Advice On Lopi Choices

[fdegree]

I am not sold on the Lopi line just yet...I am looking at other brands too. But, I have a question about a couple of Lopi models.

Once again, here is a layout of my home with sq. ft. listed...

I am wondering which is the better choice for my situation:
Liberty ((broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/productuide/detail.aspx?id=211))
Endeaver ((broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/productuide/detail.aspx?id=209))

There is not a great deal of difference in the BTU's:
Liberty = 74,300 BTU's
Endeaver = 72,400 BTU's

The firebox size is different:
Liberty = 3.1 cu. ft.
Endeaver = 2.2 cu. ft.

Clearances are different...my wife wants as little protrusion into the living room as possible:
Liberty rear clearance = 10" with double wall pipe
Endeaver rear clearance = 4.25" with double wall pipe

So, which would be better for me, and why?

 

[Pagey]

Here's what I can tell you having used both to some degree (my paternal grandmother has a Liberty, and I have the Endeavor). The Endeavor will allow you to load equal length splits either east/west OR north/south. The liberty is wider than it is deep, so you can only load longer splits east/west. Loading n/s can keep splits from rolling against the glass, which is attractive to me.

The Liberty, however, has a bigger fire box, so you'll get more "meaningful heat," as I like to call it. When it's in the middle of a deep cold snap in February, you'd get more meaningful burn time out of the Liberty.

Both are quality stoves. Both use the same plate steel construction and the same baffle components. Both feature the bypass damper. Really, answer these 3 questions:
1.) how important is the size of my splits and/or the direction I prefer to load them?
2.) how important is an extra 6" or so of clearance?
3.) how important is some more burn time/meaningful heat time?

Edit: We're heating 1,800 sq. ft. and I'd be hard pressed to heat any more than that with the Endeavor.

 

[branchburner]

Go big if you want to heat the whole house.

 

[fdegree]

Thanks for the input folks

Really, answer these 3 questions:
1.) how important is the size of my splits and/or the direction I prefer to load them?

Being very new to this I would have to say...I have no idea. Any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of these options?

2.) how important is an extra 6" or so of clearance?

To me, not at all. To my wife, probably quite a bit.

3.) how important is some more burn time/meaningful heat time?

I think this would be quite important...less frequent loading means less work.

 

[Pagey]

I can say this: I prefer loading my splits n/s. It's just easier and more intuitive for me. However, to gain that I'm giving up fire box size and longer burn times. If you want to feed the stove less, go with the Liberty. Again, I can't imagine trying to get 2,300 sq. ft. out of my Endeavor. It's a great stove, but it's not a miracle worker.

 

[WidowMaker]

Does the 2300 ft include the garage or just the living quarters??If it's just living quarters the Endeavor ain't gonna get it. I heat 2000 sq ft with an Endeavor and during the coldest times it really struggles to do the job, requires an extra sweater or sweat shirt and one more blanket at night and frequent fills, no over night burns. Definitely go with the bigger Liberty, wish I had. You don't have to burn balls to the wall all the time...

 

[fdegree]

The 2300 sq. ft. does not include the garage...just the living space.

I live in lower Delaware and the coldest it usually gets is around 0 degrees...rarely ever dropping below 0. The normal night time lows, in the coldest months, are in the 20's. If that information helps anyone.

 

[GrantC]

I have an Endeavor heating a 1250sqft house here in Oregon, and it's fine. However, if I had a 2300sqft in a colder climate like Delaware, I'd get the Liberty. No question.

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[Bubbavh]

Hearthstone Equinox = BIG and pretty
(broken link removed to http://www.hearthstonestoves.com/wood-stoves/stove-details?product_id=1#stove_information)

But probably a budget breaker!

 

[Highbeam]

I heat 1700 SF with a 2.3 CF stove and would not want a smaller one. Ignore the BTU ratings since they are obviously wrong. How could a 2.2 CF stove make the same heat as a 3.1 CF stove? In your climate with that large house I would absolutely not use a tiny 2.2 CF stove. It's one thing if the stove is just for looks and you want to depend on the furnace but if you want the ability to heat your home then you need the bigger stove. If the pretty huge clearance requirement is a problem then look at other brands. 10" is pretty huge, my soapstone is only 7" and the PE stoves can be as low as 4".

 

[fdegree]

Hearthstone Equinox = BIG and pretty
(broken link removed to http://www.hearthstonestoves.com/wood-stoves/stove-details?product_id=1#stove_information)

But probably a budget breaker!

I agree, it is a nice looking stove

I'm taking my wife to look at the various styles of wood stoves on Saturday. I wouldn't be surprised if she likes the soapstone best. But, probably will cost too much...although there is that 30% tax credit, that may help.

I'm aiming for the steel...much cheaper

 

[fdegree]

Thanks everyone

OK, bigger is better.

I'll be looking at other brands as well, but at least this clears up my confusion.

 

[Pagey]

For 2,300 sq. ft. I'd look at anything with a 3 cubic foot fire box on up.