BK Ashford 25 (and Sirocco 25)

[SculptureOfSound]

I know they're pretty new, but I'm surprised that it seems impossible to find any non-marketing pictures of a Blaze King Ashford 25 insert. If any of you have one can you please post pictures? Heck, there are few pics of the Sirocco out there, either, so Sirocco owners join in the fun and post some pics too. VIdeos of either would be even better!

I'm also curious to hear real world experiences of the Ashford 25 / Sirocco 25. I've read the few threads about the Sirocco I could find and it sounds like 14 hour burn times or so are a realistic expectation. Sounds like early on there were some issues with the thermostat but it sounded like they were all corrected, although I don't know what the fix was.

So if you own either unit what do you love about it and what issues, if any, have you had or what things would you like to see changed or improved? Also curious about your max burn times and chimney length - I'd be running it at about 15-17' max (that's after extending what I already have) so am a bit concerned on how good low burns would be.

edit: One more question specific to the Ashford 25 - does the top lip get warm enough that one could use an eco fan on it?

Thanks!

 

[jetsam]

I know they're pretty new, but I'm surprised that it seems impossible to find any non-marketing pictures of a Blaze King Ashford 25 insert. If any of you have one can you please post pictures? Heck, there are few pics of the Sirocco out there, either, so Sirocco owners join in the fun and post some pics too. VIdeos of either would be even better!

I'm also curious to hear real world experiences of the Ashford 25 / Sirocco 25. I've read the few threads about the Sirocco I could find and it sounds like 14 hour burn times or so are a realistic expectation. Sounds like early on there were some issues with the thermostat but it sounded like they were all corrected, although I don't know what the fix was.

So if you own either unit what do you love about it and what issues, if any, have you had or what things would you like to see changed or improved? Also curious about your max burn times and chimney length - I'd be running it at about 15-17' max (that's after extending what I already have) so am a bit concerned on how good low burns would be.

edit: One more question specific to the Ashford 25 - does the top lip get warm enough that one could use an eco fan on it?

Thanks!

I can't help with the first questions- but as to the last one, the regular ecofans need 215-230°F to start, so my insert wouldn't run it during the warm part of shoulder season, and I wouldn't need it in real cold weather as I'm running the insert fans anyway.

They do make a low temp version aimed at pellet stoves and stoves insulated with soapstone, but it shuts down at 400° (and again, if my stovetop is 400°, it is very cold outside and the insert fans are running anyway; this is not a function that a fan sitting on top of the stove can replace).

I think this effect would be exaggerated for the two inserts you're looking at; I have a Princess, which I believe sticks out a fair bit more than the ashford. I think you'd need a welder to put one of those on the siccoro! Either way, both units are going to rely heavily on their internal fans, which are blowing air over stove surfaces that an external fan can't reach.

 

[SculptureOfSound]

I can't help with the first questions- but as to the last one, the regular ecofans need 215-230°F to start, so my insert wouldn't run it during the warm part of shoulder season, and I wouldn't need it in real cold weather as I'm running the insert fans anyway.

They do make a low temp version aimed at pellet stoves and stoves insulated with soapstone, but it shuts down at 400° (and again, if my stovetop is 400°, it is very cold outside and the insert fans are running anyway; this is not a function that a fan sitting on top of the stove can replace).

I think this effect would be exaggerated for the two inserts you're looking at; I have a Princess, which I believe sticks out a fair bit more than the ashford. I think you'd need a welder to put one of those on the siccoro! Either way, both units are going to rely heavily on their internal fans, which are blowing air over stove surfaces that an external fan can't reach.

Thanks for the thoughts Jetsam. It does make sense that an eco fan can't really replicate what the internal fans are doing as it can't get at the hot air between the inner and out shell (convection jacket, is that the term?). I just thought it could be nice to have an eco fan for those once in a while situations where you really don't want any fan noise but want a little extra air movement and heat. It's by no means a deal breaker if a unit wouldn't be able to accommodate it, but it would be nice to have the option.

 

[WoodyIsGoody]

Either way, both units are going to rely heavily on their internal fans, which are blowing air over stove surfaces that an external fan can't reach.

