Blaze King Ashford 30 Alcove Install Question

[JimJay]

Greetings,

I've been eyeing an Ashford 30 for years, and am now getting close to purchasing as part of a home renovation. Our layout lends itself to a shallow alcove install (16" deep alcove, 54" wide, 8' ceiling height), but it looks like the 2025 manual now does not include clearances for an Alcove install: https://www.blazeking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/180-AF30.2-v2.51.pdf . Although it does include the language "In USA, please adhere to minimum safe clearance dimensions." Whereas the previous 2022 manual included specific dimensions for an Alcove install: https://www.blazeking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/180-AF30.2A-v2.00.pdf . Did something change with the stove from the 2022 edition to 2025? The local BK dealer referred me to NFPA 211 alcove dimensions as the "minimum safe clearance dimensions" which just won't work for our layout. I was hoping to go with this stove, but maybe I'll have to change course based on the new manual. Does anyone have any additional incite?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[begreen]

The stove is 28.25" wide. The minimum side clearance is 10.75. That means the width would need to be 21.5" + 28.25" = 49.75” If the width of the shallow alcove is 54" it exceeds the minimum safe distances as long as the stove is centered in it. With an 8' ceiling it exceeds that clearance requirement as well.

 

[BKVP]

Nothing changed with ANY stoves. U.L. has created a new standard for testing wood stoves for alcoves. This new standard replaces the way testing was done before.

Specifically, industry use to test clearances to the nearest side wall and assume it would be the same for both.

Now, an actual alcove is constructed at the safety labs to get all actual clearances. According to the labs, few Mfg's are testing to the new standard rather referencing other existing safety standards.

BKVP

 

[JimJay]

BKVP,

Thank you for the insight.

I guess that means what was considered an acceptable alcove install in 2024 is now considered unacceptable in 2025

Thanks,

Jim

 

[begreen]

That is too bad and needs clarification, testing, and changing if necessary. This WAS a popular alcove stove.

 

[BKVP]

BKVP,

Thank you for the insight.

I guess that means what was considered an acceptable alcove install in 2024 is now considered unacceptable in 2025

Thanks,

Jim

By U.L. The safety labs own the labels on all wood stoves, regardless of lab. When they develop new standards, you must adhere to them or not place the data on the label.

BKVP

 

[begreen]

Sounds like UL labs needs to include alcove clearances in their new standards. I hate to see yet another reg further dent stove sales.

 

[BKVP]

I have been meaning to suggest that hearth.co begin a category in the Forums for Regulations, Studies and Standards. This might be a nice location for all such things to be posted.

BKVP