Feedback and Opinions of Vogelzang Wood Stoves

[Torro]

We are looking to install a wood stove in our unfinished basement to offset the heating costs of the house (2100sf total/Colonial style).

Our heating system is located in the same area as well as the ducting so knowing thermal transmission, the heat energy from the stove will soak the ducting and air handler and that energy will be transferred throughout the home in theory reducing the need and cost of fossil fuels to heat the home well less the wood of course.

After some research I have come across 2 Vogelzang stoves that I like (The Performer and The Ponderosa) and wanted to get feedback on the brand, the models if possible and whether or not Vogelzang is a company whose products are worth buying.

Thank you for your in advance for your input.

 

[Bocefus78]

Welcome first of all. Honestly, I would be looking at higher quality stoves. Just my opinion. Yours may vary.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Welcome first of all. Honestly, I would be looking at higher quality stoves. Just my opinion. Yours may vary.

Incorrect. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their EPA approved steel stoves. Same type of quality of stoves as those offered by US Stove, Drolet, and other budget steel stove manufacturers.

 

[BrowningBAR]

After some research I have come across 2 Vogelzang stoves that I like (The Performer and The Ponderosa) and wanted to get feedback on the brand, the models if possible and whether or not Vogelzang is a company whose products are worth buying.

Thank you for your in advance for your input.

For 2100 sq ft go with the larger stove. Which ever is closer to a 3 cu ft firebox.

the heat energy from the stove will soak the ducting and air handler and that energy will be transferred throughout the home

Not many have had success with that. Is this going to be a basement install? If so, go with a large, 3+ cu ft firebox, stove.

 

[Jags]

I voted no, but would like to clarify. The early model stoves including such dandys as the Boxwood stove would not get a second look from me. HOWEVER - some of their newer EPA cert. stoves look to be a reasonable quality stove for the price point.

Remember - you are looking for a stove that will have a box full of fire inside your home. Please do it with the utmost care.

 

[dougand3]

The poll will have questionable results. I voted yes because the newer EPA stoves do look reasonable. But when burners who've been around the block hear the brand Vogelzang - they think boxwood and scream "AIIIEEEEEEHHHH!". I bought a boxwood years ago and screamed, too. And didn't install it.
I did interact with Vogelzang customer service re: broken leg....and they were top notch.

 

[Eaglecraft]

We are looking to install a wood stove in our unfinished basement to offset the heating costs of the house (2100sf total/Colonial style).

Our heating system is located in the same area as well as the ducting so knowing thermal transmission, the heat energy from the stove will soak the ducting and air handler and that energy will be transferred throughout the home in theory reducing the need and cost of fossil fuels to heat the home well less the wood of course.

After some research I have come across 2 Vogelzang stoves that I like (The Performer and The Ponderosa) and wanted to get feedback on the brand, the models if possible and whether or not Vogelzang is a company whose products are worth buying.

Thank you for your in advance for your input.

Torro:

There are many fine woodstoves made in the US. The Vogelzang is made in China. On that basis alone, I would not purchase it. Unless one conducts extensive engineering tests comparing characteristics of the Vogelzang with US stoves, it is impossible to determine if the Vogelzang will perform safely over the long haul. For example, is the quality of the steel as good as US Products? Are the welds made and inspected by certified welders? Just what do the Chinese really know about designing/manufacturing a woodstove?

There are just so many excellent woodstoves manufactured in the US, I would look at those models first. After all, you are putting a fire in the middle of your house and safety should be first priority. Long after the joy of a "good deal" has worn off, the reality of product quality sets in. In my experience, it is best to think for the long term and buy the best quality product possible.

Good luck with your choice...

 

[BrowningBAR]

There are many fine woodstoves stoves mades in the US. The Vogelzang is made in China. On that basis alone, I would not purchase it. Unless one conducts extensive engineering tests comparing characteristics of the Vogelzang with US stoves, it is impossible to determine if the Vogelzang will perform safely over the long haul. For example, is the quality of the steel as good as US Products? Are the welds made and inspected by certified welders? Just what do the Chinese really know about designing/manufacturing a woodstove?

There are just so many excellent woodstoves manufactured in the US, I would look at those models first. After all, you are putting a fire in the middle of your house and safety should be first priority. Long after the joy of a "good deal" has worn off, the reality of product quality sets in. In my experience, it is best to think for the long term and by the best quality product possible.

Good luck with your choice...

You mean high quality US stove makers like Vermont Castings...

