Harman P Series vs XXV

[jslinger]

Thanks to everyone here helping me, I thought I had decided on a P61A. However, my fiance really likes the look of the XXV.
BTU output and ease of cleaning aside, are there any other advantages of the P series over the XXV.
The main thing I am concerned with is reliability. Do they use the same parts? It seems that I have heard of more issues with the XXV.
Can anyone provide any info comparing the reliability of the two?

 

[gbreda]

I have a P68 (2009) and a close friend has an XXV (2010). They both run very well. They both heat well.
P68 is a breeze to clean and maintain. The XXV is a PIA-but it is prettier

Edit to add: if you have little ones (or planning on it) The P68 with burn you quick, the XXV wont.
Regarding parts, some appear similar but you can download both manuals from Harman website and compare part numbers.... The burn pots are not the same as the XXV is smaller and at a more difficult angle for scraping while burning. Although I bought a mechanics pry bar for both stoves and the angle of that bar is great on the XXV and the P68-much better than the tool that comes with both stoves. Then again, not sure about the P61 burn pot, so this may be a moot point.

 

[Lousyweather]

both units are reliable....and each have their pros and cons. The XXV has it on looks, and is arguably quieter than the P61a. The P61A is easier to service (parts are easier to get to), has a MUCH larger ash can, and the hopper is larger as well.....and you can go all out and buy a hopper extension. The P61a also has a higher heat capability, at 61k btu/hr vs 50k btu/hr.
As for reliability.....maybe, just maybe the P61a is more reliable, but only marginally so, because its distribution blower seems to get replaced less (for us). I must stress tho, this is marginal! As for the other parts, the stoves pretty much use the same stuff....ESP, circuitboard, igniter, comb. fan.....

 

[CT Pellet]

jslinger....If the XXV makes the fiance happy, what the hell is there to decide?
I will say that the XXV is more prone to dirty glass because the burn pot sits up so close to the glass, but other than that, they're both great.

 

[TheMightyMoe]

The key is:

We can get that one dear, but you are going to have help fill it / clean it. But if I'm going to be doing all that, I'd like this one.

The key to a successful relationship is a happy woman.

 

[jslinger]

She wants no part in any maintenance. I have got a lot of ammo there.
It is ultimately my decision. I have always appreciated low maintenance items, so I want one that will need the least work. (excluding cleaning it)

 

[gbreda]

It is ultimately my decision.

Atta boy ! Don't let them win !

Oh and watch out if you get a set of cast iron skillets or heavy rolling pins for the wedding

 

[Lousyweather]

from a maintenance perspective, they really are about the same, except the P61A will allow you to take out the ashes less.....about half as often, due to its size......the actual cleaning, WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT IS A HECK OF ALOT MORE THAN JUST TAKING OUT THE ASHES...is roughly the same, time-wise....

 

[Lousyweather]

Atta boy ! Don't let them win !

Oh and watch out if you get a set of cast iron skillets or heavy rolling pins for the wedding

lol- my girlfriend just got her permit to carry a concealed weapon .......pistol shopping next weekend.....she wants something smaller, to fit her hand. I let her try out my Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, and she liked that feel, recoilwise, but is looking for something on a smaller frame......

 

[gbreda]

lol- my girlfriend just got her permit to carry a concealed weapon .......pistol shopping next weekend.....she wants something smaller, to fit her hand. I let her try out my Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, and she liked that feel, recoilwise, but is looking for something on a smaller frame......

RUH ROH

LW is right. I have deep cleaned both, to me the XXV is a little more work to clean but not real bad. That may also be that I can do my P68 blindfolded and very rarely work on the XXV. I'm sure it all comes down to familiarity.

 

[jslinger]

Is it called X X V, or 25?

 

[jtakeman]

Might want to pull your britches up really high(so your voice changes) And say "Yes Dear"! You can have all the ammo in the world. If that's what she wants? And you want to be happy? You best just be ordering the XXV cuss its purdier!

I hear the latest cast iron ware and rolling pin catalogs have already been mailed to gbreda and LW's current residence. Could be yours has been delayed, But trust me its coming sooner or later!

Mrs. bear and Mrs. T. have already received theirs! Us married folk seem to be on the hot list!

 

[Delta-T]

Is it called X X V, or 25?

excellent question......and on another note....

I call it the X X V. The p-series are my favorites, so thats how I roll. they aint so purty, but they gets the job done like its nobodies bidness. I enjoy the combustion blower access in the front...is a nice feature to have if you're gonna burn a lot of pellets, or are going to opt for cheaper pellets.

 

[john193]

Had the same argument with the mrs. We went with the xxv, at the time. Great stove and yes, it is pretty.

 

[Mr. Spock]

I see an XXV in your future," I do". Warm you will be. Household at peace. Strong is the force young Jedi.

 

[CT Pellet]

It is ultimately my decision.​

Of course it is.

 

[Speed3]

Get a Quad Mt Vernon or Enviro M55 Cast. They are better looking stoves and much quieter in operation. Those Harman fans are loud!

 

[jslinger]

I am sold on Harman. My parents have two, and my uncle sells them. I like the idea of having a stove of which people in my family know the ins and outs.
Made in America doesn't hurt either.

 

[gbreda]

Get a Quad Mt Vernon or Enviro M55 Cast. They are better looking stoves and much quieter in operation. Those Harman fans are loud!

Interesting. I have seen this posted several times now. The XXV is in her living room and it doesn't bother anything in regards to noise. The Mt Vernon and M55 must be almost silent.

Now the P series, I can here that upstairs at times when its roaoring

 

[gbreda]

I hear the latest cast iron ware and rolling pin catalogs have already been mailed to gbreda and LW's current residence. Could be yours has been delayed, But trust me its coming sooner or later!

Hmmm, I know it aint a multi fueler, but I wonder if a P68 can burn a catalog before someone sees it?

 

[jslinger]

She is out walking the dog right now. Then it's time to make a decision. Assuming I can delay her watching Homeland. For a person who gives me a lot of crap for watching TV, she sure does like a lot of shows.
I should have a decision within the hour.

 

[jtakeman]

Hmmm, I know it aint a multi fueler, but I wonder if a P68 can burn a catalog before someone sees it?

Where's pook, He'd know! I didn't get to the mail quick enough or hers would have hit the wood eater.

 

[jbacon01]

Of course it is.

Thanks for the Turmans and Barefoots.....they have been burning a lot cleaner then the 1st 2 brands I tried. Just had my dealer remove the cab50 and replace it with a new xxv. I had it maxed out during the recent cold snap but now with the recent warming up I am starting to play with settings. Can you let me know what your current settings are. I am not sure if i should have it on room or stove temp. any advice would be helpfull.

 

[movemaine]

and on another note: The p61 is a beast of a stove and sounds like a beast --- and it's going in your main living room --- the one you're in all the time. You won't be able to hear the tv over it, and it'll sweat you out.

 

[subsailor]

and on another note: The p61 is a beast of a stove and sounds like a beast --- and it's going in your main living room --- the one you're in all the time. You won't be able to hear the tv over it, and it'll sweat you out.

But when the temp is in the minus numbers, it's such a nice roaring sound to listen to. It's puts me to sleep every night.