Thank you for the replies! I apologize for not being so clear with my question. I am not looking to debate which is better, cat or non-cat. I am looking for a new stove and want a good one for my application....
Here is my short list:
Napoleon 1400 - 2.3cuft
Quadrafire 4300 StepTop - 2.4cuft.
Woodstock Progress Hybrid - 2.8cuft.
Blaze King Princess - 2.8cuft.
PE T6/Summit - 3.0cuft
Hearthstone Mansfield - 3.2cuft
I love the set it and forget it feature of the BK. I also love the look of the Hearthstone stoves, specifically the techy features of the hybrid Progress. I'll have to read up on that one.
Hmmmmm. One thing that worries me is that during the shoulder seasons with well insulated house I might have to run the stove too low to avoid cooking myself out.
You will learn fast that you do not dial the temperatures with a wood stove the same as with a furnace. You don't want too much heat without roasting yourself out? Simple: Don't fill the firebox. Even with the cat, when you dial them down so there is no flame and the wood appears to be just smoldering, that catalyst will still kick out lots of heat. So do the major controlling with the amount and type of wood you burn.