Considering a Hearthstone Manchester

[farmerdavid]

I live in Central Texas in an old home that is decently insulated, but quite drafty. Single pane aluminum windows.
I am considering a Hearthstone Manchester, but have read about some problems with the unit...Difficulty in starting a fire, flat bottom that is not recessed to hold ashes, poor seals...I'd like to hear from those who have bought later manufactured units.
I am also considering a Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 and a Osburn 2000. Both of these units are really to deep in dimension for my bricked hearth floor such that I would have do quite a bit of work though.

 

[Woody Stover]

The 2019 T5 we got for my wife's sis only requires ember protection on the floor, no R-value. It's a welded steel box as well, minimal maintenance. Ash handling system ain't too good, but works. I'm spoiled since I've had grated ash handling. I like the Manchester's looks..
@webby3650 might have a pretty good read on the newer Manchesters, his shop handles Hearthstone I believe. But I think the 2020 stoves by any makers are going to be a question mark to everyone until they are in the field for a couple of years, at least..

 

[webby3650]

The 2019 T5 we got for my wife's sis only requires ember protection on the floor, no R-value. It's a welded steel box as well, minimal maintenance. Ash handling system ain't too good, but works. I'm spoiled since I've had grated ash handling. I like the Manchester's looks..
@webby3650 might have a pretty good read on the newer Manchesters, his shop handles Hearthstone I believe. But I think the 2020 stoves by any makers are going to be a question mark to everyone until they are in the field for a couple of years, at least..

I agree, it will a while before we know how durable they will be. We installed new castleton a few weeks back. They did move the cat way back, so it should be out of the flames for the most part. I don’t like how hard it will be to access the day for cleaning and replacement. I guess I’m just really spoiled by Blaze King and a Woodstock.

 

[farmerdavid]

How about the enamel paint? How has that held up for Hearthstone owners? (chipping..) Does anyone recommend the black over the enamel finish?

 

[farmerdavid]

Also wondering about door hinge problems I've heard about.

 

[webby3650]

Also wondering about door hinge problems I've heard about.

We have a bunch of them out there. I’ve never seen one with a hinge problem. I think that was resolved pretty quickly.