Anyone feedback on a Woodstock Ben Franklin?

[Oldcoldstonehouse]

They are on sale right now and was wondering if anyone here was using one? It’s cold in here!

My house is shaped like a T. I have a coal stove in the basement of the top of the T but am thinking about adding a gas stove to the first floor of the bottom of the T. The stove would run pretty much continuously five months of the year.

I bought a 500 gallon used propane tank. I need a lot of BTUs. I really want a furnace, but none of the five furnace guys who have looked at the job have ever returned with an estimate. It must be a bit of a mind boggler, as the house has no ducting.

Any suggestions on install? Operation? Good points and bad? Picture taken while we were doing some repairs, hence the messy yard.

 

[DAKSY]

Not familiar with the model, but reading the info posted here:

Fireside Franklin Soapstone Gas Stove

HIGHLIGHTS Choice of fuels – Use LP or NG No power required – Protect against power outages! Soapstone radiant warmth – Sit in front and it feels just like a wood stove Versatile direct vent installation – 6 Ways to Vent Franklin fireplace styling provides

www.woodstove.com

I see that they rate it at 34K BTU OUTPUT. That is incorrect
based on the specs listed. Burning LP it has a 33,833 BTU INPUT
rating, but when you multiply that x 77% efficiency, you get 26,051
BTU OUTPUT. That may not be enough for that old stone structure,
unless you have it heavily insulated & tight.

 

[Oldcoldstonehouse]

Thank you for your figuring and comments - I was wondering about those numbers. No insulation, just thick stone walls and single pane windows. And many leaks. For me, $2,600 is a lot to spend for a measly 26,000 btu. I have been looking at used gas models but they are hard to find in any brand.

 

[DAKSY]

See if you can locate a Jotul GF600 Firelight. At 40K BTU input,
it's one of the larger units on the market & has an Old Style look to it.
Output of about 30K...

 

[Oldcoldstonehouse]

Thank you, I will snoop around. Any great things about it upon which you care to pontificate? I need simple.

 

[DAKSY]

Look for a standing pilot unit. It's as basic as they come.
No newfangled electronics to worry about, & you can
put a remote or a thermostat on it. 50% turn down rate, too.

 

[Oldcoldstonehouse]

Any brand suggestions?

 

[DAKSY]

Jotul. Vermont Castings - although I'm not sure if a standing pilot is available.
Hearthstone makes nice looking units as does Regency/Hampton.
I'm sure there are others out there, you'll have to visit your local
hearth shops & see what they offer...