Enough stove for the job?

[loudog]

Click on the diagram for the full size image. I'm reading 24" to the mantel and top trim in the Clydesdale manual. I think the shield would need to project from the surround 1" past where 24" hits the mantel molding.

The Jotul C450 manual is located here: (broken link removed to http://www.jotul.com/en-us/wwwjotulus/Main-menu/Technical-documentation/)

Thanks for checking that out! So, I just checked, that would mean the heat shield would have to protrude from the surround about 5 1/2". That's gotta be kinda ugly...not that there's much choice. The clearances on the Hampton are better, but...

Actually, where did you see the 24" number...I keep seeing 27". That 3" would make a big difference considering the geometry of my mantle.

(broken link removed to http://www.hearthstonestoves.com/wood-stoves/stove-details?product_id=16)is where I saw 27", under documents, schematic.

 

[begreen]

Good catch. Looks like I'm going to have to update my docs. The old one is 2005, new one is 2011.

 

[CK1]

loudog, I just installed the Clydesdale in my home, did the install myself (will be posting pic and review soon) but I like the clydesdale a lot. I've only done a few burns with it so far, but it is a very nice unit. I got it because of the clearences, looks and fireoutput work well. I bought the homesaver mantle shield for my mantle. I didn't like the HI3100 only because of looks. You may want to consider the PE Alderlea T5, that is a nice unit but slightly smaller firebox

 

[loudog]

loudog, I just installed the Clydesdale in my home, did the install myself (will be posting pic and review soon) but I like the clydesdale a lot. I've only done a few burns with it so far, but it is a very nice unit. I got it because of the clearences, looks and fireoutput work well. I bought the homesaver mantle shield for my mantle. I didn't like the HI3100 only because of looks. You may want to consider the PE Alderlea T5, that is a nice unit but slightly smaller firebox

Good to hear CK, thanks. If it wasn't for the Hampton surround we'd be on that thing so fast...I wish they offered a couple surround options. The T5 is too deep for our fireplace, which goes back to the issue with the Venice. If we want to modify the surround or fireplace it's not an issue...we'd obviously rather not, but may decide to. The viewing area of the Clyde is a huge selling point too, very nice to chill by. If it wasn't for the wretched cost!

CK, how is the blower sound on the Clyde, the local dealer didn't have it hooked up?

 

[CK1]

wasn't for the Hampton surround we'd be on that thing so fast...I wish they offered a couple surround options. The T5 is too deep for our fireplace, which goes

I agree, we didn't like the surround on the hampton either. The blower seems nice, you can easily adjust it. If you turn the fan on full blast it's kinda loud, but I would expect any fan pushing 220 cfm to be kinda loud. If you turn it to medium - medium high you will hear it but it won't be all that loud. I believe 220 cfm is pretty high consider what other fireplaces seem to push out, which is good because on those cold nights you want to move the heat as fast as possible. The fan will automatically kick on and off at a certain temperature, but it is up to you to set the speed. No rattle in the fan, which I know some others have complained about.

The viewing area is great, very large. No complaints from me so far, but I've only used it a few times, so only time will tell.

 

[begreen]

If it helps, the Hampton HI300 is the same as the Regency I2400 on the inside.

 

[loudog]

I agree, we didn't like the surround on the hampton either. The blower seems nice, you can easily adjust it. If you turn the fan on full blast it's kinda loud, but I would expect any fan pushing 220 cfm to be kinda loud. If you turn it to medium - medium high you will hear it but it won't be all that loud. I believe 220 cfm is pretty high consider what other fireplaces seem to push out, which is good because on those cold nights you want to move the heat as fast as possible. The fan will automatically kick on and off at a certain temperature, but it is up to you to set the speed. No rattle in the fan, which I know some others have complained about.

The viewing area is great, very large. No complaints from me so far, but I've only used it a few times, so only time will tell.

Yowsa, 220 CFM...that's prime. I wonder if they've re-designed the blower recently.The reported rattling has me a bit concerned. I know they have sent out shim kits and things to fix it, but any rattle would drive me nuts...especially on a $3,400 machine. Thanks again for your sharing your experience.

 

[loudog]

If it helps, the Hampton HI300 is the same as the Regency I2400 on the inside.

Shucks...typing at the same time again. I like the 2400 AND it's style, but we put it in our fireplace using their design app on the website and it clashes with the style of our house/mantle big time. Sad...cause the price is right and I know it's a good stove, capable of handling bio-brick stuff.

 

[begreen]

The shallow depth makes this a challenge. Double check your measurements to be sure. There is the FPX33 at 17.75" deep that might work with a very skinny shim on the back of the surround.

http://www.fireplacex.com/ProductGuide/ProductDetail.aspx?modelsku=99800176

Same stove is also available by Lopi with different surrounds. The Cape Cod would look nice there.

(broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/productuide/detail.aspx?id=335)

 

[loudog]

The shallow depth makes this a challenge. Double check your measurements to be sure. There is the FPX33 at 17.75" deep that might work with a very skinny shim on the back of the surround.

http://www.fireplacex.com/ProductGuide/ProductDetail.aspx?modelsku=99800176

Thanks so much for looking around Be. I double checked last night...it really is 17.5. The builder completely messed with my insert plans!

I'm really hoping the perfect stove comes along, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. Clydesdale is really nice aside from the price and the need for a pretty large mantle shield. Between $4,500 installed (w/tax) and buying cord wood, the cost-to-benefit ratio isn't super exciting. Though, it'll probably only take a few years to pay itself off still since we heat with oil at $3.75/gal or so. $3,500 installed is much more appetizing though. Just talking out loud here. Gotta make a decision soon one way or the other.

Here is the Hampton in our mantle BTW, courtesy of the Hampton design site. We don't hate it...it's just a bit wonky with the mantle being nearly identical to the surround.

 

[begreen]

Actually I like the repeating design elements. Looks like a good match, though I think I would go for brown enamel.

 

[loudog]

Actually I like the repeating design elements. Looks like a good match, though I think I would go for brown enamel.

Man, I wish we agreed. It would make things easy. We really like the stove itself. I think my wife is leaning toward the Hampton at this point due to the cost of the Clyde.

 

[begreen]

The brown enamel finish softens the design elements' contrast.

 

[loudog]

View attachment 76867

The brown enamel finish softens the design elements contrast.

You've got tricks. Hmm...it does soften things up, but then it's approaching the cost of the Clydesdale. Which looks realllly nice in there.

 

[begreen]

Sounds like you both want the Clydesdale. It's a good insert. The additional cost spread over the next 10 years is trival considering the oil savings. That will pay off the cost difference in one season.

 

[loudog]

Sounds like you both want the Clydesdale. It's a good insert. The additional cost spread over the next 10 years is trival considering the oil savings. That will pay off the cost difference in one season.

You're definitely right. In a normal year the extra cost wouldn't bother us at all, we were just joking about that the other night, but this year....we'll be having triplets. So, with one income gone and three kids on the way we're trying to be a bit more careful. Your logic still stands though. It's really a 17% difference in cost, and on a 10-20 year piece of equipment that's not a HUGE deal.

 

[begreen]

Triplets? Holy moly! That will be a life changer for sure. Indulge now, you're going to need a nice place to sit and contemplate life between diaper changes.

 

[loudog]

Triplets? Holy moly! That will be a life changer for sure. Indulge now, you're going to need a nice place to sit and contemplate life between diaper changes.

Good point.

 

[mfglickman]

Triplets - woo hoo congratulations!

I say go for the Clydesdale - I don't love the repeating elements either. Sorry BeGreen.

I also love the idea of getting the shield in closer to the insert. Can't do that with my freestanding stove as I need to be able to open the top to brush off the cat.

 

[loudog]

Done! We just pulled the trigger on a new Cydesdale! Asked our very local dealer to beat a local dealer and got it for $3k. Not too shabby. Also got the Hearthstone mantle shield,that we'll mount down on the surround. Not ideal, but not bad either. Should be here Thursday and hopefully installed soon thereafter!

Also got the name of a reportedly good wood supplier from the dealer. Tree company that sells split wood from their jobs. $240/cord delivered. Checked out the pile, looks OK, but I didn't have a meter with me. I ordered one that'll be here early next week.

I truly appreciate all the advice and help picking the right stove. I'll post up with some photos once it's installed and fired up!

 

[bluedogz]

Between $4,500 installed (w/tax) and buying cord wood, the cost-to-benefit ratio isn't super exciting. Though, it'll probably only take a few years to pay itself off still since we heat with oil at $3.75/gal or so.

Start scroungin', buddy... worked for me. Kinda fun, too.

 

[loudog]

Start scroungin', buddy... worked for me. Kinda fun, too.

Seems like it would be. Kinda like a treasure hunt.

 

[begreen]

Congratulations on the new Clydesdale. That's a nice insert.

Re: Wood. Go back to that wood seller's pile and ask what species of wood it is. If it's oak, you will be buying it for the 2015 season. Bring a splitting maul or axe and re-split a couple splits. Put the freshly cut face of the wood against your cheek. If it's cold and damp or wet, forget burning that wood this year. On the other hand, if he as a good quantity of ash that was split earlier in the summer you stand a chance of getting some decent firewood for winter.

 

[loudog]

Thanks. I'll inquire about the type of wood and age. Then split some and measure. Sounds like the first year burning is tough...I will likely get some bio-brick to mix in to get through the first year. Seems like that's the best first-year-remedy?

 

[bluedogz]

Seems like it would be. Kinda like a treasure hunt.

A little bit... sometimes you get a little weird like cheering for windstorms.