Harman vs Quadrafire?

[John Fortier]

Just want the Thelin out and debating on the better insert. All opinions are welcome Need to heat 1200 sq ft, and need fodder to work with my dealer.

 

[MuchoBueno]

I just purchased a Harman p35i and I'm a different man since then. Now im able to walk around town with my chest swollen and soon will be able to go to the movies all by myself! I walk around my house in my underwear and wife beater. Something I only dreamed of doing in the dead of winter. With a turn of the knob I can go from walking around all uptight and stiff, to letting it ALL hang out! Try it. It could change your life as it did mine.

 

[Don2222]

I have two Harmys and a Quad and like then all!

 

[John Fortier]

LOL Mucho....just not sure how to take it or what to make of it.

 

[Wilbur Feral]

That's a tough call, John. My Quad MVAE (freestanding) has been a good stove, but I don't like 1/2 the brains being in the stat. I'm on stat number 3, but have had same one for 2 years now. IMO, that's the Achilles heel of that stove. I think the new E2 has a wireless stat. I would check that out, but if you need a proprietary stat I would avoid that and possibly go with the Harman. The biggest downside there is, as I recall, is a heavy reliance on dealers for parts, etc. I am very skeptical of many dealers due to bad experience, changes in owners or personnel, etc. Very situation - specific and subject to change from year to year. If in the same situatiom, I would open up possible contenders to some others, including some of the Europeans.

 

[tonyd]

I had the castile insert and when I saw the Accentra in action, I sold the unit and purchased the Harman. I like the idea of the no hassle burn pot, room sensor and the simple but robust build quality. Primary heat source for 5 yrs and no problems at all. Sorry 7 yrs

 

[John Fortier]

As it looks now hoping to go with the Harman P35i . As it is roughly what we paid for the Thelin and would like to do an even trade out. Would love the Accentra but would have to put out another $1000.Only need to heat about 850 sq. ft. of space as we rarely use the upstairs and keep doors closed off.

 

[jackiec]

Have had Santa Fe insert since 2008 . Have kept it clean. Run it 24/7 from Nov-April. I have never needed a part . One time, snap disk #2 needed to be reset . Heats 1100sf ranch . Wife and two daughters really love it . Have only burned Okies and this year the Okie DF, which I wasn't too sure of but now love the low ash and will gladly buy them again . One thing I wish is to be able to pull it out and clean the motors . I have never done that . Like the idea of the 35i on a pull out track . I know I've been fortunate and am pressing my luck . Will be looking into purchasing a 35i this summer , but really have had a great run w the Santa Fe.

 

[Big papa]

As it looks now hoping to go with the Harman P35i . As it is roughly what we paid for the Thelin and would like to do an even trade out. Would love the Accentra but would have to put out another $1000.Only need to heat about 850 sq. ft. of space as we rarely use the upstairs and keep doors closed off.

How long have you owned your Thelin and what problems have you had since you bought it that your giving up on it?

 

[F4jock]

That's like saying Ford or Chevy. You'll get defenders of both. After having my Harman Accentra insert for going on seven seasons I'd never own another brand. Any stove will heat but in my experience once one learns to dial it in and forget it, the versitility and automation of the Harman plus its ability to eat any type of pellet and fines and come back for more would decide me in its favor.

 

[Big papa]

in my opinion there's only one real truck maker and one real stove maker all the rest are imitations of what is the best.

 

[reallyte]

Quads are generally simpler with less tweakability and Harmans will burn anything. Depends on price range too.

 

[bags]

Read and then you decide. That's what I did. Just be sure to read between the lines also. Both are good units. It's what works for you and your budget. I will say that I am more than pleased with mine and I now have a strong brand loyalty to Harman. As for trucks I've owned them all. Currently I own two different makes and they are both great but if I had to pick between the two I know which one would survive the cut without question. Your money,,,,,Your stove.

 

[John Fortier]

How long have you owned your Thelin and what problems have you had since you bought it that your giving up on it?

Have had it since Oct 2013. So far 2 igniters, bad relay , a control board and now its dead again. Had a full clean done this past July. Has not run for more than 6 weeks straight since we have had it.

 

[Big papa]

Yeah I'd be nun too happy as well I think your on the right track here with a harman or quad just look into wich is best for you,but after owning my stove I'm pretty biased to wich one you should get so hope you get things going soon keep us updated

 

[bags]

Have had it since Oct 2013. So far 2 igniters, bad relay , a control board and now its dead again. Had a full clean done this past July. Has not run for more than 6 weeks straight since we have had it.

OUCH! That is pretty excessive IMO. Knowing how I am I'd already have it out in the garage waiting for a ride somewhere. I've seen you pop on here a time or two with issues but now I get it. Last I saw you were not to thrilled. Good Luck! Either the Quad or Harman will run dependably for you. I was looking at a used Quad but the deal fell thru. Then some others and finally was ready to stretch the budget for another new Harman P43. Just before I did a nice used PC45 popped up for sale and I jumped on it. Bottom line: Anything beats the headaches you've had. This is where many give up on pellet stoves. They got a bad stove and a bad deal due to various reasons.

 

[John Fortier]

The ride I'm working on is back to where I bought it and they bring me a new stove and install it. Harman or not...just no Thelin!!

 

[xSpecBx]

What do you have around for dealers? Keep in mind the quality of the dealer as they will probably be your first stop if you have problems. You will get good and bad for both brands.

 

[bags]

The ride I'm working on is back to where I bought it and they bring me a new stove and install it. Harman or not...just no Thelin!!

I fully understand. Sounds like you have been very patient and given ample opportunity to correct the wrongs and they just keep coming. It happens with anything but some things more than others. I bought a new truck once for my construction business and the damn thing was towed four times in the first two years with less than 28K on the ODO. The last time I waited on their free roadside service for 4 1/2 hrs and I was in town locally. Not far from tow trucks. I was pulling a Bobcat skid steer when it broke down again and luckily I was heading down hill and able to get off to the side of the road.During my 4 1/2 hr. tow truck wait my new high dollar truck was hit and side swipped by a car.

I had to get one of my guys to drop what they were doing and bring another one of my trucks to tow the trailer and equipment back. Cost me money above ad beyond. Long story short I told the dealer they WERE buying my truck back and I wanted full purchase price and that we could do it the hard way or the easy way. They bought it back and expected me to grab another on off the lot. Nope! Went and bought another make. The patience only lasts so long and then it is time to put your foot down and do something about it. Good Luck and stick to your guns.

 

[John Fortier]

What do you have around for dealers? Keep in mind the quality of the dealer as they will probably be your first stop if you have problems. You will get good and bad for both brands

Dealer has been great to this point, they just need to go the last step.