Hearthstone Vs Lopi

[Awd79]

Hello gang,

New member here. I’ve had old non cat VC stoves. I am trying to buy a stove before end of year due to credits expiring. So unfortunately I need to pick something quick.

The vendor I like stocks Hearthstone and Lopi and the stoves that fit my space that I’ve narrowed it down to are

Mansfield, Shelburne, GM60

Or

Rockport or Evergreen

New home to me = Historic home 200 years old probably 2,000 or less ft2. Primary heat is cast iron radiators fired by oil boiler. When that goes which is 40 years old and at end of life I will replace with gas most likely. Drafty and haven’t found them all. Vinyl replacement windows. Blowing cellulose in attic, spray is out of budget. Will likely spray foam rim joists however. Burn currently 8 gallons a day or $500 approx a month. During winter and it’s running almost non stop.

I understand cat vs not as well as soapstone style heat vs not.

This is going in the main cooking hearth of the home. Central chimney with 4 flue and I will of course have it professionally installed. I did it myself in my 30s all set.

zone 6a southern CT and hardwood is a plenty around me.

Having an aesthetic is important. I want to see the fire 🔥 at times. I also want to consider the antique nature of my home. A super modern design is a no.

I would consider other brands but time is an issue and this is a big reputable outfit that can it done.

Thoughts?

 

[Awd79]

I should add. The above stoves meet the tax credit. Also I work from home most of the week so I can keep the stove going if need be.

 

[John Lehet]

I've never personally had any of those stoves, but I have lived in 200 year old houses in northern New England. I think you'll want the biggest heat capacity and biggest firebox you can get. The Mansfield has the biggest firebox. That will give you more heat output over a longer cycle. People do put big heat demands on Mansfields. A good chimney draw is important with modern Hearthstone stoves, is my impression, as I have seen some online complaints about smoke if the draft is not good enough. A tall-ish lined chimney. If you can't get dry firewood, it's too late to burn this winter.

I don't know much about Lopi, but they are well regarded. The ones you mention have more like a 2 cubic foot firebox while the Mansfield has 3+ cubic feet.

 

[bigealta]

If you want good looking stoves Jotul f500 could be a good fit.

 

[Awd79]

Thank you. Was leaning heavy on Mansfield for reasons you mention. I have 2 cord dry now and can get 2 more. It’s a two story chimney I would line. Is taller better for draft?