Help Needed! Please advise on Drolet/Englander vs Others?

[begreen]

Is there a baffle in the old insert?

The 2100 will burn efficiently with a smaller load as long as the fire chamber gets hot enough for good secondary combustion. 5 or 6, medium-sized splits will be enough to get the firebox and flue up to operating temperature as long as the wood is well-seasoned. Then, if only a little heat is needed, let the fire burn out instead of adding more wood. Or, just add 1 or 2 additional splits to keep producing low heat.

I wouldn't obsess too much about this. No matter what, either stove will be significantly more efficient than the old smoke dragon.

 

[RJ in PA]

Is there a baffle in the old insert?

The 2100 will burn efficiently with a smaller load as long as the fire chamber gets hot enough for good secondary combustion. 5 or 6, medium-sized splits will be enough to get the firebox and flue up to operating temperature as long as the wood is well-seasoned. Then, if only a little heat is needed, let the fire burn out instead of adding more wood. Or, just add 1 or 2 additional splits to keep producing low heat.

I wouldn't obsess too much about this. No matter what, either stove will be significantly more efficient than the old smoke dragon.

Hello begreen,
Thank you for your message and help, I appreciate it!
I certainly look forward to having a more efficient stove. With the extra surface area of the stove exposed, and the better efficiency (hopefully), I would be quite happy with going through only 2-3 cords a year if possible.

I think we may end up with the 2100 model, just to provide us with some comfort knowing it may not overheat as easily with a smaller load, as well as the fact that it can be loaded n/s and e/w.

I have a new question about our chimney liner, which I will post in a new forum.
Thanks again!