I have a dilema and hope the attached photos, if I did it correctly, will help.
I grew up with and have now been a woodstove owner most of my life. I just sold a house with a Hearthstone Heritage that I loved, with the exception of the warm up time. I am now debating the above choice and hope to gain some opinions from the more educated.
My new house is an 1800 sq/ft cape with a relatively chopped up floor plan. I have multiple doors that I can control heat flow with and would realistically be looking to heat 1500 sq ft primarily with my stove. hopefully more if possible. I have a very nice wood surround/mantel that I do not want to rip out, and shielding it takes away considerably from the aesthetics.
Castine-with shields top and sides will do the trick but will it provide the heat I want?
Encore-requires mantel removal (or customization that I am handy enough to do but not have time for) but gives a bit more capacity and I like the top load
Hampton-install requires no shield and no mantel customization
I plan on raising onto a AJ pad to cover the entire existing hearth
will need an approx 7" metal piece to cover the gap from top of unit to brick surround.
Questions for Hampton owners
Will I get the actual heat output that they indicate?
Where is the electrical connection for the blower and can it be concealed from below?
I welcome your opinions, and thanks in advance for any suggestions/help
Jim
One of the images is dimensions not sure if it will be readable
![[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/100_2111-webp.179594/ "[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore")
![[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/100_21093-webp.179595/ "[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore")
![[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/fireplacedimensions-webp.179596/ "[Hearth.com] Considering a Hampton i300 over the Jotul Castine or VC Encore")
I grew up with and have now been a woodstove owner most of my life. I just sold a house with a Hearthstone Heritage that I loved, with the exception of the warm up time. I am now debating the above choice and hope to gain some opinions from the more educated.
My new house is an 1800 sq/ft cape with a relatively chopped up floor plan. I have multiple doors that I can control heat flow with and would realistically be looking to heat 1500 sq ft primarily with my stove. hopefully more if possible. I have a very nice wood surround/mantel that I do not want to rip out, and shielding it takes away considerably from the aesthetics.
Castine-with shields top and sides will do the trick but will it provide the heat I want?
Encore-requires mantel removal (or customization that I am handy enough to do but not have time for) but gives a bit more capacity and I like the top load
Hampton-install requires no shield and no mantel customization
I plan on raising onto a AJ pad to cover the entire existing hearth
will need an approx 7" metal piece to cover the gap from top of unit to brick surround.
Questions for Hampton owners
Will I get the actual heat output that they indicate?
Where is the electrical connection for the blower and can it be concealed from below?
I welcome your opinions, and thanks in advance for any suggestions/help
Jim
One of the images is dimensions not sure if it will be readable
