sure. I can run a little flame if I want, and it will put out a bit more heat, but I usually get what we need from a low cat burn. I'm not one to sit around and watch the fire, anyway. But we might have to put the wood to 'er for a couple days...last night, the breeze came up and the bottom dropped out on us here in Hoosierland! !!!

tarzan said:
Bholler says he don't have anything against BK's he just don't like us fanboys. Then there's BuckyBeaver who's reason for not liking BK's was, as far as I could tell, they burn too long and he likes too reload more often thus spend quality time with his stove.
So what is your nitch Woody? You seem to be more bouncing all over the place like you haven't quite found anything bad that you want to hang your hat on yet

Yeah, bholler is more diplomatic than I am, and always keeps his replies low-key and matter-of-fact, whereas I'll go off on an over-the-top 'rant' from time to time.

I don't think it's that he doesn't like you fanboys, he just takes a more pragmatic view...he's seem 'em all in his job, knows there are pluses and minuses with any stove, and knows that one size don't necessarily fit all in the stove biz.
"Reloading more often for some quality time with the stove." ;lol

What's my beef? Well, I won't outline it here, yet again. It's a cold weekend, and I'd like to relax and bask in the warmth of my stove, rather than defend my opinions all weekend.

Couple of little snow flurries out there right now....I may just watch a little pro golf from sunny Florida, to warm me up even more. ==c

Suffice it to say, anything that I don't like about a particular stove, there will be others who don't have a problem with it at all....and vice-versa, I'm sure.

jetsam · Feb 25, 2017

tpenny67 said:
Perhaps, but BKs tend to be on the pricey side and the cat requires periodic cleaning and is susceptible to contamination. Also, some people would rather watch actual flames than a glowing catalyst

Oh look, it's 'cat vs tubes' with a side order of 'No flames in a bk'.

The search function is up top.

Google is also available for looking things up before you tell people how they work.

MtnBURN · Feb 25, 2017

In 5 or 50 lb. sacks....depending on the thread....

jetsam · Feb 25, 2017

Woody Stover said:
I'd like to relax and bask in the warmth of my stove, rather than defend my opinions all weekend.

I have a plan that might possibly work for you there, unless armed men are forcing you to write stove reviews at gunpoint...

MtnBURN said:
In 5 or 50 lb. sacks....depending on the thread....

I have a hard time telling if they are typing all these messages or copy/pasting them from last year's BK Performance thread.

Woody Stover · Feb 25, 2017

jetsam said:
unless armed men are forcing you to write stove reviews at gunpoint...

That reminds me...I should visit the, as begreen calls it, "orphaned" stove review page; I haven't written a single stove review yet. ;em

I hope it's not like Twitter, limited to 140 characters, or I am sunk!

webby3650 · Feb 25, 2017

Woody Stover said:
The 94 non-cat?
Yep, a lot to be said for the KISS approach. That's probably why there are more non-cats out there...most buyers aren't stove nerds who want to take the time to learn how to run and maintain a cat. Also, some dealers don't handle cat stoves because they got a lot of complaints when they did sell cats. Buyers see catalyst replacement as a big deal, never factoring in that they will use less wood, and the many other benefits of cats. For one thing, they need to check into Ws, where the cats are $125-150.
For sure. I can run a little flame if I want, and it will put out a bit more heat, but I usually get what we need from a low cat burn. I'm not one to sit around and watch the fire, anyway. But we might have to put the wood to 'er for a couple days...last night, the breeze came up and the bottom dropped out on us here in Hoosierland!
Yeah, bholler is more diplomatic than I am, and always keeps his replies low-key and matter-of-fact, whereas I'll go off on an over-the-top 'rant' from time to time. I don't think it's that he doesn't like you fanboys, he just takes a more pragmatic view...he's seem 'em all in his job, knows there are pluses and minuses with any stove, and knows that one size don't necessarily fit all in the stove biz.
"Reloading more often for some quality time with the stove."
What's my beef? Well, I won't outline it here, yet again. It's a cold weekend, and I'd like to relax and bask in the warmth of my stove, rather than defend my opinions all weekend. Couple of little snow flurries out there right now....I may just watch a little pro golf from sunny Florida, to warm me up even more.
Suffice it to say, anything that I don't like about a particular stove, there will be others who don't have a problem with it at all....and vice-versa, I'm sure.

I also have my hands on most major brands, and not so major I guess. I've had a bunch of stoves too. I just can't understand how the ability to burn slow would ever be a bad thing? Some people claim that a BK isn't a good fit for them, I don't get that? The looks would play a role for some, but having full control of a stove with Such a huge range of burn rates is pretty useful if you ask me.

Woody Stover · Feb 25, 2017

webby3650 said:
can't understand how the ability to burn slow would ever be a bad thing? Some people claim that a BK isn't a good fit for them, I don't get that? The looks would play a role for some, but having full control of a stove with Such a huge range of burn rates is pretty useful if you ask me.

I agree, the more range the better....can't be a bad thing. A lot of people, though, can get by with a relatively low burn rate, even if they can't go super-slow; Then a whole bunch of stoves, with different constructions, features, styles, finishes, what-have-you, come into play for them. Like we've said, it all depends what a person decides they want.

webfish · Feb 25, 2017

webby3650 said:
Some people claim that a BK isn't a good fit for them, I don't get that? The looks would play a role for some, but having full control of a stove with Such a huge range of burn rates is pretty useful if you ask me.

You nailed it with the looks. Wife looked at BK's at the time I was looking and said no way! Went with Quad Explorer 3. Center piece of the room and I wasn't going to win that on functionality.

WoodyIsGoody · Feb 25, 2017

webby3650 said:
I just can't understand how the ability to burn slow would ever be a bad thing? Some people claim that a BK isn't a good fit for them, I don't get that? The looks would play a role for some, but having full control of a stove with Such a huge range of burn rates is pretty useful if you ask me.

The option to burn slow and low is only a bad thing if your neighbor has that ability and you don't. There's even a name for this phenomenon:

In an old fable by Aesop, a hungry fox noticed a bunch of juicy grapes hanging from a vine. After several failed attempts to reach the grapes, the fox gave up and insisted that he didn't want them anyway because they were probably sour.

Nowadays when somebody expresses sour grapes, it means that they put down something simply because they can't have it.

I've been enjoying wood heat for 40 years, pre-EPA stoves the first half, and EPA approved designs the second half. All have been great with one glaring fault. The living space tends to become too hot soon after it reaches the comfort zone. Or, the wood burns up and the house becomes too cold. No doubt a good catalytic stove costs more than a non-cat but, depending upon the value of your time, the cat will likely pay for itself in wood savings.

For those too cheap to fork over the extra bucks upfront, there's always sour grapes.

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