US Stove also makes questionable non-EPA stoves just like Vogelzang.

 

[FyreBug]

Incorrect. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their EPA approved steel stoves. Same type of quality of stoves as those offered by US Stove, Drolet, and other budget steel stove manufacturers.

Aaaah... with all due respect I'll strongly object to that. Drolet is made in North America, model for model much thicker plate steel and much better warranty (limited lifetime), better fit & finish (door latch, welds, bricks etc...)

I'm realize I am biased but these are objectives not subjectives considerations. Just put 2 of them side by side.

It's like comparing Dewalt & 'Trade Master'...

 

[Torro]

Wow! Voting is close 44y-55n%

I really appreciate the feedback, so now my initial opinion may be swaying a bit, I see some people feel VC is a good stove, are there any other recommendations?

If I opt for a larger stove could I efficiently use the unit without having to fill it completely with wood? Example, stove has capability of 100,000 btu but I dont need that amount of heat at that time can I control amount of wood and air to efficiently heat my space? (Sounds like a dumb question but since we have never owned one there are no dumb questions)

Also I know that since there are no industry standards established or that can be considered reliable and consistent due to many factors such as altitude, climate, density of wood, wood species, moisture content and many other factors most if not all of the specs stove manufacturers use are really their research, their data, their feelings on how a stove will perform, so lacking the certainty of testing data I am basing my decision on size, construction, availability/number of replacement parts, cost, warranty, company reputation and feedback from consumers like all of you.

Here is a brief list of our requirements:
- Sub $1000.00 price
- Steel construction (no open or weak seams)
- Prefer north 2 south setup (not a deal breaker)
- Burn times in 10 hour range
- 3 sf wood area
- Non catalytic
- Appearance is not of paramount concern since it will be installed in a utility area of basement
- Ash bin
- Control of air flow
- Reliable/reputable manufacturer
- Widely available parts

 

[FyreBug]

In Drolet you could look at Myriad, Legend, Baltic & Austral which pretty much fits your requirement.

However, I am biased so ask other users how they feel about service, brands / models you are considering etc.. before deciding. That's your best benchmark and you've come to the best place on the Interweb to ask these questions...

All the best

 

[dougand3]

Other consideration is price. I looked at Northern Tool (probably lowest price) and Vogelzang EPA stoves appear the same as or slightly higher than an Englander. If you want 3 cf, the Englander/Summer's Heat/Timber Ridge (all same) NC-30 is a tried and true stove...and probably cheaper than VZ Ponderosa (and I don't see cf size on it - just the "biggest")

 

[Jags]

I really appreciate the feedback, so now my initial opinion may be swaying a bit, I see some people feel VC is a good stove, are there any other recommendations?

Uh...I don't think you caught the sarcasm of BBar's post.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Wow! Voting is close 44y-55n%

I really appreciate the feedback, so now my initial opinion may be swaying a bit, I see some people feel VC is a good stove, are there any other recommendations?

If I opt for a larger stove could I efficiently use the unit without having to fill it completely with wood? Example, stove has capability of 100,000 btu but I dont need that amount of heat at that time can I control amount of wood and air to efficiently heat my space? (Sounds like a dumb question but since we have never owned one there are no dumb questions)

Also I know that since there are no industry standards established or that can be considered reliable and consistent due to many factors such as altitude, climate, density of wood, wood species, moisture content and many other factors most if not all of the specs stove manufacturers use are really their research, their data, their feelings on how a stove will perform, so lacking the certainty of testing data I am basing my decision on size, construction, availability/number of replacement parts, cost, warranty, company reputation and feedback from consumers like all of you.

Here is a brief list of our requirements:
- Sub $1000.00 price
- Steel construction (no open or weak seams)
- Prefer north 2 south setup (not a deal breaker)
- Burn times in 10 hour range
- 3 sf wood area
- Non catalytic
- Appearance is not of paramount concern since it will be installed in a utility area of basement
- Ash bin
- Control of air flow
- Reliable/reputable manufacturer
- Widely available parts

I would avoid VC at this point. If you had more experience with wood stoves, then maybe give them a try. But there are a lot of potential issues with their stoves.

Ignore BTU ratings. Focus on the size of the Firebox.

 

[jharkin]

Uh...I don't think you caught the sarcasm of BBar's post.

To the OP, based on your list of requirements and budget range it seems the obvious choice is just to buy an Englander 30 and call it done.

 

[Pallet Pete]

Incorrect. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their EPA approved steel stoves. Same type of quality of stoves as those offered by US Stove, Drolet, and other budget steel stove manufacturers.

