buying another stove, decision decisions....

[davevassar]

So I'm going to put a free standing pellet stove i my insulated basement and I can't decide which one to get.

Quadrafire Santa Fe brand new, ~$1900 - sale ends today and it goes up to $2200 from a stove shop
Kozi KSH 120 brand new ~$1599 from a stove shop
Englander 25 $1099 from HD
Bosch Spiirit demo $1500, regularly $2200 but they used it as a demo last season
Pelpro (not sure of the model) ~$1500 from stove shop

Style, looks don't really matter to me, I just want something that will thr0w good heat and won't give me problems. I was trying to get my wife to chime in but she says she doesn't care, so looking for any opinions.

I guess the $ is weighing in heavily, if I can get something as good as the quadrafire but $500 lss, I'd go with it.

I have an Eviro Empress insert in the living room which does a good job, but we're going to completely finish the basement over he winter and need heat down there.

Any opinions woul be great. Thanks.

 

[Bioburner]

Santa Fe does not have a true OAK system! Might make a difference for your choice. I know it did for us. Fan not that great either.

 

[davevassar]

at the risk of sounding dumb, what is OAK system?

 

[Bioburner]

Outside Air Kit, so your not using heated inside air to feed the fire and causing more drafts.

 

[john193]

If I'm not mistaken none of the quads have a truly sealed intake port. My understanding is this was done to allow operation of the stove under a possible blockage in the OAK.

Outside of the price, I would equally if not more highly consider support after the purchase. How available will your purchase place be to help with issues that may arise in the future?

 

[moey]

If I'm not mistaken none of the quads have a truly sealed intake port. My understanding is this was done to allow operation of the stove under a possible blockage in the OAK.

You can seal them with some effort. The only portion I have that is not sealed is a joint that is metal on metal that allows access to the burnpot. Takes some silicone and a sore back but its doable. Thats with the CB the Santa Fe may be a little different.

 

[CTBossfan]

I wanted a stove for the basement and ended up buying one here this past summer.
(broken link removed to http://www.amfmenergy.com/manufacturer-refurbished-stoves.html)
Search the boards and you will find many posts related to am/fm and Englander. Some of the stoves are new just factory blemish others are refurbs. Worth a look.