Harman Pf100 stainless burn pot

[d-dayman]

I just wanted to know if anybody has tried these new stainless burn pots for the Harman PF100?

https://pellethead.com/product/harman-heatilator-furnace-boiler-burnpot-firepot-weldment-aftermarket/

How do they hold up? My furnace works great, but the burn pot has seen its final days. I’ve patched it several times, but it’s time for a new one.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Don't have a Harman but both my burnpots are stainless and after 15+ years on pellets and corn mix, I have no appreciable wear. With mine, I change out the burn pot every time I clean the stove and the one I take out goes in a pail of water to soak. Makes cleaning it a breeze as the water softens the carbon and a small wire brush (I use a small welding brush) removes everything and leave the pot clan as new.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I actually fabricated the second one from 304 stainless sheet. 304 is easy to work with but you must TIG weld it.

 

[d-dayman]

Thanks for the input sidecar. What kind of furnace/stove are you using? The Harman PF100 is notorious for burn pot failures. This was their attempt for a permanent fix, but not sure how they hold up. Having trouble finding any reviews about them. Figured somebody on here should know.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I have a USSC 6039-41 Hearth Focus pedestal free standing unit. It's at least 15 years old. Reason why I have it is it's a true multi fuel unit and I burn corn and pellets. Most units cannot run corn. Mine can. In fact my control box has a corn only setting. They still make them btw. Just a bit improved with cal rod ignition, mine is manual start. Corn is much harder to ignite so the 'electric' ignition works sometimes, but not all the time. A small handful of pellets and some firestarter is all I need, and mine never shuts off. It just goes to low fire when the t'stat isn't calling for heat.

In fact I just bought another used one that I'll refurb and sell. Great stoves, I've had no issues other than replacing a convention fan in all the time I've owned it.

The come with stainless (304) burn pots standard. Always have.

Never owned a Harman but one never knows, one might be in my future.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

The PF100 and the PB105 use the same burnpot. The OE ones tended to warp and crack, and Harman replaced a lot of them under warranty (including mine, twice) while trying a number of new designs. I think the third version was finally the charm, but it was expensive. My Harman dealer told me it retailed for over $700 (while he was replacing my 105 burn pot for free).
That was probably six years ago at least. That pot has held up extremely well ... but I don't think Earth Sense is selling a true Harman pot. I think it's their own product, probably modeled after the Harman part. The benefit is a much lower price. I would trust Earth Sense to build a part as robust as Harman's, though. Call them and see what kind of warranty they provide.

 

[d-dayman]

The PF100 and the PB105 use the same burnpot. The OE ones tended to warp and crack, and Harman replaced a lot of them under warranty (including mine, twice) while trying a number of new designs. I think the third version was finally the charm, but it was expensive. My Harman dealer told me it retailed for over $700 (while he was replacing my 105 burn pot for free).
That was probably six years ago at least. That pot has held up extremely well ... but I don't think Earth Sense is selling a true Harman pot. I think it's their own product, probably modeled after the Harman part. The benefit is a much lower price. I would trust Earth Sense to build a part as robust as Harman's, though. Call them and see what kind of warranty they provide.

Earth sense is offering a 1 year warranty. They say their burn pot is the exact same specs as the Harman pot. Does your burn pot have the three slots cut in it right above the igniter? If yours is holding up as good as it is, and they are the same design, for $400, I figure I’ll give it a try.

 

[d-dayman]

.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Earth sense is offering a 1 year warranty. They say their burn pot is the exact same specs as the Harman pot. Does your burn pot have the three slots cut in it right above the igniter? If yours is holding up as good as it is, and they are the same design, for $400, I figure I’ll give it a try.

Yes, it has the three slots, located pretty much where the cracks developed in the earlier burn pots. So consider them engineered cracks!
Seriously, I was under the impression that the ES pot is a clone of the Harman part.

 

[d-dayman]

Yes, it has the three slots, located pretty much where the cracks developed in the earlier burn pots. So consider them engineered cracks!
Seriously, I was under the impression that the ES pot is a clone of the Harman part.

Excellent. Thanks for the info. I’ll order mine tomorrow.

 

[White00s10]

I have a PB105, ( Same burn pot) My burn pot was pretty much well bubbled and cracked/ breaking down.

I bought that exact same kit. Took about 10 minutes to swap it out. You'd be surprised how much heavier the stainless weldment pot is from the thin oem one. So far so good, no serious warping or problems. Id definitely recommend it.

 

[bostonfan49]

Don't have a Harman but both my burnpots are stainless and after 15+ years on pellets and corn mix, I have no appreciable wear. With mine, I change out the burn pot every time I clean the stove and the one I take out goes in a pail of water to soak. Makes cleaning it a breeze as the water softens the carbon and a small wire brush (I use a small welding brush) removes everything and leave the pot clan as new.

Thanks, for the tip Sidecar….I’ve just been scraping away all these years (10 minutes a wack) hopefully less now. Just fired up my stove for its 12th winter. So far so good! Bill

 

[SidecarFlip]

Thanks, for the tip Sidecar….I’ve just been scraping away all these years (10 minutes a wack) hopefully less now. Just fired up my stove for its 12th winter. So far so good! Bill

Actually have 3 now and soon a 4th. I want 2 for each stove so one can be soaking while one is in service. Mine are around 130 bucks aftermarket or 215 bucks OEM. Been using the same putty knife all these years. About time for a new one. I've put an edge on this one so many times, it's getting pretty short.

The refurbished stove is finished (need to take some pictures). It's going in the shop. Waiting for some venting to come in so I can set it. Looks brand new, even I'm amazed. I need to fire it up and cure the paint, may do that this weekend outside. No point in smoking up the shop.