I would disagree we owned a Durango and only after it almost having a meltdown did we find out the metal is not folded for strength and heat durability. They are not good quality and the air controls are total crap never ever will we have another one in our home. SBI is a good stove maker and I would jump at a Drolet any time ! Having owned a US Stove boxwood I would never buy one of there non EPA stoves again however I would buy an EPA model they are built decent.

Pete

Pete

 

[begreen]

Incorrect. There is absolutely nothing wrong with their EPA approved steel stoves. Same type of quality of stoves as those offered by US Stove, Drolet, and other budget steel stove manufacturers.

Seems like the main issue for the OP is that Vogelzang doesn't make a 3 cu ft model. VG has improved their line in the past couple years. Still unknown is how well these stoves will stand up over time. But so far their owners seem happy with the Performer in particular. The Drolet is built heavier. But in this price range I agree that the Englander 30NC is the best buy. It's made in the US, great price, good owner record and good support. That combo is hard to beat for value. Right about now they start dropping in price as the big box stores start clearing out inventory to make room for garden supplies. Call around for the best price and note that the same stove is sold under the Summer's Heat and Timber Ridge nameplate.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Seems like the main issue for the OP is that Vogelzang doesn't make a 3 cu ft model. VG has improved their line in the past couple years. Still unknown is how well these stoves will stand up over time. But so far their owners seem happy with the Performer in particular. The Drolet is built heavier. But in this price range I agree that the Englander 30NC is the best buy. It's made in the US, great price, good owner record and good support. That combo is hard to beat for value. Right about now they start dropping in price as the big box stores start clearing out inventory to make room for garden supplies. Call around for the best price and note that the same stove is sold under the Summer's Heat and Timber Ridge nameplate.

The 30 appears to still be listed at $899 online through Home Depot. Which is still less than the competitors of equal size.

It will be interesting to see if the price drops to $649, again.

 

[KaptJaq]

The 30 appears to still be listed at $899 online through Home Depot. Which is still less than the competitors of equal size. It will be interesting to see if the price drops to $649, again.

Last weekend the Home Depot near me had store stock at $799 (one display and one in the box). Manager in store special, pick up only.

KaptJaq

Edit: As of Wednesday the web site shows no inventory left.

 

[Eaglecraft]

You mean high quality US stove makers like Vermont Castings...

US Stove also makes questionable non-EPA stoves just like Vogelzang.

No, I wasn't thinking of Vermont Castings, per se. I was thinking of U.S. stove manufactures like Woodstock, Hearthstone, etc.

Woodstoves inside a home are what one would call a "safety" significant item. Because of the potential for serious injury, loss or even death, woodstoves should be built to a higher quality standard than say, coffee pots. In other words, quality (safety), not price, should be the important characteristic.

Is it a good thing to buy U.S. products when it is possible to do so? Yes, I think that it is.

 

[BrowningBAR]

No, I wasn't thinking of Vermont Castings, per se. I was thinking of U.S. stove manufactures like Woodstock, Hearthstone, etc.

Woodstoves inside a home are what one would call a "safety" significant item. Because of the potential for serious injury, loss or even death, woodstoves should be built to a higher quality standard than say, coffee pots. In other words, quality (safety), not price, should be the important characteristic.

Is it a good thing to buy U.S. products when it is possible to do so? Yes, I think that it is.

Just because you are buying US made products doesn't mean it is safer or better.
(broken image removed)

 

[ethanhudson]

FWIW I have a Drolet Austral. Picked it up brand new on sale from Menards about a year ago for around $650. No problems to date, the thing slings heat like the sun and is very durable (I cram the firebox as full as possible, frequently hitting the top baffle as I maneuver the last few splits in, I'd be afraid of damaging the ceramic board if I had a NC30). I think if you are looking for a budget priced quality stove you would be well served by either a Drolet (Austral, Myriad, Legend or Baltic) or by an Englander NC30.

Plus if you can wait a few more weeks your certain to get a good deal on one...

 

[begreen]

Just because you are buying US made products doesn't mean it is safer or better.

Just because a company is called US Stoves doesn't mean they are selling US made products.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Just because a company is called US Stoves doesn't mean they are selling US made products.

US Stove avoids any mention of that on any of their materials and claim all their manufacturing and welding is done in the US.
https://www.usstove.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=4

 

[Defiant]

Englander 30NC or the large Regency with ash pan option. Just my thoughts.