Decision? Harmon 52i or Mt Vernon E2

[phil san]

Need some advice on new insert. Torn between Harmon Accentra 52i and Mt Vernon E2.

Have an Enviro Empress insert for 9 years. Performed well, though was undersized for our needs, 2300 sq.’ open plan. Supplement with a basement pellet stove and den wood burner. I also replaced every blower, auger and control board 3 times – enough!

Just retired. I want dependability and low noise. My take, is the Harmon ease of maintenance is amazing but concerned over the blower noise. (house is dead quiet).

Will probably always run on med stove temp mode.

I really like the Harmon for maintenance but much prefer the aesthetics of the Mt Vernon and quiet blowers. I am aware of the E2 issues and upgraded boards.

Harmon pros: proven ruggedness, easy access via rails, dual blowers.

Quadrafire: quiet blowers, aesthetics, very concerned about breakdowns.

Been to the showrooms, but can’t tell noise. Will self install,4” flue and oak.

I feel I should go Harmon but really love the E2 looks. Would I be making a grave mistake?

 

[corkman]

I would go with the 52i. They are a proven work horse. The e2 issues would be a concern for me especially the exploding glass.

 

[Mikey pellet guy]

I think both stoves are good , and what ever you decide i am sure will work for what you need. The only thing i dont like about the Harman insert the hopper is to small & can be a pain to fill cause the opening is so narrow.

 

[phil san]

I think both stoves are good , and what ever you decide i am sure will work for what you need. The only thing i dont like about the Harman insert the hopper is to small & can be a pain to fill cause the opening is so narrow.

i'm also wondering how servicable the Mt.Vernon is without pulling the beast out of the fireplace. Also, no recent reports on this site about the e2.
(maybe with the price of oil down, no ones buying stoves).

 

[Mikey pellet guy]

I am not 100 sure. Good question for your dealer.

 

[dozerdean]

I have the accentra fs,free standing. It's the most reliable stove I think there is! Like corkman said it's a work horse! U won't be disappointed.. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dozerdean]

Neighbor has the accentra 52i & he's all smiles with his..

 

[fmsm]

Don't underestimate the value of the rails! I have had an insert without rails and now have 2 Harman's with them. I would NEVER have an insert without a rail/cage system, makes the world of a diffence for cleaning.

 

[Zeus]

hi Phil, I have a newer 52i and I love it . I was in the same boat that you are looking at the mt Vernon and the accentra after personally looking over the 2 stoves I went with the accentra. Here are some of the reasons,very easy to clean maintain.you don't have to shut down to refill the stove,scrape pot,take out ash pan,or clean the glass.having service rails means you don't have to be a brute to pull out for a full clean, stove rolling on rails won't scrape up your floor.venting doesn't have to be disconnected to clean. Full cleans only come once a month. The stove will hold your set temp within one degree,and I wouldn't worry so much bout the fans if they are a little louder you can turn them down to achieve your desired noise level.when it's subzero outside you won't be bothered too much by the any noise that comes from those powerful fans lol. You can also get it with 67lb hopper wich means it will run all day unattended.as far as looks go take a look at one in brown enamel see what you think. Hope this helps let us know what you decide good luck.

 

[phil san]

hi Phil, I have a newer 52i and I love it . I was in the same boat that you are looking at the mt Vernon and the accentra after personally looking over the 2 stoves I went with the accentra. Here are some of the reasons,very easy to clean maintain.you don't have to shut down to refill the stove,scrape pot,take out ash pan,or clean the glass.having service rails means you don't have to be a brute to pull out for a full clean, stove rolling on rails won't scrape up your floor.venting doesn't have to be disconnected to clean. Full cleans only come once a month. The stove will hold your set temp within one degree,and I wouldn't worry so much bout the fans if they are a little louder you can turn them down to achieve your desired noise level.when it's subzero outside you won't be bothered too much by the any noise that comes from those powerful fans lol. You can also get it with 67lb hopper wich means it will run all day unattended.as far as looks go take a look at one in brown enamel see what you think. Hope this helps let us know what you decide good luck.

I agree. The accentra being able to slide out on rails and the easy disconnect from the vent system is super fantastic. For years I have struggled pulling my Enviro FPI out which is about 125 lbs less than the stoves I'm considering. Plus, I've reached my senior years. Just really like the look
of the Mt Vernon and it's supposed ultra quiet motors. I would now consider the Mt Vernon AE (though I don't care for the burn pot scraper) as the E2
appears to have lost about 10k btu with the motherboard rev.
I know I should and 80% will go Accentra, unless someone can convince me I won't be troubleshooting and regretting the MVAE operation.