BK Ashford or Sirroco 30.2

[JesseLongNorth]

I’ve been trying for a couple months now to decide what woodstove to install in our basement to replace our 40 year-old uncertified wood stove with something that heats better and more efficiently while using less wood. I’ve narrowed it down to Hearthstone Green Mountain 60, Blaze King Ashford 30.2 or Sirocco 30.2

Based on most reviews that I’ve read, I feel that I’m leaning towards blaze King, but I’m having trouble to decide which of these two models I should go for if anyone has any experience with either of these models please feel free to share some advice with me and possibly a recommendation.

I have no previous experience with a catalytic stove, but I understand it and how it operates. Is it fine if my installer uses 316 stainless steel liner or should they use something different? This liner will be installed within an existing Masonary chimney with an 8 inch round clay tile liner. Because it’s in the basement and exit the wall here will be two 90° bends before about a 25’ chimney.

Thanks in advance.

 

[stoveliker]

The BKs are the same other than the aesthetics on the outside. Choose whatever you fancy best.

I don't know about the liner steel.
A flue with two 90s is not ideal, but given that you have 25' above that, I think it'll work fine - if the horizontal run is not long, that is. (I have the same; basement, two 90s, but 27' above that, and my horizontal run is rather long.)

The thimble should be at least 2 ft above the top of the stove (i.e. have a 2 ft vertical rise before the first 90).

Is the basement insulated?
Otherwise you'll loose a lot of heat to the outside (as in 30%). BK does note in their manual that it is not advised to install in an uninsulated basement (but that turns out to be due to folks leaving the door open to get more heat).

Basements can have some negative pressure issues, and the BK will likely be more draft sensitive than your old stove. So the fact that your old stove worked (no smoke roll out - did it?) may not guarantee the new one will.