Heatilator wins18 vs. super insert

[Tom Cat]

I'm down to choosing between these two stoves in part because I have the most confidence in this particular dealer and hid installation. The super is about $700 more, so it's a decent chunk of change. My biggest concern is the durability of the heatilator being a bottom of the line product. Second concern is being able to control the heat. I have small rooms and it will probably be nice to be able to crank the fire down. I've read the super has good burn times for a 2 cu ft firebox, so that's a plus. Thanks.

Tom

 

[stovelark]

Hi Tom, 2 different choices for sure. I've sold both stoves, still sell the wins18 insert. For what you spend its a nice medium sized heater. I think the Super will be a superior heater over the life of the stove. The top baffle system of the Super is better too and its blower is quieter. I'm not knocking the wins18 too much, for what it cost (we sell it for 1579 with std surround), it is an excellent stove. If you can, I'd say the PE would be the better heater of the two. Also think the wins18 burn times (6-8) might be a little short of the Super's as well. Hope this helps.
PS Never had anyone complain about the durability of the wins18 and being able to control the heat output should readily be available. Heatilator has been making the eco choices now for over 10 years, they are solid burners for good value.

 

[Tom Cat]

Thanks, I decided to go with the heatilator. The $700. Difference didn't seem worth it.

Tom

 

[stovelark]

Tom I think you'll be surprised how nice the wins will heat. The only down mark I would give that stove is the blower isn't the quietest- but neither are the PE's. I find the Enviros and Jotuls to prob have the quietest blowers, but on lo/med speed it doesn't bother most people. Good luck with it.

 

[begreen]

Hmmm, I have never had a complaint about blower noise on the PE. On medium to low speed it is very quiet.

 

[stovelark]

BG, not meant to imply there are any known issues. They are certainly well within the better standards, espec compared to brands like Heatilator. No harm toward your beloved PE's Ha. I would agree with on lo/med speed most any blower is quiet enough.

 

[Tom Cat]

I had the heatilator installed a week ago. My thanks to those that helped educate me on burning wood. I had a three foot chimney extension installed in part based on what I read on the forum. That brings my total height to 15 feet so it should draft OK. I also bought wood 18 months ago so it should be dry by now,

tom