How about an option from the woodstove manufacturer for a built-in thermo-electric generator that was more powerful than any ecofan and could run the stoves built-in DC fans. Kind of enviro-geeky but I like it!

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Anything to make wood burning even greener is a good thing.

What's not a good thing is it seems no one here owns an Ashford 25.

 

[jetsam]

We're a little shy about talking about things related to the thread's original topic around here.

I've gone ahead and embraced it; "All The Best Stuff Happens After The Derailment" is my new Hearth motto.

 

[gunpowda]

I have also been searching/waiting for some feedback on the ashford 25 insert.....leaning towards some other options at the moment but would like to order in the next 2 weeks so it is installed and ready to go by the end of the month

 

[WoodyIsGoody]

What's not a good thing is it seems no one here owns an Ashford 25.

Well, they are new just this year. So not too surprising.

 

[gunpowda]

On blaze kings website they list 2 different amounts for estimated sq fr heating area for the sc25

Main page says 800-1800. PDF says 400-1600.

All other details between ashford25 and sc25 look exactly the same. I just ordered the ashford25 but is the sc25 is a more powerful heater I wish I would have known that

I know that it is hard to estimate with all of the variables. But which is it?

 

[jetsam]

In my opinion, "Heating Area" is perforce a number made up by the marketing department, and BK probably wishes that they didn't have to put it in their literature to keep up with the competition.

Let's say that you have a heat source that puts out 5000 BTUs per hour. Put it in a well insulated closet, and it heats 15 square feet (to 500 degrees). Now put it in a 50x50 uninsulated pole barn with the doors open. Now it heats 2500 square feet (to 0.5 degrees over whatever it started at).

Bottom line, it's a meaningless number.

If the industry got together tomorrow and made it meaningful by building a standard test house in a climate-controlled chamber underground, and then tested their stoves in it- the number STILL wouldn't mean anything to you or me, because we don't know the efficency difference between our windows and than the test house's, etc etc etc.

Even within the same house, moving a wall, closing a door, setting up a fan on the cold side- all these things immediately impact how much area the stove actually heats. How can you put that in a pamphlet?

 

[gunpowda]

I understand all of that. But you can draw "some" inclination from tgT number when comparing stoves.

My question is how can a company list 2 different specs and which is the one they are publishing. Is it a mistake on the website?

 

[SculptureOfSound]

I saw that too gunpowda and have to think that they changed the literature in all but that one spot. In theory the Ashford should put out a tiny bit more heat into the room as it sticks out a bit further. With the firebox being the same I would think they are virtually identical.

 

[BKVP]

On blaze kings website they list 2 different amounts for estimated sq fr heating area for the sc25

Main page says 800-1800. PDF says 400-1600.

All other details between ashford25 and sc25 look exactly the same. I just ordered the ashford25 but is the sc25 is a more powerful heater I wish I would have known that

I know that it is hard to estimate with all of the variables. But which is it?

Thank you for pointing out the typo.

The two units have the exact same firebox, thermostat and heat output.

You’re going to love your Ashford Insert....

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Thanks for confirming that BKVP.

Can I ask a favor? Do you have any more pics of an Ashford 25? It looks really nice in the marketing photos but I'm just curious to see more pics of it as none of the dealers anywhere nearby have one and I can't find anything but the press pics online. As much as I feel the Ashford is probably the best insert for my situation its hard pull the trigger on such a large purchase without seeing a bit more of it!


If there are any more straight on shots that would be awesome (would love to Photoshop it into my room)

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Two more questions (sorry, pre-purchase fear of buyer's remorse is in full swing as I recently bought a car a bit hastily that I shouldn't have)....

Does the top shelf area of the Ashford 25 get hot? Looks like its part of the face rather than firebox so I have no idea how how it would get. Hot enough tomrun an eco fan?

I see where the cord comes out on the Sirocco 25 but it's less fear in the Ashford manual. Is it the same setup? Could the cord be routed such that it is not exposed at all and instead goes behind the surround to an outlet?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BKVP]

Thanks for confirming that BKVP.

