Castle Serenity vs Comfortbilt HP50

[mtbphoto]

Hello, I am currently using a Serenity in my 800 sq ft house and although I like the stove, it has its quirks (hard starts, small hopper, cleaning is kinda a pain.) I am moving to a poorly insulated 3 story 1000sq ft house with the stove on the middle floor. I am torn between the Castle Serenity and the HP50. I like the HP50 because of the ease of cleaning and that it is rated as more efficient (81 vs 69%) I believe. I run my Serenity only on the lowest setting now and like how little pellets it uses. I live in California at 8,100 ft elevation if that matters. Looks like the cost difference is $400 more for the HP50, Is it worth it?
Thanks

 

[klincker]

I'd go with the Castle. Most people choose the Castle for its ease of cleaning and customer service. The Comfortbilt looks like a sister stove using many of the same parts/design.

 

[rich2500]

I highly doubt the comfortbilt will be easier to clean than a Serenity.

 

[Mt Bob]

You complained about your Chinese stove,yet are considering a different Chinese stove.I guess you have never lived where your life depends on heat.China stoves,some of them,have a OK record,but,where I live,you would not bet your life on it.

 

[mtbphoto]

I ordered another Castle Serenity. My current Serenity is used the most and has never failed me in the 4 years I have had it. My rental has a Lopi that has gone through an igniter or 2 in the last few years. I also manage units with a Harman that is absolute junk, and a brand new Quadrafire that is amazing, clean, holds a ton of pellets, but is poorly designed IMO.

 

[rich2500]

Sounds like you done the right thing, sticking with what you have had good luck with and a stove you know.