BK insert Ashford vs Princess

[creek chub]

I’m getting quotes on a new insert. The installer recommended the Ashford. After reading many review I had sort of started leaning towards the Princess. The Ashford does look nicer but curious if there’s a noticeable heat output /efficiency difference?

All things being equal would I likely regret getting the Ashford?

Thanks

 

[basilseal]

I assume most responses here will ask about your anticipated use, placement, etc. The Princess certainly extends across the hearth more, presumably leading to more radiant heat. With blowers on I'm not sure how different they would be.

I'll just note that the Ashford insert is extremely attractive in person -- it looks better than I expected, and aesthetic was one of the major drivers when we were looking at options.

 

[creek chub]

I assume most responses here will ask about your anticipated use, placement, etc. The Princess certainly extends across the hearth more, presumably leading to more radiant heat. With blowers on I'm not sure how different they would be.

I'll just note that the Ashford insert is extremely attractive in person -- it looks better than I expected, and aesthetic was one of the major drivers when we were looking at options.

Do you have an Ashford?

 

[EbS-P]

Ashford for looks. Princess if you can’t fit the Ashford

 

[creek chub]

Ashford for looks. Princess if you can’t fit the Ashford

I can fit either one. The wife prefers the looks of the Ashford but I like the larger firebox that sets out a little farther with the princess.

Wonder if there is really any noticeable difference heat wise other than the radiant heat output of the princess?

 

[EbS-P]

I can fit either one. The wife prefers the looks of the Ashford but I like the larger firebox that sets out a little farther with the princess.

Wonder if there is really any noticeable difference heat wise other than the radiant heat output of the princess?

You need to run the blower with both. Princess will be more radiant and could heat better during a power outage. The tapered firebox in the Ashford probably means your packing efficiency will be lower. The volume difference probably isn’t a deal breaker for me.

 

[Egbert Souse']

The ashford in the enamel is the only way my wife would allow me to replace my stove. That's my vote. Also, the enamel finish is so much easier to keep looking clean and great.

 

[basilseal]

Do you have an Ashford?

Yes, we had one installed this year.

 

[DuaeGuttae]

I can fit either one. The wife prefers the looks of the Ashford but I like the larger firebox that sets out a little farther with the princess.

Wonder if there is really any noticeable difference heat wise other than the radiant heat output of the princess?

I agree that the Ashford is the more attractive of the two solely on aesthetics, but I would definitely prefer the firebox shape and size on the Princess. That would outweigh the purely aesthetic considerations for me. I haven't recently checked the square footage specs, but I do recall that Blaze King rates the Princess for more space than the Ashford. I'd prefer the ease of loading the Princess and not trying to play Tetris to get a bigger load into the Ashford. How large an area are you wanting to heat?

 

[Highbeam]

Ashford for looks but princess for performance. Do you want pretty or do you want a workhorse? Sure, they’re both pretty and both make heat but the princess was has a long track record as a dependable heater.