Can I ask a favor? Do you have any more pics of an Ashford 25? It looks really nice in the marketing photos but I'm just curious to see more pics of it as none of the dealers anywhere nearby have one and I can't find anything but the press pics online. As much as I feel the Ashford is probably the best insert for my situation its hard pull the trigger on such a large purchase without seeing a bit more of it!


If there are any more straight on shots that would be awesome (would love to Photoshop it into my room)

We are building them next week, so maybe I can get an image right off the line.

I just need to remember!!

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Gunpowda when is yours due to be installed? I can't wait to see it and hear how you like it!

Also curious how tall your chimney is. I'd have to add 4 feet to meet the 15' from top of stove min recommendation.

@BKVP due you know the draft retirements of the Ashford/sirocco 25. Would love to compare them to the runner up insert I'm looking at as that one says it was tested at 14 feet of chimney from the bottom of the stove (so about 3' less overall height at min)

 

[gunpowda]

Scheduled for NOV 3rd but I am hoping to get it in sooner. It was ordered from the dealer last week. I told them to call if an install date opens up.

The dealer came out and measured everything prior to me ordering the unit so I should have 15'. It's a 2 story chimney.

I will post before and after pics once it's installed.

 

[BKVP]

Gunpowda when is yours due to be installed? I can't wait to see it and hear how you like it!

Also curious how tall your chimney is. I'd have to add 4 feet to meet the 15' from top of stove min recommendation.

@BKVP due you know the draft retirements of the Ashford/sirocco 25. Would love to compare them to the runner up insert I'm looking at as that one says it was tested at 14 feet of chimney from the bottom of the stove (so about 3' less overall height at min)

.04 w.c." as I recall. Sorry guys meeting with EPA this week....

 

[mellow]

Sorry guys meeting with EPA this week....

No wonder you are drinking the good Whiskey....

Here is my take on why so few pics of the SC25/Ashford, it is expensive compared to other inserts. But it is WORTH it. Many see that price tag and run. The others that can afford it buy it because it looks nice but do not understand what they have.

Then you have the others way up north that just want damn heat and don't care about giving a review.

So your left with a few wood geeks that will post about this awesome stove because they understand what they have.

 

[Rama]

Hey everyone, been a reader here for a month or so now trying to figure things out as I'm new to burning wood for heat. I went with the Ashford 25 and installed it a few weeks back. I couldn't find much discussion or pics about it specifically either but I read through the things mellow posted regarding his Sirocco 25 since its the same box different trim. Here are some pics of mine:

 

[SculptureOfSound]

Rama thanks for posting pics, it looks even better in reality than I was imagining!

How has it been burning for you? I imagine it's been mostly low burns lately which would explain the blackened glass. Any other details about the burn, flames, fan noise etc is appreciated.

 

[missedbass]

Two more questions (sorry, pre-purchase fear of buyer's remorse is in full swing as I recently bought a car a bit hastily that I shouldn't have)....

Does the top shelf area of the Ashford 25 get hot? Looks like its part of the face rather than firebox so I have no idea how how it would get. Hot enough tomrun an eco fan?

I see where the cord comes out on the Sirocco 25 but it's less fear in the Ashford manual. Is it the same setup? Could the cord be routed such that it is not exposed at all and instead goes behind the surround to an Ioutlet?

Thanks in advance!

I think by the time you decide on an insert winter will have come and gone and new models will be out! LOL

 

[Rickb]

Hey everyone, been a reader here for a month or so now trying to figure things out as I'm new to burning wood for heat. I went with the Ashford 25 and installed it a few weeks back. I couldn't find much discussion or pics about it specifically either but I read through the things mellow posted regarding his Sirocco 25 since its the same box different trim. Here are some pics of mine:

View attachment 201671 View attachment 201672 View attachment 201673

That looks fantastic! I hope you love it as much as I love my BK! Keep us updated.

 

[SculptureOfSound]

I think by the time you decide on an insert winter will have come and gone and new models will be out! LOL

LOL Oh gods no, no new models please!